Couplings - Balancing Tutorial 'New Developments in Gas Turbine Couplings'

摘要

So, what's next? As gas turbine technology evolves, so must the associated couplings. Couplings are now looked at as part of the total system of the power transmission train consisting of the drive (gas turbine) couplings and driven equipment rather than an add-on commodity. This trend will continue with higher powered system modeling software. Flexible couplings are now required on many large gas turbine applications. Turbine outputs of over 200MW now challenge the coupling designers and manufacturers. Advanced materials are being looked at meet these new challenges. Composites are now being used in high speed aerospace shafting and flexible coupling elements. Composites are lightweight (always a requirement at high speeds) and can be wound to get the maximum strength in the load direction, but they add another level of complexity in design.