Everything You Need to Know About Drive Shaft and the Function
June 19, 2018
A drive shaft is that mechanical component of an automobile which transmits torque and rotation and connects the various components or parts of a drive train. Owing to the distance, such components may not be connected directly as there is a need to allow for relative movement. As drive shaft is torque carrier, it is also subject to stress and torsion. Being an important part of automobile, the drive shaft transfers torque or engine’s rotational power and this is its basic function. It may also direct power towards the wheels. It is not possible for the car engine to power up all the wheels and so the task of transmitting power and torque is performed by this connecting link called drive shaft. The drive shaft is also referred to as propeller shaft and remains connected to transmission’s final drive which is called sometimes differential. You will find this component on the drive rear axle.
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Shaft is an important part of automobile. It is also present in the machines in the form of rod to connect certain components of the machine. You may say that it is not as important as the mechanical components but still it plays major role. Since drive shaft may carry heavier loads, it may be used for heavy applications. This has huge application in various industries like mining industry, power generation plant, etc.
The use of drive shafts for motorbikes
Since the early 20th century, drive shaft is used in motorcycles. It is great alternative to belt drives and chains which offers clean, maintenance free operation. We have now shaft-driven motorbikes whereby motorbikes are positioned as if crankshaft is longitudinal or parallel towards the frame. It has two components or pieces to facilitate natural frequency of fundamental bending as the bending is inversely proportional to square of the beam length. The best material for drive shaft is definitely titanium alloy. The low density and fabulous strength of titanium alloy makes it the best choice. The drive shaft needs to be strong and durable enough to bear stress.
The various purposes of drive shaft in the vehicle
- Transmits torque right from transmission to differential gear box.
- Transmits low gear torque that is fostered by the engine.
- Can rotate at a rapid pace as per the speed of the vehicle.
- Can change angles constantly between transmission.
Almost all the vehicles make use of transmission shaft in the current times.
Drive shafts vary as per the vehicles
In the realm of automobiles, drive shafts have huge applications. As per the vehicles, the drive shafts tend to vary. A vehicle can also use longitudinal shaft for delivering power from the engine to the other end of vehicle. Short drive shaft is being used to transmit power from transmission, central deferential to the wheels of the vehicle. Again, drive-shaft connects gearbox to real differential and is termed as prop-shaft. This assembly constitutes a slip joint, propeller shaft and universal joints. The engine generates the drive force and it is propeller shaft transmitting it to the axle. In short, drive shaft is used profusely in the automobile industry. It is also used in manufacturing sector. You will find its usage in bicycles, motorbikes and locomotives. This mechanical part called drive shaft is continuously improving and we are sure to see more such improvements in the near future.
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| Drive Shafts |
Drive shaft has huge application in the marine industry as well. Power-driven ships use drive shafts to connect transmission to the vessel’s propeller. With the drive shaft, the drive system is least likely to get jammed. When compared to the chain system, the drive shaft needs less of maintenance work.
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