Shaft Design Tutorial
Shaft Design Tutorial
Question 1
A shaft is loaded in bending and torsion such that Ma = 70 N.m, Ta = 45 N.m, Mm= 55 N.m, and Tm = 35 N.m. For
the shaft, Su = 700 MPa and Sy = 560 MPa, and a fully corrected endurance limit of Se = 210 MPa is assumed.
Let Kf = 2.2 and Kfs = 1.8. With a design factor of 2.0 determine the minimum acceptable diameter of the shaft
using:
(a) Maximum Shear Stress Theory ‐ Soderberg criterion.
(b) Distortion Energy Theory ‐ Goodman criterion.
Ans [27.0 mm, 27.3mm]
Question 2
At a machined shaft shoulder the small diameter d is 28 mm, the large diameter D is 42 mm, and the fillet
radius is 2.8 mm. The bending moment is 142.4 N.m and the steady torsion moment is 124.3 N.m. The heat‐
treated steel shaft has an ultimate strength of Sut = 735 MPa and a yield strength of Sy = 574 MPa. The
reliability goal is 0.99. Determine the safety factor using:
(a) Maximum Shear Stress Theory ‐ Soderberg criterion.
(b) Distortion Energy Theory ‐ Goodman criterion.
Ans [1.54, 1.60]
Question 3
Design a solid shaft that is able to transmit 500 kW at n = 1200 rpm without exceeding the yield strength in
shear of Sys = 300 MPa or twist through more than 4° over a length of 2m. Calculate the required diameter of
the shaft given G = 80 GPa and a safety factor of 1.5 is to be used.
Ans [61.7 mm]
Question 4
A 40‐hp motor, through a set of gears, drives a shaft at a speed n, as shown in Figure 1.
Figure 1 – Motor, Gears and Shaft Layout for Question 4.
(a) Based on a safety factor of 2, design solid shafts AC and BC.
(b) Determine the total angle of twist between A and B.
Ans [dAC = 14.2 mm, dCB = 20.4 mm, θTOT = 49.5o]
Question 5
A solid steel shaft carries belt tensions (at an angle α from the y axis in the yz plane) at pulley C, as shown in
Figure 2. For α = 0 and a factor of safety of n, design the shaft according to the following failure criteria:
(a) Maximum Shear Stress Theory ‐ Soderberg criterion.
(b) Distortion Energy Theory ‐ Goodman criterion.
Figure 2 – Shaft and Pulley Layout for Question 5.
Ans [37.2mm, 35.5 mm]
Question 6
Figure 3 shows a rotating stepped shaft supported in ball bearings at A and B located by non‐rotating force P
and torque T. All dimensions are millimetres. Determine the factor of safety n for the shaft, based on:
(a) Maximum Shear Stress Theory ‐ Soderberg criterion.
(b) Distortion Energy Theory ‐ Goodman criterion.
The torque fluctuates 15% each way from the mean value, and the survival rate is 99%.
Assumption: The shaft is to be machined and the main body diameter is 100 mm.
Figure 3 – Shaft Layout for Question 6.
Ans [3.1, 2.9]
Question 7
Power is transmitted from a motor through a gear at E to pulleys at D and C of a revolving solid shaft AB with
ground surface. Figure 4 shows the corresponding load diagram of the shaft. The shaft is mounted on bearings
at the ends A and B. Determine the required diameter of the shaft using the maximum shear stress theory
employing Soderberg’s failure criterion.
The shaft is made of steel with an ultimate strength of 810 MPa and a yield strength of 605 MPa. Torque
fluctuates 10% each way from the mean value. The fatigue stress‐concentration factor for bending and torsion
is equal to 1.4. Assume a ground surface and a maximum operating temperature of 500oC. Use a factor of
safety of 2.0 and a survival rate of 50%.
Figure 4 – Shaft Layout for Question 7.
Ans [66.7 mm]