A reinforced pipe (6), e.g., of an epoxy resin, reinforced with fibers, e.g., of carbon or glass, is made preferably by filament or tape winding around a mandrel. A metal connecting fitting (2) for the end of a drive shaft, e.g., a yoke or bearing, has serration (4) formed on the surface of its connecting portion and the pipe and fitting are press-fitted together.
To obtain firm connection, between the connecting surfaces there is interposed a foil or film (5), e.g., a surface-roughened metal foil. Adhesive can also be used. In the illustrated embodiment the fitting (2) has serration (4) externally and is fitted inside the pipe (6); a polymeric film (5) can then be integral with the pipe (6) by laying the film on the mandrel before the pipe-forming.
The serration (4) is of elongated splines extending axially and can have a cross-section as in Fig. 2.
There is thus made a torque-transmitting drive shaft (1) of low weight and high strength and suitable for use in an automobile or ship.