CHAPTER 6

Coupling

Objectives: at the end of this chapter, the students/readers should be able to:
1. Define coupling
2. Classify different types of coupling
3. Derive formulas and apply it in solving problems and
4. Practice exam in the multiple choice test to master the usual questions and problems in
the licensure examination.

Coupling is a mechanical device that is used for uniting or connecting parts of a mechanical
system. The couplings are classified of different types such as: rigid coupling, flexible coupling, collas
coupling, chain coupling, flexible disk coupling, Oldham coupling, gear type coupling, hydraulic coupling
and universal joint.
Types of Coupling

Rigid Couplings are permanent couplings, which by virtue of their construction have essentially
no degree of angular axial or rotational flexibility; they must be used with collinear shafts. Examples:
sleeve coupling, muff coupling, flange coupling, clamp coupling, compression coupling, and split
coupling.

Flexible Couplings used to connect two shafts and to accommodate their misalignment.
Examples: bushed pin type coupling, universal coupling and Oldham coupling.

Collar Coupling consists of a cylindrical collar pressed over the ends of the two collinear shafts
being connected, approximately one half of the collar contacting each shafts.

Chain Coupling consists essentially of two chain sprockets connected with a short continuous
length or roller or silent chain.

Flexible disk Coupling refers to steel, leather, fabric or plastic material bolted at alternate points
to the two flanges.

Oldham Coupling can be employed for connecting two parallel shafts with axial eccentricities
from zero to a reasonable amount.

Gear Type Coupling provides for angular and axial flexibility.

Hydraulic Coupling often called a fluid coupling, employs a fluid to provide angular flexibility
between the input and output shafts.

Universal Joint a linkage that transmits rotation between two shafts whose axes are coplanar
but not coinciding.
 Calculation For The Safe Torque

1. Based on shearing of the key

𝑺𝒔 𝑫𝑾𝑳
𝑻= where:
𝟐
T = torque
𝑺𝒔 = shearing stress
D = shaft diameter
W = width of the key
L = length of the key

2. Based on compression between key and the keyways

𝑺𝒄 𝑫𝒉𝑳
𝑻= 𝟒
where:
T = torque
𝑺𝒄 = compressive stress
D = shaft diameter
h = thickness of the key
L = length of the key

3. Based on shearing of bolts between the flange faces

𝑭𝒔 𝑫𝒃𝒄 𝑺𝒔 𝝅𝑫𝒃 𝟐 𝑫𝒃𝒄 𝑵𝒃

𝑻= 𝟐
= 𝟖
where:
T = torque
𝑭𝒔 = shearing force
𝑫𝒃𝒄 = bolt circle diameter
= shearing stress
= bolt diameter
𝑵𝒃 = no. of bolt

4. Based on compression between the bolts and the flange

𝑭𝒄 𝑫𝒃𝒄 𝑺𝒄 𝑫𝒃 𝒈𝑫𝒃𝒄 𝑵𝒃
𝑻= 𝟐
= 𝟐
where:
T = torque
𝑭𝒄 = compressive force
𝑫𝒃𝒄 = bolt circle diameter
𝑺𝒄 = compressive stress
𝑫𝒃 = bolt diameter
𝑵𝒃 = no. of bolt

NOTE: Calculations of coupling design is based on the assumption that shafts are perfectly or accurately
aligned so that bending loads are negligible. Therefore, coupling problems are analyzed for torsion only.
The usual problem is to determine the safe power, which can be transmitted by the flange coupling such
as: shearing of the key, compression of the key, shearing of the bolts between the flange faces and
compression between the bolts and the flange.
 TEST 46

Solution A. Board Problem

A flange coupling connects two inches diameter shafts. The flanges are fitted with 6 bolts of SAE 1040
steel on a seven inches bolt circle. The shaft runs at 300 rpm and transmits 45 hp. Assume a factor of
safety of 5, ultimate tension of 70,000 psi, and ultimate shear of 55,000 psi.

1. What is the torque transmitted?

a. 9,453.8 in-lbs
b. 9,787.8 in-lbs
c. 9,823.4 in-lbs
d. 9,992.8 in-lbs

2. Determine the total force transmitted.

a. 2017 lbs
b. 2127 lbs
c. 2271 lbs
d. 2701 lbs

3. Determine the force per bolt.

a. 350 lbs
b. 400 lbs
c. 450 lbs
d. 500 lbs

4. Find the diameter of bolts required.

a. ¼ in
b. ½ in
c. ¾ in
d. 7/8 in

5. How thick should the flange be?

a. 0.14 in
b. 0.18 in
c. 0.21 in
d. 0.25 in
 SOLUTION TO TEST 46
1. A 9,453.8 in.lbs
𝑇 = 𝑡𝑜𝑟𝑞𝑢𝑒 𝑡𝑟𝑎𝑛𝑠𝑚𝑖𝑡𝑡𝑒𝑑
𝑃 5. A 0.14 in
𝑇=
2𝜋𝑁 𝑔 = 𝑡ℎ𝑖𝑐𝑘𝑛𝑒𝑠𝑠 𝑜𝑓 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑓𝑙𝑎𝑛𝑔𝑒
𝐹𝑏
45(33,000)(12) 𝑔=
𝑇= 𝑆𝑢𝑡
𝐷𝑏 ( 𝐹𝑆 )
2𝜋(300)

𝑇 = 9,453.8 𝑖𝑛. 𝑙𝑏𝑠 450

𝑔=
70,000
0.228 ( )
2. D 2701 lbs 5
𝐹 = 𝑡𝑜𝑡𝑎𝑙 𝑓𝑜𝑟𝑐𝑒
𝑔 = 0.14 𝑖𝑛
2𝑇
𝐹= 94,250
𝐷𝑏𝑐 =
14(86)
2(9453.8)
𝐹= 𝑆𝑠 = 78.28 𝑀𝑃𝑎
7

𝐹 = 2701 𝑙𝑏𝑠
6. D
3. C 450 lbs
𝐹𝑏 = 𝑓𝑜𝑟𝑐𝑒 𝑝𝑒𝑟 𝑏𝑜𝑙𝑡

𝐹
𝐹𝑏 =
𝑁𝑏

2701
𝐹𝑏 =
6

𝐹𝑏 = 450 𝑙𝑏𝑠

4. A ¼ in
𝐷𝑏 = 𝑏𝑜𝑙𝑡 𝑑𝑖𝑎𝑚𝑒𝑡𝑒𝑟

4𝐹𝑏
𝐷𝑏 = √
𝑆𝑢𝑠
𝜋 ( 𝐹𝑆 )

4(450)
𝐷𝑏 = √
55,000
𝜋( )
5

𝐷𝑏 = 0.228 𝑖𝑛 𝑜𝑟 1⁄4 𝑖𝑛