Carbon fiber composite drive shafts are not only lightweight but also possess excellent fatigue and corrosion resistance, along with low noise levels, good vibration attenuation, and high safety, making them particularly suitable for large heavy-duty drive shafts. Carbon fiber composite drive shafts can be divided into two types based on their structural forms: integral and assembled. The integral structure can be formed by continuous fiber weaving and curing, while the assembled type consists of two or more components connected to form a whole. The assembled type drive shaft is widely used due to its simple manufacturing process and good mechanical properties.

The drive shaft primarily withstands torque during operation. One of the advantages of carbon fiber composite materials is their high tensile strength. To bear significant torque, the drive shaft must ensure the continuity of the fibers. The hand-laid-up process, using carbon fiber fabric, requires the fabric to be cut into various diameters and shapes as per specifications. This results in the fibers of each layer becoming individual units, lacking continuity, which significantly reduces the torsional strength of the carbon fiber tube.