Characterization of Flexible Matrix Composite Rotorcraft Driveshafts

This research is to investigate the performance of a flexible matrix composite driveshaft with respect to shaft design parameters such as the number of layers, ply orientations, and material properties. A finite element formulation is utilized to estimate the allowable misalignment under given driving torque, the maximum temperature at steady states, and external damping for ensuring whirling stability under supercritical speed. Results indicate that the system performance can be greatly affected by the shaft laminate parameters, especially the ply orientations. Several sets of shaft parameters that will provide satisfactory overall system performance are derived.