| A three-point deflection belt tension device has been developed and gives an easy way to accurately check static belt tensions. The principle used in this measurement is that the required force transversely applied to the belt in order to produce a given deflection is closely related to the tension in the belt. Turning a screw manually gives the wanted deflection of the belt while the corresponding transverse load is given by a calibrated strain gage bonded on the beam which hold that screw.; First numerical simulation using the finite element method have been realized to establish the significant parameters of the testing device (span of the system, loads, stroke of the screw).; Second, numerous tests have been conducted in laboratory in order to relate the tension of the belt with the transverse load needed for a prescribed deflection, the given location of the belt span, and the shape section of the belt.; Third, a new set of simulation have been done to adjust and refine the boundary conditions effects, in order to predict more accurately the response of the testing device in similar experimentation.; Finally, the experiments and Finite elements results give the best using conditions of the device. (Abstract shortened by UMI.)... |
