A High Deflection Diaphragm Concept (HDD) for Power Transmission Shafting

This paper will present a flexible metal diaphragm concept for power transmission shafting or couplings which must not only carry torque, but are also required to accommodate large amounts of axial and angular misalignments. The concept was developed through an analytical research investigation of diaphragm stress and their performance characteristics. This research will be described. The quality, reliability, meantime between failure and expected life characteristics of HDD diaphragms will be presented in this work. As proof of the design concept, diaphragms for a particular hypothetical application were fabricated into a prototype shaft, and tested. The results of this validation study will also be described herein. During the course of the testing program, it was decided to extend the analysis and the test evaluation to examine the effects of inducing damage in a diaphragm, as might occur during hostile encounters or abnormal operation.