View source for Shaft (mechanical engineering)

{{short description|Rotating machine element}}
{{One source|date=June 2021}}

In [[mechanical engineering]], a '''shaft''' is a rotating [[machine element]], usually circular in cross section, which is used to transmit power from one part to another, or from a [[machine]] which produces power to a machine which absorbs power.

==Types==
They are mainly classified into two types.
* Transmission shafts are used to transmit power between the source and the machine absorbing power; e.g. counter shafts and [[line shaft]]s.
* Machine shafts are the integral part of the [[machine]] itself; e.g. [[crankshaft]].
*Axle shaft. 
*Spindle shaft.

==Materials==
The material used for ordinary shafts is [[mild steel]]. When high strength is required, an [[alloy steel]] such as [[nickel]], [[Nickel-chrome|nickel-chromium]] or [[chromium-vanadium steel]] is used. Shafts are generally formed by [[hot rolling]] and finished to size by [[cold drawing]] or [[turning]] and [[Grinding (abrasive cutting)|grinding]].{{Citation needed|date=October 2020}}

==Standard sizes==
Source:<ref>Mahadevan K and Reddy K.Balaveera, (2015), 'Design data hand book', CBS publishers and Distributors (P) ltd., New-Delhi, {{ISBN|9788123923154}}</ref>

===Machine shafts===
* Up to 25&nbsp;mm steps of 0.5&nbsp;mm

===Transmission shafts===
* 25&nbsp;mm to 60&nbsp;mm with 5&nbsp;mm steps
* 60&nbsp;mm to 110&nbsp;mm with 10&nbsp;mm steps
* 110&nbsp;mm to 140&nbsp;mm with 15&nbsp;mm steps
* 140&nbsp;mm to 500&nbsp;mm with 20&nbsp;mm steps

The [[standard length]]s of the shafts are 5 m, 6 m and 7 m.

Usually 1m to 5m is used.

==Stresses==
The following [[Stress (mechanics)|stresses]] are induced in the shafts.
# [[Shear stress]]es due to the transmission of [[torque]] (due to torsional load).
# Bending stresses ([[tensile]] or [[compressive]]) due to the forces acting upon the machine elements like [[gears]] and [[pulleys]] as well as the self weight of the shaft.
# Stresses due to combined [[torsional]] and [[bending]] loads.

==References==
{{Reflist}}

==External links==
*[https://www.mechanicalcheck.com/en/din743/calc/ Online verification of shafts according standard]

{{Authority control}}

[[Category:Machines]]
[[Category:Mechanical engineering]]
[[Category:Kinematics]]
[[Category:Articles containing video clips]]
[[Category:Shaft drives]]