Abstract: A tubular fiber reinforced composite shaft is formed (as described) which integrally incorporates a metal sleeve or connection at the end thereof. Initially a metal sleeve having circumferentially spaced recesses on the outer periphery thereof is positioned upon a segment of a mandrel. Fibrous material bearing a non-solidified resinous material is applied around the mandrel and around the recesses in the sleeve. Portions of the previously applied fibrous material bearing the non-solidified resinous material are pressed into the recesses. Additional fibrous material bearing the non-solidified resinous material is applied to the previously applied fibrous material. The resinous material next is solidified to form a tubular composite shaft whereby a secure torsion-transmitting connection is made with the sleeve, and the mandrel is removed.

Abstract: A tubular fiber reinforced composite shaft is formed (as described) which integrally incorporates a metal sleeve or connection at the end thereof. Initially a metal sleeve having knurls on its outer surface is positioned upon a segment of a mandrel. Fibrous material bearing a non-solidified resinous material is applied around the mandrel and around the knurls and is locked between spaced knurl projections. Additional fibrous material bearing the non-solidified resinous material is applied to the previously applied material. The resinous material next is solidified to form a tubular composite shaft whereby a secure torsion-transmitting connection is made with the sleeve, and the mandrel is removed. Alternatively, an outer sleeve can be inserted after the additional fibrous material has been applied to the first-named sleeve. The outer sleeve has knurls on an inner surface thereof and is pressed against the fibrous material as by swagging.

Abstract: A tubular fiber reinforced composite shaft is formed (as described) which integrally incorporates a metal sleeve or connection at the end thereof. Initially a metal sleeve having longitudinal grooves is positioned upon a segment of a mandrel. The grooves are inclined in a direction extending longitudinally inwardly and radially outwardly. Fibrous material bearing a non-solidified resinous material is applied around the mandrel and around the grooves in the sleeve. An annular lock ring having radially inwardly projecting ridges is inserted axially over the fibrous material whereby the ridges press the fibrous material into the grooves in the sleeve. The resinous material is then solidified to form a tubular composite shaft whereby a torsion-transmitting connection is made with the sleeve.

Abstract: A tubular fiber reinforced composite shaft is formed by providing a metal sleeve having a plurality of circumferentially straight surface segments on the outer periphery thereof. The sleeve is positioned upon a segment of a mandrel. Fibrous material bearing a non-solidified resinous material is applied to the mandrel and the circumferentially straight surface segments of the sleeve. The resinous material is solidified with portions thereof lying flush against the circumferentially straight surface segments to create a torsion-transmitting connection with the metal sleeve.

Abstract: A tubular fiber reinforced composite shaft is formed (as described) which integrally incorporates a metal sleeve or connection at the end thereof. Initially a metal sleeve having circumferentially spaced recesses on the outer periphery thereof is positioned upon a segment of a mandrel. Fibrous material bearing a non-solidified resinous material is applied around the mandrel and around the recesses in the sleeve. Portions of the previously applied fibrous material bearing the non-solidified resinous material are pressed into the recesses. Additional fibrous material bearing the non-solidified resinous material is applied to the previously applied fibrous material. The resinous material next is solidified to form a tubular composite shaft whereby a secure torsion-transmitting connection is made with the sleeve, and the mandrel is removed.

Abstract: A tubular fiber reinforced composite shaft is formed (as described) which integrally incorporates a metal sleeve or connection at the end thereof. Initially a metal sleeve having apertures is positioned upon a segment of a mandrel. Fibrous material bearing a non-solidified resinous material is applied around the mandrel and around the apertures in the sleeve. Sharpened spikes are pressed through the fibrous material and into the apertures of the sleeve. Additional fibrous material bearing the non-solidified resinous material is applied around the outer ends of the spikes. The resinous material next is solidified to form a tubular composite shaft whereby a secure torsion-transmitting connection is made with the sleeve, and the mandrel is removed.

Abstract: A carbon fiber reinforced composite tubular drive shaft is provided wherein the fibrous reinforcement is positioned in a structural configuration capable of yielding improved service characteristics. The wall of the drive shaft comprises at least four bonded circumferentially disposed layers composed of appropriate fibrous reinforcement situated within a resin matrix (as described). The carbon fibers are disposed generally longitudinally in a layer at an intermediate position within the tube wall and are capable of efficiently increasing the stiffness of the shaft. The overall requirement for the carbon fiber component of the fibrous reinforcement is minimized. Glass fibers likewise are disposed generally longitudinally in a layer at an intermediate position within the tube wall and are capable of economically contributing resistance to torsion buckling to the overall drive shaft without deleteriously influencing the critical speed of the drive shaft.