Fluid coupling

This article is about hydrodynamic fluid couplings. For hydroviscous fluid couplings, see Viscous coupling unit.
Daimler car fluid flywheel of the 1930s

A fluid coupling or hydraulic coupling is a hydrodynamic or 'hydrokinetic' device used to transmit rotating mechanical power.[1] It has been used in automobile transmissions as an alternative to a mechanical clutch. It also has widespread application in marine and industrial machine drives, where variable speed operation and controlled start-up without shock loading of the power transmission system is essential.

Hydrokinetic drives, such as this, should be distinguished from hydrostatic drives, such as hydraulic pump and motor combinations.

  1. ^ Fluid coupling encyclopedia2.thefreedictionary.com