Coupling & Its Functions Video Lecture | Design of Machine Elements - Mechanical Engineering

Ans. Coupling in mechanical engineering refers to a device that connects two shafts together at their ends for transmitting power. It is used to join two rotating shafts in order to transmit torque from one shaft to another efficiently.

Ans. The functions of a coupling in mechanical engineering include: - Transmitting power: Couplings are used to connect two shafts and transmit power from one shaft to another efficiently. - Absorbing misalignment: Couplings can accommodate a certain degree of misalignment between the shafts, allowing for smooth operation even if there is some deviation in alignment. - Dampening vibrations: Couplings can help reduce vibrations by absorbing and dampening them, resulting in smoother and quieter operation. - Providing flexibility: Couplings can provide flexibility in the system by allowing for angular, parallel, or axial misalignment between the shafts, which is useful in various mechanical applications. - Protecting equipment: Couplings can help protect the connected equipment by acting as a mechanical fuse, allowing the coupling to disconnect and prevent damage in case of overload or torque spikes.

Ans. There are several types of couplings used in mechanical engineering, including: - Flexible couplings: These couplings are designed to accommodate misalignment and provide flexibility. Examples include elastomeric couplings, gear couplings, and grid couplings. - Rigid couplings: These couplings do not allow any misalignment and provide a rigid connection between the shafts. Examples include sleeve couplings and flange couplings. - Universal couplings: These couplings are used to transmit torque between shafts that are not aligned or have angular misalignment. They can transmit torque at varying angles. - Oldham couplings: These couplings are used to transmit torque between two shafts that are parallel but have axial misalignment. They consist of three discs with a floating middle disc. - Magnetic couplings: These couplings use magnetic fields to transmit torque without any physical contact between the shafts. They are often used in applications where a leak-proof seal is required.

Ans. Couplings accommodate misalignment between shafts through various means, depending on the type of coupling. Flexible couplings, such as elastomeric couplings, use elastomeric materials like rubber to provide flexibility and absorb misalignment. Gear couplings use gear teeth to transmit torque while allowing for angular misalignment. Grid couplings use a flexible grid element to accommodate misalignment. In universal couplings, the design allows for angular misalignment between the shafts. Oldham couplings use three discs and a floating middle disc to accommodate axial misalignment between parallel shafts. Magnetic couplings, on the other hand, use magnetic fields to transmit torque without any physical contact between the shafts, allowing for misalignment.

Ans. When selecting a coupling for a specific application in mechanical engineering, several factors should be considered, including: - Power transmission requirements: The coupling should be able to transmit the required torque and handle the power demands of the application. - Misalignment: The type and amount of misalignment between the shafts should be considered to choose a coupling that can accommodate it. - Speed and RPM: The operating speed and rotational speed of the shafts should be taken into account to select a coupling that can handle the required RPM. - Environmental conditions: The operating environment, such as temperature, humidity, and presence of chemicals or contaminants, should be considered to ensure the coupling can withstand such conditions. - Space limitations: The available space for the coupling should be considered to choose a coupling that fits within the given constraints. - Maintenance requirements: The ease of installation, maintenance, and potential for wear and tear should be evaluated to select a coupling that requires minimal maintenance and provides long-term reliability.