A decision set for a flat belt can be
• Function: power, speed, durability, reduction, service factor, C
• Design factor: nd
• Initial tension maintenance
• Belt material
• Drive geometry, d, D
• Belt thickness: t
• Belt width: b
Depending on the problem, some or all of the last four could be design variables. Belt
cross-sectional area is really the design decision, but available belt thicknesses and
widths are discrete choices. Available dimensions are found in suppliers’ catalogs.