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Question

An engineering student is fabricating a setup and needs a key for connecting a shaft to the hub of a rotating machine element. The student uses a sunk key which is tapered and prevents relative axial motion.

Which ONE of the following keys did the student most likely use?

The correct answer is
Gib-head key

Gib-Head Key: Tapered Sunk Key Identification

The question describes a specific type of sunk key used to connect a shaft to a hub in a rotating machine. The key is noted to be tapered and prevents relative axial motion. Let's analyze the options based on these properties:

Key Type Analysis

  • Saddle Key: Typically rests on the shaft surface and is not sunk into a keyway. It primarily prevents rotation.
  • Woodruff Key: A segment of a disk, it fits into a semicircular keyway on the shaft. While it prevents rotation, it's not primarily defined by being tapered or its ability to prevent axial motion.
  • Feather Key: A type of sunk key, usually parallel (not tapered), that transmits torque but often allows for axial movement.
  • Gib-Head Key: This is a type of sunk key that is tapered (commonly with a 1:100 taper). The taper prevents relative axial movement between the shaft and the hub, and the 'gib-head' aids in its removal. This matches the description provided in the question.

Conclusion

Based on the requirement for a tapered sunk key that prevents axial motion, the Gib-head key is the most suitable choice.

Correct Answer: Option D (Gib-head key)
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Important Questions from Keys

  1. A key having a square cross-section of side d/4 and length l is used to transmit torque T from the shaft of diameter d to the hub of a pulley. Assuming the length of the key to be equal to the thickness of the pulley, the average shear stress developed in the key is given by

  2. The forces experience by a Key used in a gear train for power transmission is

  3. A key of 14 mm width, 9 mm height and 100 mm length is mounted on a shaft of 50 mm diameter. If the allowable shear stress for the key material is 50 MPa, what is the maximum torque that can be transmitted?

  4. A key of width and height of 6 mm each is used to fix a gear on a shaft of 20 mm diameter. The shaft is used to transmit 10 kW power at 600 rpm to the gear. Permissible shear stress in the key is 80 N/mm$^2$, while compressive stress in the key is neglected. The minimum length of the key, in mm, is _____(round off to 2 decimal places).
  5. Which of the following key transmits power through frictional resistance only?
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