Design and development of a power takeoff shaft

Abstract

The X-29 forward-swept wing aircraft required a power takeoff shaft to transmit power from the starter to the engine during engine starting and to transmit power from the engine to the remote gearbox during ground and flight operations of aircraft accessories. Shaft design requirements of high speed and great length could not be met with off-the-shelf designs. Meeting adequate critical speed margin posed a significant design problem. Various shaft concepts were studied. The final selection was a graphite/epoxy center shaft utilizing metal flexible end assemblies. Extensive testing at unit, subsystem, and system levels proved the adequacy of the design. © 1986 American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics, Inc. All rights reserved.