3-5 Torsion of Thin Walled Tubes

In the torsion of noncircular shafts, an approximate formula is necessary to calculate the torque applied
on thin-walled tubes. The torque capacity for thin-walled tube is expressed as:

where : T = applied torque ( N-m, lb-in )

A = area enclosed by the centerline of the tube ( mm2, in2 )
q = shear flow ( N/mm, lb/in )

Figure 3-5
The average shearing stress developed across any thickness “t” is given by:

where : τ = shearing stress ( MPa, psi )

T = applied torque ( N-m, lb-in )
A = area enclosed by the centerline of the tube ( mm2, in2 )
q = shear flow ( N/mm, lb/in )
t = thickness ( mm, in )

Thus, the applied torque can also be written as:

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Illustrative Problems:

1. A thin-walled aluminum tube with a rectangular section shown has centerline dimensions of b = 5 in
and h = 2 in. It has a wall thickness of t = 0.25 in. Determine the shear stress developed in the tube
when a torque of T = 10 kip-in is applied.

𝑇
Solution: The shear stress is given by: τ =
2𝐴𝑡
2
A = 5 in ( 2 in ) = 10 in
τ = 10 x 103 lb-in / ( 2 x 10 in2 x 0.25 in )
τ = 2000 psi Ans

2. A thin-walled tube of square cross-section is subjected to a torque of 300 lb-ft. Calculate the smallest
permissible dimension “a” when the allowable stress is 6500 psi.

Solution: From the formula T = 2Aτt, to solve for dimension “a”;

𝑇
A=
2𝜏𝑡
A = 300 lb-ft X 12 / 2 ( 6500 lb/ in2 ) ( 0.10 in )
A = 2.769 in2
a2 = 2.769 in2
a = 1.66 in Ans

Exercises:
1. An elliptical tube has a thickness of 0.15 inch. What torque will produce a shearing stress of 6000
psi? Answer: T = 25447 lb-in
2. A tube 3-mm thick has the cross-section shown. It is subjected to a torque of 500 N-m. Determine
the shearing stress developed across the thickness. Answer: τ = 43.54 MPa

3. A torque T is applied to two tubes with the cross-sections shown. Assuming the same shear stress is
developed in the two tubes, determine the ratio of the shear flow developed in each tube.
Answer: r = π / 4

4. A torque of T = 800 N-m is applied on the rectangular tube shown. Calculate the average shear stress
in the tube at points A and B. Answer: τA = 16.67 MPa