A coupling is a device used to connect two shafts together at their ends for the purpose of transmitting power. The primary purpose of couplings is to join two pieces of rotating equipment while permitting some degree of misalignment or end movement or both. By careful selection installation and maintenance of couplings substantial savings can be made in reduced maintenance costs and downtime. An Oldham coupling has three discs one coupled to the input one coupled to the output and a middle disc that is joined to the first two by tongue and groove. The tongue and groove on one side is perpendicular to the tongue and groove on the other. The middle disc rotates around its center at the same speed as the input and output shafts. Its center traces a circular orbit twice per rotation around the midpoint between input and output shafts. An advantage to this type of coupling as compared to two universal joints is its compact size. The Oldham’s Coupling is a constant velocity coupling which may be used where low speed shafts are found with parallel axes.
Experiment:
- To determine the velocity ratio across the coupling with various displacements and also to plot central disc displacement against rotational position
Scope of Delivery
- 1 Experimental unit, 1 Instruction manual
