PROPELLER SHAFT FOR MOTOR VEHICLE
A propeller shaft for a motor vehicle, incorporating two shaft elements (12, 14) including portions (17, 18) interfitting axially with one another and deformed to a torque transmitting cross-sectional shape, so that frictional forces therebetween are sufficient to prevent relative axial movement in normal service. Under accident conditions, however, the shaft is able to collapse axially during which one of the shaft elements (14) is progressively deformed by the other to provide progressive absorption of energy.