BTME2163 Mechanics of Solids: Chapter 1: Torsion 1

Tutorial 1: Torsion

Q1. A hollow steel shaft of internal diameter 10mm, external diameter 20mm and length
0.5m carries a torque of 120Nm. Determine:
a) the angle of twist between the ends of the shaft.
b) the maximum shear stress in the shaft, and
c) the strain energy in the shaft.

For steel, the Modulus of Rigidity G = 81 kN/mm2.

Q2. A shaft is being designed to transmit 10kW at 250 rev/min. It is 300mm long and is to be
made of steel with a maximum working shear stress of 80 MN/m2 and a shear modulus of
75GN/m2.

(a) which would be lighter when working at maximum stress: a solid shaft or a hollow
shaft of 50mm outside diameter? Show all calculations.
(b) If the lighter shaft is used, determine its angle of twist.

Q3. A rod of solid circular section of 40mm diameter is subjected simultaneously to

(a) a tensile force of 100kN
(b) a uniform bending moment of 1kNm
(c) a torque of 1.5kNm

Find the maximum tensile and compressive principal stresses on the surface of the
rod.

Q4. (a) A solid shaft, 100 mm diameter, transmits 75kW at 150 rev/min. Determine the
value of the maximum shear stress set up in the shaft and the angle of twist per metre of the
shaft length if G= 80 GN/m2

(b) If the shaft were now bored in order to reduce weight to produce a tube of 100mm
outside diameter and 60mm inside diameter, what torque could be carried if the same
maximum shear stress is not to be exceeded? What is the percentage increase in
power/weight ratio affected by this modification?

Q5. A circular bar ABC, 3m long, is rigidly fixed at its ends A and C. The portion AB is 1.8
m long and of 50 mm diameter and BC is 1.2 m long and of 25 mm diameter. If a twisting
moment of 680 Nm is applied at B, determine the values of the resisting moments at A and C.
For the material of the shaft G = 80 GN / m2