CHAPTER 2

Stresses and strains

Simple Stresses in Machine Parts
In engineering practice, the machine parts are subjected to various forces which may be due to either one or more of
the following:

1. Energy transmitted,

2. Weight of machine,

3. Frictional resistances,

4. Inertia of reciprocating parts,

5. Change of temperature, and

6. Lack of balance of moving parts.

1. Load
Any external force acting upon a machine part.

The following four types of the load are important from the subject point of view:

1. Dead or steady load.

A load is said to be a dead or steady load, when it does not change in magnitude or direction.

2. Live or variable load.

A load is said to be a live or variable load, when it changes continually.

3. Suddenly applied or shock loads.

A load is said to be a suddenly applied or shock load, when it is suddenly applied or removed.

4. Impact load. A load is said to be an impact load, when it is applied with some initial velocity.

Note: a machine part resists a dead load more easily than a live load and a live load more easily than a shock load.
2. Stress

When some external system of forces or loads acts on a body, the internal forces (equal and opposite) are set up at various
sections of the body, which resist the external forces.

This internal force per unit area at any section of the body is known as unit stress or simply a stress.

It is denoted by a Greek letter sigma ().

Mathematically,

 = 𝑃/𝐴
Where
P is the force or load acting on a body.
A is the cross-sectional area of the body.

In S.I. units, the stress is usually expressed in Pascal (Pa) such that 1 Pa = 1 N/m2. In actual practice, bigger units of
stress are used i.e. mega Pascal (MPa) and Giga Pascal (GPa), such that
1 GPa = 1 × 103 MPa = 1 × 109 N/m2 = 1000 N/mm2
3. Strain

When a system of forces or loads acts on a body, it undergoes some deformation.

This deformation per unit length is known as unit strain or simply a strain.

It is denoted by a Greek letter epsilon ().

Mathematically,
 = 𝛿𝑙/𝑙
𝛿𝑙 = 𝜀. 𝑙
Where
𝛿𝑙 is the change in length of the body, and
l is the original length of the body.
4. Tensile Stress and Strain

When a body is subjected to two equal and opposite axial pulls P (also called tensile load) as shown in Fig.1.1 (a), then
the stress induced at any section of the body is known as tensile stress as shown in Fig. 1.1 (b).

A little consideration will show that due to the tensile load, there will be a decrease in cross-sectional area and an
increase in length of the body.

The ratio of the increase in length to the original length is known as tensile strain.

Tensile stress
Let
P = Axial tensile force acting on the body,
A = Cross-sectional area of the body,
l = Original length, and
𝛿𝑙 = Increase in length.

Tensile stress,
𝑡 = 𝑃/𝐴

and tensile strain,

𝑡 = 𝛿𝑙/𝑙

Tensile stress
5. Compressive Stress and Strain

When a body is subjected to two equal and opposite axial pushes P (also called compressive load) as shown in Fig. 1.2
(a), then the stress induced at any section of the body is known as compressive stress as shown in Fig. 1.2 (b).

A little consideration will show that due to the compressive load, there will be an increase in cross-sectional area and a
decrease in length of the body.

The ratio of the decrease in length to the original length is known as compressive strain.

Compressive stress
Let
P = Axial compressive force acting on the body,
A = Cross-sectional area of the body,
l = Original length, and
𝛿𝑙 = Decrease in length.

Compressive stress,
𝑐 = 𝑃/𝐴

and compressive strain,

𝑐 = 𝛿𝑙/𝑙

Compressive stress
6. Young's Modulus or Modulus of Elasticity

Hooke's law states that when a material is loaded within elastic limit, the stress is directly proportional to strain, i.e.

∝𝜀 or  = 𝐸𝜀

 𝑃×𝑙
𝐸= =
𝜀 𝐴 × 𝛿𝑙

where E is a constant of proportionality known as Young's modulus or modulus of elasticity.

In S.I. units, it is usually expressed in GPa i.e. GN/m2 or kN/mm2.

It may be noted that Hooke's law holds good for tension as well as compression.
7. Shear Stress and Strain

When a body is subjected to two equal and opposite forces acting tangentially across the resisting section, as a result of
which the body tends to shear off the section, then the stress induced is called shear stress.

The corresponding strain is known as shear strain and it is measured by the angular deformation accompanying the shear
stress. The shear stress and shear strain are denoted by the Greek letters tau (τ) and phi (𝜙) respectively.
Mathematically,

Shear stress,
𝑇𝑎𝑛𝑔𝑒𝑛𝑡𝑖𝑎𝑙 𝑓𝑜𝑟𝑐𝑒
𝜏 =
𝑅𝑒𝑠𝑖𝑠𝑡𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑎𝑟𝑒𝑎
Consider a body consisting of two plates connected by a rivet as shown in Fig. 1.3 (a).
In this case, the tangential force P tends to shear off the rivet at one cross-section as shown in Fig. 1.3 (b).

It may be noted that, when the tangential force is resisted by one cross-section of the rivet (or when shearing takes place
at one cross-section of the rivet), then the rivets are said to be in single shear.
𝜋
𝐴 = 𝑑2
4
and shear stress on the rivet cross-section,
𝑃 𝑃
𝜏 = =𝜋
𝐴 𝑑 2
4

Shear stress
Shearing strain.

Shearing stress has a tendency to distort the element to position AB′C′D from the original position ABCD as shown.

This deformation is expressed in terms of angular displacement and is called shear strain.
Thus

𝑆ℎ𝑒𝑎𝑟 𝑠𝑡𝑟𝑎𝑖𝑛 = 𝐵𝐵′/𝐴𝐵′ = 𝑡𝑎𝑛 𝜑 = 𝜑

since angle 𝜑 is small

8. Shear Modulus or Modulus of Rigidity

It has been found experimentally that within the elastic limit, the shear stress is directly proportional to shear strain.

Mathematically,

𝜏 ∝ϕ or 𝜏 = 𝐶. ϕ or 𝐶 = 𝜏 /ϕ
Where
𝜏 = Shear stress.
ϕ = Shear strain.
C = Constant of proportionality, known as shear modulus or modulus of rigidity.

It is also denoted by N or G.
9. Bearing Stress

A localized compressive stress at the surface of contact between two members of a machine part that are relatively at rest

is known as bearing stress or crushing stress.

The bearing stress is taken into account in the design of riveted joints, cotter joints, knuckle joints, etc.

Consider a riveted joint subjected to a load P as shown in Fig. 1.4.

Bearing stress in a riveted joint.

In such a case, the bearing stress or crushing stress (stress at the surface of contact between the rivet and a plate),

𝑃
𝑏 =
𝑑. 𝑡. 𝑛
Where
d = Diameter of the rivet.
t = Thickness of the plate.
d.t = Projected area of the rivet.
n = Number of rivets per pitch length in bearing or crushing.

Bearing stress in a riveted joint.

It may be noted that the local compression which exists at the surface of contact between two members of a machine part
that are in relative motion, is called bearing pressure (not the bearing stress).

This term is commonly used in the design of a journal supported in a bearing, pins for levers, crank pins, clutch lining, etc.

Let us consider a journal rotating in a fixed bearing as shown in Fig. 1.5 (a).
The journal exerts a bearing pressure on the curved surfaces of the brasses immediately below it.

Bearing pressure in a journal supported in a bearing.

The distribution of this bearing pressure will not be uniform, but it will be in accordance with the shape of the surfaces in
contact and deformation characteristics of the two materials.

The distribution of bearing pressure will be similar to that as shown in Fig. 1.5 (b).
Since the actual bearing pressure is difficult to determine, the average bearing pressure is usually calculated by dividing the
load to the projected area of the curved surfaces in contact.
Thus, the average bearing pressure for a journal supported in a bearing is given by

𝑃
𝑃𝑏 =
𝑙. 𝑑
Where
𝑃𝑏 = Average bearing pressure,
P = Radial load on the journal,
l = Length of the journal in contact, and
d = Diameter of the journal.
Bearing pressure in a journal supported in a bearing.
10 Impact Stress
• Sometimes, machine members are subjected to the load with impact.

• The stress produced in the member due to the falling load is known as impact stress.

Consider a bar carrying a load W at a height h and falling on the collar provided at the lower end, as shown.

Let
A = Cross-sectional area of the bar,
E = Young's modulus of the material of the bar,
l = Length of the bar,
𝛿l = Deformation of the bar,
P = Force at which the deflection 𝛿l is produced,
𝜎𝑖 = Stress induced in the bar due to the application of impact load, and
h = Height through which the load falls.
It is known that, the energy gained by the system in the form of strain energy is

1
× 𝑃 × 𝛿𝑙
2
and the potential energy lost by the weight
𝑊(ℎ + 𝛿𝑙)
Since the energy gained by the system is equal to the potential energy lost by the weight, then

1
× 𝑃 × 𝛿𝑙 = 𝑊(ℎ + 𝛿𝑙)
2
As
𝑃 = 𝜎𝑖 × 𝐴
And

𝜎𝑖 × 𝑙
𝛿𝑙 =
𝐸
Then

1 𝜎𝑖 × 𝑙 𝜎𝑖 × 𝑙
× 𝜎𝑖 × 𝐴 × = 𝑊(ℎ + )
2 𝐸 𝐸
Leading to

𝐴𝑙 𝑤𝑙
(𝜎𝑖 )2 − (𝜎𝑖 ) − 𝑊ℎ = 0
2𝐸 𝐸

From this quadratic equation, it can be found that

𝑤 2ℎ𝐴𝐸
𝜎𝑖 = 1+ 1+
𝐴 𝑊𝑙
11 Stress-strain Diagram

The values of the stress and corresponding strain are used to draw the stress-strain diagram of the material tested.

1. Proportional limit.
• It can be seen from the diagram that, from point O to A is a straight line,
which represents that the stress is proportional to strain.

• Beyond point A, the curve slightly deviates from the straight line. It is
thus obvious, that Hooke's law holds good up to point A and it is known
as proportional limit.

• It is defined as that stress at which the stress-strain curve begins to

deviate from the straight line.

Stress-strain diagram for mild steel

2. Elastic limit.
• It may be noted that even if the load is increased beyond point A up to the
point B, the material will regain its shape and size when the load is removed.

• This means that the material has elastic properties up to the point B.

• This point is known as elastic limit.

• It is defined as the stress developed in the material without any permanent

deformation.

Note: Since the above two limits are very close to each other, for all practical purposes
these are taken to be equal.
3. Yield point.
• If the material is stressed beyond point B, the plastic stage will reach i.e. on
the removal of the load; the material will not be able to recover its original
size and shape.

• A little consideration will show that beyond point B, the strain increases at a
faster rate with any increase in the stress until the point C is reached.

• At this point, the material yields and there is an appreciable strain without any
increase in stress.

• Hence there are two yield points C and D. The points C and D are called the
upper and lower yield points, respectively.

• The stress corresponding to yield point is known as yield point stress.

4. Ultimate stress.
• At D, the specimen regains some strength and higher values of stresses are required for higher strains, than those between
A and D.

• The stress (or load) goes on increasing till the point E is reached.

• The gradual increase in the strain (or length) of the specimen is followed
with the uniform reduction of its cross-sectional area.

• The work done, during stretching the specimen, is transformed largely into
heat and the specimen becomes hot.

• At E, the stress, which attains its maximum value, is known as ultimate

stress.

• It is defined as the largest stress obtained by dividing the largest value of the
load reached in a test to the original cross-sectional area of the test piece.
5. Breaking stress.
After the specimen has reached the ultimate stress, a neck is formed, which
decreases the cross-sectional area of the specimen, as shown .

A little consideration will show that, the stress (or load) necessary to break
away the specimen, is less than the maximum stress.

The stress is, therefore, reduced until the specimen breaks away at point F.

The stress corresponding to point F is known as breaking stress.

6. Percentage reduction in area.
It is the difference between the original cross-sectional area and cross-sectional
area at the neck (i.e. where the fracture takes place).

This difference is expressed as percentage of the original cross-sectional area.

Let A = Original cross-sectional area, and
a = Cross-sectional area at the neck.
Then
The reduction in area = A – a
and the percentage reduction in area

𝐴−𝑎
× 100
𝑎
7. Percentage elongation.
It is the percentage increase in the standard gauge length (i.e. original length)
obtained by measuring the fractured specimen after bringing the broken parts
together.

Let 𝑙 = Gauge length or original length, and

𝐿 = Length of specimen after fracture or final length.
Elongation = 𝐿 – 𝑙

and percentage elongation

𝐿−𝑙
× 100
𝑙
12 Working Stress

When designing machine parts,

it is desirable to keep the stress lower than the maximum or ultimate stress at which failure of the material takes place.

This stress is known as the working stress or design stress.

It is also known as safe or allowable stress.

13 Factor of Safety
It is defined, in general, as the ratio of the maximum stress to the working stress. Mathematically,

𝑀𝑎𝑥𝑖𝑚𝑢𝑚 𝑠𝑡𝑟𝑒𝑠𝑠
𝐹𝑎𝑐𝑡𝑜𝑟 𝑜𝑓 𝑠𝑎𝑓𝑒𝑡𝑦 =
𝑊𝑜𝑟𝑘𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑜𝑟 𝑑𝑒𝑠𝑖𝑔𝑛 𝑠𝑡𝑟𝑒𝑠𝑠

In case of ductile materials e.g. mild steel, where the yield point is clearly defined, the factor of safety is based upon the
yield point stress. In such cases,

𝑌𝑖𝑒𝑙𝑑 𝑝𝑜𝑖𝑛𝑡 𝑠𝑡𝑟𝑒𝑠𝑠

𝐹𝑎𝑐𝑡𝑜𝑟 𝑜𝑓 𝑠𝑎𝑓𝑒𝑡𝑦 =
𝑊𝑜𝑟𝑘𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑜𝑟 𝑑𝑒𝑠𝑖𝑔𝑛 𝑠𝑡𝑟𝑒𝑠𝑠

In case of brittle materials e.g. cast iron, the yield point is not well defined as for ductile materials.
The factor of safety for brittle materials is based on ultimate stress.

𝑈𝑙𝑡𝑖𝑚𝑎𝑡𝑒 𝑠𝑡𝑟𝑒𝑠𝑠
𝐹𝑎𝑐𝑡𝑜𝑟 𝑜𝑓 𝑠𝑎𝑓𝑒𝑡𝑦 =
𝑊𝑜𝑟𝑘𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑜𝑟 𝑑𝑒𝑠𝑖𝑔𝑛 𝑠𝑡𝑟𝑒𝑠𝑠
This relation may also be used for ductile materials.
14 Selection of Factor of Safety
Depends upon a number of considerations,
• The material.
• Type of stress.
• General service conditions.
• Shape of the parts.

The high factor of safety results in unnecessary risk of failure.

The values of factor of safety based on ultimate strength for different materials and type of load are given in the following
table:
Material Steady load Live load Shock load

Cast iron 5 to 6 8 to 12 16 to 20

Steel 4 8 12 to 16

Soft materials 6 9 15

Leather 9 12 15
15 Thermal Stresses
Whenever there is some increase or decrease in the temperature of a body, it causes the body to expand or contract.

If the body is allowed to expand or contract freely, with the rise or fall of the temperature, no stresses are induced in the body.

But, if the deformation of the body is prevented, some stresses are induced in the body.

Such stresses are known as thermal stresses.

Let 𝑙 = Original length of the body,
t = Rise or fall of temperature, and
α = Coefficient of thermal expansion,

Then the increase or decrease in length,

𝛿𝑙 = 𝑙. 𝛼. 𝑡

If the ends of the body are fixed to rigid supports, so that its expansion is prevented, then compressive strain induced in the
body,

𝛿𝑙 𝑙. 𝛼. 𝑡
𝜀𝑡ℎ = = = 𝛼. 𝑡
𝑙 𝑙

Then the thermal stress is

𝜎𝑡ℎ = 𝜀𝑡ℎ . 𝐸 = 𝛼. 𝑡. 𝐸
17 Linear and Lateral Strain
Consider a circular bar of diameter d and length l, subjected to a tensile force P as shown

Liner and lateral strain.

Due to tensile force, the length of the bar increases by an amount 𝛿l and the diameter decreases by an amount 𝛿𝑑, as

shown in Fig. 1.8 (b).

Similarly, if the bar is subjected to a compressive force, the length of bar will decrease which will be followed by increase

in diameter.
18 Poisson’s Ratio
When a body is stressed within elastic limit, the lateral strain bears a constant ratio to the linear strain.
Mathematically,

𝐿𝑎𝑡𝑒𝑟𝑎𝑙 𝑠𝑡𝑟𝑎𝑖𝑛
= 𝐶𝑜𝑛𝑠𝑡𝑎𝑛𝑡
𝐿𝑖𝑛𝑒𝑎𝑟 𝑠𝑡𝑟𝑎𝑖𝑛

This constant is known as Poisson's ratio and is denoted by 1/𝑚 or 𝜇.

Following are the values of Poisson's ratio for some of the materials commonly used in engineering practice.
19 Volumetric Strain
When a body is subjected to a system of forces, it undergoes some changes in its dimensions.

In other words, the volume of the body is changed.

The ratio of the change in volume to the original volume is known as volumetric strain.

Mathematically, volumetric strain,

𝛿𝑉
𝜀𝑉 =
𝑉
Where
𝛿𝑉 = Change in volume, and
V = Original volume.
For example consider a bar of length L, breadth b and depth d as shown.

Now, 𝑉 = 𝐿𝑏𝑑

Since volume is function of L, b and d.

𝛿𝑉 = 𝛿𝐿 𝑏𝑑 + 𝐿 𝛿𝑏 𝑑 + 𝐿𝑏 𝛿𝑑

𝛿𝑉/𝑉 = 𝛿𝑣/𝐿𝑏𝑑

𝛿𝐿 𝛿𝑏 𝛿𝑑
𝜀𝑉 = + +
𝐿 𝑏 𝑑

𝜀𝑉 = 𝜀𝑥 + 𝜀𝑦 + 𝜀𝑧
Now, consider a circular rod of length L and diameter ‘d’ as shown.
Volume of the bar

Since V is function of d and L then

then

𝜀𝑉 = 𝜀𝑥 + 𝜀𝑦 + 𝜀𝑧
𝛿𝑑
𝜀𝑦 = 𝜀𝑧 =
𝑑
20 Bulk Modulus

When a body is subjected to three mutually perpendicular stresses, of equal intensity, then the ratio of the direct stress to the
corresponding volumetric strain is known as bulk modulus.

It is usually denoted by K.
Mathematically, bulk modulus,

𝐷𝑖𝑟𝑒𝑐𝑡 𝑠𝑡𝑟𝑒𝑠𝑠 𝜎
𝐾= =
𝑉𝑜𝑙𝑢𝑚𝑒𝑡𝑟𝑖𝑐 𝑠𝑡𝑟𝑎𝑖𝑛 𝛿𝑉Τ𝑉
21 Relation Between Bulk Modulus and Young’s Modulus
The bulk modulus (K) and the Young's modulus (E) are related by the following relation,

𝐸
𝐾=
3(1 − 2𝜇)

22 Relation Between Young’s Modulus and Modulus of Rigidity

The Young's modulus (E) and the modulus of rigidity (G) are related by the following relation,

𝐸
𝐺=
2(1 + 𝜇)

Also, a relation between the elastic constants free of the Poisson’s ratio is

9𝐾𝐺
𝐸=
(3𝐾 + 𝐺)
Leading to

9 3 1
= +
𝐸 𝐺 𝐾
23 Bending Stress in Straight Beams
The machine parts of structural members may be subjected to static or dynamic loads which cause bending stress in the
sections besides other types of stresses such as tensile, compressive and shearing stresses.

Consider a straight beam subjected to a bending moment M as shown.

It may be seen that somewhere between the top and bottom fibers there is a surface at which the fibers are neither shortened

nor lengthened.

Such a surface is called neutral surface.

The intersection of the neutral surface with any normal cross-section of the beam is known as neutral axis.
The bending equation is given by:

𝑀 𝜎 𝐸
= =
𝐼 𝑦 𝑅
Where
M = Bending moment acting at the given section,
𝜎 = Bending stress,
I = Moment of inertia of the cross-section about the neutral axis,
y = Distance from the neutral axis to the extreme fiber,
E = Young’s modulus of the material of the beam, and
R = Radius of curvature of the beam.
From the above equation, the bending stress is given by:

𝐸
𝜎=𝑦×
𝑅
Since E and R are constant, the stress at any point is directly proportional to y, i.e. the distance of the point from the neutral
axis.
Also from the above equation, the bending stress,

𝑀 𝑀 𝑀
𝜎=𝑦× = =
𝐼 𝐼ൗ
𝑦 𝑍

The ratio I/y is known as section modulus and is denoted by Z.

24 Torsional Shear Stress
When a machine member is subjected to the action of two equal and opposite couples acting in parallel planes (or torque or
twisting moment), then the machine member is said to be subjected to torsion.

The stress set up by torsion is known as torsional shear stress.

It is zero at the centroidal axis and maximum at the outer surface.
The maximum torsional shear stress at the outer surface of the shaft may be obtained from the following equation:

𝜏 𝑇 𝐶. 𝜃
= =
𝑅 𝐽 𝑙
Where
𝜏 = Torsional shear stress induced at the outer surface of the shaft or maximum shear stress,
𝑟 = Radius of the shaft,
𝑇 = Torque or twisting moment,
𝐽 = Second moment of area of the section about its polar axis or polar moment of inertia,
𝐶 = Modulus of rigidity for the shaft material,
𝑙 = Length of the shaft, and
𝜃 = Angle of twist in radians on a length 𝑙.
 CHAPTER 2
Shafts and Keys
2.1 Shaft

Transmit power or motion.

Traditional nomenclature includes:

• Axle

• Shaft

• Spindle

• Head or stud shaft

• Line shaft

• Jack shaft

2.2 Types of Shafts

1. Transmission shafts.

2. Machine shafts.
2.3 Stresses in Shafts

1. Shear stresses due to the transmission of torque (i.e. due to torsional load).

2. Bending stresses (tensile or compressive).

3. Stresses due to combined torsional and bending loads.

2.4 Design of Shafts
The shafts may be designed on the basis of Strength or Rigidity.

In designing shafts on the basis of strength, the following cases may be considered:

(a) Shafts subjected to twisting moment or torque only,

(b) Shafts subjected to bending moment only,

(c) Shafts subjected to combined twisting and bending moments, and

(d) Shafts subjected to axial loads in addition to combined torsional and bending loads.
2.4.1 Shafts Subjected to Twisting Moment Only

When the shaft is subjected to a twisting moment (or torque) only, then the diameter of the shaft may be obtained by using
the torsion equation.
It is known that

𝑇 𝜏
= (𝒊)
𝐽 𝑟

Where
𝑇 = Twisting moment (or torque) acting upon the shaft,
𝐽 = Polar moment of inertia of the shaft about the axis of rotation,
𝜏 = Torsional shear stress, and
𝑟 = Distance from neutral axis to the outer most fiber
= 𝑑 / 2; where 𝑑 is the diameter of the shaft.
It is known that for round solid shaft, polar moment of inertia,
𝜋 4
𝐽= 𝑑
32
The equation (𝒊) may now be written as

𝑇 𝜏
𝜋 4=𝑑
𝑑
32 2
Or
𝜋
𝑇= × 𝜏 × 𝑑3 (𝒊𝒊)
16

From this equation, we may determine the diameter of round solid shaft (𝑑).
It is also known that, for a hollow shaft, the polar moment of inertia,
𝜋
𝐽= (𝑑𝑜 )4 −(𝑑𝑖 )4
32
Where
𝑑𝑜 is the outside diameter
𝑑𝑖 is the inside diameter
and 𝑟 = 𝑑𝑜 /2 .
Substituting these values in equation (𝒊), we have

𝑇 𝜏
𝜋 =
4
(𝑑𝑜 ) −(𝑑𝑖 )4 𝑑𝑜
32 2
Or

𝜋 (𝑑𝑜 )4 −(𝑑𝑖 )4
𝑇= ×𝜏× (𝒊𝒊)
16 𝑑𝑜

Let
𝑘 = Ratio of inside diameter and outside diameter of the shaft = 𝑑𝑖 /𝑑𝑜
Now the equation (𝒊𝒊𝒊) may be written as

From the equations (𝒊𝒊𝒊) or (𝒊𝒗), the outside and inside diameter of a hollow shaft may be determined.
The twisting moment (𝑻) may be obtained by using the following relation:
1. It is known that, the power transmitted (in watts) by the shaft is

2𝜋𝑁 × 𝑇
𝑃=
60
Or

𝑃 × 60
𝑇=
2𝜋𝑁
Where
T = Twisting moment in N.m.
N = Speed of the shaft in r.p.m.

2. In case of belt drives, the twisting moment (𝑇) is given by

𝑇 = (𝑇1 – 𝑇2) 𝑅
Where
T1 and T2 = Tensions in the tight side and slack side of the belt respectively.
R = Radius of the pulley.
Example 2.1:
A line shaft rotating at 200 r.p.m. is to transmit 20 kW. The shaft may be assumed to be made of mild steel with an
allowable shear stress of 42 MPa.
Determine the diameter of the shaft, neglecting the bending moment on the shaft.
Solution:
Given:
N = 200 r.p.m.
P = 20 kW = 20 × 103 W
τ = 42 MPa = 42 N/mm2
Let 𝑑 = Diameter of the shaft.
It is known that, the torque transmitted by the shaft is

𝑃 × 60
𝑇=
2𝜋𝑁

20 × 103 × 60
𝑇= = 955 𝑁. 𝑚 = 955 × 103 𝑁. 𝑚𝑚
2𝜋 × 200
It is also known that, the torque transmitted by the shaft (𝑇),
𝜋
𝑇= × 𝜏 × 𝑑3
16
Then
𝜋
955 × 103 = × 42 × 𝑑3 = 8.25𝑑3
16

955 × 103
𝑑3 = = 115733
8.25

𝑑 = 48.7 𝑚𝑚