Re: Van Der Graaf Rollers (fwd)

[Steven Roys <sroys@xxxxxxxx>]

---------- Forwarded message ----------
Date: Sun, 5 Oct 2003 13:40:47 -0500
From: Dr. Resonance <resonance@xxxxxxxxxx>
To: High Voltage list <hvlist@xxxxxxxxxx>
Subject: Re: Van Der Graaf Rollers (fwd)


Your belt is too loose and you have too much crown on your 6 inch wide
pulley.  Also your belt is too thin.

We run .010 inch crown on our 6 inch wide pulleys with tight belts
(circumference minus 5 inches) and they do not fold over.

A thicker belt will have enough strength to resist the push towards the
center from centrifugal forces as the pulley speed increases.  The center of
the pulley, being further away from the flat plane, forces the belt inwards
as this away is rotating at a higher speed than the lower parts.  It's
greater distance causes a higher CF on the belt forcing it inward.

Dr. Resonance

Resonance Research Corporation
E11870 Shadylane Rd.
Baraboo   WI   53913
----- Original Message -----
From: "High Voltage list" <hvlist@xxxxxxxxxx>
To: <hvlist@xxxxxxxxxx>
Sent: Sunday, October 05, 2003 11:49 AM
Subject: Van Der Graaf Rollers (fwd)


> Original poster: Steven Roys <sroys@xxxxxxxx>
>
>
>
> ---------- Forwarded message ----------
> Date: Wed, 01 Oct 2003 19:44:30 -0700
> From: Daniel Reinders <danreind@xxxxxxx>
> To: High Voltage list <hvlist@xxxxxxxxxx>
> Subject: Van Der Graaf Rollers
>
> Hi All,
>
> I'm wondering how bulbous the rollers of a Van Der Graaf machine should be
> to keep the belt on track?  I've had a nylon and a pvc roller (1.5" diam)
> lathed out with a slight bulge, approximately accomplished by lathing out
at
> 10-15 degrees from the centerline.  But my 6" Theraband wants to fold over
> in two, which means I could get by with a 3" band I suppose but only by
> compromising my charging rate.  Also what shape is most appropriate for
the
> roller - are we talking quasi-circular over the full length, or can the
main
> portion be flat with just the ends being strongly tapered?
>
> Thanks for any advice,
>
> Dan Reinders
>
>
>
>