Suggested Method and Formulas for the Calculation of

Horizontal Pump Shaft Torsional Stiffness

The stiffness of a solid shaft having constant diameter along its length is calculated by:

𝜋 ∙ 𝐷4 ∙ 𝐺
𝐾𝑛 =
32 ∙ 𝐿
where:

K - torsional stiffness (Nm/rad)

D - section diameter (m)
L - section length (m)
G - shear modulus (Pa)
≈ [77.44 E+9] is typical for carbon
steel, use actual value for alloy if
known
n - section number

 NOTE: SI (metric) units are

preferred and used throughout
this example

Figure 1. Formula for Calculating Torsional Stiffness of Single Shaft Section

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The effective spring rate (Ke) for a shaft having different diameters along its length is calculated by:

K1 K2 K3 Kn

1
𝐾𝑒 =
1 1 1 1
( + + +⋯ )
𝐾1 𝐾2 𝐾3 𝐾𝑛
Figure 2. Formula for Calculating the Effective Stiffness of Multiple Shaft Sections in Series

Only the portion of shaft transmitting torque from the flange to impeller is considered as a spring in this
calculation:

Section to consider as a
spring between companion
flange and impeller

Figure 3. Portion of Shaft to Consider as a spring in Stiffness Calculation

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When a section of shaft extends into a companion flange or impeller, only a portion of the shaft is
considered as flexible and used in the stiffness calculation. The rule of thumb is referred to as “1/3
penetration factor”. These principles are illustrated in the following Figures:

Figure 4. 1/3 Penetration into Companion Flange

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Figure 5. 1/3 Penetration into Horizontal Split Case Pump Impeller

Figure 6. 1/3 Penetration into End Suction Pump Impeller

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 Sample Calculation
As a calculation example, consider an end suction pump shaft having several diameter changes along its
length:

 shaft extends into companion flange 51 mm

 shaft extends into impeller 36 mm
 the effective stiffness (Ke) of this shaft is calculated as (qty.6) solid sections in series
 using 1/3 penetration rules, first section (to the left) is 101 mm long
 using 1/3 penetration rules, last section is 12 mm long

First calculate each individual section stiffness per the formula found in Figure 1:

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Finally, calculate the effective stiffness of the entire length of shaft per the formula found in Figure 2:

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