VIBRATIONAL CHARACTERISTICS OF ROLLER CHAIN DRIVES.

In general, as is well known, the shortest pitcho f chain is the quietest and smoothest in operation: it minimizes internal excitation. Multi-strand chain, however, is more sensitive to sprock misalignment. Occasionally a longer pitch may be advantageous if its use avoids resonances. Where external excitation is present, it may in some cases be possible to move a natural frequency away from the exciting frequency by use of a heavier or lighter chain. In the case of the spring-type vibration only, the natural frequency can also be varied by means of changes to the driving and driven inertias or perhaps to the sprocket diameters.