A flexible shaft consists of a 3 mm diameter steel wire in a flexible hollow tube which imposes a frictional torque of 0.04 N m per meter when the shaft rotates. The shaft is to be used for applying a torque of 0.1 N m to actuate a switch. What is the maximum length of shaft that may be used if the shear stress in the shaft is not to exceed 50 MPa?

Question

Physics

Bobby Stevens

12 February, 17:25

A flexible shaft consists of a 3 mm diameter steel wire in a flexible hollow tube which imposes a frictional torque of 0.04 N m per meter when the shaft rotates. The shaft is to be used for applying a torque of 0.1 N m to actuate a switch. What is the maximum length of shaft that may be used if the shear stress in the shaft is not to exceed 50 MPa?

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Answers (1)

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Marie Bolton · Answer 1

2.5m

Explanation:

Torque is defined as the rotational effect of a force on a body.

The torque T for the maximum shear stress is given as 0.1 Nm

Frictional torque is the torque caused by a frictional force

The frictional torque F is given as 0.04 Nm/m

The maximum length of the shaft is thus given as

L = T / F

= 0.1/0.04

L = 2.5 m