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Mechanical & Civil Engineering

Torsional Shear Stress in Shafts Calculator

Calculate maximum torsional shear stress in solid or hollow circular shafts under torque.

Your inputs

Change any value to update the result instantly.

Mechanical & Civil Engineering
N·m
mm
mm

Max shear stress

20.372 MPa

Polar moment of inertia

6,13,592.32 mm⁴

Outer radius

25 mm

Inner radius

0 mm

What this calculator does

Torsional Shear Stress in Shafts Calculator: Applies the standard mechanics-of-materials relationship for this load case so a student can see how the stress, strain or deflection follows from the geometry and the load.

What your result means

The headline figure tells you how hard the material is being worked, or how much it moves, under the load you entered. Compare it with the allowable value for your material and required factor of safety.

Formula and working

τ = T·r / J

  1. 1

    Collect the inputs

    Applied torque = 500 N·m; Outer diameter = 50 mm; Inner diameter (0 = solid) = 0 mm

  2. 2

    Apply the formula

    τ = T·r / J

  3. 3

    Result

    Max shear stress = 20.372 MPa

Frequently asked questions

Symbols and assumptions

T
Applied torque (N·m)
shaftOuterDia
Outer diameter (mm)
shaftInnerDia
Inner diameter (0 = solid) (mm)
  • The material is homogeneous, isotropic and loaded within its linear-elastic range.
  • Inputs are entered in a consistent unit system, as labelled on each field.

Sources and review

Reviewed 2026-09-22 · Next review 2027-09-22

  • This is an educational estimate for learning and checking, not a design deliverable.
  • Real design must follow the governing code or standard for your jurisdiction and be reviewed and signed off by a qualified engineer.
  • Safety factors, load combinations and material certification are the responsibility of the designer, not of this page.

Important limitation

This is an educational estimate based only on the values and formula shown. Verify current rates, rules, units, and professional standards before relying on the result. It is not personalized financial or investment advice.

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