Non-contact Measurement of Dynamic Belt Span Tension in Automotive FEAD Systems

• Main Author: Neudorf, Thelma Katherine
• Other Authors: Zu, Jean W.
• Language: en_ca
• Published: 2013
• Subjects: Vibration; Tension; Automotive; Measurement; 0548; 0540
• Online Access: http://hdl.handle.net/1807/43268

The proposed tension measurement method focuses on measurement of tension in a single belt span of the multi-pulley Front End Accessory Drive (FEAD) system. The mean belt span tension is calculated from the measured belt span natural vibration frequency. The oscillation belt span tension is calculated from the measured belt span transverse displacement. The dynamic belt span tension is calculated using the mean and oscillation tensions, belt span support pulley rotations, and belt slip, where the slip equation is based on Euler's equation. The proposed tension measurement method is validated using an experimental testing FEAD system which consists of a five pulley system and an automatic tensioner arm. Non-contact sensors are used to prevent disruption of the typical system behaviour. Testing conditions simulate typical engine crankshaft rotation input. Results from experimental testing consistently produce results with percent error less than 10 % for mean and maximum belt span dynamic tension.