Abstract: A flexible coupling shaft which is suitable for plug-in installation between the splined output shaft of a turbine engine and the splined input shaft of a testing apparatus for the production test of the engine, includes a shaft member having opposed end flanges which are connected by: (1) bayonet connections to hub members, each having a splined central portion for receiving the splined shaft of either the engine or the testing device; and (2) flexible joint connections in the form of stacked arrays of flat metallic shims, with the stacked shims being separately connected respectively to the flange parts of the shaft and the associated hub. By this arrangement, axial misalignment between the splined input and output shafts is compensated by the splined interconnections, while lateral misalignments are compensated for by bending of the stacked shims which define a diaphragm-type coupling.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of fabricating a torque sensor to which are applied strain gauges, with the torque sensor being adapted to be coupled between an engine and an absorption dynamometer for use in measuring the torque output of the engine. The subject process results in an integral assembly of two cylindrical rings interconnected by a plurality of elongated bars or beams to which the strain gauges are attached. During the process, a plurality of spaced holes are simultaneously drilled in the two identical, cylindrical rings, after which the rings and beams are assembled such that the rings are disposed in spaced relationship, and with the elongated beams extending between the rings. The beams are connected to the rings by electron beam welding so as to form an integral torque sensor assembly.