Investigating the Torsional Vibration Behaviour of Composite Drive Shafts in Marine Propulsion Shaft Systems

Within ship propulsion shaft systems, shafts function as crucial connecting elements, like springs, where their stiffness values significantly influence the overall vibration behavior of the system.Torsional vibration is particularly perilous in propulsion shaft systems due to the irregular forces exerted by the propeller.This study aims to enhance the integration of composite material in the construction of drive shafts used in the shipbuilding industry and to promote the use of composite materials while investigating torsional vibration behavior.To achieve this objective, a composite drive shaft is modeled using the ANSYS ACP Module, with production details such as ply angle and the number of layers meticulously defined within the ACP Module.The natural frequency of the drive shaft is determined through Modal Analysis, while the torsional angle is obtained using Static Structural Analysis.Optimization techniques are employed with ANSYS Direct Optimization Tool, involving precise adjustments to ply angles, to enhance overall performance.This study focuses on the effects of ply angles, thickness, and material on the torsional vibration behavior of the drive shaft, providing a comprehensive analysis that underscores the potential of composite materials and advanced manufacturing techniques in improving the efficiency and durability of propulsion systems in marine engineering.