COUPLINGS

Machine Design 1

Edrian B. Pentado

A.C. Ugural, Mechanical Design of Machine

Components, Boca Raton: CRC Press, 2015, p. 446
Intended Learning Outcome
• Define the function and purpose of couplings
• Describe the types and some subtypes of couplings
• Identify the corresponding application of couplings
• Gain basic knowledge on the design calculation of a flange coupling
 What are
couplings?
What are
couplings? • Allow components to be
manufactured in separate
“Couplings are used units
semipermanently to • Transmit power
connect two shafts” “driving shaft”
A.C. Ugural, Mechanical Design of
Machine Components, 2015

to be “driven shaft”
2 broad classes
 2 broad classes

rigid flexible
rigid coupling
• Provide rigid connection
• Allows smooth torque transition
• Must be used in collinear shafts
• Can’t tolerate any misalignment
shaft misalignment

axial radial angular

shaft misalignment

axial radial angular

ends of each
shaft don’t meet
shaft misalignment

axial radial angular

axes are in
parallel but its
centers offset each
other
shaft misalignment

axial radial angular

difference in the slope
of one shaft and the
other
shaft misalignment

axial radial angular

flexible coupling
• Allows radial, angular, and
axial misalignment
• Components can lose some
torque power through the
interaction
• Mitigates fatigue failure, e.g.
destruction of bearings
differences between rigid
and flexible couplings
differences between rigid
and flexible couplings
alignment requirements
rigid flexible
• Torsionally stiff • Can handle slightly
• Can’t tolerate misaligned shafts
misalignments
backlash
rigid flexible
• Significantly reduce • Don’t offer the same
backlash to at-zero or protection as the rigid
near-zero levels
maintenance requirements
rigid flexible
• Operators should • Can handle vibration and
routinely check for wear shock without adverse
and alignment wear
• Should also monitor
applying lubricant
complexity

rigid flexible
• More simple and • More components and/or
straightforward more complex
• Operation and
maintenance can be more
complicated
applications

rigid flexible
• High-torque requirements • Servos with low or
on unsupported shafts or moderate torque levels
in push-pull applications • Machining tools,
semiconductor
manufacturing, and
packaging equipment
cost
rigid flexible
• More affordable • Tends to have a high cost
Types of rigid couplings
1. Clamped coupling
• Clamps around both
shafts by means of bolts
• Necessary to key the
shafts to the coupling
https://www.ruland.com/wcl-10-8-f.html • Widely used in heavy-
duty service
Types of rigid couplings
2. Flanged coupling
• Flanged portion shields
bold heads and nuts
• Consists two coupling
halves, connected by
bolts
• Restricted to low-speed
applications
Types of rigid couplings
2. Flanged coupling
• Flanged portion shields
bold heads and nuts
• Consists two coupling
halves, connected by
bolts
• Restricted to low-speed
applications
Types of flexible couplings
1. Chain coupling
• Consists of two identical
sprockets coupled by a
double strand roller chain
• Clearances between the
chain and sprocket absorb
misalignment

https://www.indiamart.com/proddetail/tsubaki-chain-coupling-7808900088.html
Types of flexible couplings
2. Oldham coupling
• Comprised of two hubs and a
center disk
• Disk can be replaced without
losing the coupling’s original
capability
• Can connect two parallel shafts
with axial eccentricity

https://www.ruland.com/technical-resources/application-spotlights/encoder-
applications/solution-oldham-coupling-encoder-system
Design calculation of
flange couplings
Design calculation of
flange couplings

𝑑𝑏
Design calculation of
flange couplings
where:

= shaft diameter
= hub diameter
𝑐 = bolt circle diameter
= bolt diameter
= length of key
= thickness of flange
𝑑𝑏 = width of key
= height of key
= number of bolts
Design calculation of
flange couplings
where:

= shaft diameter
𝑏 = hub diameter
= bolt circle diameter
𝑡 𝑐 = bolt diameter
= length of key
= thickness of flange
= width of key
= height of key
= number of bolts
Types of stresses involved in flange coupling
(a) Shearing of the shaft

where:

= shearing stress of shaft

= torque
= radius
= polar moment of inertia
Types of stresses involved in flange coupling
(b) Shearing of the key

where:

= shearing stress of key

= area of cross-section being
𝐿 𝑏 sheared
Types of stresses involved in flange coupling
(c) Crushing between the
key and keyway

where:

= crushing stress of key

𝐿 𝑡/2 = contact area subject to
crushing
Types of stresses involved in flange coupling
(d) Crushing between the
flange and the bolts

where:

= crushing stress of bolts

= force exerted on bolts
Types of stresses involved in flange coupling

(e) Shearing of the bolts

where:

= shearing stress of bolts

Types of stresses involved in flange coupling

To investigate the safe power

that the coupling can transmit,
determine the smallest torque
the elements can tolerate
Types of stresses involved in flange coupling

• Shearing of the shaft

To investigate the safe power • Shearing of the key
that the coupling can transmit, • Crushing between the key
determine the smallest torque and the keyway
the elements can tolerate • Crushing between the
flange and the bolts
• Shearing of the bolts
Example:
Two shafts having identical diameter of 38.1 mm are connected by a flange
coupling having 4 bolts, 10 mm in diameter, with an 80 mm bolt circle. The
design shearing stress of the shaft is 12 N/mm^2 and design compressive
stress of the flange is 15 N/mm^2. How thick should the flange be in mm?

Given: Required:
D = 38.1 mm (in mm)
nb = 4 bolts
38.1 mm 80 mm db = 10 mm
Dbc = 80 mm
10 mm
Ss,s = 12 N/mm2
Sc,b = 15 N/mm2
Example:
Two shafts having identical diameter of 38.1 mm are connected by a flange
coupling having 4 bolts, 10 mm in diameter, with an 80 mm bolt circle. The
design shearing stress of the shaft is 12 N/mm^2 and design compressive
stress of the flange is 15 N/mm^2. How thick should the flange be in mm?

Based on crushing between the flange and

the bolts,

38.1 mm 80 mm

10 mm
Example:
Two shafts having identical diameter of 38.1 mm are connected by a flange
coupling having 4 bolts, 10 mm in diameter, with an 80 mm bolt circle. The
design shearing stress of the shaft is 12 N/mm^2 and design compressive
stress of the flange is 15 N/mm^2. How thick should the flange be in mm?

Based on crushing between the flange and

the bolts,

38.1 mm 80 mm

10 mm
Example:
Two shafts having identical diameter of 38.1 mm are connected by a flange
coupling having 4 bolts, 10 mm in diameter, with an 80 mm bolt circle. The
design shearing stress of the shaft is 12 N/mm^2 and design compressive
stress of the flange is 15 N/mm^2. How thick should the flange be in mm?

From shearing of the shaft,

38.1 mm 80 mm Then,

10 mm
Example:
Two shafts having identical diameter of 38.1 mm are connected by a flange
coupling having 4 bolts, 10 mm in diameter, with an 80 mm bolt circle. The
design shearing stress of the shaft is 12 N/mm^2 and design compressive
stress of the flange is 15 N/mm^2. How thick should the flange be in mm?

Solving for :

38.1 mm 80 mm

10 mm
Example:
Two shafts having identical diameter of 38.1 mm are connected by a flange
coupling having 4 bolts, 10 mm in diameter, with an 80 mm bolt circle. The
design shearing stress of the shaft is 12 N/mm^2 and design compressive
stress of the flange is 15 N/mm^2. How thick should the flange be in mm?

Thus,

38.1 mm 80 mm

10 mm
Example:
Two shafts having identical diameter of 38.1 mm are connected by a flange
coupling having 4 bolts, 10 mm in diameter, with an 80 mm bolt circle. The
design shearing stress of the shaft is 12 N/mm^2 and design compressive
stress of the flange is 15 N/mm^2. How thick should the flange be in mm?

Thus,

5.4 𝑚𝑚
End of presentation