A propeller shaft is a component in automobile engines that transmit power from the gearbox to the differential. it is also used in a boat and flying machine. The shaft is also known as a driveshaft, driving shaft, tail shaft, or even Cardan shaft.
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What is a Propeller Shaft?
Propeller shafts are also said to be a mechanical component that transmits torque and rotation. it’s used to connect other components and drive trains that cannot be connected due to distance.
A propeller shaft is also widely used in marine, aviation, etc. for the same purpose.
The shaft must be strong enough to bear the stress as its experiences torsion and shear stress during the transmission. The load-bearing is equivalent to the difference between the input torque and the load.
There is some supportive component in a vehicle that a propeller shaft relies on. These components include universal joints, jaw couplings, or rag joints.
So, the function of a propeller shaft is to transmit the power created by the engine from the gearbox to the rear axle. This is achieved with the help of a universal joint.
The video below shows the working of a propeller shaft:
Requirement and design of a propeller shaft:
A functional propeller shaft must have the following:
- High torsional strength: a propeller shaft must be made of a solid or hollow circular cross-section.
- Reduced thrust loads: resonance is not good for the shaft life. It transmits excessive dynamic force to the shaft’s end supports. Its occurrence must be stopped.
- Toughened and hardened: it must be made from high-quality steel and induction hardened.
- Dynamically balanced: balance is one major requirement of the propeller shaft as whirling may be critical at higher speeds. The balancing test of the propeller shaft is carried out on an electronic balancing machine.
- Efficiency joined: propeller shafts are generally welded by submerged which are carbon dioxide welding process.
Diagram of a propeller shaft:
Major parts of the propeller shaft
Below are the parts of the propeller shaft:
- Universal joints: the function of this part is to transfer the engine’s torque to the rear axle.
- Splines: the splines are located at the ends of the shaft in the sleeve. Its function is to permit the length variation between the driving and the driven unit to vary slightly. It also prevents the input and output bearings from being damaged.
- Flange; it serves as support to the propeller shaft and gearbox joint.
- The main bearing: also supports and guides the propeller shaft.
Types of driveshafts
In a vehicle, a longitudinal shaft is used to deliver power from an engine/ transmission to the other end of the vehicle. A pair of short drive shafts are commonly used to send power to some other component before reaching the wheel. Below are the various drive shafts used in an automobile engine:
Single-piece shaft: is used in a vehicle with a short distance between the engine and axles. Usually four-wheel-drive vehicles. Friction welding is done at the junction to improve the strength, quality, and durability of the junction.
Two-piece/three-piece propeller shaft: is used in vehicles with a long distance between the engine and axles. Also, in the front-engine front-drive base which is four-wheel-drive vehicles.
The section of the propeller shaft into two- or three-parts allows the critical number of revolutions to reduce or prevent vibration issues from occurring.
Related Article:
- Things you need to know about Driveshaft
- Most essential names of car parts and their functions
- Most common names of car body parts and their functions
- Different types of couplings
- Understanding the term coupling
That’s it for this article, “propeller shaft definition, types, working principle parts as well as Design”. I hope the knowledge is attained, if so, comment share, and recommend this site to other technical students. Thanks!
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