Calculating the diameter of a pin in double shear

Click For Summary

Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around calculating the diameter of a medium carbon steel pin in double shear subjected to a suddenly applied shearing force of 150,000 N. Participants explore the implications of double shear, the appropriate shear strength values, and the correct application of formulas related to the problem.

Discussion Character

  • Homework-related
  • Mathematical reasoning
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant initially calculates the diameter as 22 mm but questions the correctness of their approach.
  • Another participant points out that for double shear, the shearing force should be divided by two, not multiplied.
  • There is confusion about whether to consider the suddenly applied force as effectively doubling the load, leading to a discussion about the correct interpretation of the problem statement.
  • Participants discuss the units of shear strength, with one confirming that the value of 580 is in N/mm² (MPa) and appropriate for ultimate shear strength.
  • One participant suggests that the term "suddenly applied" implies impact loading, which could affect the shear strength used in calculations.
  • Multiple participants provide corrections and hints regarding the formula for the area of a circle and the proper handling of units throughout the calculations.
  • One participant attempts a revised calculation but is advised to maintain significant digits and correct unit formatting.
  • Final calculations yield varying results, with one participant concluding with a diameter of 18 mm after multiple iterations and corrections.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the interpretation of the suddenly applied force and its impact on the calculations. There is no consensus on the final answer, as participants arrive at different values for the diameter based on their interpretations of the problem and calculations.

Contextual Notes

Participants highlight the importance of using the correct units and significant figures in calculations. There is also mention of potential safety factors or load factors that are not specified in the problem statement.

Who May Find This Useful

This discussion may be useful for students and practitioners dealing with mechanical engineering problems involving shear forces, particularly in the context of material strength and failure analysis.

rad10k
Messages
60
Reaction score
0

Homework Statement



Calculate the diameter of a meduim carbon steel pin in double shear subjected to a suddenly applied shearing force of 150000N?

Homework Equations



A=p/t

p=300000 ( double shear) t=580 ( ultime shear strength)



The Attempt at a Solution



Double shear 150000 x 2 = p

A = p/t

30000/580 = 517.24138 square root = 22mm

Answer 22mm

Is this correct ? if not could someone please help me where i am going wrong thanks
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Two things: Since it's double-shear, you divide the shearing force by two, not multiply. Also, you seem to have gotten the equation for area of a circle incorrect - it's not d2. It's (pi*d2)/4.
 
so the force should be 150000 / 2 = 75000 but then it is suddenly applied so 75000* 2

the force is then 150000N ?
 
What are your units of t?
And are you using a shear strength for gradually applied loads, rather than the more appropriate value for suddenly applied loads?
 
Hi, t is the ultimate shear strength of medium carbon steel taken from a table in my course work book. It is 580. Thanks
 
rad10k said:
so the force should be 150000 / 2 = 75000 but then it is suddenly applied so 75000* 2

the force is then 150000N ?
No. Since it's a double-shear pin - the force is equally spread across two shear points. Thus, the force at either individual point is 75000 N. Use that force, the shear strength, and the equation for area of a circle (since it's asking for diameter, we assume the pin's cross-section is a circle) that has diameter in it. Another way to think of it is that your cross-sectional area is doubled, since it's double-shear, and you'd use the force of 150000 N in the equation. Either way, you'll come out with the same answer.

Were this pin in single-shear, the force would simply be 150000 N and 1x the circular cross-sectional area.

Also, as pongo mentioned - what are your units for t? It would seem to be MPa, which is N/mm2 - but that would seem a little high for medium. But, if that number (in MPa) is what your book states, then go with it.One last thing - your original post states "subjected to a suddenly applied shearing force of 150000N." Are you certain that that's how it is worded? Or does the problem refer to the 150000 N as an "applied" force? I would think they'd use "applied," but maybe they're trying to fool you.
 
Last edited:
'Suddenly' applied I think implies impact loading , resulting in forces that are approximately twice as high as static "slowly" applied forces. Each case would have its own safety or load factor.
 
Yes the wording in the book is " Suddenly applied force" of 150000N. The book also states as phantomjay says "a suddenly applied force is doubled " that was my reason for suggesting that I divide the double shear in half then double it back again for the "suddenly applied force" giving me 150000N again... also
the units of t are in N/mm2 and are for ultimate strength in shear for medium carbon steel.
Having said all this I still seem to be confuse about the formula for finding the diameter of the pin.

Thanks
 
Last edited:
rad10k: I agree with PhanthomJay and you. You were already doing it correctly when you doubled the suddenly applied load. And N/mm^2 are called MPa. Also, 580 MPa indeed sounds plausible for shear ultimate strength of medium carbon steel. This could be, e.g., steel UNS G10600 (SAE 1060, AISI 1060), quenched and tempered, or something like that. Think ISO property class 10.9 bolts :wink:, called "medium carbon steel, quenched and tempered," which are somewhat stronger than your steel. Because you know the formula for area of a circle (post 2), and because you know the formula for shear stress, tau, plug in all the values you know, and then solve for diameter, d. Give it a try again, and show your work, and PhanthomJay or someone will check your math.

You almost did it correctly in post 1, except, among other mistakes discussed previously, you also lost track of the correct number of zeros. That is why the international standard says the following.

  1. Always leave a space between a numeric value and its following unit symbol. E.g., 22 mm, not 22mm. See the international standard for writing units[/color] (ISO 31-0[/color]).

  2. For long numbers having five or more digits, the international standard says you can write the digits in groups of three, separated by spaces. E.g., 150 000 N, instead of 150000 N.
Notice how this makes it much easier to read the digits correctly.
 
  • #10
Thanks for the advice :o)

Ok here is a new attempt at a solution:

Original force 150 000N

Suddenly Applied = 150 000 * 2 = 300 000N

Double Shear 300 000 / 2 = 150 000N

P = 150 000N

t = 580 N/mm2 ( I have table titled "Shearing and Torsional Strength of Materials" for medium carbon steel I have the choice of " Yield Stress = 280 N/mm2" or " Ultimate Shear Stress = 580 N/mm2" I have chosen to use ultimate shear stress ?)

Formula :

p/t /2 / (0.25*pi) = d

150 000N / 580 = 258.62

258.620 / 2 = 129.31

0.25 * 3.14 = 0.785

129.31 / 0.785 = 164.72

Square root of 164.72 = d

d = 13 mm ( Rouded up )


Any Better ??

thanks
 
  • #11
rad10k: Close, but not quite. Hint 1: You already divided your applied load by 2 for double shear, so why did you divide by 2 again? Try again.

Also, remember what I wrote in post 9. Always leave a space between a numeric value and its following unit symbol. E.g., 150 000 N, not 150 000N.

N/mm^2 is called MPa. Always use the correct, special name for a unit. E.g., 580 MPa, not 580 N/mm^2.

Also, do not round so much. Generally always maintain at least four significant digits throughout all your intermediate calculations, then round only the final answer to three significant digits.
 
Last edited:
  • #12
rad10k...Does the problem mention a safety factor under impact load?
 
  • #13
No does not mention and saftey factor or load factors

ok so...

Question ;

Calculate the diameter of a medium carbon steel pin in double shear subjected to a suddenly applied shearing force of 150 000 N ?

Solution :

150 000 N * 2 For Suddenly Applied = 300 000 N

300 000 N / 2 For Double Shear = 150 000 N

P = 150 000 N

t = 580 Mpa

p/t / (0.25*pi)

150 000 N / 580 Mpa / 0.785 . square root = 18 mm

Thanks for everyones patience :o)
 
  • #14
rad10k: Your answer is correct. By the way, always use correct capitalization of unit symbols. E.g., MPa, not Mpa. See NIST[/color] for the correct spelling of any unit symbol.
 
  • #15
excellent Thanks everyone and thanks nvn for the advice on correct way of displaying units :o) I tdoes make it much easier to read.
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
4K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
11K
Replies
4
Views
13K
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
3K
Replies
1
Views
11K
Replies
4
Views
5K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
5K
Replies
1
Views
6K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
30K