Analysis and Optimization of Composite Propeller Shaft for Automotive Applications

Abstract

In the field of automotive engineering polymeric composites played vital role due to its outstanding properties such as high strength, low weight and high stiffness. The purpose of this research is to develop a single piece steel (Cr-Mo SCM440) drive shaft using computer aided modelling tool and finite element method was used for analysing static analysing and free vibration. These results were compared with the propeller shaft made by carbon and glass epoxy composites. ANSYS software is used for accomplish total deflection, natural frequency, and modal analyses. From this work it was noted that the propeller shaft made using carbon epoxy offered better results as compared with steel and glass epoxy composite propeller.