A vibration analysis of automotive serpentine accessory drive systems.

Belt span transverse vibrations in an automotive accessory drive system are known to be significantly amplified when the angular natural frequencies of the system are in close proximity to the transverse natural frequencies. In order to avoid this situation when designing a belt drive it is necessary to be able to mathematically model the angular motion of the system. The objective of this study was to develop a model which is able to consider both single and multiple belt systems with a pivoted-arm automatic belt tensioner and determine the natural frequencies, mode shapes, forced response and dynamic belt tension. Experiments were conducted on two- and three-pulley systems, with and without an automatic belt tensioner, to investigate the angular vibration characteristics of simplified accessory drives. The results of these experiments were in good agreement with the analytical model. The effect of initial belt tension on the angular natural frequencies was investigated and found to be negligible. Tests were also performed to determine belt span transverse vibration natural frequencies for various span lengths and belt tensions. These results were also in good agreement with an existing theory of belt vibrations.Dept. of Mechanical, Automotive, and Materials Engineering. Paper copy at Leddy Library: Theses & Major Papers - Basement, West Bldg. / Call Number: Thesis1991 .H395. Source: Dissertation Abstracts International, Volume: 53-01, Section: B, page: 0416. Supervisor: R. Gaspar. Thesis (Ph.D.)--University of Windsor (Canada), 1991