The indentation rolling resistance of spherically profiled idler rolls

The energy loss due to indentation rolling resistance in a conveyor belt system can account for up to 60% of the total power usage. It arises due to an asymmetric pressure distribution as a viscoelastic belt cover is indented by a rigid idler roll. This causes a retarding moment on the idler roll, dependent on the load, speed, idler diameter and the properties of the conveyor belt cover. As pouch conveyor systems become more prevalent in industry, the supporting structure, and thus the indentation rolling resistance of such systems is of importance. These designs typically employ curved belt profiles, or spherical idlers in order to aid belt tracking and closing. From this, a spherical indentation into a generalised Maxwell backing is modelled, and compared with experimental values. In addition to this, the strain dependency across the contact is investigated.