FACULTY OF MECHANICAL ENGINEERING

Programme : Bachelor of Engineering (Hons) Mechanical

Course : Applied Mechanics Lab
Code : MEC 424
Laboratory : Material Strength Lab
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Experiment : 3

Title : Torsion Test

1.0 Introduction

In many areas of engineering applications, materials are sometimes subjected to

torsion in services, for example, drive shafts, axles and twisted drills. Moreover,
structural applications such as bridges, springs, car bodies, airplane fuselages and
boat hulls are randomly subjected to torsion. The materials used in this case should
require not only adequate strength but also be able to withstand
torque in operation

Figure: Torsion test

1.1 Theory

Consider a circular shaft subjected to twisting moment along its pole axis. Shear
stresses will be set up that are proportional to the applied torque given by the
following relation:

T т ϴ
= =G
J R L
Where
T=Torque in Nm
J=Polar moment of area in m
т =Shearing stress in Nm
R=radius of specimen in m
ϴ=Angle of twist in radians
L=Specimen gauge length in m
2.0 Objectives

Upon completion of this experiment, students should be able to;

1. Determine the torsion properties subjected to pure torque loading

2. Identify Types of fracture surface under pure torque
3. Validate the data between experimental and theoretical values

Torsion properties as follow:-

1. Modulus of rigidity, G
2. Maximum shear stress
3. Relationship between torque, T and angle of twist, ϴ
4. Strain energy per unit volume up to limit of proportionality

3.0 Apparatus

Torsion test machine, torque meter, vernier caliper

4.0 Experimental Procedure

1. Measure the specimen size and overall length. Draw a straight line using
pencil lead on the specimen length in order to observe the effect of twisting
on the specimen.
2. Fixed the specimen’s ends on the machine chuck and set all readings on the
gauge to zero. Make sure that the specimen is not initially loaded.
3. Turn on the handwheel clockwise to provide the applied load. Torque will be
measured by a reference torsion rod and strain gauges and read from the
torque meter.
4. For the first rotation choose an increment of a quarter rotation (90°), for the
second and third rotation of a half rotation (180°) and for the forth And to 10
rotation of one rotation (360°).i.e (1 rotation 10 reading, 2 rotations 10
reading, 3 rotation until specimen break).
5. To calculate the angle of twist at the specimen divides the rotation at the
input by the reduction of 62. Usually fracture will occur (for mild steel
specimen) between 100 to 200 rotations.
6. Note that for each rotation of the handwheel, compensate the deformation on
the specimen by turning the handwheel of the compensation unit, until the
dial gauge return to its initial value (zero) and then read the torque from the
display.
5.0 Results

1. Plot torque against angle of twist of the specimen. observe the elastic
point, maximum torque point and at fracture.
2. Tabulate your result in the following table:

Materials Type =
Length =
Diameter =

Scale readings at the Twisting angle at the Load Torque in Nm

worm gear input in specimen in degrees
rev
0 0 0
¼ 1.45
½ 2.90
¾ 4.35
1.5 5.80
2.0
2.5
....

Fracture

Discussions

1. Compare the values of G obtained from this experiment with the value
obtain from the manufacturer.
2. Comment on any discrepancies.
3. Does your T vs angle of twist plot obey Hooke’s Law and what is the
value of the shearing stress at the yield point? Is this value compare
favorably with actual value?
4. Discuss the fracture surface of your specimen. Does it seemed like any
typical ductile fracture?
5. Is your experiment follows any standards of practice?

6.0 Conclusion

Conclude findings from experimental data

7.0 References

List all references that have been made during the course of findings.