29.2.1. Flat Belt
The continuous belt system is modeled by belt segments and matrix force elements.
A matrix force (6x6 stiffness and damping matrix) is used to connect two segments of the belt system. You must create the one-reference belt segment from all belt segments (All belt segments are copied or cloned.)
Once the belt segment is created, it is registered as the clone body.
The inertial properties of assembled belt segments are automatically duplicated to be the same as values of the clone body.
The belt properties should be defined carefully prior to assembling the belt system.
The matrix force connecting two belt segments is automatically created when the belt system is assembled.
Geometric Flat Belt
The geometric information provided by user is used for both the display and the contact force computation in the solver. The flat belt enables the contact between the flat and planer faces for the top and bottom of belt to the other entities of belt assembly. The contact normal force is used to compute the friction among the belt and the pulleys.
Figure 29.9 Flat Belt geometric entity
Figure 29.10 Flat Belt dimension information
H |
Belt Height |
W |
Belt Width |
L |
Belt Segment Length |
a |
Cord distance |
29.2.1.1. Modeling Options
The user can create a belt as follows.
Point, WithDialog
Point: Selects a point on Ground to define the belt. It doesn’t matter where the belt is because the created body is a clone body for segment assembly.
WithDialog: Modifies the property for the belt. The belt is created with clicking OK.
29.2.1.2. Properties
Figure 29.11 Flat Belt property page [Characteristic page]
The Flat Belt property page is shown in Figure 29.11. The parameters are explained below. In order to understand the geometry, refer to Dimension Information.
Height (H): Enters the height of the flat belt. The height is larger than -a.
Width (W): Enters the width of the flat belt. The width is larger than 0.
Segment Length (L): Enters the length of the flat belt. The length is larger than 0.
Cord Distance (a): Enters the cord distance of the flat belt. The cord distance is smaller than 0.
Left Connecting Position: Enters the left position of connecting force. The reference frame of the position is the geometry reference frame of the belt
Right Connecting Position: Enters the right base position of connecting force. The reference frame of the position is the geometry reference frame of the belt
Contact Node
The Flat Belts contact the pulley, roller, and flange to the contact node.
Figure 29.12 Flat Belt property page [Contact Node page]
Bottom Contact Node: Enters the number of nodes for the belt bottom.
Side Contact Node: Enters the number of nodes for the belt side.
Top Contact Node: Enters the number of nodes for the belt top.
The number of bottom contact nodes is 2.
The number of side contact nodes is 2.
The number of top contact nodes is 3.
Contact point of segment belt is located in the center.
Figure 29.13 Contact node
Estimation Contact Nodes: If this check box is checked, contact nodes are set as followings. And dialog input parameters are neglected.
Bottom Contact Node : 2
Side Contact Node : 2
Top Contact Node : 2