Chain Drive
Geometry of a roller chain drive. The link count is rounded up to an even number (avoiding an offset link), then the actual centre distance for that count is found.
Number of links X (even)90
- Calculated links
- 88.72
- Actual centre distance
- 612.2 mm
- Chain length
- 1,715 mm
- Pitch diameters d₁ / d₂
- 103.7 / 206.5 mm
- Ratio
- 2
- Chain speed v
- 1.62 m/s
- At least 17 teeth on the small sprocket for smooth running
- Recommended centre distance 30p–50p = 572–953 mm
METHOD
How it is calculated
X = 2C/p + (z₁ + z₂)/2 + (p/C)·((z₂ − z₁) / 2π)² C = p/4 · [ (X − s) + √((X − s)² − 8·((z₂ − z₁)/2π)²) ] s = (z₁ + z₂)/2 d = p / sin(180° / z) v = z₁ · p · n₁ / 60 000
ASSUMPTIONS & NOTES
- Power capacity depends on chain type, speed and lubrication — select with ISO 10823 or manufacturer charts.
- Allow 1–2 % of the centre distance as slack; without an adjuster, shorten the centre distance slightly.
Results are for preliminary design and checking; base the final design on the governing standard and safety factors.
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