Q. What is a mechanical shaft?

Answer

A mechanical shaft is an element of mechanical power transmission that has a cross-section that is typically circular and may be solid or hollow. It is used to transfer rotational motion and torque from one piece of equipment to another. A variety of machine components, including sprockets, clutches, flywheels, pulleys, and gears, are placed on different kinds of shafts and are used to convey the power that is generated by the driving device, such as an engine or motor. The crankshaft of a vehicle is an excellent illustration of a mechanical shaft, as illustrated in the image to the right.