Part 4 Vessel Systems and Machinery

Chapter 3 Propulsion and Maneuvering Machinery

Section 1 Propulsion Shafting 4-3-1

5.1.1 Ultimate Tensile Strength

In general, the minimum specified ultimate tensile strength of steel used for propulsion shafting is
to be between 400 N/mm2 (40.7 kgf/mm2, 58,000 psi) and 930 N/mm2 (95.0 kgf/mm2, 135,000 psi).
5.1.2 Elongation (2012)
Carbon Steel with elongation (Lo/d = 4) of less than 16% or (Lo/d = 5) of less than 15% is not to be
used for any shafting component, with the exception that material for non-fitted alloy steel coupling
bolts manufactured to a recognized standard may have elongation (Lo/d = 4) of not less than 10%
or (Lo/d = 5) of not less than 9%.
Alloy steels with elongation less than (Lo/d = 4) 16% or (Lo/d = 5) 15% may be applied subject to
approval.

5.3 Material Tests

5.3.1 General (2016)
Materials for all torque-transmitting parts, including shafts, clutches, couplings, coupling bolts and
keys are to be tested in the presence of the Surveyor. The materials are to meet the specifications
of 2-3-7/1, 2-3-7/5, 2-3-7/7, or 2-3-8/1 of the ABS Rules for Materials and Welding (Part 2) or
other specifications approved in connection with the design.
5.3.2 Alternative Test Requirements
Materials for shafting, couplings and coupling bolts transmitting 373 kW (500 HP) or less will be
accepted based on the manufacturer’s certified mill tests and hardness check witnessed by the
Surveyor. Bolts manufactured to a recognized standard and used as coupling bolts will not require
material testing.

5.5 Inspection
Shafting and couplings are to be surface-examined at the manufacturer. Tail shafts in the finished machine
condition are to be subjected to a nondestructive examination such as magnetic particle, dye penetrant or
other nondestructive methods and are to be free of linear discontinuities greater than 3.2 mm (1/8 in.),
except that in the following locations, the shafts are to be free of all linear discontinuities:
5.5.1 Tapered Tail Shafts
The forward one-third length of the taper, including the forward end of any keyway and an equal
length of the parallel part of the shaft immediately forward of the taper.
5.5.2 Flanged Tail Shafts
The flange fillet area.

5.7 Weldability (2008)

Steel used for tail shafts is to have carbon content in accordance with 2-3-7/1.1.2 of the ABS Rules for
Materials and Welding (Part 2).

7 Design and Construction (2004)

7.1 Shaft Diameters (2012)

The least diameter of propulsion shafting is to be determined by the following equation:

D = 100K 3 ( H R)[c1 (U + c 2 )]

where
c1 = 560 (41.95, 3.695) for vessels 45.7 m (150 ft) in length and over
= 472.5 (35.4, 3.12) for vessels 20 m (65 ft) and over, but below 45.7 m (150 ft), where
the material of the shaft is Grade 2 and the shaft is protected

36 ABS RULES FOR BUILDING AND CLASSING STEEL VESSELS UNDER 90 METERS (295 FEET) IN LENGTH . 2016