Driving-tension arithmetic
Belt / chain tension
Inputs
User-entered torque transmitted at the stated pulley/sprocket pitch radius.
User-entered driving pulley or sprocket pitch radius.
User-entered stated loose-side tension used only for the literal tight-side sum.
Results
Torque-induced driving tension difference
1,600
Declared loose-side tension
350
Declared tight-side tension sum
1,950
ΔF = T/rp; Ftight = ΔF + Floose,declared
A first-pass number, not a code check, certification, or approval. Read the method and its limits below. What this is and is not.
Nearby: Axial response · Beam deflection & reactions · Elastic stability · Solid-shaft torsion
Method
Formula, when it applies, and when it does not
Calculate the torque-induced tight/loose span tension difference and a tight-side sum from torque, pitch radius, and loose-side tension.
ΔF = T/rp; Ftight = ΔF + Floose,declared
When
- Steady torque transmission
- User-entered loose-side tension
- Scalar belt/chain span relation
Don’t
- This is a torque-to-driving-tension difference and stated loose-side sum only. It excludes pretension selection, wrap, friction, slip, fatigue, speed capability, bearing loading, belt/chain selection, safety, and approval.
Shigley's Mechanical Engineering Design