1. What is the Pulley RPM Equation?

The pulley RPM equation calculates the rotational speed of a driven pulley based on the sizes of both pulleys and the speed of the driving pulley. This is fundamental in mechanical power transmission systems.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the pulley RPM equation:

Where:

• \( Pulley1 \) — Diameter of the driving pulley (inches)
• \( Pulley2 \) — Diameter of the driven pulley (inches)
• \( RPM1 \) — Rotational speed of the driving pulley (rev/min)
• \( RPM2 \) — Calculated rotational speed of the driven pulley (rev/min)

Explanation: The equation shows an inverse relationship between pulley size and rotational speed - as the driven pulley gets larger, its rotational speed decreases proportionally.

3. Importance of Pulley RPM Calculation

Details: Accurate RPM calculation is crucial for designing power transmission systems, ensuring proper equipment operation, and preventing damage from excessive speeds.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter pulley diameters in inches and driving pulley RPM. All values must be positive numbers. The calculator will compute the driven pulley's RPM.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Does belt type affect the calculation?
A: The basic calculation assumes no belt slip. For precise applications, consider belt type and tension which may cause slight variations.

Q2: Can I use this for metric measurements?
A: Yes, as long as both pulleys use the same units (e.g., both in mm), the ratio remains valid.

Q3: What if I have multiple pulleys?
A: Calculate sequentially - the output RPM of one stage becomes the input RPM for the next.

Q4: How does pulley groove affect the calculation?
A: Use the pitch diameter (where the belt rides) rather than the outer diameter for most accurate results.

Q5: What's the relationship between RPM and torque?
A: As RPM decreases, torque increases proportionally (assuming constant power), and vice versa.