CHAPTER 6

TORSION

Problem 1. A solid circular shaft is to transmit 300 kW at 100 r.p.m. If the shear stress is not to exceed 80
N/mm2, find the diameter of the shaft. What percentage in saving would be obtained if this shaft is replaced
by a hollow one, whose internal diameter is equal to 0.8 of the external diameter, the length, the material
and the allowable maximum shear stress being the same?
Solution: N = 100 rpm, q = 80 N/mm2
P = 300 kW = 300 × 103 watts
= 300 × 106 N-mm/sec
2 π NT
From the relation P = , we get
60
2 π × 100 × T
300 × 106 =
60
or T = 28.647 × 106 N-mm
Let ds be the required diameter of solid shaft.
q
T = J s
R
π 4 qs π 3
= ds = d s qs
32 ds / 2 16
π 3
i.e. 28.647 × 106 = d s × 80
16
or ds = 122.16 mm. Ans.
Let d1 be the outer diameter of hollow shaft and d2 its inner diameter
∴ d2 = 0.8 d1
π qs
T =
32
{
d14 − (0.8 d1 )4 }
d1 / 2
π
i.e. 28.647 × 106 = × 0.59 d13 × 80
16
∴ d1 = 145.67 mm
d2 = 0.8 d1 = 0.8 × 145.67 = 116.53 mm. Ans.
π
Cross sectional area of solid shaft = × (122.16)2 = 11720.548 mm2
4
Cross sectional area of hollow shaft
π 2 π
= ( d1 − d 22 ) = (145.672 − 116.532 ) = 6000.84 mm2
4 4
Weight of solid shaft − Weight of hollow shaft
∴ % Saving = ×100
Wt. of solid shaft

47
 π
(122.16)2 ρL
= 4 × 100
π 2 2
(145.67 − 116.53 ) ρL
4
i.e. % Saving = 48.8. Ans.
Problem 2. A solid circular shaft is to be designed to transmit 22.5 kW power at 200 r.p.m. If the
maximum shear stress is not to exceed 80 N/mm2 and the angle of twist is not to exceed 1° per metre
length, determine the diameter of the shaft. Take modulus of rigidity 80 kN/mm2.
Solution: P = 22.5 kW = 22.5 × 106 N-mm/sec.
π
N = 200 rpm θ = 1° = radians.
180
L = 1000 mm qs = 80 N/mm2 G = 80 × 103 N/mm2
2π NT
P =
60
2 × π × 200 × T
22.5 × 106 =
60
or T = 1074295.86 N-mm
Let ‘d’ be the diameter of the shaft.
π 4
∴ J = d
32
From the considerations of shear stress
T q
= s
J R
1074295.86 80
=
π 4 d
d
32 2
∴ d = 40.89 mm
From the consideration of angle of twist
T Gθ
=
J L
π
80 × 103 ×
1074295.86 180
=
πd4 1000
32
32 1 180
d4 = 1074295.86 × × ×
π 80 π
∴ d = 52.91 mm
∴ Minimum diameter of the shaft to be used is 52.91 mm. Ans.
Problem 3. A hollow circular shaft 12 m long is required to transmit 100 kW power when running at a
speed of 300 rpm. If the maximum shearing stress allowed in the shaft is 80 N/mm2 and the ratio of inner
diameter to the outer diameter is 0.75, find the dimensions of the shaft and also the angle of twist of one
end of the shaft relative to the other end. Modulus of rigidity of the material is 85 kN/mm2.
Solution: L = 12 m = 12000 mm
P = 100 kW = 100 × 106 N-mm/sec

48
 N = 300 rpm
qs = 80 N/mm2
and G = 85 × 103 N/mm2
Let d1 be the outer diameter and d2 be the inner diameter
∴ d2 = 0.75 d1, given
2π NT
Now, P =
60
2π × 300 × T
i.e. 100 × 106 =
60
T = 3183098.8 N-mm.
From the torsion formula,
q π q
T = J s =
R 32
{ }
d14 − (0.75 d1 )4 s
d1
2
π
we get, 3183098.8 = {1 − (0.75)4 } d13 × 80
16
∴ d13 = 296436.83
∴ d1 = 66.67 mm.
∴ d2 = 0.75 × 66.67 = 50 mm Ans.
Again, from torsion formula,
T Gθ
=
J L
3183098.86 85 × 103 θ
we get, =
π 12000
(66.674 − 504 )
32
∴ θ = 0.3389 radians
Problem 4. A solid shaft of 200 mm diameter is proposed to be replaced by a hollow shaft of external
diameter D and internal diameter D/2. If the same power is to be transmitted at the same speed and at the
same level of shear stress, determine the diameter D.
Solution: Diameter of solid shaft ds = 200 mm
Let Ts be the torsional resistance of solid shaft and Th be the torsional resistance of hollow shaft.
Let N be revolution of shaft per minute and qs be maximum shear stress permitted. Then
qs π q
Ts = J = × 2004 s
R 32 200
2
π
= × 2003 qs
16
π  4  D   qs
4
qs
and Th = J =  D −    D
R 32   2  
2
π
= {1 – 0.54} D3 qs
16

49
 Transmission of power by solid shaft
2π NT 2π N π (200)3 qs
Ps = =
60 60 × 16
Transmission of power by the hollow shaft
2π NT 2π N π (1 − 0.54 ) × D 3 qs
Ph = =
60 60 × 16
Given condition is Ts = Th
3
2π N π (200) qs 2π N π (1 − 0.54 ) D 3 qs
∴ =
60 × 16 60 × 16
i.e. (1 – 0.54) D3 = (200)3
D = 204.3 mm Ans.
Problem 5. A hollow shaft is 2 m long and has outer and inner diameters 200 mm and 150 mm
1o
in 2 m and the maximum shearing stress is not to
respectively. If the angle of twist must not exceed
2
exceed 50 N/mm2, find the maximum power that can be transmitted at 200 rpm. Take modulus of rigidity
of the material as 84 kN/mm2.
Solution: L = 2000 mm d1 = 200 mm d2 = 150 mm
1o 1 π
θ = = × radians. qs = 50 N/mm2
2 2 180
G = 84 × 103 N/mm2 N = 200 rpm.
qs
From torsion formula, T = J
R
π 50
=
32
{
2004 − 1504 }
200 / 2
= 53689327.56 N-mm
From the considerations of angle of twist:
Gθ π π
T = J
L
=
32
{ }
2004 − 1504 × 84 × 103 ×
2 × 180 × 2000
= 39356332.65 N-mm
2 π NT 2π × 200 × 39356332.65
P = =
60 60
= 824277103.5 N-mm/sec
= 824.28 kW
Thus, the maximum power transmitted = 824.27 kW. Ans.
Problem 6. A hollow shaft has to transmit 600 kW power at 80 rpm. The maximum twisting moment may
exceed the mean by 40%. Design a suitable section, if the permissible stress is 90 kN/mm2. The diameter
ratio is to be 0.8. What will be the angular twist measured over a length of 2 m if the modulus of rigidity =
84 kN/mm2.
Solution: P = 600 kW = 600 × 106 N-mm/sec
N = 80 rpm Tmax = 1.4 T qs = 90 N/mm2
G = 84 × 103 N/mm2 L = 2000 mm
Let d1 be outer diameter and d2 inner diameter of the hollow shaft

50
 ∴ d2 = 0.8 d1
2 π NT
From, P = , we get
60
2π × 80 × T
600 × 106 =
60
or T = 71.619 × 106 N-mm
∴ Tmax = 1.4 × 71.619 × 106 N-mm
From the consideration of shear stress
q π 90
Tmax = J s = {d14 – (0.8d1)4} ×
R 32 d1 / 2
π
i.e. 1.4 × 71.619 × 106 = {1 − (0.8)4 } d13 × 90
16
∴ d1 = 212.6 mm
d2 = 0.8 × 212.6 = 170.08 mm
From torsion formula
Tmax Gθ
=
J L
Tmax L 1.4 × 71.619 × 106 × 2000
θ = =
GJ π
{212.64 − 170.82 } × 84 × 103
32
= 0.020 rad. = 1.155° Ans.
Problem 7. The stepped shaft shown in Fig. 1 is subjected to torque at B and D of magnitude 200 N-m and
400 N-m. Find the rotations of free end A. Take modulus of rigidity = 80 kN/mm2.

E ⋅D C ⋅B A

0.5 m
1.5 m 1.0 m

80 mm 30 mm

Section in AC
Section in CE
Fig. 1
Solution: TAB = 0, TBC = 200 N-m
TCD = 200 N-m, TDE = 600 N-m
Polar modulus of section in the portions,
π
BC JBC = × 304 = 79521.56 mm4
32
π
CD JCD = × 804 = 4021238.6 mm4
32

51
 π
DE JDE = × 804 = 4021238.6 mm4
32
∴ Rotation of free end
θ = θBC + θCD + θDE
200 × 103 × 500 200 × 103 × 1000 600 × 103 × 500
= 3
+ 3
+
80 × 10 × 79521.56 80 × 10 × 4021238.6 80 × 103 × 4021238.6
θ = 0.01727 radians. [Note: rotation in portion AB = 0]
Problem 8. A shaft of length L is fixed at ends A and B and is subjected to torque T at C as shown in Fig.
L L
2(a). Show that torque at A is 2 × T and at B it is equal to 1 × T .
L L

Fig. 2(a)
Solution:

Fig. 2(b)
Let TA and TB be the reactive torques at A and B.
From the free body diagrams of AC and CB,
T = TA + TB ... (1)
The angle of twist at C with respect to A must be the same as that of C with respect to B.
θCA = θCB
TA L1 T L
= B 2
GJ GJ
L
∴ TA = TB 2 ... (2)
L1
Substituting it in eqn. (1), we get
L2  L2 + L1  TB L
T = TB + TB = TB  =
L1  L1  L1
L1
i.e. TB = T
L
Substituting this value in eqn. (2), we get,
T L1 L2 T L2
TA = = .
L L1 L
Problem 9. A shaft of 80 mm diameter is having a concentric bore of diameter 40 mm up to half the length
as shown in Fig. 3. Find the total angle of twist for the loading shown. Take G = 80 kN/mm2.
[Note: TAB = 1 kN-m, TBC = 3 kN-m, TCD = 6 kN-m, θ = θAB + θBC + θCD]

52
 T C = 3 kN-m T B = 2 kN-m T A = 1 kN-m

D ⋅C ⋅B A

0.2 m 0.2 m 0.4 m

Fig. 3
Solution: TAB = 1 kN-m TBC = 3 kN-m, TCD = 6 kN-m
π
JAB = (804 – 404) = 3769911.18 mm4.
32
π
JBC = × 804 = 4021238.6 mm4
32
π
and JCD = × 804 = 4021238.6 mm4
32
TL
From torsion formula, θ = ,
GJ
∴ θ = θAB + θBC + θCD
1 ×106 × 400 3 × 106 × 200
= +
80 × 103 × 3769911.18 80 × 103 × 4021238.6
6 × 106 × 200
+ = 0.0069216 radians.
80 × 103 × 4021238.6
Problem 10. A steel rod of 25 mm diameter is tightly fitted to a brass tube of internal diameter 25 mm and
external diameter 40 mm to form a composite bar. If the permissible stresses in brass and steel are 50
N/mm2 and 80 N/mm2 respectively, find the maximum torque the composite section can resist.
Take Gb = 40 kN/mm2 and Gs = 80kN/mm2.
Solution:

40 mm
25 mm

Fig. 4
ds = 25 mm
db1 = 40 mm db2 = 25 mm
qs = 50 N/mm2 qb = 80 N/mm2
Gs = 80 × 103 N/mm2 Gb = 40 × 103 N/mm2
π
Js = × 254 = 38349.51 mm4
32

53
 π
Ib = (404 – 254) = 212977.89 mm4
32
θs = θb
Ts Ls Tb Lb
=
Gs J s Gb J b
Gs J s
Ts = Tb since Ls = Lb
Gb J B
80 × 103 × 38349.51
= Tb = 0.36 Tb
40 × 103 × 212977.89
If stress in steel governs the capacity
Ts q 38349.51 × 50
= s or Ts = = 153398 N-mm
Js Rs 25 / 2
153398
Tb = = 426105.67 N-mm
0.36
∴ T = Ts + Tb = 153398 + 426105.67 = 579503.67 N-mm ... (1)
If stress in brass governs the capacity, then
Tb q 212977.89 × 80
= b ∴ Tb = = 851911.5 N-mm
Jb Rb 20
∴ Ts = 0.36 × 851911.5 = 306688.16 N-mm
∴ T = Ts + Tb = 1158599.67 N-mm (2)
From (1) and (2) we can conclude that stress in steel governs the torque carrying capacity of the shaft
and its value is
= 579503.6 N-mm = 0.579 kN-m. Ans.
Problem 11. The rod AB tapers from 100 mm to 50 mm diameter in a length of 1.2 m. Find the angular
rotation of free end when a torque of 3 kN-m is applied. Take G = 80 kN/mm2. What is the maximum stress
induced and what is the percentage error in calculating angular rotation if the bar is treated as of uniform
diameter with average value?
Solution:

100 mm 50 mm

1.2 m

Fig. 5
r1 = 25 mm r2 = 50 mm G = 80 × 103 N/mm2
L = 1200 mm T = 3 kN-m = 3 × 106 N-mm
2 TL r12 + r1r2 + r22
Total angle of twist =
3πG r23 r13

2 × 3 × 106 × 1200 252 + 25 × 50 + 502

=
3π × 80 × 103 503 × 253

54
 = 0.02139 rad.
100 + 50
If the shaft is treated as shaft of average diameter, d = = 75 mm
2
TL 3 × 106 × 1200
θ = = = 0.014487 rad.
GJ 80 × 103 × π × 754
32
0.02139 − 0.014487
% Error = × 100 = 32.213. Ans.
0.02139
The maximum stress will be at the smaller end.
T q T ×R
∴ = s or qs =
J R J
16T 16 × 3 × 106
= = = 122.231 N/mm2
πd3 π × 503
Problem 12. A close coiled helical spring is required to carry a maximum load of 800 N and to have
stiffness of 25 N/mm. The mean diameter is to be 75 mm. The allowable shear stress = 100 N/mm2. Find
the suitable diameter of the wire from which to make the spring and the approximate number of turns
required.
Solution: W = 800 N
W
Stiffness of the spring = = 25 N/mm
δ
75
R = = 37.5 mm
2
qs = 100 N/mm2 d = ?, n=?
Maximum shear stress qs is given by
16WR 16 × 800 × 37.5
qs = 3
=
πd πd 3
16 × 800 × 37.5
∴ = 100
πd 3
d = 11.518 m. Ans.
W
Stiffness of spring =
δ
W
= 25
δ
800
∴ δ = = 32 mm
25
64WR3n
but δ =
Gd 4
δ Gd 4 32 × 80 × 103 × (11.518)4
n = =
64WR3 64 × 800 × (37.5)3
∴ n = 17. Ans.

55
Problem 13. Find the torsional constant of a rectangular section of size 200 mm × 450 mm.
(a) By taking one term in the exact equation
(b) Taking two terms in the exact equation
(c) By approximate equations
(d) What is over estimation of torsional constant if it is taken as equal to the polar moment of inertia?
Solution: (a) By taking one term in exact equation
1 3  192 b  1 π × 450  
J = b d 1 − 5  tan h 
3  π d 1 2 × 200  

1  192 200  π × 450  

= 2003 × 450 1 − 5 ×  tan h 
3  π 450  2 × 200  
= 8.86595 × 108 mm3
(b) By taking two terms in exact equation
1  192 200   π × 450  1 2π × 450  
J= 2003 × 450 1 − 5 ×  tan h   − 5 tan h 
3  π 450   2 × 200  2 2 × 200  
= 8.64533 × 108 mm4
(c) Approximate equation
d
Since > 1.6 equation 6.2 from the chapter will be used
b
b3 d  b
J =  1 − 0.63 
3  d
2003 × 450  200  8 4
=  1 − 0.63  = 8.64 × 10 mm .
3  450 
(d) Over estimation
If warping is neglected,
J = polar moment of inertia
= Ih + Iy
2003 × 450 450 × 2003
= + = 1818750000
12 12
1818750000
∴ Over estimation is = = 2.1 times.
8.64 × 108

56