Shafts

Objectives:
After completing this lesson the students should be able to:
1. To define shaft.
2. To identify the different type of loads/stress the shaft can be
subjected to.
3. To appreciate the different equation to be used.
4. To design and specify reasonable final dimensions for shafts that
satisfies the strength requirements.
I. Shafts subjected to pure torsion only
Basic equation:
𝑇𝑟
Ss =
𝐽
where:
𝑆𝑆 = induced shear or torsional stress
T = torque
r = radius
J = polar moment of inertia
In designing
𝑆𝑦𝑠
Ss = Sds =
𝑁
Solid shaft:
16𝑇
Ss = 𝜋𝐷3
Solid shaft:
16𝑇
Ss = 𝜋𝐷3

Hollow shaft:

16𝑇𝐷𝑂
Ss = 𝜋 𝐷𝑂4 −𝐷4
𝑖
Torsional Deflection:
𝑇𝐿
𝜃=
𝐽𝐺
where:
T = torque
L = length of shaft
G = modulus of rigidity
θ = angle of twist (torsional deflection)
J = polar moment of inertia
II. Shafts subjected to pure bending or flexure
Solid shaft:
𝑀𝐶 𝑀
S= 𝐼
= 𝑧
Where: z = section modulus
𝜋𝐷3
z= 32
32𝑀
S = 𝜋𝐷3
II. Shafts subjected to pure bending or flexure
Solid shaft:
𝑀𝐶 𝑀
S= 𝐼
= 𝑧
Where: z = section modulus
𝜋𝐷3
z= 32
32𝑀
S = 𝜋𝐷3

Hollow shaft:
𝑀
S= 𝑧
Where:
𝜋
z = 32𝐷 (𝐷𝑂4 − 𝐷𝑖4 )
𝑂

32𝑀𝐷
S = 𝜋[𝐷4−𝐷04]
0 𝑖
III. Shaft subjected to Axial Loads (tension or
compression)
• For a solid shaft:
𝐹 𝜋𝐷2
𝑆𝑎 = where: A=
𝐴 4
4𝐹
𝑆𝑎 = 2
𝜋𝐷
III. Shaft subjected to Axial Loads (tension or
compression)
• For a solid shaft:
𝐹 𝜋𝐷2
𝑆𝑎 = where: A=
𝐴 4
4𝐹
𝑆𝑎 = 2
𝜋𝐷
• For Hollow shafts:
𝐹 𝜋
𝑆𝑎 = where: A= (𝐷𝑂2 − 𝐷𝐼2 )
𝐴 4
4𝐹
𝑆𝑎 = 2 −𝐷 2 )
𝜋(𝐷𝑂 𝐼
IV. Shafts subjected to Torsion and Bending
IV. Shafts subjected to Torsion and Bending
V. The ASME Code
• Applicable to shaft subjected to axial load, torsion and bending.
For the Strength
ASME code specifies that for commercial steel shafting;
• 𝑆𝑠𝑎𝑙𝑙𝑜𝑤𝑎𝑏𝑙𝑒 =8000 psi or 55 MPa (for shaft without keyway)
• 𝑆𝑠𝑎𝑙𝑙𝑜𝑤𝑎𝑏𝑙𝑒 =6000 psi or 41.37 MPa (for shaft with keyway)

ASME code states that for ductile material purchased under definite
specification;
• 𝑆𝑠𝑎𝑙𝑙𝑜𝑤𝑎𝑏𝑙𝑒 =0.30 𝑆𝑦
or
• 𝑆𝑠𝑎𝑙𝑙𝑜𝑤𝑎𝑏𝑙𝑒 =0.18 𝑆𝑢
Note: 1.) In designing use the smaller value
2.) These values are to be reduced by 25% if keyways are present
Basic Information and Definitions
A shaft is basically a rotating member supported by bearings and
transmitting power. Short shafts on machines are called spindles. Shafts
that are stationary and purely loaded in bending with gears, pulleys,
and wheels rotating on it are called axles.

Shafts are usually of circular cross-sections, either solid or hollow.

Design Considerations
Steps used in designing shafts based on its strength
• Step 1. Indicate the type of material to be used; whether ductile or brittle
• Step 2. Determine type or nature of loading
• Step 3. Compute the design stress based on type of loading (steady, minor
shock, heavy shock) and material used (ductile or brittle)
• Step 4. Compute induced stress on shaft due to nature of load (pure
• torsion, pure bending, combined loads)
• Step 5. Equate the computed induced stress with the design or working
stress (Induced stress = design stress)
• Step 6. Solve for the shaft diameter. After the shaft size is computed, the
diameter is modified upwards only to fit a standard bearing, or a preferred
commercial size. Calculations merely indicate the minimum size.
Example:
A marine propeller shaft is to transmit 3 700 kW @ 126 rpm
without exceeding the torsional stress of 42 MPa or twisting through
more than 1° in a length of 20 times the diameter. If modulus of rigidity
is taken as 83 GN/m², determine the shaft diameter required.
A marine propeller shaft is to transmit 3 700 kW @ 126 rpm without exceeding the torsional
stress of 42 MPa or twisting through more than 1° in a length of 20 times the diameter. If
modulus of rigidity is taken as 83 GN/m², determine the shaft diameter required.
Given:
P= 3 700 Kw L= 20D
N= 126 rpm G= 83 GPa
𝑆𝑠 = 42 MPa 𝜃= 1°
Required:
D =?
A marine propeller shaft is to transmit 3 700 kW @ 126 rpm without exceeding the torsional
stress of 42 MPa or twisting through more than 1° in a length of 20 times the diameter. If
modulus of rigidity is taken as 83 GN/m², determine the shaft diameter required.
Given: Solution:
P= 3 700 Kw L= 20D Type of load; Pure torsion
N= 126 rpm G= 83 GPa 16𝑇
𝑆𝑠 = 𝜋𝐷3
𝑆𝑠 = 42 MPa 𝜃= 1°
where:
Required: 𝑃
D =? T= 𝜔 ω= 2Πn
1000𝑊 1 60𝑠𝑒𝑐
T= 3700Kw x X
1𝑘𝑊 2𝜋/𝑟𝑒𝑣 126𝑟𝑝𝑚
x 1𝑚𝑖𝑛
T= 280,000 N.m
3 16𝑇 3 16 280,000 𝑁.𝑚
D= 𝜋𝑆𝑠
= 𝜋 42𝑥106𝑁/𝑚2
D=0.324m= 324mm
A marine propeller shaft is to transmit 3 700 kW @ 126 rpm without exceeding the torsional
stress of 42 MPa or twisting through more than 1° in a length of 20 times the diameter. If
modulus of rigidity is taken as 83 GN/m², determine the shaft diameter required.
Given: Solution:
P= 3 700 Kw L= 20D Type of load; Pure torsion
N= 126 rpm G= 83 GPa 16𝑇
𝑆𝑠 = 𝜋𝐷3
𝑆𝑠 = 42 MPa 𝜃= 1°
where:
Required: 𝑃
D =? T= 𝜔 ω= 2Πn
1000𝑊 1 60𝑠𝑒𝑐
Torsional Deflection: T= 3700Kw x X
1𝑘𝑊 2𝜋/𝑟𝑒𝑣 126𝑟𝑝𝑚
x 1𝑚𝑖𝑛
𝑇𝐿
θ=𝐽𝐺 T= 280,000 N.m
𝜋 280,000 𝑁.𝑚 20𝐷 𝑚 3 16𝑇 3 16 280,000 𝑁.𝑚
1° = 𝜋𝐷4
D= 𝜋𝑆𝑠
= 𝜋 42𝑥106𝑁/𝑚2
180° 𝑚4 𝑥 83𝑥109 𝑁/𝑚2
32
D=0.324m= 324mm
D= 0.339m= 339mm

Say use a shaft diameter of 340 mm

Example:
A 76 mm solid shaft is to be replaced by a hollow shaft of same
material and equal torsional strength yet the hollow weighs only half as
much as the solid per unit length. Find the dimensions of the hollow
shaft required.
A 76 mm solid shaft is to be replaced by a hollow shaft of same material and equal torsional
strength yet the hollow weighs only half as much as the solid per unit length. Find the
dimensions of the hollow shaft required.

Given: Solution:
𝐷𝑠 = 76 mm
𝑊𝐻 = ½ Ws Solid Hollow

Required: 𝑆𝑠 = 𝑆𝐻
𝐷𝑜 =? 16 𝑇 16 𝑇 𝐷𝑜
𝐷𝑖 =? =
𝜋 𝐷𝑠3 𝜋 𝐷𝑜4 − 𝐷𝑖4
𝐷𝑜4 − 𝐷𝑖4 = 𝐷𝑠3 𝐷𝑜

𝐷𝑖4 = 𝐷𝑜 4 − 𝐷𝑠3 𝐷𝑜 → 1
A 76 mm solid shaft is to be replaced by a hollow shaft of same material and equal torsional
strength yet the hollow weighs only half as much as the solid per unit length. Find the
dimensions of the hollow shaft required.

Given: Solution:
𝐷𝑠 = 76 mm
𝑊𝐻 = ½ Ws Solid Hollow

Required: 𝑆𝑠 = 𝑆𝐻
𝐷𝑜 =? 16 𝑇 16 𝑇 𝐷𝑜
𝐷𝑖 =? =
𝜋 𝐷𝑠3 𝜋 𝐷𝑜4 − 𝐷𝑖4
𝐷𝑜4 − 𝐷𝑖4 = 𝐷𝑠3 𝐷𝑜

𝐷𝑖4 = 𝐷𝑜 4 − 𝐷𝑠3 𝐷𝑜 → 1
A 76 mm solid shaft is to be replaced by a hollow shaft of same material and equal torsional
strength yet the hollow weighs only half as much as the solid per unit length. Find the
dimensions of the hollow shaft required.

Given: Solution:
𝐷𝑠 = 76 mm
𝑊𝐻 = ½ Ws Solid Hollow

Required: 𝑆𝑠 = 𝑆𝐻
𝐷𝑜 =? 16 𝑇 16 𝑇 𝐷𝑜
𝐷𝑖 =? =
𝜋 𝐷𝑠3 𝜋 𝐷𝑜4 − 𝐷𝑖4
𝐷𝑜4 − 𝐷𝑖4 = 𝐷𝑠3 𝐷𝑜
1 𝐷𝑖4 = 𝐷𝑜 4 − 𝐷𝑠3 𝐷𝑜 → 1
𝑊𝐻 = 𝑊𝑆
2

𝑊
𝜌=
𝑉
W= ρV
A 76 mm solid shaft is to be replaced by a hollow shaft of same material and equal torsional
strength yet the hollow weighs only half as much as the solid per unit length. Find the
dimensions of the hollow shaft required.

Given: Solution:
𝐷𝑠 = 76 mm
𝑊𝐻 = ½ Ws Solid Hollow

Required: 𝑆𝑠 = 𝑆𝐻
𝐷𝑜 =? 16 𝑇 16 𝑇 𝐷𝑜
𝐷𝑖 =? =
𝜋 𝐷𝑠3 𝜋 𝐷𝑜4 − 𝐷𝑖4
𝐷𝑜4 − 𝐷𝑖4 = 𝐷𝑠3 𝐷𝑜
1 𝐷𝑖4 = 𝐷𝑜 4 − 𝐷𝑠3 𝐷𝑜 → 1
𝑊𝐻 = 𝑊𝑆
2

𝑊
𝜌=
𝑉
𝜋 1 𝜋
W= ρV 𝑑𝑜2 − 𝐷12 𝐿𝜌 = 𝐷𝑆2 𝐿𝜌
4 2 4
A 76 mm solid shaft is to be replaced by a hollow shaft of same material and equal torsional
strength yet the hollow weighs only half as much as the solid per unit length. Find the
dimensions of the hollow shaft required.

Given: Solution:
𝐷𝑠 = 76 mm
𝑊𝐻 = ½ Ws Solid Hollow

Required: 𝑆𝑠 = 𝑆𝐻
𝐷𝑜 =? 16 𝑇 16 𝑇 𝐷𝑜
𝐷𝑖 =? =
𝜋 𝐷𝑠3 𝜋 𝐷𝑜4 − 𝐷𝑖4
𝐷𝑜4 − 𝐷𝑖4 = 𝐷𝑠3 𝐷𝑜
1 𝐷𝑖4 = 𝐷𝑜 4 − 𝐷𝑠3 𝐷𝑜 → 1
𝑊𝐻 = 𝑊𝑆
2

𝑊
𝜌=
𝑉
𝜋 1 𝜋 𝐷𝑆2 𝐷𝑆2
W= ρV 𝑑𝑜2 − 𝐷12 𝐿𝜌 = 𝐷𝑆2 𝐿𝜌 𝐷𝑜2 − 𝐷𝑖2 = 𝐷𝑖2 = 𝐷𝑜2 − → 2
4 2 4 2 2
A 76 mm solid shaft is to be replaced by a hollow shaft of same material and equal torsional
strength yet the hollow weighs only half as much as the solid per unit length. Find the
dimensions of the hollow shaft required.
Given: Solution:
𝐷𝑠 = 76 mm
𝑊𝐻 = ½ Ws

Required:
𝐷𝑜 =?
𝐷𝑖 =? → 3

1
𝑊𝐻 = 𝑊
2 𝑆

𝑊
𝜌=
𝑉
𝜋 1 𝜋 𝐷𝑆2 𝐷𝑆2
W= ρV 𝑑𝑜2 − 𝐷12 𝐿𝜌 = 𝐷𝑆2 𝐿𝜌 𝐷𝑜2 − 𝐷𝑖2 = 𝐷𝑖2 = 𝐷𝑜2 − → 2
4 2 4 2 2
A 76 mm solid shaft is to be replaced by a hollow shaft of same material and equal torsional
strength yet the hollow weighs only half as much as the solid per unit length. Find the
dimensions of the hollow shaft required.
Given: Solution:
𝐷𝑠 = 76 mm
𝑊𝐻 = ½ Ws

Required:
𝐷𝑜 =?
𝐷𝑖 =? → 3

Combining (1) and (3)

𝐷 4
𝑠
𝐷𝑜4 − 𝐷𝑠3 𝐷𝑜 = 𝐷𝑜4 − 𝐷𝑜2 𝐷𝑠 +
4
A 76 mm solid shaft is to be replaced by a hollow shaft of same material and equal torsional
strength yet the hollow weighs only half as much as the solid per unit length. Find the
dimensions of the hollow shaft required.
Given: Solution:
𝐷𝑠 = 76 mm
𝑊𝐻 = ½ Ws

Required:
𝐷𝑜 =?
𝐷𝑖 =? → 3

Combining (1) and (3)

𝐷 4
𝑠
𝐷𝑜4 − 𝐷𝑠3 𝐷𝑜 = 𝐷𝑜4 − 𝐷𝑜2 𝐷𝑠 +
4
𝐷𝑠4
𝐷𝑜2 𝐷𝑠2 − 𝐷𝑠3 𝐷𝑜 − ÷ 𝐷𝑜4
4

𝐷𝑠2
𝐷𝑜2 − 𝐷𝑠 𝐷𝑜 − =0 where: 𝐷𝑠 = 76mm
4

𝐷𝑜2 − 76𝐷𝑜 − 1444 = 0

A 76 mm solid shaft is to be replaced by a hollow shaft of same material and equal torsional
strength yet the hollow weighs only half as much as the solid per unit length. Find the
dimensions of the hollow shaft required.
Given: Solution:
𝐷𝑠 = 76 mm
𝑊𝐻 = ½ Ws

Required:
𝐷𝑜 =?
𝐷𝑖 =? → 3

Combining (1) and (3) By quadratic formula:

−𝑏± 𝑏2 −4𝑎𝑐
𝐷𝑠4 x=
𝐷𝑜4 − 𝐷𝑠3 𝐷𝑜 = 𝐷𝑜4 − 𝐷𝑜2 𝐷𝑠 + 2𝑎
4
𝐷𝑠4 let x = 𝐷𝑜
𝐷𝑜2 𝐷𝑠2 − 𝐷𝑠3 𝐷𝑜 − ÷ 𝐷𝑜4
4
−76± − 76 2 −4 1 −1444
𝐷𝑠2 𝐷𝑜 =
𝐷𝑜2 − 𝐷𝑠 𝐷𝑜 − =0 where: 𝐷𝑠 = 76mm 2 1
4
𝑫𝒐 = 91.7mm
𝐷𝑜2 − 76𝐷𝑜 − 1444 = 0
Example:
A 3 in. marine propeller shaft driven at 100 rpm is to be replaced
by two identical shafts driven at 720 rpm, and between them
transmitting 80% more power. If the replacements are to carry a 20%
increase in maximum shear stress over the original shaft, estimate the
suitable diameter of replacement.
 A 3 in. marine propeller shaft driven at 100 rpm is to be replaced by two identical shafts driven at 720
rpm, and between them transmitting 80% more power. If the replacements are to carry a 20% increase in
maximum shear stress over the original shaft, estimate the suitable diameter of replacement.
 A 3 in. marine propeller shaft driven at 100 rpm is to be replaced by two identical shafts driven at 720
rpm, and between them transmitting 80% more power. If the replacements are to carry a 20% increase in
maximum shear stress over the original shaft, estimate the suitable diameter of replacement.
 A 3 in. marine propeller shaft driven at 100 rpm is to be replaced by two identical shafts driven at 720
rpm, and between them transmitting 80% more power. If the replacements are to carry a 20% increase in
maximum shear stress over the original shaft, estimate the suitable diameter of replacement.