What is a driveshaft?
Q: What is a driveshaft?
A: A driveshaft is a part of a machine that transfers power from an engine or motor to where useful work can be done.
Q: How is power created in engines or motors?
A: Power in engines and motors is created as torque by making something rotate.
Q: What are some examples of sources of rotating power?
A: Examples of sources of rotating power include an internal combustion engine (in a car), water driving a water wheel, and gas or water going through a turbine.
Q: What is torsion and shear stress?
A: Torsion and shear stress are types of stress that are created as the load turned by the drive shaft creates resistance to rotation.
Q: Why do drive shafts need to be strong?
A: Drive shafts need to be strong enough to take this torque, torsion and shear stress that are created by the load.
Q: What is the balance that needs to be achieved in designing drive shafts?
A: There needs to be a balance between strength and weight in designing drive shafts so that the drive shaft is strong but not too heavy.
Q: How does a light drive shaft affect the efficiency of power transfer?
A: A light drive shaft will more efficiently move the power to the load because it has less mass to accelerate and decelerate, resulting in less energy being wasted.
