Drive shaft material

[Nic Jones]

Slightly odd question perhaps but would any of the F1 guru's on here happen to know what specific material is used in driveshafts nowadays?

Particularly the material used in the driveshafts from the last Arrows car (2002?) if possible although those used in other cars might be the same.

Thanks.

[Jwb]

www.eng-tips.com/viewthread.cfm?qid=38302 may help.

Quote from the discussion "Finally, the best steel alloy for an axle shaft (which is subject to load reversals) is a vacuum melt 300M (4340 modified)."

Carroll Smith also says the same.

Pankel were a supplier (I think) for top end drive shafts so maybe their site will give some clues.

John

[Nic Jones]

Thanks for that very helpful.

[Jwb]

Also came across this on the Ultima site...

"Specially manufactured drive shafts are made in S155 steel more commonly found in Formula 1 cars

Half the weight of a conventional Ford unit and capable of taking up to 1000bhp"


Johnn

[Nic Jones]

S155 is what we thought they were through (slightly) educated guesswork, thanks for that though.

Now to find someone with a long drill...

[GreenV8S]

Jwb said:

capable of taking up to 1000bhp"

I'd have thought torque would be the limiting factor? You're unlikely to overrev a half shaft, so it'd take as much power as you like if you spin it fast enough.

[Nic Jones]

GreenV8S said:

Jwb said:

capable of taking up to 1000bhp"

I'd have thought torque would be the limiting factor? You're unlikely to overrev a half shaft, so it'd take as much power as you like if you spin it fast enough.

Torque is the big issue.

[bluesatin]

JWB

Broke my drive shaft in two on the ultima with only just over 500bhp and 500 ft/lb!