Torsion Testing of Materials

ABSTRACT
Torsion is a fundamental deflection property of a material, which causes twisting of an
object due to applied torque. The main perspective of this experiment is to analyze the
basic principle of torsion test and to determine the modulus of shear, G through
measurement of the applied torque and angle of twist as well as the yield strength and
tensile strength of the specimen under observation. This torsion test experiment is
performed on a steel and cast iron rods using a standard torsion application instrument.
The rod is fixed at one end to the machine where the torque is measured, while the other
end is connected to a chuck that is rotated by a hand-operated carriage. A digital torque
sensor reads the torque and record on the software, indicating the torque applied to the rod
as the rod is twisted by the hand-operated carriage. The rotational encoder is attached to
the rod by screws and its digital output to software gives the relative angle of twist
developed in the rod as the torque is applied. The torque-twist data is used to compute the
shear strain and the shear stress on the rod. From the shear stress-shear strain relational
curve, the shear modulus of elasticity (rigidity) can be calculated, as well as the
proportionality limit and the yield limit for each applied torque for each of the samples.
From data taken taken and calculations and graphs constructed Using theoretical
correlations, we can say that the torque is increasing faster than the other variables which
would cause it to slowly get smaller. The experiment shows some error due to inaccuracy
in the experiment due to some random error.

Keywords : Torque, twisting, bending moment, torsion test, cast iron, steel.
 Torsion Testing of Materials

Introduction And Background theory

Figure 1 Torsion

As the experiment implies, the test specimens will be subjected to 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 in normal conditions, is a constant value for each
material. These specimens will possess identical geometric measurements (diameter,
length etc.) and differ only in material type. The experimental determination of the
modulus of rigidity is similar to the experimental finding of the modulus of elasticity.
However, the modulus of elasticity was determined by the application of an axial load and
the test specimen was not plastically deformed. The
modulus of elasticity was calculated by determining the
slope of the axial stress versus axial strain curve. The
modulus of rigidity will be determined by twisting the
test specimen and calculating the slope of the shear stress
versus shear strain curve. In addition, the torsion test
specimen will be twisted to failure in order to determine
the shear stress at the limit of proportionality. The shear
stress at the limit of proportionality is the largest value
of the shear stress for which the material will behave
elastically. Throughout this discussion the plot of the
shear stress versus shear strain has been mentioned. The
actual values recorded experimentally, as the specimens
are being twisted, are the angle of twist applied to the
specimen and the corresponding value of torque at a
particular angle of twist. Figure 2 Torsion Test Parameters
 Torsion Testing of Materials

Since the applied twisting action is known, the torsional stress is found by the given
formula:
𝑇𝑟
τ= − − − −𝐸𝑞(1)
𝐽
Where:
τ = the torsional shear stress, expressed in Pa or N/m2
T = the applied twisting force, expressed in N∙m
r = the radius of the cylinder, expressed in meters
J = the polar moment of inertia of the cross sectional area, expressed in m4

Since the rod is solid, the moment of inertia is given by:

πr 4 πd4
J= = − − − −𝐸𝑞(2)
2 32
The total angular deformation(twist angle) of the cylindrical rod is then given by:
𝑇𝐿
ɸ= − − − −𝐸𝑞(3)
𝐺𝐽
Where:
ɸ = the total angular deformation, expressed in radians
L = the length of the bar subjected to torsion, for which rotation angle is to be measured,
expressed in meters
G = The shear modulus, expressed in GPa.

Now, we have assumed that the material linearly elastic, Hooke’s law can be applied to
determine the shear strain as follows:
𝜏 = G𝛾 − − − −Eq(4)
Also, we know that;
𝐸
𝐺= − − − −𝐸𝑞(5)
2(1 + 𝜈)
It is important to consider that all the formulas above are being used under the assumption
that the material is linearly elastic. In reality, any given material is linearly elastic to a
certain point, called yield point. Beyond that particular point the material loses its
elasticity. Therefore, it must be understood that the past equations describe the properties
of the material only during the first part of the experiment before the yield stress is reached.
The maximum strain is calculated by the following equation:
τ
ε = (1 + ν) − − − −𝐸𝑞(6)
𝐸
and, shear strain is given as;
 Torsion Testing of Materials

ɸr
γ= − − − −𝐸𝑞(7)
L
Where γ = shear strain, expressed in radians.
ν = the Poisson’s ratio.
This equation is used to calculate the shear strain, γ, under applied twisting action.
Then, several of the above equations are combined in order to obtain G or υ by:
From the previous equations, one can determine the shear modulus of elasticity as follows:
𝑇𝐿
𝐺= − − − −𝐸𝑞(8)
ɸ𝐽
It is common practice to get an accepted value for G from a book and calculate Poisson
ratio (ν) using the equation above.

Figure 3 Schematic of torsion test setup