Delft University of Technology
Faculty Mechanical, Maritime and Materials Engineering Transport Technology
W.D. Shi Stress analysis of Dunloflex Belt Splice via the DIANA finite element program. Report 93.3.TT.4241, Transport Engineering and Logistics.
Based on linear and nonlinear analysis with the DIANA finite element program, the belt splice of reduced-ply belt with two plies of the Aramid carcass (e.g. the Dunloflex belt of Dunlop-Enerka Co.) is carried out for determining stress distribution under a unity load in the longitudinal direction, as well as for checking out maximum stresses which mostly dominate static strength of the belt splice, e.g. maximum stress in the longitudinal direction within the carcass, maximum shear and peeling stresses on interfaces of the skim coat.
The belt splice is treated as a plane strain problem in the longitudinal and thickness directions. The mechanical properties of nearly incompressible rubber material have been considered by the Besseling model. As well as large displacements and strains are accounted for with a special finite element of the DIANA program.
In order to get both good performance and economy of numerical computation, three computed models of this type of belt splice have been discussed and carried out in linear elasticity. After comparison with each other, one of the computed models has been chosen for the nonlinear analysis.
The influence of geometry of the belt splice on stress distribution has been discussed in this report. The results are plotted of that maximum longitudinal stress within the carcass, and maximum shear and peeling stresses on interfaces of the skim coat as well, vary with the joint length of the belt splice and the ratio of thickness of the skim coat to the carcass.
Reports on Transport Engineering and Logistics (in Dutch)
