CHAPTER 3: TORSION Sign conventions for torque T and angle of twist y

Introduction:
In this chapter, we consider the torsion of circular shafts.
Because a circular cross section is an efficient shape for
resisting torsional loads, circular shafts are commonly used to
transmit power in rotating machinery. Torsion is our introduction
to problems in which the stress is not uniform, or assumed to be
uniform, over the cross section of the member.
The Torsion Formulas

Torsion of Circular Shafts The drive shaft of a twin-rotor helicopter.

The figure shows the deformation of a circular
shaft that is subjected to a twisting couple
(torque) T. To visualize the deformation, we
scribe the straight line AB on the surface of the Sample problem #1:
shaft before the torque is applied. After loading, The figure shows a 2-in.-diameter solid steel
this line deforms into the helix AB’ as the free cylinder that is built into the support at C and
end of the shaft rotates through the angle . subjected to the torques TA and TB. (1) Determine
the maximum shear stresses in segments AB and
The rotation of the cross section at the free end of the shaft, called the angle of twist, is BC of the cylinder; and (2) compute the angle of
rotation of end A. Use G = 12 x 106 psi for steel.

Where:
T = torque
L = length of shaft
G = Modulus of Rigidity
J = polar moment of inertia
Polar moments of inertia of circular areas.
The shear stress acting at the distance  from the center of the shaft is:

The maximum shear stress is found by replacing  by the radius r of the shaft:
Sample Problem #2:
A hollow cylindrical steel shaft is 1.5 m long and
has inner and outer diameters respectively equal
to 40 and 60 mm as shown in the figure. What is
the largest torque that can be applied to the shaft
if the shearing stress is not to exceed 120 MPa?
(b) What is the corresponding minimum value of
the shearing stress in the shaft?
Sample problem #3:
Shaft BC is hollow with inner and outer diameters of 90
mm and 120 mm, respectively. Shafts AB and CD are
solid and of diameter d. For the loading shown, determine
(a) the maximum and minimum shearing stress in shaft
BC, (b) the required diameter d of shafts AB and CD if
the allowable shearing stress in these shafts is 65 MPa.
Statically Indeterminate Problems
The procedure for solving statically indeterminate torsion problems is similar to the steps for
axially loaded bars:
1) Draw the required free-body diagrams and write the equations of equilibrium.
2) Derive the compatibility equations from the restrictions imposed on the angles of twist.
3) Use the torque-twist relationships to express the angles of twist in the compatibility equations
in terms of the torques.
4) Solve the equations of equilibrium and compatibility for the torques.
Sample problem #4:
The shaft in the figure consists of a 3-in.-diameter aluminum segment that is rigidly joined to a 2-
in.-diameter steel segment. The ends of the shaft are attached to rigid supports. Calculate the
maximum shear stress developed in each segment when the torque T = 10 kip-in. is applied. Use
G = 4 x 106 psi for aluminum and G = 12 x 106 psi for steel.
Sample problem #5:
The compound shaft, composed of steel, aluminum, and bronze segments, carries the two
torques shown in the figure. If TC = 250 lb-ft, determine the maximum shear stress developed in
each material. The moduli of rigidity for steel, aluminum, and bronze are 12 x 106 psi, 4 x 106 psi,
and 6 x 106 psi, respectively.
For heavy springs and considering the curvature of the spring, A.M. Wahl formula a more precise,
it is given by:
where m is called the spring index and (4m - 1)/(4m - 4) is the Wahl Factor.
The elongation of the bar is:

Sample problem #6:

Compute the maximum shearing stress developed in a phosphor bronze spring having mean
diameter of 200 mm and consisting of 24 turns of 200-mm-diameter wire when the spring is
stretched 100 mm. Use Wahl Formula and G = 42 GPa.

Sample Problem #7:

A rigid bar, pinned at O, is supported by two
identical springs as shown in the figure. Each
spring consists of 20 turns of ¾-in-diameter
wire having a mean diameter of 6 in.
Determine the maximum load W that may be
supported if the shearing stress in the springs
HELICAL SPRINGS is limited to 20 ksi.
When close-coiled helical spring, composed of a wire of round rod of diameter d wound into a
helix of mean radius R with n number of turns, is subjected to an axial load P produces the
following stresses and elongation:

The maximum shearing stress is:

This formula neglects the curvature of the spring. This is used

for light spring where the ratio d/4R is small.
Assignment:

1) The solid compound shaft, made of three different materials, carries the two torques shown.
(a) Calculate the maximum shear stress in each material. (b) Find the angle of rotation of the free
end of the shaft. The shear moduli are 28 GPa for aluminum, 83 GPa for steel, and 35 GPa for
bronze.

2) Four pulleys are attached to the 50-mm-diameter

aluminum shaft. If torques are applied to the pulleys
as shown in the figure, determine the angle of rotation
of pulley D relative to pulley A. Use G = 28 GPa for
aluminum.

3) Both ends of the steel shaft are attached to rigid supports. Find the distance a where the torque
T must be applied so that the reactive torques at A and B are equal.

4) A closely-coiled helical spring is to carry a load of 1 KN. Its mean diameter is to be 10 times
that of wire diameter. Calculate these diameters if the maximum shear stress in the material of
the spring is to be 90 MPa.

5) A helical spring is fabricated by wrapping wire 3/4 in. in diameter around a forming cylinder 8
in. in diameter. Compute the number of turns required to permit an elongation of 4 in. without
exceeding a shearing stress of 18 ksi. Use G = 12 × 106 psi.