Method of estimating remaining life of a power transmission belt

摘要

A method for estimating remaining life of a power transmission belt. The method includes a step of providing a power transmission belt having a) a body having a rubber material with a length and laterally spaced surfaces to engage a cooperating pulley and b) a plurality of fibers embedded in the rubber material and projecting in a lateral direction so that a plurality of the fibers have a portion that is exposed at one of the laterally spaced surfaces. The method further includes the step of magnifying the one laterally spaced surface to identify cracks in the rubber at the fiber portion. Based on at least one of the nature and quantity of cracks in the rubber material, the remaining life of the power transmission belt is estimated.