Table of Contents
What is Power Transmission?
For any work that has to be performed we need some power (i.e. rate of energy generation or consumption). Generally, this power is generated at one place and used at several other places. Hence, we need a mode of power transmission.
Generally, we have following four modes of power transmission.
- Pneumatic power transmission
- Electric power transmission
- Hydraulic power transmission
- Mechanical power transmission
We have to choose mode of power transmission as per our requirement. In this article we will limit our discussion to the mechanical power transmission.
What is Mechanical power transmission and why it is required?
Mechanical power transmission is the transfer of mechanical power from one point to the other. It is required because, in practical situations power is generated at one point and used at several other locations.
Methods for transferring mechanical energy
Below are the five most common modes of mechanical energy transfer.
- Power Screws
- Gear drives
- Shafts
- Chains
- Belts
We have already written in-depth articles on above mentioned modes of power transmission. Kindly, access them by clicking the links given below.
A power screw is a mechanical component which is used to convert rotary motion into the linear motion. Sometimes a power screw is also known as translation screw.
A Gear train is a combination of Gears which is used when we have to obtain large velocity reduction (or vice versa) in a limited space.
A transmission shaft (also known as shaft) is a rotating machine element with circular cross section. Shaft is used to transfer rotary motion from one point to the other point.
A chain can be defined as a series of links connected by pin joints. A chain drive consists of an endless chain wrapped around two sprockets.
Timing belt is a special kind of belt (with teeth) which is used to transfer rotary motion from one shaft to another.
Nice article please add more images to future articles
Thanks for your suggestion Obinneji