3-5 Torsion of Thin Walled Tubes
3-5 Torsion of Thin Walled Tubes
3-5 Torsion of Thin Walled Tubes
In the torsion of noncircular shafts, an approximate formula is necessary to calculate the torque applied
on thin-walled tubes. The torque capacity for thin-walled tube is expressed as:
Figure 3-5
The average shearing stress developed across any thickness “t” is given by:
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Illustrative Problems:
1. A thin-walled aluminum tube with a rectangular section shown has centerline dimensions of b = 5 in
and h = 2 in. It has a wall thickness of t = 0.25 in. Determine the shear stress developed in the tube
when a torque of T = 10 kip-in is applied.
𝑇
Solution: The shear stress is given by: τ =
2𝐴𝑡
2
A = 5 in ( 2 in ) = 10 in
τ = 10 x 103 lb-in / ( 2 x 10 in2 x 0.25 in )
τ = 2000 psi Ans
2. A thin-walled tube of square cross-section is subjected to a torque of 300 lb-ft. Calculate the smallest
permissible dimension “a” when the allowable stress is 6500 psi.
Exercises:
1. An elliptical tube has a thickness of 0.15 inch. What torque will produce a shearing stress of 6000
psi? Answer: T = 25447 lb-in
2. A tube 3-mm thick has the cross-section shown. It is subjected to a torque of 500 N-m. Determine
the shearing stress developed across the thickness. Answer: τ = 43.54 MPa
3. A torque T is applied to two tubes with the cross-sections shown. Assuming the same shear stress is
developed in the two tubes, determine the ratio of the shear flow developed in each tube.
Answer: r = π / 4
4. A torque of T = 800 N-m is applied on the rectangular tube shown. Calculate the average shear stress
in the tube at points A and B. Answer: τA = 16.67 MPa