3

Torsion

Objectives
✓ Determine the shear stresses in a
circular shaft due to torsion
✓ Determine the angle of twist
✓ Analyze statically indeterminate
torque-loaded members
✓ Deterime the shear stresses in a
non-circular shafts and thin-walled
tubes
APPLICATIONS

Photo 3.1 In this automotive power train, the shaft transmits power from the
engine to the rear wheels.
APPLICATIONS
(a) A generator receives
power at a constant number
of revolutions per minute
from a turbine through shaft
AB.

(b) Free-body diagram of

shaft AB along with the
driving and reacting torques
on the generator and
turbine, respectively.
 Assumptions
The stresses and deformations that take place in circular shafts
will be analyzed.
• When a circular shaft is subjected to torsion, every cross
section remains plane and undistorted.
• Deformations in the elastic range and Hooke’s law for
shearing stress and strain (linear shearing stress and strain)
The Stresses in a Shaft

Since
Deformations in a Circular Shaft
If a torque T is applied to the other
end, the shaft will twist, with its
free end rotating through an angle
ϕ called the angle of twist
When a circular shaft is subjected to torsion, every cross
section remains plane and undistorted. In other words, while
the various cross sections along the shaft rotate through
different amounts, each cross section rotates as a solid rigid
slab.
 Shear Strain
For small values of γ, the arc length AA’ is expressed as
AA’ = L γ. But since AA’ = ρ ϕ, it follows that L γ = ρ ϕ, or

ρ and ϕ in radians

Thus, the shearing strain in a circular shaft varies

linearly with the distance from the axis of the shaft.

The shearing strain is maximum on the surface of the

shaft, where ρ = c

the shearing strain at a distance ρ from the axis of the

shaft is
Stresses in the Elastic Range
Hooke’s law for shearing stress and strain

Multiplying both members by G

This equation shows that the shearing stress in the shaft

varies linearly with the distance ρ from the axis of the shaft.
Recall that

Where J is the polar moment of inertia of the cross-section.

For solid cross-section For tube
Example 1

Determine the stress acting on a

small element of material at point A
of the shaft, and points B and C of
the tube when Tt = 80.5 kNm.
Example 2
The shaft shown in figure having 150 mm diameter is supported by
two bearings and is subjected to three torques. Determine the
maximum shear stress at section a–a of the shaft
Solution
Example 3
The pipe shown in figure has an inner radius of 40 mm and an
outer radius of 50 mm. If its end is tightened against the
support at A using the torque wrench, determine the shear
stress developed in the material at the inner and outer walls
along the central portion of the pipe.
Solution
Solution cont.
Angle of Twist in a Shaft

In the elastic range, the yield stress

is not exceeded anywhere in the
shaft. Hooke’s law applies

where ϕ is in radians. The relationship

obtained shows that, within the elastic
range, the angle of twist ϕ is proportional
to the torque T applied to the shaft.
Angle of Twist (cont)

• Sign convention for both torque and angle of twist

– positive if (right hand) thumb directs outward from the shaft
Example 4

What torque should be

applied to the end of the
shaft to produce a twist of
2 0?
Use the value G = 77 GPa for
the modulus of rigidity of
steel.
Solution
Multiple Torques or Sections or Materials
Example 5

The gears attached to the fixed-end steel shaft are subjected to

the torques shown in figure. If the shaft has a diameter of 14
mm, determine the displacement of the tooth P on gear A.
G = 80 GPa.
Solution
Gear Assembly

When both ends of a shaft rotate,

however, the angle of twist of the
shaft is equal to the angle through
which one end of the shaft rotates
with respect to the other.
If a torque T is applied at E, both
shafts will be twisted.

Since the end D of shaft AD is fixed,

the angle of twist of AD is measured
by the angle of rotation ϕA of end A.

On the other hand, since both ends

of shaft BE rotate, the angle of twist
of BE is equal to the difference
between the angles of rotation ϕB
and ϕE

Relative angle of rotation

 1. Determine the torque TAD exerted
on shaft AD.
2. Since the end D of shaft AD is
fixed

3. Determine amount of rotation of

gear B with the use of arc CC’ and
CC’’

4. Determine angle of twist of 5. Angle of rotation of E is

the shaft EB
Example 6

The two solid steel shafts shown in figureare coupled together

using the meshed gears. Determine the angle of twist of end A of
shaft AB when the torque T = 45 N.m is applied. Shaft DC is fixed
at D. Each shaft has a diameter of 20 mm. G = 80 GPa.
Solution
Solution cont.
Statically Indeterminate Shafts
The necessary compatibility condition