carbon fibre driveshafts

[Derek Daily <ddaily@SMTPGW.MITSUICOMTEK.COM>]

>>> Phil Payne <quk@isham-research.demon.co.uk> - 1/28/98 1:11 AM >>>
In message <s4ce10df.099@SMTPGW.MITSUICOMTEK.COM> Derek Daily writes:

> My question:  Is it possible that reduced wind-up really be what
> we're looking for here?  I.e. direct and immediate power and torque
> transfer to the wheels...in which case torsionally rigid
driveshafts
> would have a major advantage?

[snippage]

It's occured to me (and it occured to the group that questioned the
Audi team  manager) that a cylinder is just about the most
torsionally _stable_ shape.  We  have a clock here that has a
torsional pendulum - it's a flat steel ribbon  about 8" long with a
weight swinging on the bottom controlling an escapement at  the top. 
Moves through about 480 degrees.

I will have to see if I can get on _another_ guided tour of the
workshops ...
  With a pocket tape recorder!  
(snipped) 

NOT Questioning your word Phil with the above question, therefore a
tape recorder shall not be necessary to confirm the assexual
relationship...
Perhaps I am not as slow as I think I thought...
Are you infering that the driveshaft may have held a cylindrical
_shape_ however the innards contained a _spun_ column.
Picture a cross-section of the driveshaft: may it resemble a lollipop
or cinnamon roll in appearance?
In other words, this would allow the piece to maintain (1) extreme
weight loss (2) great longitudinal stability AND (3) acheive a _flex_
or wind-up in the crankshaft!

Hmmmmm.....

Derek Daily
90 CQ
86 VW qsw