Electric Couplings

Electric couplings have recently been applied on a large scale in geared Diesel ship drives to couple the engines to the gear. They serve a threefold purpose by acting as a flexible coupling to keep the torsional vibration of the engine out of the gears, as a disconnecting clutch to enable any engine to be cut out of service, and as an aid in maneuvering. A typical large coupling built for marine service is described, and the general principles and characteristics of this type of device are given. Results of tests taken to confirm the calculated characteristics are included. The operation of the coupling as in aid in maneuvering is described. A summary of applications to date is given with a discussion of possible applications other than ship drive.