A composite shaft assembly providing a surface for forming joints

摘要

The present invention relates to an assembly that provides metallic ends to a composite shaft and a method Of fabricating such an assembly. The composite shaft 14 is preferably comprised of reinforced fibres. A metallic inner sleeve 12 is positioned in the cavity of one end of the shaft. A metallic outer sleeve 16 is positioned around the end of the shaft having the inner sleeve therein. The outer sleeve may include structural features such as small protrusions that ensure a stable connection between the sleeve and the shaft. The sleeves are compressibly forced onto the shaft, thereby forming the assembly. Both sleeves are metallic, and therefore provide a surface onto which weld joints can be formed. A preferred method of assembly includes the steps of expanding the inner sleeve and compressing the outer sleeve against the shaft.