6 replies to this topic

[Gaz66]

Just having a look through Owens fabrication site and came across these driveshafts
https://www.owensfab...d-drive-shafts/
I can't help but think hollow drive shafts wouldn't be ideal from a strength point of view.
Also, reading through the blurb they apparently are better for traction.
Hmmm, how's that work?
Anyone tried these shafts?

[nicklouse]

The force on a drive shaft is main transmitted through the “skin” the center does little. I believe removing the center can make them stronger by allowing better flex. 
 

been around for years in the grass track world.

 

https://berrisford.c...on-application/

[stuart bowes]

I don't pretend to understand the physics but I've read about this in passing before .. it's counter intuitive really but in essence the general consensus from what I read is that tubular shafts are not (much? any?) weaker than solid and the reduced weight make them perform more effectively ? or something like that I dunno it's very complicated

 

https://physics.stac...tant-to-torsion

 

a lot of propshafts are hollow aren't they and they don't just snap all the time despite being on much more powerful engines than an A series could ever achieve (Also the longer length makes a difference to design requirements, or something)

 

another link but about boats https://www.quora.co...-most-boats-Why

Edited by stuart bowes, 08 December 2023 - 06:32 PM.

[Steam]

I suppose there would be a goldilocks effect with hollow shafts, not too thick, not too thin, just right.

[Spider]

Tubular (or drilled) will be strong - until they ripple or kink, then they fold up like corrugated cardboard.

[sonikk4]

It will be down to the charateristics of the metal used and how its treated.

 

Also in motorsport type useage they will need reliability so i would like to think they have gone through all of these aspects before placing them on sale.

 

Propshafts were mentioned earlier and they are all hollow so why not a driveshaft??

 

In normal day to day driving with hollow driveshafts they are not likely to be an issue. However if you are one of the Youths who likes to drop the clutch and scream away at junctions etc in a standard mini again i cannot see there being an issue, but if you are running a turbocharged beastie or supercharged with a considerable increase in torque over and above say a swiftune spec engine then potentially problems will arise.

 

When i see V8 powered drag and drive monsters running carbonfibre propshafts with bonded in couplings taking thousands of horsepower plus the same amout of torque and not fail it really is down to materials and how they treated / utilised. (yes some do fail but again think of the horsepower they are being subjected to)

 

I would think there are other weak links in the transmission that would more likely fail rather than a hollow driveshaft.

[Gaz66]

A quick look at the material spec used in the Owens shafts (300m VAR) shows it's quite saucy stuff 👍