What should the end shields of a DC generator primarily hold?

The end shields of a DC generator primarily serve the purpose of holding the bearing housings. These end shields, often made from cast iron or steel, provide structural support and protect internal components of the generator. By housing the bearings, the end shields ensure proper alignment and operation of the armature, while also allowing for smooth rotation.

Properly designed end shields are critical for maintaining the integrity of the generator and ensuring that the bearings are securely held in place, minimizing vibration and wear. This structural role is essential for the overall performance and reliability of the DC generator, making it vital for these components to be well-supported.

The armature windings, commutator, and field windings, while important elements of a DC generator, are not functions of the end shields. The armature windings and commutator are located in the rotor part of the machine, while field windings are typically mounted on the stator or frame of the generator. Thus, the end shields focus specifically on securing the bearing housings, reinforcing the mechanical stability of the generator's rotating parts.