Title: Optimized Drive Shafts in Sandwich Design Offer High Weight Savings

Authors: Patrick Pasberg, Thomas Gries

DOI: 10.33599/nasampe/c.24.0240

Abstract: "In mechanical engineering, drive shafts are the most common components for transmitting engine torques within machines. The main load case here is torsional loading. Small radial deformations occur which, as the load increases further, turn into buckling and cause the entire structure to collapse. The use of sandwich structures can provide a remedy here. By using low-density, shear-soft core material, the area moment of inertia of the sandwich panel is significantly increased, allowing it to withstand extreme loads during acceleration and deceleration. For this purpose, laminate theory and simulations were used to determine the ideal orientations of the rovings. These were then checked in several iteration loops. The shafts were wound using towpregs and the resulting outer and inner layers were separated by a sandwich core. The maximum load on the sandwich shafts was tested by torsion testing. The production of highly loaded drive shafts made of carbon fibers achieves a significant weight saving of up to 60% compared to conventional steel shafts while maintaining the same load capacity. The lower weight and reduced inertia of such shafts enables increased efficiency during acceleration and deceleration as well as resource conservation in the mobility sector."

References: 1. Carbonwellen lassen Stahl alt aussehen. Industrieanzeiger, 2014. https://industrieanzeiger.industrie.de/technik/entwicklung/carbonwellen-lassen-stahl-alt-aussehen/ 2. H. Schürmann, Konstruieren mit Faser-Kunststoff-Verbunden. Berlin: Springer, 2005. https://doi.org/10.1007/b137636

Conference: CAMX 2024 | San Diego CA

Publication Date: 2024/9/9

SKU: TP24-0000000240

Pages: 9

Price: $18.00