Heriot-Watt University Dubai School of Engineering

& Physical Sciences.

Department of Mechanical Engineering
2021-22

Name: Abdul-azeez Ismaila

HWUID: H00344059
Date: 25/10/2021

Subject : B58SB – Mechanics of Materials A

Experiment : Torsion lab (Short report)

B58SB - TORSION LAB

By plotting various graphs, you should be able to deduce the relationship between
Angular Deflection and Torque/Length; see the effect of different materials (steel or
brass) or cross-section (i.e. rod or tube) and; deduce the value of G experimentally.

Compare the given values of Shear Modulus, G, to values determined from

experiment.
For the two materials, the experimental values gotten are found to be approximately half of
the theoretical Shear Modulus values given.

Through experiment:

For Brass≈ 18GPa

For Steel≈ 36GPa

Through theory:

For brass=38GPa

For Steel=79.6GPa

Points/theory to consider for your Report (in addition to those highlighted in the video):
Please think of two or three examples to show where the results can be used in
engineering design/industry.

 They are used in the design of door hinges, they help allow for the door to return to
its original position after being moved.
 Used in the automotive industry for a number of parts such as the suspension
system, clutch, steering wheel, etc.
 They are also used in pendulum clocks due to the swinging weight turning the spring.

Using the measured values of  from the solid rods calculate the experimentally
determined value of Shear Modulus, G, for Steel and Brass and compare this with the
given values.

For the two materials, the experimental values gotten are found to be approximately half of
the theoretical Shear Modulus values given.

Through experiment:

For Brass≈ 18GPa

For Steel≈ 36GPa

Through theory:

For brass=38GPa

For Steel=79.6GPa

Describe the relationship between Angular deflection and Torque/Length

Angular Deflection and torque have a linear relationship, i.e. they both increase and
decrease at the same rate.

Could you comment on the errors in the experiment (if any)? What are the potential
error sources?

 Error due to parallax gotten when collecting the angular deflection.

 Zero error on the Force meter.
 Zero error on the Vernier Caliper.
 Random error could be encountered due to changes in experimental conditions.

What can you conclude from this lab exercise?

What was concluded from the experiment is that the more torque a specimen is
exposed to, the more its angle of deflection increases(it twists more) and as every
material is assigned a value known as shear modulus of elasticity, G, which helps
determine the amount of pressure a material can withstand before failure.

Please note that these considerations alone do not a substitute for a full and
comprehensive laboratory report with appropriate data analysis.