Retaining Ring Load Analysis

The allowable thrust load of a retaining ring is given by

$$R_s=A\frac{D\pi T{S}_s}{N_s}$$

• $R_s$ is the allowable shear load for ring $[\text{N}]$
• $A$ is the retaining ring shape factor (table)
• $S_s$ is the shear strength $[\text{N}/{\text{mm}}^2]$, usually 100 ~ 500 for steel
• $D$ is the shaft diameter $[\text{mm}]$
• $T$ is the ring thickness $\text{[mm]}$
• $N_s$ is the safety factor

Shape factor:

The allowable thrust load of a groove

$$G=B\frac{D\pi d{G}_y}{N_{s}q}$$

• $G$ is the allowable thrust load in the groove $[\text{N}]$
• $B$ is the groove shape factor
• $D$ is the shaft diameter $[\text{mm}]$
• $d$ is the groove depth $[\text{mm}]$
• $G_y$ is the groove yield strength $[\text{N}/{\text{mm}}^2]$
• $N_s$ is the safety factor
• $q$ is the decreasing factor (graph below)

Example