Theoretical Background

Shear modulus is a material property that is useful in calculating the compliance of

structural materials in torsion, provided that they follow the Hooke’s law - that is the
angle of twist which is proportional to the applied torque.

Apparatus
1. Torsion experiment apparatus
2. Test specimen
3. Vernier caliper

Procedures

1. The digital protractor and the load indicator unit switched on to warm the
systems.
2. The length ( round section ) and diameter of the specimen measured.
3. The torsiometer mounted approximately at the centre of the specimen setting
and the dial gauge reading set to zero.
4. The top screw that is attached to the specimen setting bar has been loosen.
5. A socket attached to the end of the specimen setting bar.
6. The specimen placed in the socket.
7. Another socket placed at the free end.
8. The specimen setting bar pushed towards to the other socket. Once it was
contacting, the specimen slided into the socket.
9. The socket and the specimen were in the line, then the specimen pushed until
the whole hexagon portion is completely inside the socket.
10. When the hexagon portion is completely inside the socket, the position of the
specimen setting bar locked by tightening the top and the bottom screws.
11. The load indicator reading set to zero by pressing the tare button.
12. The digital protractor reading set to zero by turning the dial indicator face.
13. The torsiometer reading set to zero by turning the dial indicator face.
14. The handle turned until the load cell records a small reading ( approximately 5
Newtons ) and the specimen is tighted. That was a preload condition.
15. The load indicator, the digital protractor and the torsiometer reading set to
zero by pressing the tare button, the R button and turning the face of the dial
gauge, respectively.
16. Torque applied to the specimen by turning the handle.
17. The load cell, the digital protractor and the torsiometer readings recorded
initially for every 5 divisions of the torsiometer.
18. The applied torque increased and for each increment the corresponding
angles of twist recorded.
19. When the torsiometer reading started to increase rapidly, the torsiometer
removed to avoid damage.
20. The load continue increasing until the specimen broke.