ABSTRACT

Historically, rotating equipment was first connected by means of rigid flanges (Figure 2.1 ). Experience indicates that this method did not accommodate the motions and excursions experienced by the equipment. As discussed in Chapter I, F. Roots was the first to thin these flanges and allow them to flex. Rigid couplings are used to connect equipment that experiences very small shaft excursions or with shafts made long and slender enough that they can accept forces and moments produced from flexing flanges and shafts.