KEYS AND KEYWAYS There are approximately 100 reported cases per year of partial or total tail shaft failure and 200 reported cases of lost props. Causes of this are quoted as inadequate force fit between prop and tailshaft causing loss of peripheral grip which allows prop to move and make contact with key. This causes excessive dynamic load to fall on key and shaft adjacent to keyway. This causes incipient cracks (small and superficial ) which usually begin at high stress concentration areas i.e. around the leading edge of the keyway

Keys and Keyways
Abrupt changes of shape of section cause stress concentrations to build up due to interruption of the stress flow lines. This build up in stress causes cracks to develop and supports crack propagation. With this in mind it can be seen that shapes or sections which may be subject to great stresses; should be well rounded or gradually tapered off to give smooth stress flow.