CE-31013 Mechanics of Materials I

Chapter 5: Torsion
discuss the effects of applying a torsional loading to a long
straight member such as a shaft or tube.

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5.1 TORSIONAL DEFORMATION OF A CIRCULAR
SHAFT

 Torsion refers to the twisting of a straight bar when it is

loaded by moments (or torques).
 Torque is a moment that tends to twist a member about its
longitudinal axis.

FIG. Torsion of a screwdriver due

to a torque T applied to the handle

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 Consider a prismatic bar of circular cross section twisted by
torques T acting at the ends.

 Twisting causes –the circles to remain circles, and each

longitudinal grid line deforms into a helix that intersects
the circles at equal angles.
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 The shaft is fixed at one end and a
torque is applied to its other end

 Deformations of a Circular Bar

in Pure Torsion

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5.2 The Torsion Formula
 If the material is linear-elastic, Hooke’s law applies,
τ = G r and
 Consequently linear variation in shear strain, leads to
corresponding linear variation in shear stress along any
radial line on the cross section.
 τ will vary- from zero at the shaft’s longitudinal axis to a
maximum value (τmax) at its outer surface.
The Torsion Formula
 Polar Moment of Inertia
For Solid Shaft

Fig. 5–4
For Tubular Shaft

Fig. 5–5

Fig. 5–6
EXAMPLE 5.1
The solid shaft and tube shown in Fig. 5–8 are made of a
material having an allowable shear stress of 75 MPa.
Determine the maximum torque that can be applied to each
cross section, and show the stress acting on a small element
of material at point A of the shaft, and points B and C of the
tube.

Fig. 5–8
EXAMPLE 5.2
The 1.5-in.-diameter shaft shown in Fig. 5–9a is supported by two
bearings and is subjected to three torques. Determine the shear
stress developed at points A and B, located at section a–a of the
shaft, Fig. 5–9c.

Fig. 5–9
EXAMPLE 5.3
The pipe shown in Fig. 5–10a has an inner radius of 40 mm and
an outer radius of 50 mm. If its end is tightened against the
support at A using the torque wrench, determine the shear stress
developed in the material at the inner and outer walls along the
central portion of the pipe.

Fig. 5–10