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The forum discussion centers on calculating the shear stress (t) in a shaft given the formula t = KT / πD³, where T is torque and D is diameter. The user seeks guidance on determining the approximate error in t when T is measured 3% too small and D is measured 1.5% too large. A recommended approach involves calculating the total differential of t using partial derivatives with respect to T and D, which is essential for understanding the impact of measurement errors on the final result.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of shear stress and its formula t = KT / πD³
  • Knowledge of partial differentiation and total differential concepts
  • Familiarity with calculus, specifically differentiation techniques
  • Basic understanding of measurement error analysis
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  • Study the concept of total differential in calculus
  • Learn how to compute partial derivatives for functions of multiple variables
  • Explore error analysis techniques in engineering contexts
  • Review examples of similar problems in calculus textbooks
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Students in calculus or engineering courses, particularly those studying analytical methods or dealing with measurement error analysis in mechanical systems.

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Firstly I have no idea how to tackle this one, I am not sure if we've been taught it yet or if its sort of a lead on to the next set of topics..

Homework Statement



The shear stress t in a shaft of diameter D under torque T is given by t = KT / \PiD3.

Determine the approximate error in calculating t if T is measure 3% too small and D is measured 1.5% to large.

Homework Equations



None

The Attempt at a Solution



As previously stated i don't know how to handle this one, so any advice will be great.

Also i don't want to know the answer, i would like to know how to work it out..

EDIT:

My first theory was to put numbers in do the actual calculation twice with physical number and compare the difference but that didnt work. e.g. (although it did this time around, so I am now completely confused)

Completely random values.

t = 3*10/3.14*103 = 9.554*10-3

then do:

t = 3*9.7/3.14*10.153 = 8.862*10-3

This gives a percentage difference of 7.243%

t = (3*154)/(3.14*563) = 8.378*10-3

t = (3*149.38)/(3.14*56.843) ) =7.772*10-3

this gives a percentage difference of 7.233%

Is this right?
 
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Rusty789 said:
Firstly I have no idea how to tackle this one, I am not sure if we've been taught it yet or if its sort of a lead on to the next set of topics..

Homework Statement



The shear stress t in a shaft of diameter D under torque T is given by t = KT / \PiD3.

Determine the approximate error in calculating t if T is measure 3% too small and D is measured 1.5% to large.

Homework Equations



None

The Attempt at a Solution



As previously stated i don't know how to handle this one, so any advice will be great.

Also i don't want to know the answer, i would like to know how to work it out..

EDIT:

My first theory was to put numbers in do the actual calculation twice with physical number and compare the difference but that didnt work. e.g. (although it did this time around, so I am now completely confused)

Completely random values.

t = 3*10/3.14*103 = 9.554*10-3

then do:

t = 3*9.7/3.14*10.153 = 8.862*10-3

This gives a percentage difference of 7.243%

t = (3*154)/(3.14*563) = 8.378*10-3

t = (3*149.38)/(3.14*56.843) ) =7.772*10-3

this gives a percentage difference of 7.233%

Is this right?
Am I correct in assuming that you are in a calculus course? The right way to do this type of problem is to calculate the total differential of t, which will involve taking the partials with respect to T and with respect to D.

IOW,
dt = \frac{\partial}{\partial T}\left(\frac{KT}{\pi D^3}\right)dT + \frac{\partial}{\partial D}\left(\frac{KT}{\pi D^3}\right)dD

I have started this for you, but you will need to use other differentiation rules to finish it. Your textbook should have some similar examples.
 
I'm doing HNC in electronics, and this unit is called analytical methods.
 
I don't know what HNC is. What I showed in my previous post is the usual way of going about problems like this. You can substitute -.03 for dT and +.015 for dD, but you will need to know how to differentiate to get the partial derivatives I showed.
 
Its a higher national certificate, a british thing, I'm right in thinking this is mainly american?

Differentiation is definitely part of the next topic so maybe it was just to see how we'd handle it..
 
Rusty789 said:
Its a higher national certificate, a british thing, I'm right in thinking this is mainly american?
Do you mean "mainly British"? AFAIK, we don't have such a thing here in the States.
Rusty789 said:
Differentiation is definitely part of the next topic so maybe it was just to see how we'd handle it..
You will first be presented ordinary differentiation (differentiation of functions with one variables). After that would come partial differentiation (differentiation of functions with two or more variables).
 

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