TORSION

4.1 INTRODUCTION
Torsion refers to twisting of a straight member under the action of a turning moment
or torque which tends to produce a rotation or twist about the longitudinal axis.
In engineering problems, many members are subjected to torsion. Shafts transmitting
power from engine to the rear axle of automobile, from a motor to machine tool and from
a turbine to electric motors,
propeller shaft, steering rods of automobile are common examples
of members in torsion.

4.1.1 Pure Torsion

A member is said to be in Pure torsion when its cross sections are subjected to only
torsional moments and not accompanied by axial forces or bending moment. Now consider the
section of a shaft under pure torsion as shown in figure. The intermal forces develop so as to
cOunteract this torsional moment. Hence, at any element, the torque dF developed is in the direction
normal to radial direction. This force is obyiously shearing force and thus the elements are in
pure shear. If dA is the area of the element at distance from ihe axis of shaft, then,

dF qdA .4.1)
Where 'q is shearing stress, and dT= dFX r
..4.2)
A
A
T
A

T
L
Fig. 4.1 Pure Torsion
4.1.2 Assumptions in the theory of pure torslon

The theory of pure torsion is based on the following assumptions

1. The material is homogeneous and isotropic.

The stiesses are within the elastic limit, i.e. shear stress is proportional to shear
2.
strain.
Cross sections which are plane before applying the twisting moment remains
plane even after the application of the twisting moment 1.e. no wrapping takes

place.
. Radial lines remain radial even after applying the torsional moment.

5.
5 The twist along the shaft is uniform.
6. The shaft is of uniform sircular section throughout.

4.1.3 Torsion of Circular shaft

Consider a solid shaft of radius R and shear stress T, Let us consider small elemental
area of thickness dr.

Turning force on the shaft =T, x 27Tx X dx

Turning moment on the shaft dT =T, x 2tx x dx x x D

Total turning moment can be obtained by

R

aT= * 2tx xdxxx Fig. 4.2 Torsion of circular shaft

0

aT=2n de .(4.3)

We know that,

R
Substitute T, value in equation (4.3)

dT=2
0
 dx
O

T-txTXD'
Torque, T XTXD3
.(4.4)

41.4 Torsion of Hollow Circular shaft

Consider a hollow circular shaft of outer radius inner

radius and shear stress
Let us consider a small elemental area of thickness
The turning force on the hollow shaft

TX 27Lx x dx D
Turning moment, dT= T, x 27x x dx xx
Total turning moment can be obtained by
Flg. 4.3 Torsion of hollow circular shaft
R

dT= TX 27tx x dx xx

dT 27 Tdx
...(4.5)
We know that,

Substitute T, value in equation (4.5)

R
dT 2 xR dx
 R
T2R d

2 t-
4 4

16 D

Torque, D .(4.6)

4.1.5 Elastic Theory of Torsion or Derivation of Torsional Equations

L and radius R fixed at one end and subjected to a torque
Consider a shaft of length
T at the other end as shown in the figure 4.4.

Let O be the centre of circular section and B be a point on

surface. AB is the line on
the point B moves to
the shaft parallel to the axis of the shaft. When torque T is applied,
B'. If o is shear strain and 6 is the angle of twist in length L. then

R0 BB = L¢

A
T

T
L

Flg. 4.4 Elastic theory of torsion

If t is the shear stress and C is modulus of rigidity then,

 R0=c
or R L
T_C0
...(4.7)
Similarly it the point
B considered is at any distance from the centre instead of on tne
surface. it can be shown that

Ce
x L

..4.8)
Thus shear stress increases
linearly from zero at axis to the maximum value Tt at surface.
TU
We know that, T= 16 XTXD°
>T«10XT

TTD

Substitute t value in equation (4.7)

16x T 16xT

CenD TD°
L R 2

32T 32T
LTD xD TD"
T

=C6_T
L
Where J (polar moment of inertia)
=

Torsional equation|
---
..(4.9)
Above equation (4.9)is called as Torsional Equation.

ror hollow shaft, Polar moment of inertia J -

 4.1.6 Power transmitted to shaft

Consider a shaft subjected to a torque and rotating at N revolutions per minute

Power is defined as the rate of doing work. Taking second as the unit of time.

27T N
which torque moves
X 27t =

Angle through 60
Power= work done per second

27t N
P TX A0

2T NT
Power=- 60
60
..(4.10)
Where.
N- No. of revolution per minute
T- Torque in kN-m
P-Power in kW or kNm/sec

4.1.7 Torsional Rigidity

From the torsional equation, we know that

...(4. 1 1)

Or
L ..4.12)
Since C, J and L are constant for a given shaft. 0 (Angle of twist) is directly proportional
to T (Torque).
The term CJ may be defined as torque required to introduce unit angle of twist in
unt
length and is called as Torsional rigidity of shaft and it is represented by
or Stiffness
The term may be defined as the torque required to introduce unit angle of twist over
the length of the shaft which is known as Torsional
stiffness.

4.1.8 Shaft in Series and Parallel

Two shafts may be joined in series or

parallel. Let 1 end R denote various parameters
of two shafts.
1. Shaft in Parallel
When two shafts are joined in parallel, torque applied to the composite shart in
e of he torque on the iwo shalts. i.e.,

T=Ti+7=o,C
+
/20

If angular twist and the length are the same, T= (C1/ +C2/2
Thus angular twist, 8 = -

C +C2
2. Shafts in Seriess
When two shaft are joined in series and both shafts
a torque is applied are
subjected
to the same torque. Thus

T= T hRT2
Also T _C/202

The angle of twist is the same of angle of twist of each shaft i.e.,

Tl Tl2
C
CpC
4.2 sOLVED PROBLEMS ON TORSION

PROBLEM 4.1
A solid shaft of 150 mm diameter is used to transmit torque. Find the maximum torque
transmitted by the shaft if the maximum shear stress induced to the shaft is 45 N/mm
Given:
Diameter. D 150 mm
Shear stress, T45 N/mm

To Find & Formula used

Maximum Torque. T-
Solution:
Maximum Torque, TTTD
 x 1503
16 45
T=TEx

T 29820.586 x 10° Nmm

Maximum Torque, T=29.82kNm

PROBLEM 4.2
The shear stress ofa solid shaft is not exceeding 40 N/mm when the torque transmitted

is 20000 Nm. Determine the maximum diameter of the shafi?

Given: Shear stress, T= 40 N/mm.

Torque, T 20000 Nm

T 20000x 10° Nmm

To Find and Formula used

Diameter of the shaft, D

Solution:
TT
T16tD
20000x 10° =x 40xD'
l6

D 136.2 mm

Maximum Diameter of the shaft, D =

136.2 mmn
PROBLEM 4.3
In ahollow circular shaft of outer diameter and inner diameter
of 20 cm and 10 C
respectively, the shear stress is not to exceed 40 N/mm. Find the maximum torque whi h
the shaft can transmit safely.
Given: Outer Diameter, D,= 20 cm = 200 mm

Inner Diameter, D = 10 cm = 100 mm

Shear stress, T=40 N/mm

 Formula used
To Find &

Maximum Torque, T = ,
D
D
Solution:

Maximum Torque, T= -D
16 D
T1x40x 200-100
200

58.904 x 10° Nmm

T 58904.86 Nm
T 58.90 kNm

Maximum Torque, T= 58.90 kNm

PROBLEM 4.4
Find the maximum shear stress induced in a solid circular shaft of diameter 15 cm when
the shaft the transmits 150 kW power at 180 rpm.

Given:

Diameter, D= 15 cm = 150 mm

Power, P 150 kW = 150 x 10 w

No. of Rotation, N= 180 rpm

To Find

Shear stress, T

Formula used
Power, P=N T
60

Torque, 76D
6
 Solution:
P 2N
7T
Power 60

150 x 10= 27 1807

60

T 7957.7 Nm

Torque, T 7957.7x 10° Nmm

Torque,

7957.7 x 10=t 150*

= 12 N/mm

Maximum Shear stress, T= 12 N/mm

PROBLEM 4.5
A solid shaft has to transmit 75 kW at 200 rpm. Taking average shear stress as

70 N/mm. Find suitable diameter for the shaft, if the maximum torque transmitted at each
revolution exceeds the mean by 30%.

Given:

Power, P 75 kW =75 x 10° wN

No. of revolution, N 200 rpm
Shear stress, T 70 N/mm

max3 meun
To Find
Diameter of the shaft, D

Formula used

P2 NT
Power, 60

T
Torque,
Solution:

2t NI mcan
Power, P=
60

75 x 103272007,mean
60
=
3580.98 Nm

mean3580.98 x 10° Nmm

Tmax 1.3Tmean
Tmax4655274 Nmm

max tD°

4655274 x70xD
16

D=3 4655274 x 16
16t

D 69.57 mm 70 mm

Diameter of the shaft, D =70 mm

PROBLEM 4.6
A hollow shaft is to transmit 300 kW power at 80 rpm. If the shear stress is to not exceed

Nmm and the internal diameter is 0.6 times of the external diameter. Find the internal
d exiernal diameter. Assume that maximum torque is 1.4 times the mean.

Given:
Power, P 300 kW =300 x 10' W
No. of revolution, N 80 rpm
Shear stress, T 60 N/mm
Internal diameter =
0.6 External diameter
i.e D=0.6D
max4lmean
To Find

External diameter of the shaft, D,

Internal diameter of the shaft, D

Formula used

Power P-2T60NT

Maximum Torque,
D
Solution:
2T NT mean
Power, P= 60

300 x 10 = man
60
mean35809.8 Nm

mean35828.03 x 10° Nmm

Tmax 1.4Tmean
= 1.4 x 35828.03 x 103
Tmax=50159242 Nmm

Maximum Torque, Tmax

16
D
5015924 x 60 x -
D
D-(0.6D,
S0159242=x60xo
16
(0.6D,)"
D
50159242 x60 0.8704
x
6

D50159242 x 16
O
TX 60x 0.8704
 D 169.78 mm- 170 mm
External diameter of the shaft, D,= 170mm

D= 0.6D
D; = 0.6 X 170

D= 102 mm

Internal diameter of the shaft, D;= 102 mm|

PROBLEM 4.7
Determine the diameter of a solid shaft which will transmit 300 kW at 250 pm. The

maximum shear stress should not exceed 30 N/mm and twist should not be more than 1
degree for a shaft of length 2m. Take modulus of rigidity as 1x10 N/mm".

Given:

Power, P= 300 kW = 300x 10 w

No. of revolution, N=250 rpm

Shear stress, T 30 N/mm

Twist, =1 degreeRx=0.01745 radian

Shaft length, l= 2 m= 2000 mm

Modulus rigidity, C x 10° N/mm

To Find

Diameter of the shaft, D

Formula used
P 277NT
Power, 60

Power, TiTD
Solution:
27T NT
Power, P==" NI
60

300 x 103 _2T 2507T

60

mean1 1459.56 Nm
mean11459.56 x 10' Nmm
Diameter of the shaft when maximum shear stress is 30
N/mms

TTD
11459.1 x 10 =x30 x D*
16

D 124.5 mm
Diameter of the shaft when twist should not
exceed1 degree

11459.1 x 10 1x 10 x0.01745
2000

D=107.5 mm
Select greater diameter that will resist
both shear stress and
angle of twist.
. Diameter of shaft, D =
124.5mm
CPROBLEM 4.8
A hollow shaft having an internal diameter 60% of its outer diameter is to
shaft transmitting the samne power, replace a soa
same speed, Calculate the
to be used is also the same. percentage in saving material
Given: D, = 0.6D,

Solution
Same material is used for both hollow and solid shaft

stress is same in both the cases.

. Shear
 Power, P=ZTNT

60

T 60P=
27t N
Constant
ISince Power, P and No. of revolution N are same for both hollow and solid shaft)

Tsolid TD°

THollow 16 D-D
D
THollow D-(0.6D
D [since D0.6D,

Hollow T0.8704D
Since same torque acts on both solid and hollow shaft, equating the equations

TSolid THollow
TTD
16 16 r0.8704D
D= 0.8704D
D=3 Vo.8704D

D=0.9548 D,|
Area of solid shaft, Asolid D

TT
Asolid (0.9548D)
A Solid0.716D

Area of hollow shaft.

AHollow =D-D1

AHollow4 -(0.60)
AHollow (D-0.360
 AHollow 0.64D

A Hollow0.s02n;|

For the shaft of the same material the weight of the shatt is proportional to the
the area
of in material

'Saving in material = Saving of Area

Saving in material ASolidAHollow

Asolid
0.716D-0.5 02D
0.716D
|Saving in material =0.2988
Percentage of Saving =
0.2988 x 100

Percentage of Saving =29.88%

PROBLEM 4.9
Two shafts of the material and of same lengths are
same
the first shaft is subjected to a same torque, i
of a solid circular section and the second
section, whose internal diameter is 2/3 shaft is of holow circular
stress developed in each
of the outside diameter and the maximum shear
shaft is the same, compare the weights of the (8)
shafis.
Solution
Two shaft of the
same material and
the same maximum stress.
same length transmit the same torque and deve
Let T- Torque transmitted by each shaft
- maximum shear stress
developed in each shatft
D outer diameter of the solid shaft
D outer diameter of the hollow shaft
D- inner diameter of the hollow shaft
=Do
w- Weight of the solid shaft

w weight of the hollow shaft

L Length of each shaft
w weight density of the material of
each shaft
Torque transmitted by the solid is given by

T=S,D ..(1)
Torgue transmitted by the hollow shaft is

Do
D 81
Do 81xDo
65 Do
16s 8T .(2)
As torque transmitted by solid and hollow shaft are equal hence equating (1) and (2)

81
Cancelling16s to both sides

- -1/3
D-
65 )
-9D-0929 Do ...(3)
Now weight of solid shaft, w = weight density x volume of solid shaft

= w X Area of cross section x length

WWX
...(4)
weight of hollow shaft
WFWX Area of cross section of hollow shaft x Length

w-oxL=wxne D-i
Wx xL

.(5)
 wxxDxL 9
Dividing eqn (4) by (5)
4 w x x DhxL 56

(0.929D,)

x9.292x 1 5 5
T
Weight of solidshaft1.55
Weight of hollow shaft
PROBLEM 4.10
A solid steel shaft has to transmit 100 HP at 200 rpm. Taking allowable shear stress
70 N/mm, find the suitable diameter of the shaft if the marimum torque transmittedin
each revolution exceeds the mean by 30%o. Also, final the outer diameter of a hollow shaft
to replace the solid shaft if the diameter ratio is 0.7.

Given
Power. P= 100 HP = 100 x0.745 kW

P 74.56 kw

Speed. N 200 rpm

Shear stress, T 70 Nmm

Tmax1.3 Tmean
Diameter ratio 0.7

Solution
2774.56
NT 2Tx 200
=2TX 200xT
XT
We know that, Power, P= 60 60

T 3.559 kNm= 3.559x 10 Nm

T=Tmean= 3.559 x 10° N- mm

We know that, max.lmean 1.3 x 3.559 x 10°

Tmar4.62 x 10° N-mm

 We know that,

mas16XxD'
16

4.62 x
10=X70x
16 D
D 69.52 mm
Solid shaft is replaced by hollow shaft we know that,
Torque transmitted by solid shaft is equal to hollow shaft.

Let. D- External diameter of hollow shaft.

d- Internal diameter of hollow shaft.

Torque transmitted by hollow shaft,

Torque, T=

x020
D
16XTX-0.7)1

X 70x D [0.7599]
4.62 x 10° = 10.44 D

D= 76.20 mm, d =0.7D

= 0.7 x 76.20

d 53.34 mm
Result
Diameter of the solid shaft, D=69.52 mm

xtenal diameter of the hollow shaft, D = 76.20 mm

Interna diameter of the hollow shaft, d= 53.34 mm