The propeller shaft transmits power from the gearbox to the rear differential. It includes U-joints and a slip joint to adjust for length changes over bumps. There are two main types of propeller shaft: the torque tube type, which fully encloses the shaft in a hollow tube connected to the rear axle housing, and the Hotchkiss type, which absorbs torque through the rear leaf spring using a shaft with universal joints and a sliding joint. Propeller shafts must be dynamically balanced, made of hardened steel to withstand torque loads, and designed to avoid resonance at high speeds.
“Propeller shaft isa circular shaft which is used to transmit the
power or rotational motion from the gear box to the final drive.”
The propeller shaft as the name suggest “ propels the vehicle.”
It also includes the U- joints and slip or slider joint to
adjust the length of a shaft when the vehicle is on bump.
The propeller shaft is inclined at an particular angle for
the length adjustment with the help of U-joints and slip
joint.
3.
The propeller shaftperforms the following two
functions:-
1. To receive the power from the gear box output shaft &
without any change in speed transmit to the input shaft
of the differential for onward transmission to the rear
axle & wheels.
2. To cope with the difference in line with the level of the
gear box output shaft & the differential input pinion
shaft.
❑High torsional strength:Therefore, they are made
of solid or hollow circular cross section
❑Toughened and hardened: Therefore, they are
made of superior quality steel and are induction
hardened
❑Efficiently jointed: Therefore they are generally
welded by submerged are carbon dioxide welding
process.
Requirement of Propeller Shaft
10.
❑Dynamically balanced: Sincethe phenomenon of
whirling may be critical at higher speeds, therefore,
propeller shafts are tested on electronic balancing
machine.
❑Reduced thrust loads: Since resonance is dangerous
for the life of shaft. It also transmits excessive
dynamic force to the shaft's end supports, and so its
occurrence should be avoided.
11.
1. Torque Tubetype Propeller Shaft
2. Hotchkiss Type Propeller Shaft
1. Torque Tube type Propeller Shaft –
A torque tube is a large diameter tube fastened securely to
the rear axle housing & completely enclosing the propeller
shaft. In torque drive, the propeller shaft is enclosed in a
hollow tube.
The torque tube are fitted into a spherical ball & socket
surrounding one universal joint at transmission end.
TYPES OF PROPELLER SHAFT
13.
Question:- An automobileengine develops 25 KW power
while turning 1500 rev/min & having its bottom gear
ratio of 3. the tubular propeller shaft is of 40 mm outer
diameter & its made of mild steel with safe shearing stress
of 0.5x105 KPa. Calculate the inside diameter of shaft
tubing. Neglecting bending moment of shaft.
Solution:- we know power develop in watt
P=2𝜋NT
25x1000 = 2𝜋(1500/60)T
T= 159.4 Nm
Torque to be transmitted by propeller shaft
T𝑡 = Torque of engine x Gear ratio
=159.4 x 3 = 477.6
2. Hotchkiss TypePropeller Shaft-
In this type of propeller shaft the driving & braking
torque are absorbed through the front half of the rear leaf
spring. Hotchkiss drive are mostly used in all the cars &
trucks now day. Its cheaper & give satisfactory result.
The Hotchkiss drive consists of a leaf spring and a
propeller shaft with two universal joints and one sliding
joint. The front end of the leaf spring is pivoted in pin of
bracket which is bolted to the vehicle frame while rear end
of the leaf spring is supported in swinging shackle with
antifriction bush material.