WTMA Belt and Chain Drives

Question 1

A driving pulley has a diameter of 10 inches and the driven pulley has a diameter of 5 inches. What is the speed of the driven pulley relative to the driving pulley?

Accepted Answer

Twice the speed

Answer

The driven pulley is smaller, so it must rotate twice as fast to keep belt speed constant — speed ratio is inversely proportional to pulley diameters.

Question 2

In an open belt drive connecting two pulleys, both pulleys rotate in:

Accepted Answer

The same direction

Answer

In an open belt drive, the belt wraps around both pulleys in the same orientation, so both rotate in the same direction.

Question 3

What is the primary advantage of a V-belt over a flat belt for power transmission?

Accepted Answer

Higher friction grip and reduced slipping

Answer

The wedging action of a V-belt seated in its groove creates more friction contact than a flat belt, significantly reducing slippage under load.

Question 4

To reverse the direction of rotation of a driven pulley in a belt drive, you would use a:

Accepted Answer

Crossed belt drive

Answer

A crossed belt drive reverses the direction of the driven pulley by crossing the belt between the two pulleys before it wraps around the driven side.

Question 5

A chain drive is preferred over a belt drive when the application requires:

Accepted Answer

Exact speed ratio with no slip

Answer

Chains engage sprocket teeth positively with no slippage, ensuring a constant and precise velocity ratio that friction-based belt drives cannot guarantee.

WTMA - Wiesen Test of Mechanical Aptitude Practice Test

WTMA - Wiesen Test of Mechanical Aptitude Practice Test

WTMA Belt and Chain Drives