Rigid couplings are designed to connect two shafts together so that no relative motion occurs between them. Rigid couplings are suitable when precise alignment of two shafts is required. If significant radial or axial misalignment occurs high stresses may result which can lead to early failure.
Why couplings:
- To transmit power from driving shaft to driven shaft.
- To connect or couple 2 components which are manufactured separately eg. output motor shaft and generator.
- To introduce extra flexibility while transmitting power in case of space restrictions.
- To introduce protection against overloads.
- To reduce the transmission of shock loads from one shaft to another by using flexible couplings.
Types of fixed couplings: