Chain Drives

ME 571P
Machine Design 2

1
• In order to avoid slipping, unlike in belt and rope drives
where slipping may occur, steel chains are used.
• Chains are made up of number of rigid links which are
hinged together by pin joints in order to provide the
necessary flexibility for wraping round the driving and
driven wheels.
• These wheels have projecting teeth of special profile and
fit into the corresponding recesses in the links of the
chain.
• These toothed wheels are known as sprocket wheels or
simply sprockets.
• The sprockets and the chain are thus constrained to
move together without slipping and ensures perfect
velocity ratio.
2
• The chains are mostly used to transmit motion and power from one
shaft to another, when the center distance between their shafts is
short such as in bicycles, motor cycles, agricultural machinery,
conveyors, rolling mills, road rollers etc.
• The chains may also be used for long center distance of up to 8
metres.
• The chains are used for velocities up to 25 m / s and for power up to
110 kW.
• In some cases, higher power transmission is also possible. 3
Advantages of Chain Drive over Belt or Rope Drive
1. As no slip takes place during chain drive, hence perfect
velocity ratio may be obtained.
2. Since the chains are made of metal, therefore they
occupy less space in width than a belt or rope drive.
3. It may be used for both long as well as short distances.
4. It gives a high transmission efficiency (up to 98%) and
has low maintenance cost.
5. It gives less load on the shafts.
6. It has the ability to transmit motion to several shafts by
one chain only.
7. It transmits more power than belts.
8. It permits high speed ratio of 8 to 10 in one step.
9. It can be operated under adverse temperature and
atmospheric conditions. 4
Disadvantages of Chain Drive over Belt or Rope Drive
1. The production cost of chains is relatively high.
2. The chain drive needs accurate mounting and careful
maintenance, particularly lubrication and slack adjustment.
3. The chain drive has velocity fluctuations especially when
unduly stretched.

5
Terms Used in Chain Drive
1. Pitch of chain, p: the distance between the hinge centre of a link
and the corresponding hinge centre of the adjacent link
2. Pitch circle diameter of chain sprocket, D: the diameter of the
circle on which the hinge centers of the chain lie, when the chain is
wrapped around a sprocket.

The points A, B, C, and D are the hinge centers of the chain and the
circle drawn through these centers is called pitch circle.
6
Relationship Between Pitch and Pitch Circle Diameter
• Since the links of the chain are rigid, therefore pitch of the chain
does not lie on the arc of the pitch circle.
• The pitch length becomes a chord.
• Consider one pitch length AB of the chain subtending an angle θ at
the center of sprocket (or pitch circle),

     D     
p  AB  2 AO sin    2  sin    D sin  
  2   2  2 2
360
 ; T  no. of teeth on the sprocket
T
 360   180 
p  D sin    D sin  
 2T   T 
  180 
D  p csc 
  T  7
 The sprocket outside diameter Do , for satisfactory operation is
Do  D  0.8d1
where : d1  diameter of chain roller

The angle through which the link swings as it enters
2
contact is called angle of articulation.
N1 T2
Velocity Ratio Velocity ratio  
N 2 T1
of Chain Drives
where : N1  rpm of smaller sprocket
N 2  rpm of larger sprocket
T1  no.of teeth of smaller sprocket
T2  no.of teeth of larger sprocket
πDN TpN
The average velocity of chain, v  
60 60
where : D  pitch circle dia. of sprocket
p  pitch of the chain 8
Length of Chain and Center Distance

L  Kp;
where : L  length of chain
K  no. of chain links
T1  T2 2C  T2  T1   p 
2

K    
2 p  2   C 
K must be approximated to the nearest even no.

p
2
  
2
 T T   T T   T T 
C   K   1 2    K  1 2   8 2 1  
4
  2   2   2  
The value of C obtained should be decreased by 2 to 5 mm
in order to accommodate initial sag in the chain. 9
1. The minimum center distance for the velocity transmission
ratio of 3, may be taken as
D1  D2
Cmin   30 to 50mm  Machine Design by R.S.Khurmi
2
2. For best results, the minimum center distance should be 30
to 50 times the pitch.
3. An average good center distance would be,
D Design of Machine Elements
Cave.  D2  1
2 by V.M.Faires
4. The minimum center distance is selected depending upon
the velocity ratio so that the arc of contact of the chain on the
smaller sprocket is not less than 120º. It may be noted that
larger angle of arc of contact ensures a more uniform
distribution of load on the sprocket teeth and better
conditions of engagement.
10
Classification of Chains
1. Hoisting and hauling (or crane) chains,
2. Conveyor (or tractive) chains, and
3. Power transmitting (or driving) chains.
Hoisting and Hauling Chains
• Used for hoisting and hauling purposes and operate at a
maximum velocity of 0.25 m / s.
• Types: 1. Chain with oval links. The links of this type of
chain are of oval shape; joint of each link is welded. The
sprockets which are used for this type of chain have
receptacles to receive the links.

11
• Types: 2. Chain with square links. The links of this
type of chain are of square shape. Such type of chains
are used in hoists, cranes, dredges. The manufacturing
cost is less than that of chain with oval links, but in these
chains, the kinking occurs easily on overloading.

12
Conveyor Chains
• These chains are used for elevating and conveying the
materials continuously at a speed up to 2 m / s.
• The conveyor chains run at slow speeds of about 0.8 to
3 m / s.
• The conveyor chains are of the following two types:
1. Detachable or hook joint type chain, and
2. Closed joint type chain

13
Power Transmitting Chains
• These chains are used for transmission of power, when the
distance between the centres of shafts is short.
• These chains have provision for efficient lubrication.
• The power transmitting chains are of three types:
1. Block or bush chain. This was used in the early stages of
development in the power transmission. It produces noise
when approaching or leaving the teeth of the sprocket
because of rubbing between the teeth and the links. These
chains are used mainly for conveyor application at small
speed.

14
2. Silent chain. A silent chain (also known as inverted tooth
chain) is designed to eliminate the adverse effects caused by
stretching and when properly lubricated, this chain gives durable
service and runs very smoothly and quietly.
• There is no relative sliding between the teeth of the inverted
tooth chain and the sprocket wheel teeth.
• The economical speed is of the order 4000 fpm (20 m/s).

15
16
3. Bush roller chain. A bush roller chain consists of outer plates or pin link
plates, inner plates or roller link plates, pins, bushes and rollers.
• A pin passes through the bush which is secured in the holes of the roller
between the two sides of the chain.
• The rollers are free to rotate on the bush which protect the sprocket wheel
teeth against wear.
• The pins, bushes and rollers are made of alloy steel.
• The economical speed is of the order 2500 fpm (13 m/s).

17
• A bush roller chain is extremely strong and simple in
construction.
• It gives good service under severe conditions.
• There is a little noise with this chain which is due to
impact of the rollers on the sprocket wheel teeth.
• This chain may be used where there is a little lubrication.
• When one of these chains elongates slightly due to wear
and stretching of the parts, then the extended chain is of
greater pitch than the pitch of the sprocket wheel teeth.
• The rollers then fit unequally into the cavities of the
wheel.
• The result is that the total load falls on one teeth or on a
few teeth.
• The stretching of the parts increase wear of the surfaces
of the roller and of the sprocket wheel teeth.
18
• The roller chains are standardised and manufactured on
the basis of pitch.
• They are available in single-row or multi-row roller
chains such as simplex, duplex or triplex strands.

pt  transverse pitch

19
As an aid in selecting pitch of chain, below is an
empirical formula, which has given good results
in practice.
2
 900 
3 Machine Design
p    , inch by Black and Adams
 N1 
where : N1  rotational speed in rpm of
the smaller sprocket

20
Chain Speed
• Consider an arrangement of a chain drive in which the smaller or
driving sprocket has only four teeth,

• The chain link AB is at a distance of D / 2 from the center of the

sprocket and its linear speed is given by vmax  DN
• When the sprocket rotates through an angle θ/2, the link AB
occupies the position as shown in the second figure.
• We see that the link is now at a distance of (D/2)cos(ϴ/2) from the
center of the sprocket and its linear velocity is given by
vmin  DN cos 2
21
• From the previous, it is evident that the speed of chain is
not uniform and varies from a minimum value to a
maximum value for every rotation or cycle of tooth
engagement
• By reducing the angle ϴ or increasing the number of
teeth on the sprocket, the variation in chain speed will be
reduced.
• It has been observed that for a sprocket having 11 teeth,
the variation of speed is 4 percent and for the sprockets
having 17 teeth and 24 teeth, the variation of speed is
1.6 percent and 1 percent respectively.
• In order to have smooth operation, the minimum number
of teeth on the smaller sprocket or driver sprocket may
be taken as 17 for moderate speeds and 21 for high
speeds; or preferably 24 teeth.
22
Number of Teeth on Driver Sprocket (smaller sprocket)
• The most desirable no. of teeth on a sprocket depends on several
considerations.
 The angle through which a chain link
turns on its pin as it engages with the
sprocket is equal to 180 .
T
 Thus, with small no. of teeth, the angle
of rotation will be large and wear of
the pin and bushing will be rapid.
 This consideration requires a min. of
17 teeth or preferably 24 teeth for
steady loading.
 This means that the load on chain will
be less with larger sprocket.
23
 From an operating standpoint, large sprocket is desirable.
 However, for a particular pitch of chain, large sprockets requires large no.
of teeth and chain speed increases.
 There is a limit to the chain speed because of dynamic effects and lubrication.
 The cost of larger sprocket, space limitations and lubrication considerations
generally favor the use of smaller one.
 It is usually preferable to use odd number of teeth on a sprocket.

Summary:
• For the number of teeth of the small sprocket, it is recommended to
use not fewer than 11 and preferably not fewer than 24.
Machine Design
by Black and Adams

24
Design Horsepower
• The useful life of power transmitting chains is usually terminated by
troubles arising from wear at the joints.
• The wear is caused by the rotation of the links as they seated on the
sprocket.
• The wear may be aggravated by shock loads due to speed
variations caused by the driving unit or driven equipment or both.
• To allow for shock loads and hours per day of use, the transmitted
horsepower is multiplied by a service factor to
Machine Design
obtain the design horsepower.
Service Factors for power-transmission chain by Black and Adams
Roller Chain Silent Chain
Type of Load
10hrs/day 24hrs/day 10hrs/day 24hrs/day
Uniform load, average 1.0 1.2 1.0 - 1.2 1.3 - 1.5
conditions
Moderate Shock 1.2 1.4 1.3 -1.5 1.6 - 1.8
Heavy Shock 1.4 1.7 1.6 – 2.0 2.0 - 2.5
25
Roller Chains (Bush Roller Chains)
• Roller chains are manufactured in standard pitches as shown in the
table below.
• In the chain number: the right-hand digit
5 indicates a rollerless bushing chain
1 indicates a lightweight chain
0 indicates a chain of usual proportion with roller.
• The number on the left is the number of 1/8 in. in the pitch

Machine Design
• Standard Pitches for Roller Chains by Black and Adams
Chain 25 35 41 40 50 60 80 100 120 140 160 180 200 240
No.
Pitch 1 3 1 1 5 3
1 14 1 12 1 34 2 14 2 12 3
4 8 2 2 8 4 1 2

26
Trial Selection of standard roller chain
• Figure 15.6, p. 306, Machine Design by Black and Adams may
be used for trial selection of standard roller chains in terms of speed
of small sprocket and horsepower transmitted.
• The upper limit of the horsepower at various sprocket speeds is
indicated by the lines in three segments.
• For example, for RC 25, segment AB establishes a limit which if
exceeded will result in side-bar failure. The segment BC if exceeded
will result in roller or bushing failure, and segment CD if exceeded
will result in pin-bushing galling.
• The life expectancy at rating is 30,000 hours.
• The horsepower for two- and three-strand chains were determined
by multiplying the single-strand value by 1.7 for two strands and 2.5
for three strands.

27
Determining No. of Teeth of the Small Sprocket and the Type of
Lubrication
• Tables in the Appendix XVI, Machine Design by Black and
Adams may be used to determine the number of teeth of the small
sprocket and the type of lubrication.
• These tables represent ratings for single-pitch roller chains of
pitches from ¼ to 1 ¾ in.
• For multiple strands, multiply the single-strand value by 1.7 for two
strands and 2.5 for three strands.
Types of Lubrication:
Type I. Manual Lubrication. Oil applied periodically with brush or
spout can (100 fpm maximum chain speed)
Type II. Drip Lubrication. Oil applied between link plate edges from a
drip lubricator (300 fpm maximum)
Type III. Oil Bath or Oil Slinger. Oil level maintained at predetermined
height in casing (1000 fpm maximum)

28
Silent Chains or Inverted-Tooth Chains
• These are made of overlapping links connected by pins or by rocker
joints.
• The loading on the pin or rocker is nearly uniformly distributed over
its length; thus, bending or breakage of the pin is practically
eliminated or uncommon.
• Table 15-3 , p. 306, Machine Design by Black and Adams gives
the recommended maximum speed of the small sprocket for various
pitches and the number of teeth of the small sprocket. Also,
maximum standard widths for various pitches are given.
• In chain number, SC refers to silent chain, and the numeral following
is the number of 1/8 in. in the pitch
• For best results, the small sprocket should have at least 21 teeth.
• Sprockets are available with 17 to 150 teeth.
• As an aid in selecting the pitch of a chain (as introduced in the
2
previous slide):
 900  3
p    , inch
 N1 
29
Recommended Ratings for Inverted-Tooth Chains
pv  v 
hp per inch of width  1  
53  425T  8 
where : p  pitch in inch
v  chain speed in fpm
T  T1  no. of teeth of the small sprocket

• The value obtained from the above equation may be divided into the
design horsepower to get the width of chain required.
• The range of chain widths should be between p and 10p, but
preferably between 2p and 6p.
• The widths vary by ¼-in. increment and the maximum standard
widths are given in Table 15-3.

30
Maximum Sprocket Bore
• In small sprockets, it is necessary to determine whether the number
of teeth and the pitch selected will result in a sprocket large enough
to be mounted on the shaft with due allowance for a keyway.
• On this basis, the following relations may be used to determine the
minimum number of teeth that may be used with a given pitch for a
sprocket with bore d.
Roller Chain Sprocket
4d
Tmin   5  for pitches to 1 in.
p
4d
Tmin   4  for pitches 1 14 to 2 12 in.
p
Silent Chain Sprocket
4d
Tmin   6  for pitches to 2 in.
p
31
Approximate Length of Chain
• As shown in the previous slide,

L  Kp;
where : L  length of chain in inches
K  length of chain no. in links
T1  T2 2C  T2  T1   p 
2

K    
2 p  2   C 

• The length in links should be used as an even number unless it is

desired to use an offset or hunting link.
• An advantage of the offset link is that the adjustment of center
distance may be in units of one link instead of a pair of links.
• The center distance between sprockets should not be:
C  D1  D2 
32
Adjustment for Chain Tension
• Means of adjusting center distance should be provided to secure
proper chain tension when the drive is installed and to make
adjustment for wear of the chain in service.
• There should be a small amount of slack in the chain.
• Idler sprockets may be used to minimize the slack of the chain to be
installed on the slack side.
Chain Cases and Lubrication
• Chain drives should be enclosed to provide proper chain lubrication,
to keep dirt and grit from the chain and sprocket and to ensure the
safety of the operator.
• The case should be easy to install and to open for inspection,
maintenance and lubrication.

33
Sample Problem 1
Select a roller chain and a silent chain to transmit power
from a10-hp, 1200-rpm induction motor to a centrifugal
pump. The pump is to operate continuously 24 hours per
day at 600 rpm. The motor shaft diameter is 1 5/8 in.
For roller chain drive :
Design Horsepower  transmitted hp x service factor
From Table 15 - 1, for 24 hrs per day with moderate shock :
service factor  1.4
Design hp  101.4  14hp
From Fig.15 - 6, for 1200 rpm and 14 hp : trial chain is RC 50,
pitch  85 in., single strand.
From Appendix XVI, we find 19 - tooth sprocket, type III
lubrication satisfactory. So T1  19 34
Check to determine whether the number of teeth
and the pitch selected will result in a sprocket large
enough to be mounted on the shaft with
due allowance for a keyway.
4d
For Roller Chain Sprocket : Tmin   5  for pitches to 1 in.
p

d max  T1  5  19  5 8  2.1875 in.

p 5

4 4
Thus, the small sprocket is satisfactory for 1 5 8  in bore.

35
   180    180 
D  p csc   D 1  0.625in  csc   3.8 in.
  T    19 
N T
Velocity Ratio  1  2
N 2 T1

T2 
1200
19  38 teeth
600
  180 
D2  0.625in csc   7.57 in.
  38 
The recommended average good center distance,
D 3.8
C  D2  1  7.57   9.47 in.
2 2
T  T 2C  T2  T1   p 
2

K , length of chain in links  1 2     

2 p  2   C 
19  38 29.47   38  19   0.625 
2

K       59.4
2 0.625  2   9.47 
Use 60 links (even number) 36
 190.625in.1200
chain speed, v  TpN   1187.5 fpm
12 in.
ft
For inverted - tooth chain :
For best results, the small sprocket should have at least 21 teeth.
Assume T1  21 teeth
2
 900  3
For maximum pitch, from p   
 N1 
2
 900  3
p   0.8255
 1200 
Use 34  in. pitch
210.751200
v  TpN   1575 fpm
12
37
Design Horsepower  transmitted hp x service factor
From Table 15 - 1, for 24 hrs per day with moderate shock :
for inverted - tooth chain, service factor  1.7
Design hp  101.7   17 hp
Recommended Ratings for Inverted - Tooth Chains :
pv  v 
hp per inch of width  1  
53  425T  8 
hp 0.751575  1575 
 1    15.93 The number of the
in. 53  42521  8  large sprocket teeth,
sprocket diameters,
Design hp 17
width of silent chain    1.067in. center distance
hp 15.93 between sprockets,
in. and the chain length
can be calculated as
The widths vary by ¼ - in. increment; for the roller chain
Use SC 6 , 1 14  in. wide chain drive.

38
Sample Problem 2
• Design a chain drive to actuate a compressor from 20 hp
electric motor running at 1000 rpm, the compressor
speed being 350 rpm. The minimum center distance is
20 inches. The compressor operates 16 hours per day
with heavy shock.
Design Horsepower  rated power x service factor
From Table 15 - 1, for 16 hrs per day with heavy shock :
for roller chain : service factor  1.6
Design hp  201.6  32hp
From Fig.15 - 6, for 1000 rpm and 32 hp : trial chain is RC 60,
pitch  34 in., double strand.
From Appendix XVI, we find 19 - tooth sprocket, type III
lubrication satisfactory. So T1  19
39
   180    180 
D  p csc   D1  0.75in csc   4.56 in.
  T    19 
N T
Velocity Ratio  1  2
N 2 T1

T2 
1000
19  54.3  55 teeth
350
  180 
D2  0.75in csc   13.14 in.
  55 
T  T 2C  T2  T1   p 
2

K , length of chain in links  1 2    

2 p  2   C 
19  55 220   55  19   0.75 
2

K       91.56
2 0.75  2   20 
Use 92 links (even number)

40
 D1
The average good center distance, Cave.  D2 
2
4.56
Cave  13.14   15.42 in.
2
The actual C  20 in. may be satisfactory.
190.751000
chain speed, v  T1 pN1   1187.5 fpm
12

In designing a chain drive the ff. should be specified :

T1 and T2 ;
D1 and D2 ;
chain no.,type of lubrication,and p;
velocity ratio, chain speed;
length of chain; and C

41
Homework:
1. Design an inverted-tooth chain to transmit power from a
20-hp motor to a reciprocating pump. The pump is to
operate continuously 24 hours per day. The speed of the
motor is 600 rpm and that of the pump is 200 rpm. Find: a.
number of teeth on each sprocket; b. pitch and the chain
number.
2. Design a roller chain drive to run a blower at 600 rpm.
The power to the blower is available from a 10-hp motor at
1500 rpm. The center distance is to be kept at 32 inches.

42