Composite Navy Propulsor Shaft Design Validation

The proposed Phase II technical effort focuses on fabrication process quality/repeatability validation and model predictability in support of the design/manufacture of lightweight, robust submarine and/or ship propulsor shafts.  Such structures (which have wall thicknesses of multiple inches, diameters in excess of 2 feet, and lengths in excess of 30 feet) must be capable of functioning in a high torque environment, be damage tolerant, exhibit environmental durability, be abrasion resistant, and exhibit compatibility with metallic components, all critical qualities for drive components on Naval platforms.  The technical program includes generation of material property data, characterization of shaft laminate quality and repeatability, validation of the design methodology, verification of the predictability of shaft operational capabilities, and integration of the composite shaft with metal components in the propulsor shaft assembly.