Overview:

SR26 Load-Bearing Half Shaft

I designed and analyzed the load-bearing half shafts that serve as the lower member in our rear suspension. They are made out of 2 components, a grade 9 titanium tube which we purchase off the shelf and cut to length, and a machined grade 5 titanium yoke. We send them to one of our sponsors to be electron beam-welded together. This year I was able to reduce the weight of the half shaft by 18% despite an 11% increase in torque to the rear wheels. The shafts need to be able to handle 880 ft-lbs of torque and a max net suspension force of 3240 lbs while maintaining a minimum factor of safety of 1.5.