PLANE EQUILIBRIUM OF A CHAINT R. I. Nepershin

The equation of the angles of inclination of the links of a rigid/elastic chain with a finite number of links and perfect hinges is derived using the principle of virtual displacements. For a large number of links, the hinge coordinates coincide with the equation of catenary. The chain equilibrium equations are emplolyed for calculating the axle base of a two-sprocket chain transmission for a given length of the chain contour and fixed tension of the loosen strands. Stationary and nonstationary (acceleration and retardation) modes of a chain transmission operation are simulated using the DʹAlembert principle and the general equation of dynamics.