FAKULTI KEJURUTERAAN AWAM

UNIVERSITI TEKNOLOGI MARA

PAHANG LABORATORY MANUAL NO.1

COURSE BASIC STRUCTURAL ANALYSIS LABORATORY

COURSE CODE ECS258
LEVEL OF OPENNESS 0
CATEGORY TRADITIONAL
DEGREE OF OPEN-ENDED (%) 0
PERIOD OF ACTIVITY 1 WEEK (WEEK 2)

TITLE TORSION TEST

1.1 Introduction
The traditional methods of conducting laboratory activities (assigned as Level 0)
will not be able to provide the avenue for students to enhance independent
learning activities and inculcate creativity and innovation. The traditional method is
fully prescriptive where the three elements namely problem, ways & means and
answers are provided/fully given to the students. However, it is still necessary to
be implemented as part of the whole laboratory course activity especially to first
and second year students.
In this laboratory activity students will be exposed to the apparatus and
appropriate methods to carry out tests to determine the relationship between the
applied torque and the angle of twist.

1.2 Objectives
To determine the relationship between the applied torque and the angle of
twist and hence obtain the shear modulus.

1.3 Learning Outcomes

PREAMBLE
At the end of the laboratory activities, students would be able to:
1. Identify the right tools to carry out the appropriate tests.
2. Analyse test data and present the solution in proper technical format.
3. Work in a group to undertake the task and produce the relevant technical
report.

1.4 Theoretical Background

In many situations, we need to design members that will subject to rotating and
twisting actions. Twisting moments about the longitudinal axis of a member are
termed torque and torsion members are found in many types of structures.
Consider a solid circular rod of diameter ‘D’ and length ‘L’ is fixed at A and free at
B. The rod is subjected to a twisting moment or torsion, T at the free end. This
called pure torsion, since no bending or direct stress is involved. A gauge device
attached by bolts gives the angle of twist on the rod as the torque is applied. The
torque twist data is used to compute the shear strain and the stress on the rod.

©FKA, UiTM, PAHANG MARCH 2018

FAKULTI KEJURUTERAAN AWAM
UNIVERSITI TEKNOLOGI MARA
PAHANG LABORATORY MANUAL NO.1

From the shear stress – shear strain relational curve, the shearing modulus of
rigidity could be calculated, as well as the proportionality limit and the yield limit for
each applied torque.

Length

Diameter
Figure 1.1: Solid circular rod diagram

Figure 1.2: Torsion of a solid bar

The torsion equation is

T/J = τ max/R = Gθ/L…………………………………………… Eq 1

where
T = Torque of twisting moment (Nmm)
J = Polar moment of inertia, (mm4)
= ΠD4/32
τ max = Maximum shear stress (N/mm2)
R = Radius of the rod or shaft (mm)
G = Shear modulus (N/mm2)
θ = Angle of twist (radians)
L = Length of the rod (mm)

Take
T/J = Gθ/L
G = TL/Jθ……………………………………………………… Eq 2

©FKA, UiTM, PAHANG MARCH 2018

FAKULTI KEJURUTERAAN AWAM
UNIVERSITI TEKNOLOGI MARA
PAHANG LABORATORY MANUAL NO.1

2.0 Problem Statement

In many situations, we need to design members that will subject to rotating and
twisting actions. Twisting moments about the longitudinal axis of a member are
PROBLEM
termed torques and torsion members are found in many types of structures.
STATEMENT
As a group you will be given a solid circular rod and the appropriate apparatus
available in the laboratory to compute the shear modulus of a structural material
such as steel, aluminium, etc.

3.1 Apparatus

Figure 1.3: Torsion test apparatus

3.2 Procedures
1. Measure the diameter of the rod with vernier calipers and its length with
scale. (take an average of 3 measurements)
2. Fix the rod between the fixed end and torsion head assembly with jaw chuck
grips.
WAYS & MEANS
3. Fix the angular deflection scales on the rod at 300 mm apart. This is known
as gauge length.
4. By using the clamp at the fixed end, turn the chuck to correct initial position
after specimen has been gripped at both ends and the load hangers are in
place.
5. Set the vernier to zero on each scale A and B.
6. Apply the load (say 2N) to each load hanger and read the angular deflection
of each vernier A and B.
7. Increase the load on each hanger in suitable steps and note the
corresponding angular deflection of each vernier A and B. (at least five
steps).
8. Tabulate the observations as shown in Table 1.
9. Plot the graph between the torque ‘T’ on the y-axis and angle of twist ‘Ө’ on
the x-axis. Notice that the graph is a straight line passing through the origin
(note the error, otherwise apply the correction)
10. The slope of the graph T/ Ө yields the average value. Substitute the value of
T/ Ө in equation 2 and calculate the value of ‘G’.
11. Repeat the experiment with rods of various materials. Calculate the value of
‘G’ of each material and tabulate the results.

©FKA, UiTM, PAHANG MARCH 2018

FAKULTI KEJURUTERAAN AWAM
UNIVERSITI TEKNOLOGI MARA
PAHANG LABORATORY MANUAL NO.1

3.3 Data Acquisition

Material:
Shear Modulus (GPa) =
Length of rod, L (mm) =
Diameter of rod, D (mm) =
4
Polar moment of inertia, J (mm ) =
Level arm (mm) =
Initial angle of twist (degrees) =
All data collected from the tests may be recorded into the following tables:

Table 1.1: The result of torsion experiment

Angle of Angle of
Final twist Angle of
twist
Load Cell, Applied Torque Angle of experimental twist
experimental
W (n) (W x Level Arm) twist , θf θa x 2π/360 theoretical
θa = θl - θf
(degrees) (radian)
(degrees) (radian)

4.0 Results, Analysis and Conclusion

The group is required to submit the technical report of the laboratory results
highlighting the data acquisition process, analysis carried out and the relevancy of
the set-out output to achieve the objective. The report must incorporate the
followings:

RESULTS 1. Write brief discussion on the results obtained for different material
specimens in torsion.
2. Comment the relation between T and θ value.
3. Make the conclusion with comparison experimental result and
recommendation with theory.

The report must be submitted 7 days after the completion of the test.

©FKA, UiTM, PAHANG MARCH 2018