Experimental evaluation of chain noise

Chains are commonly used in automotive powertrains for their reliability and durability. However, chain drives can be noisy, and thus a fundamental understanding is needed. One of the fundamental sources of this noise is the impact of the chain roller on the sprocket teeth. To investigate the mechanism behind this impact, an experimental apparatus has been designed, constructed, and tested. The test stand is composed of a high-speed stepper motor (6000 rpm) driving a two-sprocket chain drive with a simple flywheel at the output. The signal from a strain gauge instrumented on one sprocket tooth is extracted by means of a slip ring. This instrumentation will be used to conduct a parametric study to examine the relationship between impact and various system parameters, such as chain tension and speed. [Work supported by General Motors Corporation.]