ENGINEERING FACULTY

DEPARTMENT OF MECHANICAL ENGINEERING

COURSE: Diploma in Mechanical Engineering (D3MCHE)

SUBJECT: STRENGTH OF MATERIALS - STL261S

Stress & Strain and Torsion of Shafts

DATE: 18 March 2024
DUE DATE: 03 April 2024

WEIGHTING: 5%

EXAMINER: M. LUDICK

MODERATOR: W. KOHLHOFER…………………….

INSTRUCTIONS
1. DOCUMENT TO BE TYPED OR NEATLY HANDWRITTEN.
2. NO LATE SUBMISSIONS WILL BE ACCEPTED.
3. DRAW SKETCHES TO ASSIST IN SOLVING THE PROBLEMS.
4. DRAWINGS MUST BE DONE IN PENCIL.
5. CALCULATIONS CAN BE TYPED OR HANDWRITTEN NEATLY IN INK
(BLUE \ BLACK) ONLY.
7. ANY FORM OF COPYING WILL RESULT IN ALL INVOLVED TO GET
ZERO!
8. SUBMISSIONS TO BE IN STL261S DROP-BOX AT DEPARTMENT. NO
ELECTRONIC SUBMISSIONS. ONLY ONE SUBMISSION PER GROUP.
SURNAME & INITIALS STUDENT NUMBER
1………………………………… ……………………………………..
2………………………………… ……………………………………..
3………………………………… ……………………………………..
4………………………………… ……………………………………..
5………………………………… ……………………………………..
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STL261S – Assignment 1: Stress & strain and Torsion of Circular Shafts
Question 1
A bicycle chain consists of a series of small links, where each is 12 mm long between the
centres of the pins (see figure). You might have to observe a bicycle chain and observe its
construction. The pedal crank arm has a length L = 162 mm centre to centre as shown and the
sprocket (toothed gearwheel) radius R = 90 mm.

1.1 Calculate the tension force T in the chain due to a force F = 800 N applied to one of the
pedals. /4/
1.2 Calculate the average shear stress τ in the pins. /6/

[10]

Question 2
A force P of 80 N is applied by a rider (cyclist) to the front handbrake of his bicycle. (P is the
resultant of an evenly distributed hand pressure). As the handbrake pivots at A, a tension T
develops in the 450 mm long brake cable (cross-sectional area = 1.075 mm2), which
elongates by 0.225mm.
2.1 Determine the stress in the cable. /3/
2.2 Determine the strain in the cable. /2/
2.3 Determine the modulus of elasticity of the cable. /3/
2.4 What material is used to manufacture the cable? Motivate your answer. /2/

[10]
Question 3

A uniform beam, 1 metre long, is suspended in a horizontal position by two vertical support
rods as shown in the figure below. Rod A has a diameter of 12 mm and manufactured from
steel with Esteel = 210GPa. Rod B has a diameter of 16 mm and is made from copper with
Ecopper = 105 GPa. This simply supported beam is to carry a motor vehicle engine and
gearbox weighing 5,5 kN.

3.1 Determine the distance ‘x’ from the left-hand support ‘A’ in order for the beam to remain
in a horizontal position. /7/
3.2 Calculate the stress in each rod due to the applied load. /4/
3.3 Calculate the movement (extension) of the support wires under this 10 kN load. /2/
3.4 Will the rods be able to withstand the applied load? Motivate your answer. /2/

500 mm
300 mm

A B

10 kN

1000 mm

[15]
Question 4

Two solid shafts, 60 mm in diameter, are connected by a rigid flange coupling. The coupling has
a pitch circle diameter of 100 mm and the coupling bolt diameter is 12,7 mm. The bolts and the
shafts are to have the same maximum shear stress.
4.1 Calculate the number of bolts required. /4/
4.2 If the maximum working shear stress is limited to 55 MPa, calculate the maximum power that
can be transmitted by the coupling at 700 r/min. /4/
4.3 If the overall angle of twist is not to exceed 10, what must be the length of the shaft assembly?
(Ignore the effects of the coupling). /2/
[10]

Question 5
A transmission shaft has gears attached to it and is subjected to the torques as shown below.
The shaft has a diameter of 38 mm and is made from steel with G = 82 GPa.
5.1 Calculate the maximum shear stress in the shaft. . /10/
5.2 Determine the angle of twist of end B with respect to end A. /5/

[15]

TOTAL = [60]
 STL261S: Stress & Strain and Torsion

MARKING CRITERIA – 2024: Assignment 1

Question 1
1.1 Tension force T 4
1.2 Shear stress τ 6

Question 2
2.1 Stress in cable 3
2.2 Strain in cable 2
2.3 ECable 3
2.4 Cable material 1
Motivation 1

Question 3
3.1 x - distance 7
3.2 Stress in each rod 4
3.3 Wire extension Δl 2
3.4 Load carrying capability of rods 1
Motivation 1

Question 4
4.1 No. of Bolts 4
4.2 Max Power transmitted 4
4.3 Overall shaft assembly length 2

Question 5
5.1 Max shear stress τ in shaft 10
5.2 Overall angle of twist θ 5

Graduate Attribute
GA1 Problem solving 5
TOTAL 65
%