Torque tube

[Intermesher]

I wish to manufacture torque tubes by winding alternate layers of carbon thread with opposite biases. The tubes must transmit torque in both direction, but they will not be subjected to any axial force. Each layer will consist of a number of threads, the number being dependent on the angle of the wrap.

Can anyone advise what the optimum angle would be for laying down the thread?

Thanks

Dave J

 

[rnd2]

Dave,
If I recall correctly, 30 deg off radial is optimum for filament winding. Either side of that is possible but there are problems with laying the filaments down smoothly.
Another alternative is to combine woven cloth with filament winding, or simply woven cloth.
Hope this helps.

 

[Intermesher]

rnd2

Thanks for the advice.

 

[Compositepro]

For optimum overall stiffness of tubes a triaxial orientation is best and that is 0 degrees (axial) and +/- 30 degrees. For maximum torsional stiffness +/-45 degrees is best because that is the direction of the torsional loads. But the tube will be relatively very flexible so it may need some zero degree fibers for axial stiffening. It all depends on the tube length and diameter. A +/-45 degree tube can be used to transmit torque through a 90 degree bend. To transmit much power requires high rpm which then calls for good balance and axial stiffness to prevent wobble.

 

[Intermesher]

Compositepro

Thanks for the additional infromation.

Dave J.