Effect of stacking sequence on the torsional stiffness of the composite drive shaft

Torsional stiffness is an important parameter judging the performance of composite drive shaft. In this paper, a new mechanical analytical solution of torsional stiffness for the composite drive shaft with balance laminate is derived based on classical lamination theory and mechanical analysis. Finite element analysis (FEA) has been used to calculate the torsional stiffness of carbon fiber-reinforced plastic (CFRP) drive shaft. A torsion test platform has also been constructed to measure the torsional stiffness of CFRP drive shaft specimens. Results of the mechanical analytical solution, FEA, and experiments show that the composite tube with the location of +/- 45 degrees layers near to the outer surface is larger than the ones with the location of +/- 45 degrees layers near to the inner surface. The effect of stacking sequence on torsional stiffness is larger in the thick-walled than that in the thin-walled composite drive shaft. The mechanical analytical solution can complement classical lamination theory which cannot reflect the effect of stacking sequence in calculating the torsional stiffness.