Lecture 4 MECHANICS OF MATERIALS

TORSION
3-1 INTRODUCTION AND ASSUMPTIONS
In this chapter we shall consider the derivation and application of the twisting or
torsion problem only in connection with circular shafts or closed thin-walled tubes.
The twisting of noncircular shafts is so complex that we will only state the formulas
that are used. Sign conventions for torque and angle of twist

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.

The general technique used in all cases of nonuniform stress distribution is outlined in these steps:

1. From a study of the elastic deformations produced by a specified load, plus the application of Hooke's law, determine the
relations between stresses that are compatible with the deformations. Such relations are known as the equations of
compatibility.
2. By applying the conditions of equilibrium to a free-body diagram of a portion of the body, obtain additional relations
between the stresses. These relations, resulting from a study of the equilibrium between externally applied loads and the
internal resisting forces over an exploratory section, are called the equations of equilibrium. ,
3. Be sure that the solution of the equations in steps 1 and 2 is consistent with the loading conditions at the surface of the
body. This is known as satisfying the boundary conditions. 1
 Lecture 4 MECHANICS OF MATERIALS
TORSION

In the theory of elasticity, it is shown that a solution satisfying these three steps is unique; that is, it is the only possible solution.

In deriving the torsion formulas, we make the following assumptions. These assumptions may be proved mathematically, and
some may be demonstrated experimentally. The first two apply only to shafts of circular section.
1. Circular sections remain circular.
2. Plane sections remain plane and do not warp.
3. The projection upon a transverse section of straight radial lines in the
section remains straight.
4. Shaft is loaded by twisting couples in planes that are perpendicular to
the axis of the shaft.
5. Stresses do not exceed the proportional limit.

3-2 DERIVATION OF TORSION FORMULAS

figure 3-1 ,shows two views of a solid circular shaft. If a torque T is

applied at the ends of the shaft, a fiber AB on the outside surface, which
is originally straight, will be twisted into a helix AC as the shaft is
twisted through the angle 𝜃. Figure 3-1. Deformation of circular shaft. 2
 Lecture 4 MECHANICS OF MATERIALS
TORSION

The helix AC is the line joining the original reference line AB on these slices as they become infinitely thin. This description
of the twisting action is idealized, but the resulting helix is accurately described; actually, all such slices start rotating simulta-
neously relative to each other as soon as the torque is applied, the angle of rotation 𝜃 becoming larger as the applied torque is
increased.
Consider now any internal fiber located a radial distance 𝜌 from
the axis of the shaft. From assumption 3 in Art. 3-1, the radius
of such a fiber also rotates through the angle 𝜃, causing a total
shearing deformation 𝛿𝑠 , equal to DE. The length of this
deformation is the arc of a circle whose radius is 𝜌 and which is
subtended by the angle of 𝜃 radians; the length is given by
𝛿𝑠 = 𝐷𝐸 = 𝜌 𝜃 (a)
The unit deformation of this fiber is
𝛿𝑠 𝜌 𝜃
𝛾= = (b)
𝐿 𝐿
The shearing stress at, this typical fiber is determined from Hooke's law , to be
𝐺𝜃 Figure 3-1. Deformation of circular shaft.
𝜏=𝐺𝛾= 𝜌 (c)
𝐿 3
 Lecture 4 MECHANICS OF MATERIALS
TORSION

Equation (c) may be called the equation of compatibility, since the stresses expressed by it are compatible with the elastic
deformations. Note that each of the terms in the parentheses in this equation is a constant which does not depend upon the
particular internal fiber chosen for analysis; the product of these terms represents a constant.

Therefore we conclude that the shearing stress at any internal

fiber is determined by the product of a constant and a variable
radial distance;
i.e., the stress distribution along any radius varies linearly with
the radial distance from the axis of the shaft. Figure 3-1
illustrates the stress variation along the radius OB; the
maximum stress occurs at the outside fiber and is denoted by
Figure 3-2. Free-body diagram of Fig.3-1.
max. 𝜏
In line with the general procedure outlined in Art. 3-1, the shaft
is divided into two segments by a cutting plane M-N. Figure 3-2
shows the free-body diagram of the left-hand portion.

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 Lecture 4 MECHANICS OF MATERIALS
TORSION

To satisfy the condition of static equilibrium, we apply σ 𝑀 = 0, or the fact that the applied torque T equals the resisting
torque Tr. The resisting torque Tr is the sum of the resisting torques developed by all differential loads dP:

𝐺𝜃
𝑇 = 𝑇𝑟 = ‫) 𝐴𝑑 𝜏( 𝜌 ׬ = 𝑃𝑑 𝜌 ׬‬ Where 𝜏 = 𝜌
𝐿
Replacing 𝜏 by its value from Eq. (c) gives
𝐺𝜃
𝑇= 𝐿
‫𝜌 ׬‬2 𝑑𝐴

Or, since ‫𝜌 ׬‬2 𝑑𝐴 = 𝐽 , the polar moment of inertia of the cross

section,
𝐺𝜃
𝑇= 𝐽
𝐿

This is usually written

𝑇𝐿
𝜃= (3-1)
𝐽𝐺
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 Lecture 4 MECHANICS OF MATERIALS
TORSION

In order for 𝜃 to be in the proper units of radians, T must be in N • m and L in m; J of course is in m4, and G is in N/m2.
If we wish to express 𝜃 in degrees, we multiply the right-hand member of Eq. (3-1) by the unit fraction, 180 deg/𝜋 rad
= 57.3 deg/rad.
By replacing the product 𝐺𝜃/𝐿 in Eq. (c) by its equivalent value T/J from Eq. (3-1), we obtain
𝐺𝜃 𝜏 𝐺𝜃 𝑇𝐿 𝑇 𝐺𝜃
𝜏= 𝜌 = and 𝜃= =
𝐿 𝜌 𝐿 𝐽𝐺 𝐽 𝐿

𝑇𝜌
𝜏= (3-2)
𝐽

This is called the torsion formula. The formula that determines the maximum
shearing stress is a more common form of the torsion formula, It is obtained by
replacing 𝜌 by the radius r of the shaft:
𝑇𝑟
Max. 𝜏= (3-2a)
𝐽

Note that since Hooke's law was used in deriving these equations, the stresses must not exceed the shearing proportional limit;
also, these formulas are applicable only to circular shafts, either solid or hollow. 6
 Lecture 4 MECHANICS OF MATERIALS
TORSION

The values of polar moments of inertia for circular shafts are given in Fig. 3-3. Using these values, we obtain the
following modifications of the torsion formula:
Solid shaft: Max. 2𝑇 16 𝑇
𝜏= = (3-2b)
𝜋 𝑟 3 𝜋 𝑑3
2𝑇𝑅 16 𝑇 𝐷
Hollow shaft: Max. 𝜏= = (3-2c)
𝜋 𝑅4 − 𝑟 4 𝜋 𝐷4 − 𝑑4
In many practical applications, shafts are used to transmit power. From
dynamics, it is known that the power 𝒫 transmitted by a constant
torque T rotating at a constant angular speed 𝜔 is given by
𝒫=𝑇𝜔
Where 𝜔 is measured in radians per unit time. If the shaft is rotating with a
frequency of 𝑓 revolution per unit time , 𝜔 = 2 𝜋 𝑓 , and we have Figure 3-3. Polar moment of inertia.

𝒫 =𝑇2𝜋𝑓
Thus the torque can be expressed as With 𝓟 measured in watts (1 W = 1 N.m/s) and 𝒇 in revolutions per second (r/s),
𝒫 the above equation will determine the torque T in newton-meters. This value of T
𝑇=
2𝜋𝑓 may be used in Eq. (3-2) to obtain the maximum shearing stress and in Eq. (3-1) to
7
determine, the angle of twist.
 Lecture 4 MECHANICS OF MATERIALS
TORSION
3-3 FLANGED BOLT COUPLINGS
A commonly used connection between two shafts is a flanged bolt coupling. It consists of
flanges rigidly attached to the ends of the shafts and bolted together, as in Fig. 3-6. The
torque is, transmitted by the shearing force P created in the bolts.
Assuming that the stress is uniformly distributed, the load in any bolt is given by
the simple stress equation 𝑃 = 𝐴 𝜏 and equals 𝜋 𝑑 2 /4 𝜏 . It acts through the center
of the bolt and tangent to the bolt circle. The torque resistance of one bolt is PR,
where R is the radius of the bolt circle. Therefore, for any number of bolts, n, the
torque capacity of the coupling is expressed by
𝜋𝑑 2 Figure 3-6. flanged bolt coupling.
𝑇 = 𝑃𝑅𝑛 = 𝜏𝑅𝑛 (3-4)
4
Occasionally a coupling has two concentric rows of bolts, as in Fig. 3-7. Letting the
subscript 1 refer to bolts on the outer circle and subscript 2 refer to bolts on the inner
circle, the torque capacity of the coupling is
𝑇 = 𝑃1 𝑅1 𝑛1 + 𝑃2 𝑅2 𝑛2 (3-5)
The relation between P1 and P2 can be determined from the fact that the comparatively
rigid flanges cause shear deformations in the bolts which are proportional to their radial Figure 3-7. Coupling with two
8
distances from the shaft axis concentric bolt circles.
 Lecture 4 MECHANICS OF MATERIALS
TORSION

Thus, the shearing strains are related by

𝛾1 𝛾2
=
𝑅1 𝑅2 (a)
Using Hooke's law for shear, 𝐺 = 𝜏 /𝛾, we have
𝜏1 𝜏2 𝑃1 Τ𝐴1 𝑃2 Τ𝐴2
= or = (b)
𝐺1 𝑅1 𝐺2 𝑅2 𝐺 𝑅 𝐺 𝑅
1 1 2 2

If the bolts on the two circles have the same area, A1 = A2, and if the bolts are
made of the same material, G1 = G2, the relation between P1 and P2 reduces to. Figure 3-7. Coupling with two
concentric bolt circles.
𝑃1 𝑃2 (3-6)
=
𝑅1 𝑅2
This is the case shown in Fig. 3-7. Using the relation between P1 and P2, Eq. (3-5) will determine the torque capacity of the
coupling.

A similar procedure may be used for three or more concentric bolt circles.

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 Lecture 4 MECHANICS OF MATERIALS
TORSION
3-4 LONGITUDINAL SHEARING STRESS
So far in our discussion of torsional stress, we have considered only the shearing stress on transverse sections. However, a
longitudinal shearing stress is also induced which is perpendicular and numerically equal to the transverse torsional shearing
stress. As we shall see again in Art. 5-7, this fact illustrates the general principle that a shearing stress acting on one face of an
element is always accompanied by a numerically equal shearing stress acting on a perpendicular face.
To demonstrate the existence of a longitudinal shearing stress, consider
the element isolated by two transverse planes, two longitudinal planes
through the axis, and two surfaces at different radii as shown in Fig. 3-8a.
Taking moments about the axis gh of the enlarged free-body diagram of
this element shown in Fig. 3-8b, we see that equilibrium is possible only
if a longitudinal shearing stress 𝜏ƴ acts in addition to the torsional stress 𝜏.
Multiplying these stresses by the areas of the faces over which they act,
we obtain
෍ 𝑀𝑔ℎ = 0 𝜏 𝑑𝑟 𝑟 𝑑𝜃 𝑑𝑥 − 𝜏ƴ 𝑑𝑟 𝑑𝑥 𝑟 𝑑𝜃 = 0

canceling out the common product r d𝜃 dr dx, we see that

𝜏 = 𝜏ƴ
A pictorial view illustrating this equivalence of longitudinal and torsional
shearing stresses is shown in Fig. 3-8c, where a portion of the shaft has
been removed to clarify the concept. Figure 3-8. Equivalence of longitudinal shearing stress. 10
 Lecture 4 MECHANICS OF MATERIALS
SIMPLE STRESS AND STRAIN

3-5 TORSION OF THIN-WALLED TUBES; SHEAR FLOW

Although the torsion of noncircular shafts requires advanced methods, a simple approximate solution is possible for the
special case of thin willed tubes. In. Fig. 3-9a we consider a tube of arbitrary shape with a variable wall thickness t which is
relatively small compared with the dimensions of the cross section. Figure 3-9b shows, enlarged, a free body of a typical
element of length ∆𝐿, cut from this tube. The torsional stress 𝜏1 across the thickness t1 induces a numerically equal
longitudinal stress, as was proved in the preceding article. Similarly, across the thickness t2 , a different torsional shearing
stress 𝜏2 is accompanied by a numerically equal longitudinal stress.

The resultants of these longitudinal shearing stresses are

𝐹1 = 𝑞1 Δ𝐿 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝐹2 = 𝑞2 Δ𝐿 (a)
𝑡 Τ2
Where the symbol q represents ‫׬‬−𝑡Τ2 𝜏 𝑑𝑡 . The term q is called the
shear flow and is a convenient concept in cases where the precise
distribution of shearing stress across a thickness is unknown or
unimportant. Considering longitudinal equilibrium of the element, we
have Figure 3-9. Shear flow in a thin walled tube.
𝑞1 Δ𝐿 = 𝑞2 𝛥𝐿 𝑜𝑟 𝑞1 = 𝑞2 (b)

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TORSION

The equivalence of the shear flow at two arbitrary positions means that the shear flow must be constant around the cross
section of the tube. In fact, the name shear flow is based on the mathematical analogy between shear flow and the obviously
constant flow of an incompressible fluid around a closed channel whose boundaries are the inner and outer walls of the tube.
To relate shear flow to the applied torque T, consider Fig. 3-10. Over any infinitesimal length dL, the tangential force is q dL,
and its contribution toward resisting the torque is measured by its moment r(q dL) about any convenient center O. Since the
moment of the torsional couple T is independent of a moment center, on equating T to the summation of such contributions,
we have
𝑇 = න𝑟 𝑞 𝑑𝑙 (c)

Instead of carrying out this integration, we note that r dL is twice the area of the shaded
triangle whose base is dL and whose altitude is r. Consequently, since q is constant, the value
of the integral is q times twice the area A enclosed by the center line of the tube wall,

or T = 2Aq (3-7)

Finally, the average shearing stress across any thickness t is given by

𝑇
T = 2A 𝜏t 𝜏= (3-8) Figure 3-10.
2𝐴𝑡 12
 Lecture 4 MECHANICS OF MATERIALS
TORSION
3-6 HELICAL SPRINGS
The close-coiled helical spring in Fig. 3-12 is elongated by an axial load P. The spring
is composed of a wire or round rod of diameter d wound into a helix of mean radius R.
The helix angle is small, so that any coil of the spring may be considered as lying
approximately in a plane perpendicular to the axis of the spring.
To determine the stresses produced by P, we follow the general procedure of passing an exploratory
cutting plane m-n through any typical section as shown and then determining the resisting forces Figure 3-12. Helical spring.
required for equilibrium. We then analyze the stress distribution that creates these resisting forces.
Figure 3-13a shows the free-body diagram of the upper half of the
spring. To balance the applied axial load P, the exposed shaded cross
section of the spring must provide the resistance Pr equal to P. The free
body is now in equilibrium as far as a vertical and horizontal
summation of forces is concerned. To complete equilibrium, however, a
moment summation must also equal zero. It is evident that P and Pr,
being equal, opposite, and parallel, create a couple of magnitude PR
which can be balanced only by an opposite couple. This resisting couple
is created by a torsional shearing stress distributed over the cross
13
section of the spring; it is represented by T = PR. Figure 3-13. Analysis of helical spring.
 Lecture 4 MECHANICS OF MATERIALS
TORSION

To summarize the foregoing discussion, the maximum shearing stress occurs at the inside element and is given by the sum of
the direct shearing stress 𝜏1 = 𝑃Τ𝐴and the maximum value of the torsional shearing stress 𝜏2 = 𝑇 𝑟Τ𝐽, or

4 𝑃 16 (𝑃 𝑅)
𝜏 = 𝜏1 + 𝜏2 = +
𝜋 𝑑2 𝜋 𝑑3
This may be written
16 𝑃𝑅 𝑑
𝜏= 1 + (3-9)
𝜋 𝑑3 4𝑅

Figure 3-14. Torsion of straight

Examination of Eq. (3-9) shows that the ratio d/4R is small for a spring composed of a
and of curved segments.
wire of relatively small diameter wound on a spring with a large radius; this indicates that
in such cases the maximum stress is caused primarily by torsion of the spring wire. On the
other hand, heavy coil springs, such as those used on railroad cars, are made of wire with
a relatively large diameter d in comparison with R, the mean radius of the spring; in these
springs the effect of direct shearing stress is 14% or more of the total stress and cannot be
disregarded.
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 Lecture 4 MECHANICS OF MATERIALS
TORSION

It should be noted that the above discussion contains an error because the torsion formula derived for use with straight bars
was applied to a curved bar. This error is of significance in heavy springs and is explained in Fig. 3-14. In the straight bar in
Fig. 3-14a, torsion produces the same shearing deformation 𝛿 s on fibers AB and CD. The shearing strain, 𝛾 = 𝛿𝑠 Τ𝐿, is the
same at B and D, since the elements AB and CD have the same original length. A different situation, however, exists in the
curved bar in Fig. 3-14b. Although fibers AB and CD undergo the same shearing deformation, the shearing strain at B on the
inside element is greater than at D on the outside element because of the shorter initial length of A B. Therefore, since stress is
proportional to strain, the shearing stress on the inner fibers of a curved bar is greater than on the outer fibers. This fact is not
taken into account in Eq. (3-9). Of course, the importance of this error depends upon how greatly elements AB and CD differ
in original length. Evidently this difference depends on how sharply curved the spring wire is, i.e., upon the ratio of d to R

A. M. Wahl has developed the following formula that takes account of the initial curvature of the spring wire:
16 𝑃 𝑅 4𝑚 − 1 0.615
𝑴𝒂𝒙. 𝝉 = + (3-10)
𝜋 𝑑 3 4𝑚 − 4 𝑚
where m = 2R/d = D/d, the ratio of the mean diameter of the spring to the diameter of the spring wire. In light springs, where the
ratio m is large, the first term in the parentheses approaches unity. Compare with Eq. (3-9), which may be rewritten in the
following form:
16 𝑃𝑅 0.5 (3-9a)
𝑴𝒂𝒙. 𝝉 = 1 +
𝜋 𝑑3 𝑚
For heavy springs which are sharply curved and in which m is not so large, Eq. (3-10)
15
emphasizes and corrects the error in Eq. (3-9).
 Lecture 4 MECHANICS OF MATERIALS
TORSION

Factors 0.5 and 0.615 differ in Eqs. (3-9a) and (3-10) largely because the direct shearing stress is not actually distributed
uniformly over the cross section. We shall see later (Art. 5-7), when discussing horizontal shearing stress in beams, that for a
𝟒
circular cross section the maximum shearing stress produced is approximately 𝟑 times the average shearing stress and varies
from 1.23 at the outside edges to 1.38 at the center. The factor 0.615 in Eq. (3-10) results from multiplying 0.5 by 1.23.
Note that springs are made of special steels and bronzes in which the allowable shearing stresses range from 200 to 800
MPa.

Spring deflection
Practically all the spring elongation, measured along its axis, is caused by
torsional deformation of the spring wire. If we temporarily assume all the spring
in Fig. 3—15 to be rigid except the small length dL, the end A will rotate to D
through the small angle 𝑑𝜃. Because 𝑑𝜃 is small, the arc AD = AB • 𝑑𝜃 may be
considered as a straight line perpendicular to AB, whence, from the similarity of
triangles ADE and BA C, we obtain
𝐴𝐸 𝐵𝐶 𝑑𝛿 𝑅
= Or =
𝐴𝐷 𝐴𝐵 𝐴 𝐵 ∙ 𝑑𝜃 𝐴𝐵
Figure 3-15. Deflection of helical spring.
whence 𝑑𝛿 = 𝑅 𝑑𝜃 16
(a)
 Lecture 4 MECHANICS OF MATERIALS
TORSION

Applying Eq. (3-1), we may replace 𝑑𝜃 by its equivalent value in terms of the torque and length:
𝑃 𝑅 𝑑𝐿
𝑑𝛿 = 𝑅 (b)
𝐽𝐺
which is integrated to give the total elongation contributed by all elements of the spring:

𝑃 𝑅2 𝐿
𝛿= (c)
𝐽𝐺
Replacing L by 2𝜋Rn, which is the length of n coils of radius R, and J by 𝜋 𝑑 4 Τ32, we obtain

64 𝑃 𝑅3 𝑛 (3-11)
𝛿= 4
𝐺𝑑
This expression for spring deflection neglects the deformations caused by direct shear:

𝑃𝐿 𝑃 ( 2𝜋 𝑅 𝑛) 8 𝑃 𝑅 𝑛
𝛿ሖ = = 2 = 2
(3-12)
𝐴𝑠 𝐺 𝜋𝑑 𝐺𝑑
4 𝐺
This latter deformation, however, is generally negligible compared to the value of 𝛿 given by Eq. (3-11) and consequently is
usually ignored. Equation (3-11) is also used to compute the deflection in compression springs provided the coils are not
spaced so closely that they touch when the load is applied. 17
 Lecture 4 MECHANICS OF MATERIALS
TORSION

Problem 305 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.
Solution 305
Problem 307 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?
Solution 307

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TORSION

Problem 309 A steel propeller shaft is to transmit 4.5 MW at 3 Problem 310 Show that the hollow circular shaft whose
Hz without exceeding a shearing stress of 50 MPa or twisting inner diameter is half the outer diameter has a torsional
through more than 1° in a length of 26 diameters. Compute the strength equal to 15/16 of that of a solid shaft of the same
proper diameter if G = 83 GPa. outside diameter.

Solution 309 Solution 310

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TORSION

Problem 311 An aluminum shaft with a constant diameter of 50

mm is loaded by torques applied to gears attached to it as shown
in Fig. P-311. Using G = 28 GPa, determine the relative angle of
twist of gear D relative to gear A.
Solution 311

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Problem 313 Determine the maximum torque that can be applied to a hollow circular steel shaft of
100-mm outside diameter and an 80-mm inside diameter without exceeding a shearing stress of 60
MPa or a twist of 0.5 deg/m. Use G = 83 GPa.
Solution 313

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TORSION
Problem 319 The compound shaft shown in Fig. P-319 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.
Solution 319

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TORSION

Problem 321 A torque T is applied, as shown in Fig. P-321, to a

solid shaft with built-in ends. Prove that the resisting torques at
the walls are T1 = Tb/L and T2 = Ta/L. How would these values
be changed if the shaft were hollow?

Solution 321

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 Lecture 4 MECHANICS OF MATERIALS
TORSION
Problem 326 A flanged bolt coupling consists of ten 20-mm
diameter bolts spaced evenly around a bolt circle 400 mm in
diameter. Determine the torque capacity of the coupling if
the allowable shearing stress in the bolts is 40 MPa.
Solution 326
Problem 328 A flanged bolt coupling consists of eight 10-mm
diameter steel bolts on a bolt circle 400 mm in diameter, and six
10-mm-diameter steel bolts on a concentric bolt circle 300 mm
in diameter, as shown in Fig. 3-7. What torque can be applied
without exceeding a shearing stress of 60 MPa in the bolts?
Solution 328
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 Lecture 4 MECHANICS OF MATERIALS
TORSION

Problem 332 In a rivet group subjected to a twisting couple T,

show that the torsion formula 𝜏 = Tρ/J can be used to find the
shearing stress t at the center of any rivet. Let J = ΣAρ2, where
A is the area of a rivet at the radial distance ρ from the centroid
of the rivet group.
Solution 332

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Problem 333 A plate is fastened to a fixed member by four 20-mm diameter rivets arranged as shown
in Fig. P-333. Compute the maximum and minimum shearing stress developed.
Solution 333

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 Lecture 4 MECHANICS OF MATERIALS
TORSION

Problem 335 The plate shown in Fig. P-335 is fastened to the fixed member by five 10-mm-diameter rivets. Compute the
value of the loads P so that the average shearing stress in any rivet does not exceed 70 MPa. (Hint: Use the results of Prob.
332.)
Solution 335

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TORSION

Problem 337 A torque of 600 N·m is applied to the
rectangular section shown in Fig. P-337. Determine the wall
thickness t so as not to exceed a shear stress of 80 MPa.
What is the shear stress in the short sides? Neglect stress
concentration at the corners.
Problem 340 A tube 2 mm thick has the shape shown in Fig. P-
340. Find the shearing stress caused by a torque of 600 N·m.
Solution 340

Solution 337

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TORSION
Problem 341 Derive the torsion formula 𝜏 = Tρ/J for a solid Problem 343 Determine the maximum shearing stress and
circular section by assuming the section is composed of a series elongation in a helical steel spring composed of 20 turns
of concentric thin circular tubes. Assume that the shearing stress of 20-mm-diameter wire on a mean radius of 90 mm when
at any point is proportional to its radial distance. the spring is supporting a load of 1.5 kN. Use Eq. (3-10)
Solution 341 and G = 83 GPa.

Solution 343

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 Lecture 4 MECHANICS OF MATERIALS
TORSION
Problem 346 Compute the maximum shearing stress developed
in a phosphor bronze spring having mean diameter of 200 mm
and consisting of 24 turns of 200-mm-diameter wire when the
spring is stretched 100 mm. Use Eq. (3-10) and G = 42 GPa.
Solution 346

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 Lecture 4 MECHANICS OF MATERIALS
TORSION
Problem 347 Two steel springs arranged in series as shown in Fig. P-347 supports a load P. The upper spring has 12 turns
of 25-mm-diameter wire on a mean radius of 100 mm. The lower spring consists of 10 turns of 20-mm diameter wire on a
mean radius of 75 mm. If the maximum shearing stress in either spring must not exceed 200 MPa, compute the maximum
value of P and the total elongation of the assembly. Use Eq. (3-10) and G = 83 GPa. Compute the equivalent spring
constant by dividing the load by the total elongation.
Solution 347

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 Lecture 4 MECHANICS OF MATERIALS
TORSION
Problem 350 As shown in Fig. P-350, a homogeneous 50-kg rigid block is
suspended by the three springs whose lower ends were originally at the same
level. Each steel spring has 24 turns of 10-mm-diameter on a mean diameter
of 100 mm, and G = 83 GPa. The bronze spring has 48 turns of 20-mm-
diameter wire on a mean diameter of 150 mm, and G = 42 GPa. Compute the
maximum shearing stress in each spring using Eq. (3-9).
Solution 350

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