Torsion, helicity of drive shaft, direction of energy-flow.

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on the torsion and helicity of a truck's drive shaft during acceleration. It establishes that the twist of the drive shaft, which defines helicity, is crucial for determining the direction of energy flow. While the rotation alone does not indicate power flow direction, combining it with the shaft's twist provides clarity. Typically, energy flows towards the wheels during acceleration, but when a truck decelerates using air brakes, energy reverses direction towards the engine.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of drive shaft mechanics
  • Knowledge of torsion and helicity concepts
  • Familiarity with energy flow principles in automotive systems
  • Basic understanding of truck acceleration and braking systems
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the mechanics of drive shaft torsion in automotive engineering
  • Study the principles of helicity and its applications in mechanical systems
  • Explore energy recovery systems in vehicles, focusing on regenerative braking
  • Learn about the dynamics of power flow in drive trains
USEFUL FOR

Automotive engineers, mechanical engineers, and anyone interested in the dynamics of drive shafts and energy flow in vehicles.

Spinnor
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The drive shaft of a truck undergoing acceleration twists a small amount. That twist defines a helicity. If you just know the rotation of a drive shaft you can not tell which way power flows but if given rotation and the twist of the shaft that can determine the direction of power flow?

Thanks!
 
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Spinnor said:
The drive shaft of a truck undergoing acceleration twists a small amount. That twist defines a helicity. If you just know the rotation of a drive shaft you can not tell which way power flows but if given rotation and the twist of the shaft that can determine the direction of power flow?
Yes.
 
That is cool.

Energy can flow in both directions of a trucks drive shaft but energy normally flows towards the wheels but when a truck uses its air-brakes (edit, or just let's off the gas) to slow down energy flows towards the engine?

Edit, to recover energy from a car or truck energy must flow the other direction.

Thanks!
 

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