The relation between the pitch of the chain (P) and the pitch circle diameter of the sprocket (D) is given by the following equation if T is the no. of teeth on the sprocket.

Explanation:

Chain drives:

• Chain drives are the positive types of the drive-in in which chain and sprocket mechanisms are used to transmit the power by engaging the teeth of the sprocket with gaps in the chain.
• As there will be no slip or loss while transmission so they are positive drives.
•  As the distance of transmission is more in the case of bicycle motorcycles and coal, chain drives are used for the transmission of power.

The relation between the pitch of the chain (P) and the pitch circle diameter of the sprocket (D) is given by the following equation,

P = D sin (180°/T), Where T is the no. of teeth on the sprocket.

Additional Information Comparison among belt drive, gear drive, and chain drive:

• The belts and ropes are flexible members which are used where the distance between the two shafts is large
• The chains also have flexibility but they are preferred for intermediate distances
• The gears are used when the shafts are very close to each other
• This type of drive is also called a positive drive because there is no slip
• If the distance is slightly larger, a chain drive can be used for making it a positive drive
• Belts and ropes transmit power due to the friction between the belt or rope and the pulley
• There is a possibility of slip and creep and that is why this drive is not a positive drive
• The gear drive and chain drive are positive drives