ISO 15654:2015

Overview

ISO 15654:2015 - Fatigue test method for transmission precision roller chains and leaf chains - specifies an axial force fatigue test for transmission roller chains and leaf chains. Tests are carried out at room temperature in air under fluctuating (sinusoidal) axial tension, with force applied along the chain longitudinal axis. The standard also defines statistical analysis procedures, reporting formats and required elements for presenting fatigue-test results.

Keywords: ISO 15654:2015, fatigue test, transmission chains, roller chains, leaf chains, axial force, fluctuating tension, chain fatigue analysis

Key topics and technical requirements

• Test principle: Determine fatigue properties (e.g., F–N behavior) or verify conformance to dynamic strength requirements.
• Test environment: Room temperature, in air; test frequency chosen to avoid damaging temperature rise.
• Test specimen: Minimum of five free pitches (three free pitches for chain pitch > 50.8 mm); specimens must be unused and undamaged.
• Testing machine and fixtures:
  • Machine must apply sinusoidal fluctuating axial force and be sized so the maximum test force is ≥ 10% of the machine’s maximum capacity.
  • Universal fixtures required to avoid introducing subsidiary forces; fixture holes sized per chain bush or clevis hole dimensions.
  • Machine features: cycle counter, failure-stop, and restart-prevention after emergency stop; calibration within ±2% recommended.
• Forces and force correction:
  • Minimum force: 1% to 5% of the chain’s minimum tensile strength (per ISO 606/ISO 10190/ISO 4347).
  • Maximum/test force: Determined by conformity or staircase test procedures.
  • Test forces are corrected to zero minimum force for analysis using the Johnson–Goodman method.
• Test methods:
  • Conformity (pass/fail) tests and staircase (incremental) tests are specified, with rules for step size, endurance criteria and acceptance.
• Statistical analysis:
  • Calculation of mean fatigue strength (50% survival), standard deviation, and fatigue limit (very high probability of survival, approximating infinite life).
  • Annexes provide alternative analyses (Probit), combined methods, reporting guidance and extrapolation approaches.

Practical applications and users

• Used by chain manufacturers, mechanical test laboratories, design engineers, and quality/assurance teams to:
  • Validate dynamic strength claims of roller and leaf chains.
  • Generate F–N data, establish fatigue ratings for product datasheets, and support R&D.
  • Perform conformity testing for standards compliance and failure investigations.
• Important for industries relying on power transmission or lifting chains where fatigue life and safety margins are critical.

Related standards

• ISO 606 - Short-pitch transmission precision roller and bush chains
• ISO 4347:2015 - Leaf chains, clevises and sheaves
• ISO 10190 - Motorcycle chains - Characteristics and test methods

ISO 15654:2015 provides a rigorous, repeatable framework for axial fatigue testing and statistical evaluation of transmission roller and leaf chains, enabling consistent assessment of fatigue performance and conformity.