[Thad House]

Originally Posted by big1boom

It seems that people are just skipping over the two most important posts in this thread.


So, based on the math, you WILL have fatigue failure sooner or later. (Assuming the math is correct, I don't feel like actually redoing the calculations)



The other major problem that has been pointed out is your transmission wobbles during heavy load. This will significantly increase the amount of stress that the chain is experiencing and possibly cause a tensile failure or at the very least a fatigue failure.


My advice,
1) Make sure everything in your drivetrain is rock solid. Any amount of wobble will just exaggerate the stresses on the system and cause failure.
2) Direct drive the center wheel if at all possible, or have all the chain going off of the transmission output shaft directly.

Our team plans on prototyping a direct drive this summer. I already have a cadded version, we just need to find a way to machine the side plates. Ill post both the cad of this transmission and a picture of this years drivetrain when i get home.

If we do have to use chain again, we will most likely use #35. Would anyone be willing to help with the math? Because we use 7/16 hex, the biggest sprocket we can buy is an 11 tooth for 35 chain. With this size sprockets what would be the torque load on this?