Torsional Testing of Circular Shafts

Abstract

The following experiment outlines the proper procedure for determining the
shear modulus and angle of twist for different materials. The experiment
conducted is to determine the torsion properties subjected to pure torque loading.
During this experiment, iron,brass and nylon were used as samples to
demonstrate how materials behave during testing conditions. By
measuring the torque with respect to different applied loads and the shear
modulus,angle of twist is measured. U l t i m a t el y , t h e s h e a r modulus for
Aluminum and brass was determined to be 3078 and 3708 ksi respectively.

Introduction
As the two aforementioned names imply, the test specimen will encounter
shearing stresses as a result of the twisting of the specimen and the specimen
which is more rigid, or more resistant to twisting, will have a higher modulus of
rigidity. Again, the modulus of rigidity is a material property and, under non-
extreme environmental conditions, is a constant value for each material. In this
experiment two or three specimens will be tested. These specimens will possess
identical geometric measurements and differ only in material type. The various
materials tested may include iron , brass, nylon,steel.
Torque
Torque is defined as a moment that acts about a member’s longitudinal axis. Amember that has
had torque applied to it such that it deforms along its longitudinal axis issaid to be under
torsion. The torsion presents itself as shear strain,γ, which is equal tothe angle of twist along the
longitudinal axis denoted by the symbolφ
. For a diagram of this relationship, see Figure . Because this experiment uses cylindrical
specimens, Figure :
As a member of circular cross-section is twisted along its longitudinal axis, thecross-sectional
area remains constant without deforming. Because there is nodeformation in the plane of cross-
section, it is implied that there is no strain in the member’s latitudinal direction. Therefore, the
components of shear stress act only in theradial direction.The shear strain of a member is the
product of a shear stress denoted by the symbol τ
. Shear stress occurs in a cylindrical member when torque,T,is applied. The shear stress is a
function of the radius of the circular cross section as seen in Figure 2below. Along the longitudinal
axis, the shear stress is null. At any given point along the radius of the cross-section, the shear
stress is a function of the radius ρ, denoted by τρ, where J is the moment of inertia. The further
out from the axis a measurement is taken for ρ, the larger the
calculated shear stress will be. At the circumference of the member,the shear stress will
be at it greatest value,τmax
.
τρ= Tρ / J

To calculate the polar moment of inertia,J, for a solid circular shaft, employ thefollowing
equation whereD
is the diameter of the cylindrical member.
J = (π/32)D*4

If the shear stress induced in the member is below the proportional limit of thematerial, then
Hooke’s Law may be applied so as to calculate the material’s modulus of rigidity. In other words,
if the stress causes only elastic or non-permanent deformation,the materials torsional stiffness can
be determined. To apply Hooke’s Law, the shearstress is related to the shear strain by the
following expression:
τ = Gγ
where G is the modulus of rigidity and γis the shear strain., geometric interpretation of the shear
stain is represented as:
γ = ρ (Δφ / Δ x),γ = ρ(dφ / d x)

The above equation implies that the shear strain is proportional to the product of the radiusof the
member and the change in the angle of twist with respect to the longitudinal axis.Substituting
Equations into Hooke’s Law yields the separable equation:Tρ / J= Gρ(dφ / d x) T/J = G
(dφ / d x) T / GJ =dφ / d x

Separating Equation and integrating with respect to the longitudinal axis will yield an
expression that describes the angle of twist, φ, for a member that is prismatic and
experiencing a constant internal torque.
∫ dφ = ∫LT/GJ d x,

φ = TL / GJ

Objective
To Find the angle of twist and modulus of rigidity
To compare the experimental shear modulus of rigidity with tabulated value
To determine the relationship between angle of twist and applied torque.
Apparatus:An extruded base frame carries two solid vertical supports. Profiled
grooves within the base frame, fasteners and quick release handles ensure quick
and easy adjustment of the span between the vertical supports.
One vertical support carries a unique specimen chuck with a through hole. Another
chuck is held stationary at one end of the base frame. The chucks have two
functions; to secure the torsion specimens during testing and to transmit the
torsional loading to the torsion specimen.
The twist of the torsion specimens is indicated on an angle indicator and pointer,
which can be moved along the test specimen.
The remaining vertical support is used for bending tests.

Method:
1)Place the torsion experiment apparatus on a hard, flat surface with the pulleyand load hanger
over the edge of the table

2) Load a cylindrical specimen into the device by tightening the rod into thechuck and clamp at
either end of the apparatus.

3)Wind the cord of the load hanger in a clockwise fashion so as to ensure theapplied load on the
hanger will induce a torque
.4) Position the two angle scales of the torsion experiment apparatus at anarbitrary distance from
one another on the rod. It is easier to use a roundnumber, such as 8 or 10 inches. Record this value
as it will be used as the length,L
, needed to calculate the modulus of rigidity of the material.

5) Calibrate the pointers of the angle meters by placing the needles at zero.

6) Add two pounds of weight to the load hangar suspended from the pulley.Ensure that the cord
is still wrapped clockwise around the pulley. Record theindicated angles on both of the angle
scales, as this is the angle of twist.

7) Increase the load of the hangar by two pound and again record the indicatedangles on both
angle indicators.

8) Continue to add two pound increments to the load hanger and record theindicated angles until
a total weight of twelve pounds has been achieved.

9)Repeat steps 5 through 8 for two to four trials. Take the average of the angles for use in
calculation.

10) After completing the desired number of trials for the specimen, change out the cylindrical
rod with another material specimen. Repeat steps 2 through 9for each material.

Observations and calculations

 Modulus of rigidity=G=TL/J*0
 Diameter for iron rod=d1=4.93mm and d2=4.99mm
 Diameter for nylon rod=d=5.31mm
 Diameter for Steel rod=d=4.95mm