Chain Drive
A chain and sprocket drive system requires lubrication and a tensioner.
Contents
Chains
explain motorcycle chain sizes, ratings.
Chains can be easily lengthened or shortened using quick release links.
Sealed chain
Sealed chains use o-rings to seal in a lubricant, great for daily driving. Also used in racing applications. Very common in motorcycle shops.
Non-Sealed chain
Non-sealed requires more frequent lubrication application and are commonly used for motocross or low mileage applications.
Sprockets
Sprockets are made of steel, aluminum, or titanium and can replaced to change the final drive ratio. Sprockets can be bought or easily made by laser-cutting, water-jetting, or CNC machining.
As the number of teeth decrease, the sprocket will approach a polygon instead of a circle. This is called the polygon effect or chordal action and results in a variation in speed output (Imagine driving on square wheels).[1]
Drivetrain Shield
Chain drives have specific shielding rules in FSAE covered in T.5.2.7 (link to rules) (what about FS?).
Failure Modes
If there is excessive sprocket wear, improper chain tension, improperly installed quick release, no lubricant, or if the chain drive is not in the same plane there WILL be a failure. Chain failures can be extremely dangerous for both the vehicle and nearby people. (more on failure modes/design flaws?)
+No slip possible in chain drive without failure [2]
