🔍 Key Concepts
• Difference between rigid/positive couplings (that lock shafts together) and flexible couplings (that allow slip or cushioning)
• How shock loads are absorbed, reduced, or isolated in power transmission systems
• Typical behavior of dog, grid, friction, and hydraulic couplings under sudden load changes
💭 Think About
• Which coupling type is designed so that, under a sudden overload, it can slip or cushion instead of locking solidly and transmitting the full impact to the engine?
• Among the options, which ones are mainly mechanical, tooth/lock-type connections, and which ones use fluid or controlled slip to transmit torque?
• Think about which coupling you would choose to protect an expensive engine from sudden starts, stops, or jammed propeller situations.
✅ Before You Answer
• Identify which of the listed couplings are positive, no-slip mechanical connections (these tend to transmit shock directly).
• Identify which coupling can absorb or isolate torque changes either by slip or fluid damping.
• Before choosing, ask: "If the shaft suddenly stopped, which coupling type would be most likely to reduce the impact on the engine rather than pass it straight through?"