 Dana
engineers have developed collapsible driveshaft
technology to make light vehicles safer. As the name
implies, collapsible driveshafts are designed to
collapse inward during a vehicle crash. By having the
driveshaft collapse, energy is absorbed, which helps
prevent crash forces from being transmitted through the
vehicle. This, in turn, helps to minimize damage and
injury.
By using an
electromagnetic forming process, which is similar to
magnetic-pulse welding, Dana is developing collapsible
designs for both steel and aluminum driveshaft
applications. The goal is to make driveshafts safer
without compromising weight, cost, and NVH (noise,
vibration, and harshness) characteristics.
Although collapsible
driveshaft technology is primarily aimed at light
vehicles, it can also be used in heavy truck
applications. |
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