Chain drive efficiency has been studied to understand energy loss mechanisms in bicycle drive trains, primarily for derailleur-type systems. An analytical study of frictional energy loss mechanisms for chain drives is given along with a series of experimental measurements of chain drive efficiency under a range of power, speed and lubrication conditions. Measurements of mechanical efficiency are compared to infrared measurements indicating that frictional losses cannot account for the observed variations in efficiency. The results of this study indicate that chain tension and sprocket size primarily affect efficiency and that non-thermal loss mechanisms dominate overall chain drive efficiency.

Issue Section:
Technical Papers
Keywords:
power transmission, friction, vehicles, drives, lubrication, mechanical contact
Topics:
Chain, Drive chain, Tension, Bicycles, Lubrication, Rotation
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Copyright © 2001
 by ASME
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