Shafts and Couplings: Design and Analysis for Mechanical Engineers

Question 1

When analyzing shaft stresses, which loading condition is typically the most complex to consider?

Accepted Answer

Combined loading

Answer

Torsion

Answer

Bending

Answer

Axial loading

Question 2

Which type of coupling is most suitable for applications with significant misalignment between shafts?

Accepted Answer

Universal joint coupling

Answer

Sleeve coupling

Answer

Flange coupling

Answer

Rigid coupling

Question 3

What is the primary function of a keyway in a shaft-hub connection?

Accepted Answer

Transmit torque between the shaft and hub

Answer

Prevent axial movement between the shaft and hub

Answer

Provide a bearing surface for the hub

Answer

Ensure proper alignment between the shaft and hub

Question 4

What is the purpose of a shear pin in a coupling?

Accepted Answer

Protect the coupling and connected components from overload

Answer

Facilitate maintenance and repairs

Answer

Increase the torque capacity of the coupling

Answer

Reduce vibration and noise

Question 5

What is a key advantage of using a flexible coupling in a power transmission system?

Accepted Answer

Compensation for misalignment between shafts

Answer

Reduced vibration and noise

Answer

Improved efficiency

Answer

Reduced maintenance costs

Question 6

Which type of coupling is NOT a subtype of sleeve coupling?

Accepted Answer

Flange coupling

Answer

Jaw coupling

Answer

Bushing coupling

Answer

Clamp coupling

Question 7

The maximum shear stress theory is applicable to shafts subjected to:

Accepted Answer

Combined bending and torsion

Answer

Bending only

Answer

Torsion only

Answer

Axial loading only

Question 8

Why is a hollow shaft preferable over a solid shaft of the same diameter?

Accepted Answer

Lower weight and material cost

Answer

Higher torsional stiffness

Answer

Increased power transmission capacity

Answer

Improved fatigue strength

Question 9

Which type of coupling accommodates misalignment and vibration?

Accepted Answer

Universal joint

Answer

Weld coupling

Answer

Sleeve coupling

Answer

Rigid coupling

Question 10

The critical speed of a shaft is the speed at which:

Accepted Answer

Resonance occurs, leading to excessive vibrations

Answer

The shaft reaches its maximum torque capacity

Answer

The shaft yields and permanent deformation occurs

Answer

The shaft breaks due to fatigue

Question 11

Which technique effectively reduces stress concentration at a shaft shoulder?

Accepted Answer

Filleting the shoulder

Answer

Press fitting between the shoulder and hub

Answer

Increasing the shaft diameter

Answer

Shrink fitting between the shoulder and hub

Question 12

When designing a shaft to minimize torsional deflection, which factor is most important?

Accepted Answer

Shaft diameter

Answer

Material strength

Answer

Bearing preload

Question 13

Which material is suitable for a shaft subjected to high bending loads and fatigue?

Accepted Answer

Hardened steel

Answer

Aluminum

Answer

Mild steel

Answer

Cast iron

Question 14

Which type of coupling is commonly used for applications where misalignment is present?

Accepted Answer

Flexible coupling

Answer

Rigid coupling

Answer

Jaw coupling

Answer

Knuckle joint

Question 15

What is the main purpose of a hydrodynamic coupling?

Accepted Answer

To transmit torque smoothly

Answer

To protect against overload

Answer

To dampen vibrations

Answer

To compensate for misalignment

Question 16

What is the significance of a safety factor in shaft design?

Accepted Answer

To account for uncertainties and ensure reliability

Answer

To optimize shaft performance

Answer

To reduce the cost of the shaft

Answer

To determine the maximum load the shaft can withstand

Question 17

Which material property is paramount in selecting a material for a shaft subjected to bending?

Accepted Answer

Yield strength

Answer

Ductility

Answer

Tensile strength

Answer

Brinell Hardness

Question 18

The primary purpose of a keyway in a shaft is to:

Accepted Answer

Transmit torque between the shaft and a mating component.

Answer

Adjust the alignment of the shaft.

Answer

Prevent axial movement of the shaft.

Question 19

Which type of coupling is preferred when connecting shafts with slight misalignment?

Accepted Answer

Flexible coupling

Answer

Chain coupling

Answer

Gear coupling

Answer

Rigid coupling

Question 20

The primary function of an Oldham coupling is to:

Accepted Answer

Transmit torque while accommodating parallel misalignment of shafts.

Answer

Reduce vibrations transmitted through the shafts.

Answer

Connect shafts with different diameters.

Question 21

Which material is commonly used in the fabrication of flexible couplings?

Accepted Answer

Elastomer

Answer

Metal

Answer

Composite

Answer

Ceramic

Question 22

The primary advantage of using a universal joint is:

Accepted Answer

It accommodates significant angular misalignment between connected shafts.

Answer

It is simple to install and remove.

Answer

It is highly efficient in transmitting power.

Question 23

A crucial factor to consider when designing a shaft subjected to combined bending and axial loading is:

Accepted Answer

Equivalent stress

Answer

Bending stress only

Answer

Shear stress

Answer

Axial stress only