GATE 2021 CE (CE2) – Question 29
A fixed stepped solid shaft OPQ has diameters 0.10 m in OP and 0.08 m in PQ. Same-direction torques 2 kN·m and 1 kN·m act at P and Q. Material shear yield strength is 160 MPa. Find maximum absolute shear stress in MPa to one decimal.
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Correct answer: 14 to 16
Explanation
Internal torque is 1 kN·m in PQ and 3 kN·m in OP. For a solid shaft, $\tau_{max}=16T/(\pi d^3)$, giving 9.947 MPa in PQ and 15.279 MPa in OP. The maximum is **15.3 MPa**, well below yield; the smaller diameter alone does not decide the maximum.