Mechanics of Structures, 2nd year, Mechanical Engineering, Cairo University

TORSION OF THIN-WALLED BARS.......................................................................................2

Review of Circular Shafts........................................................................................................................2

An Approximate Formula for Thin-walled Circular Tubes................................................................2

Example 1..............................................................................................................................................3

Types of Thin-Walled Bars.....................................................................................................................4

Non-Circular Tubes of Variable wall thickness....................................................................................5

Example 2..............................................................................................................................................7
Example 3..............................................................................................................................................8
Example 4..............................................................................................................................................9

Rectangular Cross Sections...................................................................................................................10

Example 5............................................................................................................................................11

Open Thin-Walled bars with Uniform Thickness...............................................................................12

Example 6............................................................................................................................................12
Example 7............................................................................................................................................13

Branched and Tapered Open Cross Sections......................................................................................14

Proof....................................................................................................................................................14
Tapered Cross Sections.......................................................................................................................16
Example 8............................................................................................................................................17
Example 9............................................................................................................................................18

Rolled Steel Cross Sections....................................................................................................................20

Stress Concentration..............................................................................................................................20

The Displacements of Open Cross Sections.........................................................................................21

Displacements in the Plane y-z of the Cross Section..........................................................................21
The Axial Displacement u .................................................................................................................22

Field of Application................................................................................................................................22

Conclusion...............................................................................................................................................22

References...............................................................................................................................................22

Appendix I Shear Flow for Tubular Cross Sections..........................................................................23

Appendix II Shear Stress Bredt’s Formula.........................................................................................24

Torsion of Thin-Walled Bars 1/24

Mechanics of Structures, 2nd year, Mechanical Engineering, Cairo University

Torsion of Thin-Walled Bars1

Review of Circular Shafts
The shear stress for a circular cross section varies linearly. Figs. 1 and 2 show the directions
and magnitudes of the shear stresses for solid and annular cross sections.

Fig.1 Solid round bar. Fig. 2 Annular round bar.

The formulas for calculating the shear stresses and the angle of twist are:

Tr TR0 TL
τ = ; τ max = ; φ =
J J GJ
The polar second moment of area J = π / 2 [Ro2 – Ri2]
For thin walled tubes with t << Rm = (Ro + Ri)/2,
τ min R
= i ≈1
τ max R0

An Approximate Formula for Thin-walled Circular Tubes

Fig. 3 shows a thin-walled cylindrical bar subjected to a twisting moment T. The mean radius
is Rm. The variation of the shear stress with the thickness is neglected. A typical small area
of length Rm dθ and thickness “t” transmits an increment of force dF = τ t Rm dθ. The moment
of the incremental forces about the axis of the cylinder equals the applied torque T.

2π
∴ T= ∫ Rm dF = ∫ R τ tR
0
m m dθ = τ tRm2 2π = 2tA0τ

Where, A0 = π Rm2 is the area enclosed by the median line. It is not the area of the cross
section material. Then

1
Ahmad Mansour

Torsion of Thin-Walled Bars 2/24

Mechanics of Structures, 2nd year, Mechanical Engineering, Cairo University

T
∴τ =
2tA0

This formula is valid for thin-walled non-circular tubular cross sections as will be disused later.

Fig. 3 Approximate formula for thin tubes. dF = τ [Rmdθ t]

Example 1
For a thin tube, calculate the percentage error in the approximate formula for
λ ≡ t / R0 = 0.05 0.1 0.15 0.2
Take R0 = 10 mm and T = 10 N.m. State whether the formula is conservative.

Solution:
Exact formula:
Ri = R0 – t = (1- λ) R0
J = π/2 (R04 – Ri4) = π/2 R04
(1 – (1- λ)4 )
τmax = (T R0) / J = 6366197.7 /
(1 – (1- λ)4 )
Approximate formula:
Rm = (R0 + Ri) / 2 = R0 (1- 0.5
λ)
A0 = π Rm2 = π R02 (1-0.5 λ)2
τmax-appr = 1591549.4 / (λ (1 –
0.5 λ)2)

Torsion of Thin-Walled Bars 3/24

Mechanics of Structures, 2nd year, Mechanical Engineering, Cairo University

λ ≡ t / R0 = 0.05 0.1 0.15 0.2

τmax-exact MPa 34.32 18.512 13.319 10.7829
τmax-appr MPa 33.484 17.635 12. 401 9.824
Error % -2.4 % -4.7 % -6.9 % -8.9 %

Where, error % = (τmax-appr - τmax-exact) / τmax-exact x 100%

The approximate formula predicts lower stresses than the exact values. For example, the
error is about 5 % at λ = 0.1. The error is on the unsafe side (why?).

Types of Thin-Walled Bars

(1) Thin-walled tubular bars where the shear stress is constant across the thickness,
Figs. 4 (a). They are also known as closed thin-walled cross sections.
(2-a) Rectangular, and open cross sections of uniform thickness, Figs. 4 (b). The shear
stress varies its direction and magnitude across the thickness.
(2-b) Branched open cross sections and open cross sections with variable thickness,
Figs. 4 (c). The shear stress varies its direction and magnitude across the thickness.

Fig. 4 (a) ↕
Fig. 4 (c) ↕ T is CCW

Fig. 4 (b) ↕

The table is continued on the

next page.

Torsion of Thin-Walled Bars 4/24

Mechanics of Structures, 2nd year, Mechanical Engineering, Cairo University

T is CCW

Fig. 4 (a) Fig. 4 (b) Fig. 4 (c)

The stresses developed in tubular cross sections are much less than those developed in open
cross sections. This is because the stresses in tubular cross sections resist the applied
torque with a large resisting arm, Fig. 5.

Fig. 5 Shear stresses in closed sections are smaller than in open

sections.

Non-Circular Tubes of Variable wall thickness

These cross sections are also known as closed thin-walled cross sections, Figs. 6 (a) and (b).
For a tubular bar with variable thickness

Torsion of Thin-Walled Bars 5/24

Mechanics of Structures, 2nd year, Mechanical Engineering, Cairo University

τ t )a = τ t )b = constant = q
and
T
τ =
2tA0

Fig. 6 (a) Tubular bar of variable thin-walled cross section.

The shear flow q = τ t is constant.

Where, A0 is the enclosed area by the median line. The shear stress τ varies inversely with t.
Appendices I and II give proofs of these formulas.
The shear stress has a maximum value at the minimum thickness. The quantity “τ t” is the
shear flow “q” because it resembles liquid flow in channels.
∴q=τt
The angle of twist is:

TL 4 A02
τ = ; K=
KG ds
∫ t
when t is constant

4 A02 t
K=
S
Where S is the length of the closed loop median line, Fig. 6 (b).

Torsion of Thin-Walled Bars 6/24

Mechanics of Structures, 2nd year, Mechanical Engineering, Cairo University

Fig. 6 (b) Definition of s; the distance measured along the median

line from an arbitrary point O.

Example 2
Compare between Bredt’s formula and the exact theory when used to evaluate the angle of
twist of thin-walled circular tube. Take D0 = 40 mm, t = 2 mm, G = 80 GPa, L = 1 m, and T =
200 Nm.

Solution:
Exact theory:
Di = 40 -2 x 2 = 36 mm
J = π/32 (0.044 – 0.0364) = 8.6431 x
10-8 m4
Φ = (T L) / GJ = 0.0289 rad = 1.657°
Approximate formula:
Rm = 19 mm
A0 = π Rm2 = 1.13411 x 10-3 m2

ds S 2π Rm
∫ t
=
t
=
t
= 59.69

4 A02
K= = 8.6192 x 10 − 8 m4
ds
∫ t
TL 200 x 1
φ = = = 0.029 rad = 1.66°
GK 80 x 10 x 8.6192 x 10 − 8
9

The two results are very close and Φ ≈ 1.7°.

Torsion of Thin-Walled Bars 7/24

Mechanics of Structures, 2nd year, Mechanical Engineering, Cairo University

Example 3
A torque of 1 kNm acts on a bar with the shown cross section, Fig. 7 (a). Find the magnitude
of the maximum shear stress and the angle of twist per unit length. Take tDC = tAB = 4 mm, tAD
= tBC = 6 mm, and G = 80 GPa.

Fig. 7 (a)

Fig. 7 (b)

Fig. 7 Example 3; closed rectangular tube.

Solution:
Calculate the dimensions of the median line, Fig. 7 (b).

Torsion of Thin-Walled Bars 8/24

Mechanics of Structures, 2nd year, Mechanical Engineering, Cairo University

AB = 120 – 6/2 – 6/2 = 114 mm

AD = 80 -4/2 – 4/2 = 76 mm
The enclosed area is
A0 = 0.114 × 0.076 = 8.664 × 10-3 m2
The maximum shear stress is along CD and AB where the thickness is smallest.
T 1000
τ DC = = −3
= 14.428 x10 6 Pa = 14.4 MPa ←
2t DC A0 (2)(0.004)(8.664 x10 )
and
τ AB = 14.4 MPa →
Calculate Φ / L

ds 1 1 1 1  114 76 
∫ t
= ∫ ds + ∫ ds + ∫ ds + ∫ ds =
4 AB 6 BC 4 CD 6 DA
2
 4
+  = 82.333
6 
φ T ds 1000
∴ =
L G 4 A02 ∫ t
= 9 −3 2
(80 x10 ) (4) (8.664 x10 )
82.333 = 3.428 x10 − 3 rad / m

Example 4
The steel tube has an outer radius of 25 mm and an inner radius of 20 mm, Fig. 8 . The
centre of the inner surface is at a distance of 1 mm from that of the outer surface. The tube
transmits a 500 Nm torque. Determine the maximum shear stress.

Fig. 8 Example 4; cylindrical tube with non-coincident centers. o1

is the center of the outer surface, o2 is that of the inner surface, and
the center of the mean circle is at half the distance o1o2.

Torsion of Thin-Walled Bars 9/24

Mechanics of Structures, 2nd year, Mechanical Engineering, Cairo University

Solution:
The thickness is not uniform due to the offset. The minimum thickness is tmin = (5 – 1) = 4
mm. The enclosed area by the median line is:
A0 = π ( (25+20)/2 )2 = 1590.43 mm2.
T
τ max = = 39.3 MPa
2t min A0

Rectangular Cross Sections

Fig. 9 (a) shows a bar with a rectangular cross section of a width “a” and thickness “b”. The
maximum shear stress and the angle of twist are known to be [2,5]:
T TL
τ max = and φ =
c1 ab 2 Gc 2 ab 3

Fig. 9 (a) Direction of τ for a thin rectangular Fig. 9 (b) τmax is at the middle of the long
cross section (a >> b). sides.

τmax is at the middle of the long sides, Fig. 9 (b). The constants c1 and c2 are functions of a/b.
Fig. 10 gives the values of these constants. The constants c1 and c2 equal:
1 b
c1 = c 2 = (1 − 0.63 ) for a ≥ 5b
3 a
When a >> b, say a ≥ 20 b c1 = c2 = 1/3. It is common to assume that the torsional constants
equal 1/3 even when a < 20 b.

Torsion of Thin-Walled Bars 10/24

Mechanics of Structures, 2nd year, Mechanical Engineering, Cairo University

Fig. 10

The direction of the shear stress is shown in Fig. 9 (a). The stresses are zero at the centroid
and at the four corners of the cross section.

Example 5
Calculate the maximum shear stress for a bar with a rectangular cross section. The
dimensions of the rectangle are a = 100 mm, and b = 10 mm. The bar transmits 200 Nm
torque
• using c1 = ⅓
• using c1 = ⅓ (1 – 0.63 b/a)

Solution:
For c1 = ⅓
τmax-1 = T / ⅓ a b2 = 60 MPa
Using c1 = ⅓ (1 – 0.63 x 0.1) = 0.3123, then
τmax-2 = 64 MPa
The error is (τmax-1 - τmax-2) / τmax-2 x 100 % = -6.25 %
Hence, using c1 = ⅓ introduces an error of 6 % on the unsafe side.

Torsion of Thin-Walled Bars 11/24

Mechanics of Structures, 2nd year, Mechanical Engineering, Cairo University

Open Thin-Walled bars with Uniform Thickness

Imagine that we take any open cross section then we straighten it to a rectangular cross
section, Fig. 11. The known formulas of the straightened cross section apply to the original
cross section. Therefore, the maximum shear stress is
T
τ max =
c1 ab 2
Where “a” is the total length of the median line. The angle of twist is:
TL
ϕ =
Gc 2 ab 3

Fig. 11 The channel is equivalent to a rectangle with a = a1 + 2 a2 and the same thickness b.

Example 6
A torque of 8 Nm is applied to the bar with the shown cross section, Fig. 12. Determine the
maximum shear stress and the angle of twist per unit length. Take G = 80 GPa.

Torsion of Thin-Walled Bars 12/24

Mechanics of Structures, 2nd year, Mechanical Engineering, Cairo University

Fig. 12 (a) Example 6; an angle subjected to Fig. 12 (b) The median line.
T = 8 Nm.

Solution:
a = (50 -5/2) + (60 – 5/2) = 105 mm
b = 5 mm
Take c1 = c2 = ⅓
τmax = 8 ÷ [⅓ × 0.105 × 0.0052 ] = 9.1 MPa
Calculate Φ / L
Φ / L = T ÷ [G × ⅓ × a b³ ] = 0.023 rad/m = 1.3 ° / m

Example 7
Calculate the maximum shear stress τmax and the rate of the angle of twist Φ/L for the
cylindrical tube and the open circular cross section bar , Fig. 13. Take T = 140 kNm, Di = 230
mm, t = 30 mm, and G = 80 GPa.
Solution:
Use the exact theory for the tube
D0 = 230 + 2 × 30 = 290 mm
J = 419.64 × 10-6 m4
τmax = T R0 / J = 48.4 MPa
Φ / L = T / [GJ] = 4.170 × 10-3 rad / m = 0.239 ° / m
For the open cross section
b = 30 mm
a = 2 π Rm = 2 π (0.130) = 0.8168 m
τmax = T / [⅓ a b2] = 571.3 MPa (unsafe)
Φ / L = T /G[⅓ a b3] = 0.238 rad / m = 13.6 ° / m

Torsion of Thin-Walled Bars 13/24

Mechanics of Structures, 2nd year, Mechanical Engineering, Cairo University

The open cross section bar is unsafe (for most materials) because the shear stresses are
very high. In the elastic range
τ open φ open
= 11.8 and = 57
τ tube φ tube

Fig. 13 Example 7; comparison between closed and open cross sections. The
gap is of zero length.

Branched and Tapered Open Cross Sections

Fig. 14 shows examples of open cross sections that are composed of rectangular segments.
The angle of twist for a cross section made of n rectangular segments is
n
TL 1 3
φ =
GK
; where K= ∑ i 3
a i bi

Which will be proved later for the configuration shown in Fig. 15. In addition, the shear stress
at any segment “i” is
Tbi
τi =
K
Hence, the maximum shear stress is at the most thick segment
Tbmax
τ max =
K

Proof

Take a cross section made of three segments, Fig. 15. Each segment has its own thickness
bi. The applied torque is distributed among the three segments. Hence,
T = T1 + T2 + T3
Each segment rotates by the same angle of twist Φ.

Torsion of Thin-Walled Bars 14/24

Mechanics of Structures, 2nd year, Mechanical Engineering, Cairo University

∴Φ = Φ1 = Φ2 = Φ3

T1 L T L TL
∴ = 2 = 3
K 1G K 2 G K 3 G
Where, L is the length of the bar.
T1 T T T + T2 + T3 T
∴ = 2 = 3 = 1 =
K1 K 2 K 3 K1 + K 2 + K 3 K
Therefore, the torsion constant of the cross section
K = K1 + K2 + K3
Now,
TK 1
T1 =
K
T1 L T L
∴ φ = φ1 = =
K1 G K G
and
T1 TJ 1 1 Tb
τ1 = = = 1
1 K 1 K
a1b12 a1b12
3 3
Tb2 Tb3
τ2= and τ 3 =
K K
The maximum shear stress develops at the segment with the largest thickness
Tbmax
τ max =
K

Fig. 14 (b)
Fig. 14 (a)

Fig. 14 Open cross sections with variable thickness.

Torsion of Thin-Walled Bars 15/24

Mechanics of Structures, 2nd year, Mechanical Engineering, Cairo University

Tbi Tbmax
Fig. 15 Proof of K = ∑ Ki, τi = , and τ max =
K K

Tapered Cross Sections

Fig. 16 shows a tapered cross section. We can divide the cross section into n segments.
Each segment has a thickness of bi and length ai.
∴K = ∑⅓ ai bi3
Better
K = ∫ ⅓ bi3 dx
and
Tbmax TL
τ max = and φ =
K GK

Torsion of Thin-Walled Bars 16/24

Mechanics of Structures, 2nd year, Mechanical Engineering, Cairo University

Fig. 16 (a) Tapered cross section. (b) The section divided to segments.

Example 8
A steel I beam is subjected to a torque of 5000 Nm, Fig. 17.
• Determine the maximum shear stress τmax and its location.
• Determine the angle of twist per unit length. Neglect stress concentrations. Take c1
= c2 = ⅓ for the flanges and the web. G = 80 GPa.

Fig. 17 Example 8; an I beam.

Solution:
The torsion constant:
K = ⅓ [266 × 303 + 266 × 303 + (779-60) × 16.53 ] = 5.865 × 106 mm4 = 5.865 × 10-6 m4

Torsion of Thin-Walled Bars 17/24

Mechanics of Structures, 2nd year, Mechanical Engineering, Cairo University

T t max 5000 (0.03)

τ max = = = 25.58 MPa
K 5.865 10 − 6
The maximum shear stress is at the mid point of the upper surface of the upper flange and at
the corresponding point at the other flange.
Calculate the rate of the angle of twist
φ T
= = 0.011 rad / m = 0.611 ° /m
L GK

Example 9
A hollow tube with radial fins is subjected to torque T = 2 kNm, Fig. 18 (a). Find the torque
transmitted to the fins and the maximum shear stress. Use the correct values of c1 and c2.

Fig. 18 (a) Example 9, a mixer.

Torsion of Thin-Walled Bars 18/24

Mechanics of Structures, 2nd year, Mechanical Engineering, Cairo University

Fig. 18 (b) φ = φ1 = φ2. Each fin transmits a torque T2 , and the tube transits T1 .

Solution:
Each fin has a rectangular cross section, Fig. 18 (b).
c1 = c2 = ⅓ (1 – 0.63 × 6 / 38) = 0.3
The tube has K1 = J1.
T = T1 + 8 T 2
T1 L T L T1 T2 T + 8T2 T
φ = = 2 ∴ = = 1 =
J 1G K 2 G J 1 K 2 J 1 + 8K 2 J 1 + 8K 2
K2 = 0.3 × 0.038 × 0.0063 = 2.4624 × 10-9 m4
J1 = π / 32 [0.0824 – 0.0704] = 2.08152 × 10-6 m4
The torsion constant K for the cross section
K = J1 + 8 K2 = 2.1012 × 10-6 m4
The twisting moment carried by each fin

Torsion of Thin-Walled Bars 19/24

Mechanics of Structures, 2nd year, Mechanical Engineering, Cairo University

K2 2.4624 x 10 − 9
T2 = T= 2000 = 2.34 N .m
J 1 + 8K 2 2.1012 x 10 − 6
The 8 fins take a twisting moment of 8 × 2.34 = 18.75 Nm
The twisting moment carried by the tube

J1 2.08152 x 10 − 6
T1 = T= 2000 = 1981.25 N .m
K 2.1012 x 10 − 6
The fins carry only 0.94 % of the applied torque.
The maximum shear in the fins is
T2
τ max − 2 = = 5.7 MPa
c1 ab 2
Moreover the maximum shear stress in the tube is
T1 R0 1981.25 (0.035 + 0.006)
τ max − 1 = = = 39 MPa
J1 2.08152 x 10 − 6
Hence, the maximum shear stress is 39 MPa.

Rolled Steel Cross Sections

Rolled steel sections contain fillets and tapered segments. Handbooks2 list formulas for
calculating the torsional constants, and national organizations (such as The American
Institute of Steel Construction) publish explicit values of K.

Stress Concentration

Fig. 19 Stress concentration factor.

2
W. C. Young, “Roark’s Formulas for Stress and Strain”, sixth edition, McGraw-Hill, 1989.

Torsion of Thin-Walled Bars 20/24

Mechanics of Structures, 2nd year, Mechanical Engineering, Cairo University

The stresses at the neighbourhood of the inner corners (Figs. 19 (a) and (b)) attain high-
localized values due to the sudden change in geometry. These peak stresses equals
τpeak = (SCF) τmax
Where, the stress concentration factor (SCF) depends on the fillet radius r. Generally, the
(SCF) decreases with the increase of “r”3. The following table gives some values of the
(SCF)4.
r/t Fig. 19 (a); an angle section Fig. 19 (b); a box tube
0.25 2 2.5
1 1.56 1.25
1.5 1.6 1.08
Hence, it is recommended to use a fillet of radius r = t.

The Displacements of Open Cross Sections

Displacements in the Plane y-z of the Cross Section
The cross section rotates without distortion by the twist angle Φ about a fixed point known as
the torsional centre (TC). Fig. 20 shows the angle of twist for two cross sections. Because
the I beam possesses two axes of symmetry, its (TC) is at the point of intersection of these
axes. The channel has one axis of symmetry and the (TC) is along this axis. The exact
location of the (TC) is to be determined. The (TC) coincides with another point named the
shear centre. The shear centre and its location will be covered later in the course.

(b)
(a)
Fig. 20 The torsional center (center of rotation) for:
(a) an I beam is located at the intersection of the axes of symmetry y and z, and for
(b) a channel is located along the horizontal axis of symmetry (marked by a “+”).

3
However, for torsion of an open cross section increasing r excessively results in increasing the
thickness. This causes the stresses to increase after a certain r/t value. Hence, for the angle section r =
t is recommended.
4
J.H. Huth, “Torsional Stress Concentration in Angle and Square Tube Fillets”, Journal of Applied
Mechanics, ASME, Vol 17, No 4, 1950, pp. 388-390.

Torsion of Thin-Walled Bars 21/24

Mechanics of Structures, 2nd year, Mechanical Engineering, Cairo University

The Axial Displacement u

The twisting moment when acts on most thin-walled open cross sections produces an axial
displacement u = u(y, z). The displacement u varies from one point to another. Hence, the
plane of the cross section deforms to a wavy shape. For instance, Fig. 21 shows the axial
displacement of a rectangular open cross section.
When the end of the bar is fixed to another member, this prevents the axial displacements of
the points of this end. This has two outcomes:
• It reduces the angle of twist Φ, which is usually desirable.
• It increases the stresses in the zone of the restrained plane.

Fig. 21 The axial displacement of a rectangular cross section. The edge A’A moves relative
to B’B. Hence, the plane of the cross section distorts.

Field of Application
Frames of machines and vehicles are made up of thin-walled members. Improving their
torsional rigidity and strength is important. Simplified and practical analyses are a good step
toward achieving this improved response. Blodgett5 presents practical approaches for the
analysis of frames and bases of machines. Finite element programs provide assistance in
evaluating any proposed frame configuration.

Conclusion
The torsional rigidity and strength of closed thin-walled members are much better than open
ones. Moreover, their formulas are more accurate and less sensitive to boundary conditions.

References
1. S. E. Bayoumi, Mechanics of Deformable Solids, Cairo University, 1971.

2. F. P. Beer, Johnston Jr, and J.T. DeWolf, Mechanics of Materials, 4th ed. (SI units),
McGraw-Hill, New York, 2006.
3. A.P. Boresi, and R.J. Schmidt, Advanced Mechanics of Materials, 6th ed., John Wiley,
New York, 2003.

5
O. W. Blodgett, “Design of Weldments”, The James F. Lincoln Arc Welding Foundation, 1963 (still
being printed). www.weldinginnovation.com

Torsion of Thin-Walled Bars 22/24

Mechanics of Structures, 2nd year, Mechanical Engineering, Cairo University

4. R. D. Cook, and W. C. Young, Advanced Mechanics of Materials, Macmillan

Publishing Company, New York, 1985. (2nd ed. 1999.)
5. R. C. Hibbeler, Mechanics of Materials, SI 2nd ed., Prentice Hall (Pearson Education),
Singapore, 2005.

Appendix I Shear Flow for Tubular Cross Sections

The shear stress at any point in the plane of the cross section is associated with an equal
shear stress along the axial direction, Fig. A1.
For the free body diagram of portion ab
∑Fx = 0
∴τ dA )a - τ dA )b = 0
but dA )a = ta dx
and dA )b = tb dx
∴τt )A = τt )B = q = constant
Where, q is the shear flow.

Fig. A1 q = τ t )a = τ t )b = constant. The idea of the proof is ∑ dF = 0, along the axial

direction. Note: The cross section has a general shape with variable thin thickness.

Torsion of Thin-Walled Bars 23/24

Mechanics of Structures, 2nd year, Mechanical Engineering, Cairo University

Appendix II Shear Stress Bredt’s Formula

Fig. A2 Proof of τi = T / (2 ti A0). Point P is arbitrarily located in the plane.

At any point in the cross section, take a small area across the thickness of length ds. The
shear stress acting at this area produces an increment of force dF, Fig. A2.
dF = τ t ds = q ds
This force develops an incremental torque dT about a typical point P.
dT = dF r = q ds r = q r ds
Where r is perpendicular to the line ds. The area of the triangle of base ds and vertex P is
dA0.
dA0 = ½ ds r
∴dT = 2 q dA0
Integrate dT along the closed path of the median line to get T.

T= ∫ dT = 2q ∫ dA0 = 2qA0
T
∴ q=
2 A0
T
∴τ =
2tA0

Torsion of Thin-Walled Bars 24/24