Torsion of Thin-Walled Tubes

Thin-walled tubes of noncircular cross section are often used

to construct light-weight frameworks such as those used in aircraft. In
some applications, they may be subjected to a torsional loading.
The shear flow measures the force per unit length along the
tube’s cross-sectional area.
Torsion of Thin-Walled Tubes
The average shearing stress across any thickness t is:

𝒂𝒗𝒈 = the average shear stress acting over a particular thickness of

the tube
T = the resultant internal torque at the cross section
t = the thickness of the tube where is to be determined
𝒎 = the mean area enclosed within the boundary of the centerline of
the tube’s thickness
Torsion of Thin-Walled Tubes
Since , then the shear flow throughout the cross section
becomes:

Take note that shear flow q is the product of the tube’s

thickness and the average shear stress. This value is the same at all
points along the tube’s cross section. As a result, the largest average
shear stress on the cross section occurs where the thickness is smallest.
Problem No. 1
 A tube 2 mm thick has the shape shown. Find the shearing
stress caused by a torque of 600 N·m.
Problem No. 2
 The tube is made of plastic, is 5 mm thick, and has the
mean dimensions shown. Determine the average shear
stress at points A and B if it is subjected to the torque of
.
Problem No. 3
 For a given average shear stress, determine the factor by
which the torque-carrying capacity is increased if the half-
circular sections are reversed from the dashed-line positions to
the section shown. The tube is 0.1 in. thick.
Problem No. 4
 The mean dimensions of the cross section of the leading edge and torsion
box of an airplane wing can be approximated as shown. If the wing is
subjected to a torque of and the wall thickness is 10 mm,
determine the average shear stress developed in the wing and the angle of
twist per meter length of the wing. The wing is made of 2014-T6 aluminum
alloy.