ECS 238

BASIC SOLID MECHANICS

CHAPTER 3:
TORSION OF CIRCULAR SHAFTS
BY
AIMI MUNIRAH BINTI JALILLUDDIN

CONTENTS
1

Learning Outcomes

Introduction

CHAPTER 3: Torsion of Circular Shafts

a
b
c

Torsion Formula
Shear Stress in Circular Shafts
Polar Moment of Inertia

Angle of Twist

CHAPTER 3
TORSION OF CIRCULAR SHAFTS
i.e. Determinate &
Indeterminate Shafts

LEARNING OUTCOMES
At the end of this chapter, the student will able to:
Explain the meaning of torsion, stress and

deformations. (CO4:PO1)

Calculate the angle of twist for determinate and

indeterminate circular shafts (CO4:PO3)

Analysis and design of determinate as well as

the indeterminate (solid / hollow) circular shafts

subjected to twisting couples, or torques by
applying the torsion formulas (CO4:PO3)

INTRODUCTION

SIMPLE TORSION THEORY

SIGN CONVENTION

Sign convention for both torque and angle of twist

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

TORSION OF DETERMINATE UNIFORM & NONUNIFORM SHAFT (SOLID & HOLLOW SECTIONS)
In the case of diameters of different lengths of shaft vary, it is

necessary to consider the shafts in different parts by cutting

the shaft by appropriate section numbers. The torsion force
acting on each shaft diameter can be determine using the
statics equilibrium.

Non-uniform
shaft subjected to
torsion forces
T1
T2

Sign Conventions : Clockwise torsion -ve

Anticlockwise torsion +ve

EXAMPLE 1
DETERMINATE CIRCULAR SHAFT

SOLUTION

EXAMPLE 2
DETERMINATE CIRCULAR SHAFT

the angle of twist of end A.

SOLUTION

EXAMPLE 3
DETERMINATE CIRCULAR SHAFT

A solid steel shaft is loaded as shown in Figure below.

Using G = 80GPa, determine the required shearing
stress at each segment. Hence, calculate the
maximum angle of twist. Given the diameter is 60mm.

SOLUTION
1. FBD

2. Calculate internal
torque

SOLUTION
3. Torque Distribution
Diagram

4. Calculate Shear
Stress

SOLUTION
5. Angle of Twist

EXAMPLE 1
INDETERMINATE CIRCULAR SHAFT

The solid steel shaft shown in Fig. 523a has a diameter

of 20 mm. If it is subjected to the two torques,
determine the reactions at the fixed supports A and B.

SOLUTION
It is seen that the problem is statically indeterminate since there is

only one available equation of equilibrium and there are 2

unknowns

Mx 0
Tb 800 500 TA 0

(1)

Since the ends of the shaft are fixed, the angle of twist of one end of

the shaft with respect to the other must be zero.

A/ B 0

SOLUTION
Using the sign convention established,

TB 0.2 800 TB 1.5 300 TB 0.3

0
JG
JG
JG
TB 645 N m (Ans)
Using Eq. 1,

TA 345 N m
The negative sign indicates that acts

in the opposite direction of that shown

in Fig. 523b.

EXAMPLE 2
INDETERMINATE CIRCULAR SHAFT

A shaft composed of segments AC, CD and DB is

fastened to rigid supports and loaded as shown in
Figure. For bronze, G = 35GPa, aluminium, G = 28GPa
and steel, G = 83GPa. Determine the maximum
shearing stress developed in each segment.

SOLUTION
1. FBD

2. Calculate
internal torque

SOLUTION
3. Find Ta & Td

SOLUTION
4. Find internal
torque

5. Shear stress

EXAMPLE 3
INDETERMINATE CIRCULAR SHAFT

SOLUTION

EXAMPLE 4
INDETERMINATE CIRCULAR SHAFT

SOLUTION

SOLUTION

TUTORIAL

TUTORIAL

TUTORIAL

THE END