Shape factors and material indices for dimensionally constrained structures Part 2: shafts

Shape factors and material indices have been recently developed for the opt imal design of load-bearing beams and shafts. These shape factors and mater ial indices are generally only applicable where there are no dimensional co nstraints. However, dimensional constraints are very common in mechanical d esign because of the integrated nature of modern machinery and equipment. T his paper extends the methodology of a previous paper by Ashby by developin g the shape factors and material indices for the case of constrained diamet er in shafts. The paper also shows that dimensional constraints can have a very significant effect on the optimal selection of material and shape.