MecMovies 4.0 : M1.6: Shear Stress in Bolted Flanges

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The figure on the left shows a shaft with a flange at one end. The axis of the shaft is along the x axis. The torque at the end of the shaft has a magnitude T and is directed counterclockwise. The force on each of the bolt is F subscript bolt directed opposite to the torque T. The figure on the right shows the front view of the flange. The bolt circle has a diameter of 250 millimeters.

The cross-sectional area of all four bolts would be exposed. It is these surfaces upon which shear stress acts.

The resistance provided by each bolt is given by:

$F_{bolt} = τ A_{bolt}$

The external torque applied to the shaft must be transmitted through the flanged connection by means of the shear resistance in the bolts.