Influence of different contact parameters on the frictional properties of elevator traction steel belts

A traction steel belt is a key load-bearing and transmission component that replaces traditional steel wire rope to achieve an elevator friction drive. Under actual operating conditions, when an elevator slips due to unexpected factors such as emergency braking or overload lifting, a sharp decrease in the friction coefficient (COF) and wear resistance of the steel belt occurs, resulting in elevator accidents. In this study, the actual contact state between the steel belt and traction wheel was simulated, and sliding friction tests between the steel belt and traction wheel were conducted via a custom-made steel belt friction and wear test machine under different wrap angles, loads, and speeds. The variation of the friction characteristics of the elevator steel belt under abnormal sliding conditions was revealed, and the relationships among the frictional temperature rise, friction coefficient, and friction noise during the wear process of the steel belt were analyzed. The results show that the sliding speed has the greatest impact on the friction coefficient and that the wrap angle has the smallest impact on the surface wear rate of the steel belt. As sliding progresses, the friction and wear process can be divided into three main periods: the run-in period, the stable wear period, and the severe wear period. The larger the wrap angle is, the shorter the stable wear period. The wear mechanism of the elevator steel belts gradually shifted from adhesive wear to three-body abrasive wear and finally to surface fatigue wear.