Rotating Shaft Carrying a Unidirectional Transverse Load

Introduction:
When a rotating shaft carries a unidirectional transverse load, it experiences various stresses due to the bending and shearing actions. These stresses are not constant but vary along the length of the shaft.

Variable Bending Stress:
The bending stress in a rotating shaft with a unidirectional transverse load varies along its length. It is maximum at the point where the load is applied and gradually decreases towards the ends. This is because the bending moment is directly proportional to the distance from the load application point. Therefore, the bending stress is highest at the point of application and decreases as we move away from it.

Reason for Variable Bending Stress:
The bending stress is caused by the moment that is induced in the shaft due to the applied load. As the load is unidirectional, the moment varies along the length of the shaft. This results in variable bending stress distribution.

Constant Shear Stress:
Unlike bending stress, the shear stress in a rotating shaft carrying a unidirectional transverse load remains constant along its length. This is because shear stress is directly proportional to the applied load and inversely proportional to the shaft's cross-sectional area. Since both the load and the cross-sectional area remain constant along the length of the shaft, the shear stress also remains constant.

Uniform Shear Stress Distribution:
The shear stress is responsible for resisting the shearing action caused by the applied load. As the load is unidirectional, the shearing action remains constant along the length of the shaft. Therefore, the shear stress distribution is uniform throughout the shaft.

Conclusion:
In summary, when a rotating shaft carries a unidirectional transverse load, it experiences variable bending stress and constant shear stress. The bending stress varies along the length of the shaft, being highest at the point of load application and decreasing towards the ends. On the other hand, the shear stress remains constant along the shaft due to the uniform shearing action caused by the load.