Development of a computerized solution for the mathematical design of shaft coupling

Abstract

Designing shaft couplings using the manual method is long, tiresome and prone to error. This leads to development of inefficient designs leading to premature breakdowns and failures thus leading to higher financial costs in the long run. This project tends to solve that challenge through the creation of a software program that can be used to run the design process digitally. In doing so, human error will be limited, less time will be used and multiple trials can be done to obtain the best design. The project involved using MATLAB software in the development process of the program and it was also designed for only three types of shaft couplings namely; sleeve or muff coupling, flange coupling, universal coupling. The various design equations for the respective coupling types were put together and sorted in classifying the input and output parameters for the coding aspect of the work. The software was given four GUI figures, one for the main menu and the others for the three selected shaft coupling types. The developed software was tested using syntax checks, logical checks, and results compared with manually solved designed problems for all joint types. Further software developments were recommended for further development.