CHAPTER 3: TORSION

TORSION

Introduction and Assumptions

Torsion Formulas

Flanged Bolt Couplings

Longitudinal Shearing Stress

Torsion of Thin-Walled Tubes; Shear Flow

Helical Springs
INTRODUCTION & ASSUMPTIONS

Torsion is our introduction to the problems of

variable stress. Although the general theory of these
problems is complex, its application consists of little
more than substituting given values in the formulas
soon to be derived, and is fairly simple.
INTRODUCTION & ASSUMPTIONS

The general technique used in all cases of nonuniform

stress distribution is outlined in these steps:
1. Determine the relations between stresses that are compatible with
the deformations, form a study of the elastic deformations
produced by a specified load, plus the application of Hooke’s
Law.
2. Obtain additional relations between the stresses, by applying the
conditions of equilibrium to a free-body diagram of a portion of
the body.
3. Be sure that the solutions of the equations in steps 1 & 2 is
consistent with the loading conditions at the surface of the body.
This is known as satisfying the boundary conditions.
INTRODUCTION & ASSUMPTIONS

 General Assumptions:
1. Circular sections remain circular.

2. Plane sections remain plane and do not warp.

3. Radial lines remain straight.

4. Torque is applied perpendicular to axis of shaft.

5. Stresses are within the proportional limit.

TORSION FORMULAS
Torsional Shear Strain, γ Polar Moment of Inertia, J

Torsional Shear Stress, τ  For Solid Shaft:

(max)

Modulus of Rigidity, G
 For Hollow Shaft:

Angle of Twist, θ
TORSION FORMULAS
Problem No. 1
 What is the minimum diameter of a solid steel shaft
that will not twist through more than 3° in a 6-m
length when subjected to a torque of 12 kN·m?
What maximum shearing stress is developed? Use
G = 83 GPa.
Problem No. 2
 The 6061-T6 aluminum shaft shown has a cross-sectional area in the
shape of an equilateral triangle. Determine the largest torque T that
can be applied to the end of the shaft if the allowable shear stress
is and the angle of twist at its end is restricted to
. How much torque can be applied to a shaft of
circular cross section made from the same amount of material? Use
Problem No. 3
 The compound shaft shown is attached to rigid supports. For
the bronze segment AB, the diameter is 75 mm, τ ≤ 60 MPa,
and G = 35 GPa. For the steel segment BC, the diameter is 50
mm, τ ≤ 80 MPa, and G = 83 GPa. If a = 2 m and b = 1.5 m,
compute the maximum torque T that can be applied.
Problem No. 4
 A shaft is made of a steel alloy having an
allowable shear stress of . If the
diameter of the shaft is 1.5 in., determine the
maximum torque T that can be transmitted. What
would be the maximum torque if a 1-in.-diameter
hole is bored through the shaft?
Problem No. 5
 The pipe shown has an inner diameter of 80 mm and an outer diameter of
100 mm. If its end is tightened against the support at A using a torque
wrench at B , determine the shear stress developed in the material at the
inner and outer walls along the central portion of the pipe when the 80-N
forces are applied to the wrench.
Problem No. 6
 Two wrenches are used to tighten the pipe. If P = 300 N is
applied to each wrench, determine the maximum torsional
shear stress developed within regions AB and BC. The pipe has
an outer diameter of 25 mm and inner diameter of 20 mm.
Power Transmission
Shafts and tubes having circular cross sections are often
used to transmit power developed by a machine. When used for
this purpose, they are subjected to a torque that depends on the
power generated by the machine and the angular speed of the
shaft. Power is defined as the work performed per unit of time.
Also, the work transmitted by a rotating shaft equals the torque
applied times the angle of rotation.

where T is the torque in N·m, f is the number of revolutions

per second, and P is the power in watts.
Problem No. 1
 A steel marine propeller shaft 14 in. in diameter
and 18 ft long is used to transmit 5000 hp at 189
rpm. If G = 12 × 106 psi, determine the maximum
shearing stress.
Problem No. 2
 A solid steel shaft AB is to be used to transmit 5 hp from
the motor M to which it is attached. If the shaft rotates at
and the steel has an allowable shear stress
of , determine the required diameter of
the shaft.
Problem No. 3
 A solid steel shaft 5 m long is stressed at 80 MPa
when twisted through 4°. Using G = 83 GPa,
compute the shaft diameter. What power can be
transmitted by the shaft at 20 Hz?