TORSION
EM 327: MECHANICS OF MATERIALS LABORATORY
EXPERIMENT: TORSION TEST
OBJECTIVES:
(1) Develop (shear) stress-strain diagram for three
materials in the elastic range.
(2) Determine the Modulus of Rigidity for the
tested materials.
INTRODUCTION:
In this experiment, three solid cylindrical specimens
of steel, aluminum, and brass will be subjected to a
torsional load. From the applied torque, the student
will calculate the shear stresses at the specimen
surface. From strain gages mounted on the
specimens, the student will calculate the shear strain
present at given torque levels. Based on these
determinations, the modulus of rigidity will be
calculated for the three materials and compared to
reference values.
BACKGROUND:
Torsional loads are created by propellers on aircraft,
transmissions in cars, or by highway signs that are
twisted by wind. Torque is a couple that results
from the product of a force applied at a distance.
T J is the polar moment of inertia
τ
τ For a solid circular shaft,
T J = πr4/2
FIGURE 1
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The Modulus of Rigidity (or shear modulus), G, is a
measure of the stiffness of a material under shear
loading. The modulus of rigidity is defined as:
G = τ/γ (1)
Where: τ is the applied shear stress
γ is the resulting shear strain.
In this experiment, a torque, T, is applied to the
specimen as shown in Figure 1. Thus, a relationship
between the applied torque and the shear stress, τ, is
required. In addition, strain gages, placed at 45o
relative to the specimen axis, are used to measure
normal strain in this direction (not the shear strain).
Thus, a relation between the normal strain at 45o
and the shear strain, γ, is required.
To relate the applied torque, T, to the resulting
shear stress, τ, the elastic torsion formula is used.
This formula, developed in EM324, assumes that:
1.) The shaft is straight and of constant
cross-section.
2.) Plane sections remain plane and a
diameter line remains straight during
twisting.
The elastic torsion formula is:
τ = Tρ/J (2)
Where: ρ is the distance from the axis of
the shaft to where the stress is
acting
with respect to the longitudinal axis
(3)
Where: r is the radius of the shaft.
For more information on the elastic torsion formula,
consult your EM324 textbook.
 TORSION
EM 327: MECHANICS OF MATERIALS LABORATORY

Next, a relationship between the normal strains and Thus, we have developed a relation between the
the shearing strain is required. This is a result of the shear strain, γxy, and the normal strains.
inability of strain gages to measure shear strains.
Strain gages can only measure normal strains from
gages in the proper orientations. For the case of pure torsion, a pure shear stress state
should exist such that σx = σy = 0, and therefore
Since for pure torsion, the maximum tensile stress εx = εy = 0 for this case,
and the maximum compressive are equal in γxy = 2ε45 (7)
magnitude to the shear stress, there will be no Similarly,
normal stress on either the longitudinal or transverse γxy = -2ε−45
plane on which the maximum shearing stress acts.
(8)
Likewise, there is no shearing stress on the planes at
45 degrees from the maximum normal stresses.
Figure 2 illustrates this concept. Therefore, the shear strain, γxy, may be determined
from either ε45, ε−45 , or as a combination of the
two strain readings using equations (7) and (8)
γxy = ε45 - ε−45
T
(9)
τ
=
σmax This result may also be obtained using the method
τ
of Mohr's circle, a topic presented later in EM324.
T
A three-strain gage rosette has been bonded onto
each of the three specimens. The rosette is oriented
FIGURE 2
such that the three gages measure strains at 00, -
450, and +450 with respect to the longitudinal axis
For the case where normal strain εx and εy, and the of the specimen. Thus by using equation (6), the
shear strain, γxy, are known, the normal strain, εθ, shear strain may be determined. If the strains in the
00 and 900 directions are zero (as is expected for
along a line oriented with respect to the X-axis by
the case of pure torsion), then equation (7) may be
and angle θ (Figure 3) is:
used.
εx +εy εx −εy γ
εθ = + (cos 2θ ) + xy (sin 2θ ) (4)
2 2 2 MATERIALS TO BE TESTED:
For the case where θ = 45o: Steel (SAE 1020)
cos2θ = 0, and sin2θ = 1 Aluminum (6061-T6)
Brass
Therefore, the relationship becomes:
A 1-inch diameter specimen of each material has
ε x + ε y γ xy been machined and instrumented for testing.
ε 45 = + (5)
2 2

Solving for γxy:

γxy = 2ε45 - (εx+εy ) (6)

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 TORSION
EM 327: MECHANICS OF MATERIALS LABORATORY

3.) Turn crank clockwise to apply load.

4.) Take torque and strain measurements at
y increments of approximately 200 in-lb up to
2000 in-lb.
x
5.) Unload specimen and remove from grips.
6.) Repeat procedure for each specimen.
7.) Turn strain indicator power ‘OFF’.
ε45

REPORT:
θ = 45ο
ε0
ο The report outline found in Appendix A should be
θ = −45 used.
ε−45
REPORT REQUIREMENTS:
(1) Convert torque readings to stress using the
FIGURE 3 elastic torsion formula. Tabulate torque, strain,
and stress data. You will add more data to this
table as you complete the report requirements.
EQUIPMENT TO BE USED:
(2) A shear stress (y-axis) vs. shear strain (x-axis)
Riehle torsion testing machine curve is to be produced for each specimen
Strain indicator tested. Plot the data from each of the specimens
on one graph using proper plotting procedures.
Switch and balance unit
This may be done by hand or using a computer.
Fit a straight line through each set of data. Use
SAFETY: either linear regression or an eyeball fit to find
Be careful to avoid pinching fingers in grips during the slope of each fitted line. The slope of each
installation of parts. line is the Modulus of Rigidity for each
material. Add these results to your table from
(1).
PROCEDURE: (3) Recall your results from the Poisson’s Ratio
test you conducted previously. Using the
Modulus of Elasticity and Poisson’s Ratio you
PRELIMINARY CALCULATIONS: found for each material in that experiment
Preliminary calculations are not required. predict a Modulus of Rigidity for each
material.
SPECIMEN PREPARATION: (4) Calculate the %error between the measured
The diameters of each sample must be measured. and reference values and include this
Care should be taken to avoid damage to strain information in your table. Also calculate the
%error between the Modulus of Rigidity
gages mounted on each specimen.
calculation based on the Poisson’s Ratio results
and those measured in this lab using the results
TESTING PROCEDURES: from this lab as the reference.
1.) Place specimen in grips. (5) Summarize, in words, the results of the testing.
Comment on the correlation between
2.) Zero the strain indicator as described in the
experiment and reference values and discuss
equipment section.

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 TORSION
EM 327: MECHANICS OF MATERIALS LABORATORY

the sources of discrepancies and possible

errors.
(6) Answer any questions assigned by your
instructor.

QUESTIONS:
(1) Could this same procedure be used with a
hollow shaft? Explain.
(2) Can the relation τ = Tρ/J be used to determine
shearing stresses in a member having a
rectangular cross-section and subjected to pure
torsion?
(3) Which should be able to resist more torque - a
round bar or a square bar of the same material
and cross-sectional area? ( Hint, use the
equation
τmax = (15h + 9b)T/ 5b2h2 ,
where h is the height of the rectangle and b is
the width )
(4) Does a shearing stress ever occur in one plane
only?
(5) Large shafts for ocean liners are often made
hollow. Explain the reason for this.
(6) Could the true value of the ultimate shearing
strength of a brittle material be obtained from a
torsion test? Explain.
(7) Where do the maximum and the minimum
stress occur on a circular cross section
subjected to pure torsion?
(8) Why does the 0-degree strain gage measure a
very low strain magnitude?
(9) What are the assumptions upon which the
elastic torsion formula is based? What are the
limits to the application of the elastic torsion
formula?

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