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TORSION

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TORSION

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TORSION

Simple torsion theory


When a uniform circular shaft is subjected to a torque it can be shown that every
section of the shaft is subjected to a state of pure shear, the moment of resistance
developed by the shear stresses being everywhere equal to the magnitude, and
opposite in sense, to the applied torque.
For the purposes of deriving a simple theory to describe the behaviour of
shafts subjected to torque it is necessary to make the following basic assumptions:

(1) The material is homogeneous, i.e. of uniform elastic properties throughout.


(2) The material is elastic, following Hooke's law with shear stress proportional to
shear strain.
(3) The stress does not exceed the elastic limit or limit of proportionality.
(4) Circular sections remain circular.
(5) Cross-sections remain plane. (This is certainly not the case with the torsion of
non-circular sections.)
(6) Cross-sections rotate as if rigid, i.e. every diameter rotates through the same
angle.
Angle of Twist
Consider now the solid circular shaft of radius R subjected to a torque T at one
end, the other end being fixed. Under the action of this torque a radial line at the
free end of the shaft twists through an angle 𝜃, point A moves to B, and AB
subtends an angle 𝛾 at the fixed end. This is then the angle of distortion of the
shaft, i.e. the shear strain.
Therefore equating the two eqns.
Stresses
Let the cross-section of the shaft be considered as divided into elements of radius r
and thickness dr as shown and each subjected to a shear stress 𝜏'.
This force will produce a moment about the centre axis of the shaft, providing a
contribution to the torque

The total torque on the section T will then be the sum of all such contributions
across the section,

Now the shear stress 𝜏' will vary with the radius r and must therefore be replaced
in terms of r before the integral is evaluated
The integral is called the polar second moment of area J , and may be
evaluated as a standard form for solid and hollow shafts as shown below.

Combining above eqn. and produces the so-called simple theory of


torsion:
Polar Second Moment of Area
Shear stress and shear strain in shafts
The shear stresses which are developed in a shaft subjected to pure torsion are
indicated and their values being given by the simple torsion theory as

Now from the definition of the shear or rigidity modulus G,

It therefore follows that the two equations may be combined to relate the shear
stress and strain in the shaft to the angle of twist per unit length, thus
Torsional Rigidity
The angle of twist per unit length of shafts is given by the torsion theory as

The quantity GJ is termed the torsional rigidity of the shaft and is thus given by

i.e. the torsional rigidity is the torque divided by the angle of twist (in radians) per
unit length.
Torsion of Hollow Shafts
It has been shown previously, that the maximum shear stress in a solid shaft is
developed in the outer surface, values at other radii decreasing linearly to zero at
the centre. It is clear, therefore, that if there is to be some limit set on the
maximum allowable working stress in the shaft material then only the outer
surface of the shaft will reach this limit. The material within the shaft will work at a
lower stress and, particularly near the centre, will not contribute as much to the
torque-carrying capacity of the shaft.
In applications where weight reduction is of prime importance as in the aerospace
industry, for instance, it is often found advisable to use hollow shafts. As an
example of the increased torque-to-weight ratio possible with hollow shafts,
however, it should be noted for a hollow shaft with an inside diameter half the
outside diameter that the maximum stress increases by 6% over that for a solid
shaft of the same outside diameter whilst the weight reduction achieved is
approximately 25%.
Composite shafts – Series connection
If two or more shafts of different material, diameter or basic form are connected
together in such a way that each carries the same torque, then the shafts are said
to be connected in series and the composite shaft so produced is therefore termed
series-connected.
In such cases the composite shaft strength is treated by considering each
component shaft separately, applying the torsion theory to each in turn; the
composite shaft will therefore be as weak as its weakest component. If relative
dimensions of the various parts are required then a solution is usually effected by
equating the torques in each shaft, e.g. for two shafts in series
Composite shaft – Parallel connection
If two or more materials are rigidly fixed together such that the applied torque is
shared between them then the composite shaft so formed is said to be connected
in parallel
Power transmitted by shafts
If a shaft carries a torque T Newton metres and rotates at 𝜔 rad/s it will do work at
the rate of
Theory 2: Assignment
• Question 1
A hollow shaft has to transmit 6MW at 150rev/min. The maximum allowable stress
is not to exceed 60MN/m2 nor the angle of twist 0.3°per metre length of shafting.
If the outside diameter of the shaft is 300mm find the minimum thickness of the
hollow shaft to satisfy the above conditions. G = 80GN/m2. (25 marks)

• Question 2
A composite shaft consists of a steel rod of 75mm diameter surrounded by a
closely fitting brass tube firmly fixed to it. Find the outside diameter of the tube
such that when a torque is applied to the composite shaft it, will be shared equally
by the two materials. Gs = 80GN/m2; GB= 40GN/m2.

If the torque is 16kNm, calculate the maximum shearing stress in each material
and the angle of twist on a length of 4m. (25 marks)

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