Cars rely on mechanical devices to distribute the power needed to various components. These devices must be capable of handling high levels of stress. A driveshaft is one such mechanical device.
A driveshaft, also referred to as a propeller shaft, is a mechanical component that sends torque, or the force of motion, to other car parts. Driveshafts can connect to other components that work together in a drive train, or system used to create and transmit power to a surface, such as a road.
A driveshaft’s main purpose is to transmit torque between multiple car components. Driveshafts typically receive torque from the transmission and engine and carry it over to the other end of the car. Two other, shorter driveshafts then typically send torque to the wheels.
Driveshafts are designed to handle shear stress, which is the force applied parallel to material. Drive shafts also handle torsion, or the twisting of an object resulting from torque. Driveshafts hold and transfer such energy without adding significant inertia, which is the resistance of these forces.
