Mechanical Engineering

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Chain Drives
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1 Introduction
Slipping may occur on belt and rope drives. In order to avoid slipping, steel chains are
used. The 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 as shown in Fig. 1. The 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.

Fig. 1. Sprockets and chain.

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2 Advantages and Disadvantages of Chain Drive over Belt or Rope Drive

Advantages :
1. As no slip takes place during chain drive, hence perfect velocity ratio is
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 percent).
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.

Disadvantages :
10. The production cost of chains is relatively high.
11. The chain drive needs accurate mounting and careful maintenance, particularly
lubrication and slack adjustment.
12. The chain drive has velocity fluctuations especially when unduly stretched.
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3 Terms Used in Chain Drive

The following terms are frequently used in chain drive (as shown in Fig. 2.).
1. Pitch of chain. It is the distance between the hinge centre of a link and the
corresponding hinge centre of the adjacent link, It is usually denoted by p.
2. Pitch circle diameter of chain sprocket. It is the diameter of the circle on which the
hinge centres of the chain lie, when the chain is wrapped round a sprocket. The
points A, B, C, and D are the hinge centres of the chain and the circle drawn through
these centres is called pitch circle and its diameter (D) is known as pitch circle
diameter.

Fig. 2. Terms used in chain drive.

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4 Relation Between Pitch and Pitch Circle Diameter
A chain wrapped round the sprocket is shown in Fig. 2. 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 centre of sprocket (or pitch circle),

Let D = Diameter of the pitch circle.

T = Number of teeth on the sprocket.

From Fig. 2, we find that pitch of the chain,

We know that

∴ or

The sprocket outside diameter (Do), for satisfactory operation is given by

Do = D + 0.8 d1
where d1 = Diameter of the chain roller.

Note: The angle θ/2 through which the link swings as it enters contact is called angle of
articulation.
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5 Velocity Ratio of Chain Drives

The velocity ratio of a chain drive is given by

where N1 = Speed of rotation of smaller sprocket in r.p.m.,

N2 = Speed of rotation of larger sprocket in r.p.m.,
T1 = Number of teeth on the smaller sprocket, and
T2 = Number of teeth on the larger sprocket.

The average velocity of the chain is given by

where D = Pitch circle diameter of the sprocket in metres.

p = Pitch of the chain in metres.
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6 Length of Chain and Centre Distance

An open chain drive system connecting the two sprockets is shown in Fig. 3.

Fig. 3. Length of chain.

Let T1 = Number of teeth on the smaller sprocket,

T2 = Number of teeth on the larger sprocket,
p = Pitch of the chain,
x = Centre distance.

The length of the chain (L) must be equal to the product of the number of chain links
(K) and the pitch of the chain ( p). Mathematically,

L = K.p
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The number of chain links may be obtained from the following expression, i.e.

The value of K must be approximated to the nearest even number.

The centre distance is given by

To accommodate initial sag in the chain, the centre distance should be decreased by 2 to 5 mm.

Notes:
1. The minimum centre distance for the velocity transmission ratio of 3, may be taken as

where d1 and d2 are the diameters of the pitch circles of the smaller and larger
sprockets.
2. For best results, the minimum centre distance should be 30 to 50 times the pitch.
3. The minimum centre 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.
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7 Classification of Chains

The chains, on the basis of their use, are classified into the following three groups:
1. Hoisting and hauling (or crane) chains
2. Conveyor (or tractive) chains
3. Power transmitting (or driving) chains.

8 Hoisting and Hauling Chains

These chains are used for hoisting and hauling purposes and operate at a
maximum velocity of 0.25 m / s. The hoisting and hauling chains are of the
following two types:
1) Chain with oval links. The links of this type of chain are of oval shape, as
shown in Fig. 4(a). The joint of each link is welded. The sprockets which are
used for this type of chain have receptacles to receive the links. Such type of
chains are used only at low speeds such as in chain hoists and in anchors for
marine works.

Fig. 4. Hoisting and hauling chains.

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2) Chain with square links. The links of this type of chain are of square shape, as
shown in Fig.4 (b). Such type of chains are used in hoists, cranes, dredges. The
manufacturing cost of this type of chain is less than that of chain with oval links,
but in these chains, the kinking occurs easily on overloading.

9 Conveyor Chains
These chains are used for elevating and conveying the materials continuously at a
speed up to 2 m / s. The conveyor chains are of the following two types:
1) Detachable or hook joint type chain, as shown in Fig. 5 (a).
2) Closed joint type chain, as shown in Fig. 5 (b).

Fig. 5. Conveyor chains.

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10 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 the following three types.

1) Block or bush chain. A block or bush chain is shown in Fig. 6. This type of chain
was used in the early stages of development in the power transmission.

Fig. 6. Block or bush chain.

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2) Bush roller chain. A bush roller chain as shown in Fig. 7, consists of outer
plates or pin link plates, inner plates or roller link plates, pins, bushes and
rollers. 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.

Fig. 7. Bush roller chain.

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The roller chains are standardised and manufactured on the basis of pitch. These chains
are available in single-row or multi-row roller chains such as simple, duplex or triplex
strands, as shown in Fig. 8.

Fig. 8. Types of roller chain.

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3) Silent chain. A silent chain (also known as inverted tooth chain) is shown in
Fig. 9.

Fig. 9. Silent chain.

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The various types of joints used in a silent chain are shown in Fig. 10.

Fig. 10. Silent chain joints.

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11 Characteristics of Roller Chains

According to Indian Standards (IS: 2403 —1991), the various characteristics such as
pitch, roller diameter, width between inner plates, transverse pitch and breaking load
for the roller chains are given in the following table.

Table 1. Characteristics of roller chains according to IS: 2403 — 1991.

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12 Factor of Safety for Chain Drives

The factor of safety for chain drives is defined as the ratio of the breaking strength
(WB ) of the chain to the total load on the driving side of the chain ( W ).
Mathematically,

The breaking strength of the chain may be obtained by the following empirical
relations, i.e.
WB = 106 p2 (in newtons) for roller chains
= 106 p (in newtons) per mm width of chain for silent chains.
where p is the pitch in mm.

The total load (or total tension) on the driving side of the chain is the sum of the
tangential driving force (FT), centrifugal tension in the chain (FC) and the tension in
the chain due to sagging (FS).
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We know that the tangential driving force acting on the chain,

Centrifugal tension in the chain,

FC = m.v2 (in newtons)

and tension in the chain due to sagging,

FS = k.mg.x (in newtons)

where m = Mass of the chain in kg per metre length,

x = Centre distance in metres, and
k = Constant which takes into account the arrangement of chain drive
= 2 to 6, when the centre line of the chain is inclined to the horizontal
at an angle less than 40º
= 1 to 1.5, when the centre line of the chain is inclined to the horizontal
at an angle greater than 40º.
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The following table shows the factor of safety for the bush roller and silent chains
dependingupon the speed of the sprocket pinion in r.p.m. and pitch of the chains.

Table 2. Factor of safety (n) for bush roller and silent chains.
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13. Permissible Speed of Smaller Sprocket

The following table shows the permissible speed of the smaller sprocket or pinion
(in r.p.m.) for the bush roller and silent chain corresponding to different pitches.

Table 3. Permissible speed of smaller sprocket or pinion in r.p.m.

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14. Power Transmitted by Chains

The power transmitted by the chain on the basis of breaking load is given by

where Wb = Breaking load in newtons,

v = Velocity of chain in m/s
n = Factor of safety, and
KS = Service factor = K1.K2.K3

The power transmitted by the chain on the basis of bearing stress is given by

where σb = Allowable bearing stress in MPa or N/mm2,

A = Projected bearing area in mm2,
v = Velocity of chain in m/s, and
KS = Service factor.
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The power rating for simple roller chains depending upon the speed of the smaller
sprocket is shown in the following table.

Table 4. Power rating (in kW) of simple roller chain.

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The service factor (KS) is the product of various factors, such as load factor (K1),
lubrication factor (K2) and rating factor (K3). The values of these factors are
taken as follows:

1. Load factor (K1) = 1, for constant load

= 1.25, for variable load with mild shock
= 1.5, for heavy shock loads

2. Lubrication factor (K2) = 0.8, for continuous lubrication

= 1, for drop lubrication
= 1.5, for periodic lubrication

3. Rating factor (K3) = 1, for 8 hours per day

= 1.25, for 16 hours per day
= 1.5, for continuous service
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15. Number of Teeth on the Smaller or Driving Sprocket or Pinion
Consider an arrangement of a chain drive in which the smaller or driving sprocket has
only four teeth, as shown in Fig. 11 (a). Let the sprocket rotates anticlockwise at a
constant speed of N r.p.m. The chain link AB is at a distance of d / 2 from the centre of
the sprocket and its linear speed is given by

Fig. 11. Number of teeth on the smaller sprocket.

where d = Pitch circle diameter of the smaller or driving sprocket in metres.

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When the sprocket rotates through an angle θ/2, the link AB occupies the position as
shown in Fig. 11 (b). From the figure, we see that the link is now at a distance of

from the centre of the sprocket and its linear velocity is given by

In order to have smooth operation, the minimum number of teeth on the smaller
sprocket or pinion may be taken as 17 for moderate speeds and 21 for high speeds.

Table 5. Number of teeth on the smaller sprocket.

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16. Maximum Speed for Chains

The maximum allowable speed for the roller and silent chains, depending upon the
number of teeth on the smaller sprocket or pinion and the chain pitch is shown in
the following table.

Table 21.6. Maximum allowable speed for chains in r.p.m.

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17. Principal Dimensions of Tooth Profile

The standard profiles for the teeth of a sprocket are shown in Fig. 12. According to
Indian Standards (IS: 2403 – 1991), the principal dimensions of the tooth profile are as
follows:
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Fig. 12
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18. Design Procedure of Chain Drive

The chain drive is designed as discussed below:
1. First of all, determine the velocity ratio of the chain drive.
2. Select the minimum number of teeth on the smaller sprocket or pinion from
Table 5.
3. Find the number of teeth on the larger sprocket.
4. Determine the design power by using the service factor, such that
Design power = Rated power × Service factor
5. Choose the type of chain, number of strands for the design power and r.p.m.
of the smaller sprocket from Table 4.
6. Note down the parameters of the chain, such as pitch, roller diameter,
minimum width of roller etc. from Table 1.
7. Find pitch circle diameters and pitch line velocity of the smaller sprocket.
8. Determine the load (W) on the chain by using the following relation, i.e.
W =Rated power / Pitch line velocity
9. Calculate the factor of safety by dividing the breaking load (WB) to the load
on the chain ( W ). This value of factor of safety should be greater than the
value given in Table 2.
10. Fix the centre distance between the sprockets.
11. Determine the length of the chain.
12. The other dimensions may be fixed as given in Art. 17.
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Example 1.
Design a chain drive to actuate a compressor from 15 kW electric motor running at 1000
r.p.m., the compressor speed being 350 r.p.m. The minimum centre distance is 500 mm. The
compressor operates 16 hours per day. The chain tension may be adjusted by shifting the
motor on slides.

Solution.
Given : Rated power = 15 kW ; N1 = 1000 r.p.m ; N2 = 350 r.p.m.
We know that the velocity ratio of chain drive,

From Table 5, we find that for the roller chain, the number of teeth on the smaller sprocket
or pinion (T1) for a velocity ratio of 3 are 25.

∴ Number of teeth on the larger sprocket or gear,

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We know that the design power
= Rated power × Service factor (K S )

The service factor (KS ) is the product of various factors K1, K2 and K3. The values of
these factors are taken as follows:

Load factor (K1) for variable load with heavy shock = 1.5

Lubrication factor (K2) for drop lubrication = 1

Rating factor (K3) for 16 hours per day = 1.25

∴ Service factor, KS = K1.K2.K3 = 1.5 × 1 × 1.25 = 1.875

and design power = 15 × 1.875 = 28.125 kW

From Table 4, we find that corresponding to a pinion speed of 1000 r.p.m. the power
transmitted for chain No. 12 is 15.65 kW per strand. Therefore, a chain No. 12 with
two strands can be used to transmit the required power.

From Table 1, we find that Pitch, p = 19.05 mm

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Roller diameter, d = 12.07 mm

Minimum width of roller, w = 11.68 mm

Breaking load, WB = 59 kN = 59 × 103 N

We know that pitch circle diameter of the smaller sprocket or pinion,

and pitch circle diameter of the larger sprocket or gear

Pitch line velocity of the smaller sprocket,

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∴ Load on the chain,

and

This value is more than the value given in Table 2, which is equal to 11.
The minimum centre distance between the smaller and larger sprockets should be 30
to 50 times the pitch. Let us take it as 30 times the pitch.

∴ Centre distance between the sprockets,

= 30 p = 30 × 19.05 = 572 mm

In order to accomodate initial sag in the chain, the value of centre distance is reduced
by 2 to 5 mm.

∴ Correct centre distance

x = 572 – 4 = 568 mm
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We know that the number of chain links

∴ Length of the chain,

L = K.p = 110 × 19.05 = 2096 mm = 2.096 m