Title: Design of composite material drive shafts for vehiclar applications

Authors: G. Belingardi, P.M. Calderale, M. Rosetto

Addresses: Mechnical Engineering Dept., Politecnico di Torino, Italy. ' Mechnical Engineering Dept., Politecnico di Torino, Italy. ' Mechnical Engineering Dept., Politecnico di Torino, Italy

Abstract: In the present paper a methodology for the optimal design of composite material transmission shafts is pointed out. Two aspects are considered here. First, an optimisation procedure to define the geometry of the shaft, the fibre winding angle and the material composition in order to achieve the minimum weight and cost of the total assembly. Secondly, the optimal design of the bonded joint between the composite material tube and the metallic end pieces. Some results, obtained for a transmission shaft of a medium-sized passenger car, are then shown.

Keywords: angle-ply laminate; carbon fibres; composite materials; glass epoxy composites; maximum shear stress; optimisation; vehicle design; drive shafts; vehicle transmission; shaft geometry; fibre winding angle; assembly costs; optimal design; bonded joints; passenger cars; vehicle design.

DOI: 10.1504/IJVD.1990.061599

International Journal of Vehicle Design, 1990 Vol.11 No.6, pp.553 - 563

Published online: 26 May 2014 *

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