Section I.2 I.1-6 Power Transmission
Circular bars or shafts are commonly used for transmission of power. Circular cross section is used because, as explained in the previous section, it will not get distorted under torque. From design stand point, it is necessary for the shaft to be strong enough to transmit power safely without exceeding the shaft material's elastic limit. We recall from physics that for angular motion:

Work = Torque x Angular Displacement

Power = d/dt (Work)

If torque is not a function of time, then the equation for power simply becomes:

P = T w

where w is the angular velocity of the shaft. This is the relationship between the torque in the shaft and the power transmitted through it from one end to the other.

It is important that we use consistent units for P, T, and w. Power is commonly specified in horsepower, HP. In that case we can convert HP to ft-lb/sec by multiplying it by 550, and to in-lb/sec by multiplying it by 6600. Angular velocity is usually given in revolutions per minute or RPM. It should then be converted to rad/sec. To do this multiply the value in RPM by 2 pi and divide by 60. Therefore, to get the units of in-lb for torque, the conversion factor becomes:

T = HP x 63025 / RPM.

  • Example Problem on Transmission of Power

  • Mechanical Coupling

    • Mechanical coupling is commonly used to extend the length of a shaft or to connect the shaft to another component. An example of this can be found in flap mechanism as well as in the propeller shaft. The figure below shows that with two disks in contact, the applied torque will tend to rotate one relative to the other. This relative displacement, if prevented, will lead to the creation of shear stress and strain at the surface of contact. These types of disks are typically bolted together. In that case, the torque will put the bolts in the state of plane shear.

    In problems of mechanical coupling, it is commonly assumed that the surface of contact is frictionless and that the entire torque is transmitted through the bolts which are distributed in a circular pattern at a particular distance from the center.

    As in the case of a circular shaft, the shear strain varies linearly from the center of the cross section. Since the diameters of bolts are usually much smaller than that of the coupling plate, it is commonly assumed that the shear strain is constant along the bolt's cross-sectional area. Starting from the original equation for torque we can drive the special form for the mechanical coupling problems as follows:

  • Shaft Coupling

    • In shaft coupling, we are concerned with the number and size of bolts to be used in order to keep the stress in the bolts below the allowable value. As a designer we have a choice of materials, size, number, and distribution pattern for the coupling bolts. This freedom allows us to examine different ways that a coupling can be designed such that it is efficient from the stand point of design as well as manufacturability and cost.

    We need to balance the number and size of bolts being used. Is it better to use a large quantity of small bolts or few large bolts. We also need to keep in mind the damage tolerance issue. If we use too few bolts, then what would happen in the case one gets sheared off. Will the remaining bolts carry the desired load? Questions like this would have to be answered by the designer before the design can be accepted for production.

    Below we see the equations used for the coupling analysis.

  • Example Problem on Coupling
    • To Index Page of Pure Torsion To Section I.1 To Section I.2