TORSIONAL STRENGTH OF MULTIPLE-SPLINED SHAFTS 210020

The results of some tests recently completed are presented. No attempt is made to develop the theory involved. It is intended to describe only the actual tests, the conditions under which they were carried out and the results obtained.

Superficially, it would seem obvious that the torsional strength of a multiple-splined shaft is greater than that of a full round shaft having a diameter equal to the small diameter of the splined shaft. Data on this and related questions were sought experimentally. A series of tests was run on 15 carefully machined shafts. The dimensions shown are the actual ones of the test-pieces, there not being more than 0.0005-in. variation in any shaft from the diameters shown. Heat-treating was very carefully carried out, and each specimen carefully checked by Brinell instrument on the ends and by scleroscope throughout the length. The Brinell numbers were all between 220 and 235, and the extremes of scleroscope hardness were 38 and 43. The testing machine and a composite curve of test results are shown.