Machinery, Maintenance
COUPLING
Developed By: Muhammad Ahab
Imran
Reviewed By: Qasim Maitla
Date: 1st January 2025
© Fatimafert Ltd.
COUPLINGS
•A device that is used to connect two shafts together for the purpose of
power transmission.
General types of couplings are:
Rigid: for aligned shafts
Flexible: for non-aligned shafts
ALIGNED SHAFT COUPLINGS
•Aligned shaft couplings are rigid couplings that are designed to
draw two shafts together so that no motion can occur between
them.
Types
• Flanged
• Split Coupler
• Keyed
• Friction
FLANGED COUPLING
A key is used to fix the coupling to the
shaft, and then couplings are bolted
together.
SPLIT COUPLER
Again, a key is used to fix the coupling and the
shaft and the two halves of the coupling are
bolted together.
KEYED COUPLER
•Grooves are cut into the shaft and the fixed part.
•A key is put in the grooves to lock the two parts
together.
FRICTION COUPLING
Driver Friction Material
Plate A
Driver Shaft Driven Shaft
In motion In motion
Driver Shaft Driven
In motion Shaft
Stationary
Clutch Disengaged Clutch Engaged
ON-ALIGNED SHAFT COUPLINGS
•Used to join shafts that meet at a slight angle.
•Angle may still change while running due to vibration or load.
Types
Universal
Flexible
UNIVERSAL JOINT
•Consist of two end yokes and a center bearing
block.
•Provides for angular misalignment of up to 45
FLEXIBLE COUPLINGS
Following are the functions of a flexible Coupling
1. Transmit Power
2. Accommodate misalignment
3. Allow axial displacement
4. Insure no loss of lubricants in grease packed couplings.
5. Easy to install and disassemble
6. Accept torsional shock and dampen torsional vibration
7. Stay rigidly attached to the shaft.
8. Withstand temperatures of environment or heat of friction
TYPES OF FLEXIBLE COUPLINGS
[Link] Element
• Torsional stiffness
• Operates in relatively high ambient temperature with
lubrication
[Link] types
• Torsional softness (absorbs shock and vibration)
• Allows more angular misalignment between shafts
• Lower cost and lighter weight
• Smoother and quieter operations
[Link] Type
• Torsional Stiffness
• Operates at high temperature without lubrication
MECHANICAL ELEMENT
1. Chain Couplings
2. Gear Couplings
3. Grid Couplings
Chain Couplings
Advantages:
• Easy to disassemble and reassemble
• Fewer number of parts
Disadvantages:
• Speed limited due to difficulties in maintaining balancing
requirements
• Requires lubrication
• Limited allowable axial displacement
GEAR COUPLING
Advantages:
• Allows freedom of axial movement
• Capable of operating at high speeds
• Low overhung weight
• Good balance characteristics.
• Long history of successful applications
Disadvantages:
• Requires lubrication.
• Separation of greases into soaps and oils.
• Centrifugal effect on oils / sludge formation.
• Temperature limitation due to lubricant
GRID COUPLING
Metal Ribbon Couplings:
Advantages:
•Easy to assemble and disassemble.
•Long history of successful applications.
•Torsionally soft.
Disadvantages:
•Requires lubrication.
•Temperature limited.
•Speed limited
ELASTOMERIC TYPES
• Compression type can transmit more torque in less
space and easy to install
• Shear type allows tensional wind-up and transmits higher
torque
ELASTOMERIC COMPRESSION
Advantages:
• Minimal wear in coupling.
• Act as vibration damper and isolator.
• Acts as electrical shaft current insulator.
• Torsionally soft.
• Allows axial movement and dampens axial vibration.
• No lubrication required.
Disadvantages:
• Speed limited (Cannot be balanced perfectly).
• Temp, oxidation of rubber and corrosive attack.
• Undesirable axial forces.
• Heat generation due to cyclic flexing.
ELASTOMERIC SHEAR
1. Toothed shear: It is easy to install and maintain,
and handle large misalignment.
2. Tire type: Tire beads are clamped to a hub on
either side. Torque is transmitted by the tire in
shear.
FLEXIBLE DISC COUPLING
Advantages:
• Excellent balance characteristics.
• No lubrication required.
• Low coupling weight and bending forces.
• Accepts high temperature environment.
Disadvantages:
• Limited axial displacements and oscillation.
• Proper shaft spacing requirements.
• Excessive misalignment will transmit high loads to
shafting.
FLUID COUPLING OR TORQUE
CONVERTER
Housing
◦ Hub
Impeller
◦ Split ring guide
Turbine
◦ Split ring guide
PRINCIPLES OF OPERATION
A torque converter is a type of fluid coupling
There is no direct mechanical link between the input (driver) and the output
(driven)
The impeller (pump of the torque converter) forces fluid through the turbine,
which forces the turbine to turn
Impelle Turbin
r e