Full definition
Engineering procedure for selecting the optimal belt drive system. Steps: (1) determine design power = rated power x service factor (per ARPM/ISO tables); (2) select belt profile from power-speed charts; (3) choose pulley diameters for desired ratio (check minimum diameter per profile); (4) calculate belt length from center distance and diameters; (5) verify wrap angle (min 120°); (6) determine number of belts from rated power per belt with correction factors. Key references: Gates Design Manual, Optibelt Technical Manual, Continental selection software, ISO 1081. Software tools simplify iterative calculations. Always verify peripheral speed stays below profile maximum (25-30 m/s for V-belts, 60+ m/s for timing belts).