Initial Tension:

While a belt is mounted on the pulley some amount of initial tension call 'T₀' is provided in the belt, or else power transmission is not possible due to a loose belt may not sustain difference in the tension.

While the drive is stationary the whole tension on both sides shall be '2 T₀'.

While belt drive is transmitting power the entire tension on both of the sides shall be (T₁ + T₂), here T₁ is tension on tight side, and T₂ is tension on the slack side.

If influence of centrifugal tension is neglected.

2T₀  = T₁ + T₂

or,

 If effect of centrifugal tension is considered, then

T₀  = T_t  + T_s  = T₁ + T₂  + 2T_C     or,

  ....8.14