Fr Robert Ballecer, SJ Concerning Mercedes split turbo menchoned eppsiode 91, you said that th...

[G+_610GARAGE]

Fr. Robert Ballecer, SJ  Concerning Mercedes split turbo menchoned eppsiode 91, you said that they used a flexible shaft. I was wondering where you heard this. I was curious, not only why, but how a flexible shaft could withstand the abuse, so I did a little googling. From what I found, it looks like it is just a straight shaft that goes through the middle of the engine. 

 

Also I would love to see more gearhead segments.

[G+_Fr. Robert Ballecer, SJ]

I saw the flexible shaft in an interview with some Mercedes engineers. Pretty cool stuff... I have no idea how you hold a shaft together at 100k RPM. :)

[G+_610GARAGE]

I wonder if the flexible shaft is to absorb some of the torque that is applied when the turbo dramatically changes speed. Then, they could make the shaft out of a tube made with spring steel, or maybe carbon fiber. But now I'm just speculating.

 

Anyway, Fr. Robert Ballecer, SJ , is that interview available online. I would love to see it.

[G+_Fr. Robert Ballecer, SJ]

I don't know... I was watching SPEED when I saw it.

[G+_610GARAGE]

Couldn't find it. :( Thanks though.

 

I did however find I a video that explained all of the benefits of the split turbo, like smaller side pods to improve the aerodynamics of the car. It really shows how just one  engineering idea can cascade into a bunch of benefits.