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Module 2
Elastic properties of materials
Elasticity:
When the deforming forces applied to a body is removed the body tends to recover its
original condition i.e. the body will recover its original shape or size. This property of material
body to recover its original condition when deforming forces are removed is called elasticity.
Elastic Bodies and Plastic bodies:
The bodies which recover its original condition completely on the removal of deforming
force are called perfectly elastic.
Ex. Steel, Quartz fibre, Phospor bronze, Rubber etc
The bodies which do not show any tendency to recover their original condition on the
removal of deforming forces are called perfectly plastic body.
Ex. Clay, Wax, Putty.
Deforming Force:
Consider a body which is not free to move and is acted upon by external forces. Due to
the action of external forces the body changes its shape or sizes changes and now body is said to
be deformed. Thus the applied external force which cause deformation is called deforming force.
Restoring force:
When deforming force is applied to a body then molecules of body tend to displace from
their equilibrium position. As a result of this a reaction force developed within the body which
tries to bring the molecule to its equilibrium position. This reaction force which is developed in
the body is called internal force or elastic force or restoring force.
Rigid body:
A rigid body can be defined as one which does not undergo any deformation under the
action of various deforming forces. When forces are applied on a rigid body the distance between
any two particles of the body will remain unchanged, however large the force may be. In actual
practice no material body is perfectly rigid. For practical purposes solid bodies are under the
influence of weak forces are taken as rigid bodies. The nearest approach to a rigid is diamond
and carborundum.

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Load :
It is the combination of external forces acting on a body. The effect of load is to change
the form or the dimensions of the body. It is thus essentially a deforming force.
Stress:
The restoring force per unit area set up inside the body is called stress. The restoring
force is equal in magnitude but opposite that of the applied force. Therefore stress is given by
the ratio of the applied force to the area. Unit of stress is Nm-2.
Strain:
It is defined as the ratio of change in dimension of the body to its original dimension.
It is not having any unit.
Tensile stress (Longitudinal stress):
The stress which brings about change in length of the object is called as Longitudinal
stress. It is applied normal to the body.
Ex. Load suspended normally from the wire due to which the wire undergoes change in length.
If ‘F’ is the force applied and ‘a’ is the area of cross section.
𝐹
Longitudinal stress =
𝑎
Longitudinal or Tensile strain:
If ‘x’ is the change in length produced due to the applied stress for an original length of
‘L’ then,
change in length x
Longitudinal = =
original length L

Tangential stress or Shear stress.

The stress which brings about change in shape is called as tangential stress. It is applied
parallel to the surface.

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If ‘F’ is the force applied parallel to the surface and ‘a’ is the surface area.
𝐹
Shear stress =
𝑎
Shear strain:
Shear strain is defined as the ratio of change in the shape of the object to original shape of
the object.
If a force is applied tangentially to a free portion of the body whose other part is fixed
then its layers slide one over the other; the body experiences a turning effect and changes its
shape. This is called shearing and the angle through which the turning takes place is called
shearing angle (θ).

Within elastic limit it is measured by the ratio of relative displacement of one plane to its
distance from fixed plane. It is also measured by the angle through which a line originally
perpendicular to fixed plane is turned.
𝑥
Shearing strain= 𝜃 = 𝑡𝑎𝑛 𝜃 = 𝐿

Compressive stress or volume stress :

The compressive stress is restoring force developed within the body when body
compressed under the action of deforming force. It brings about change in the volume of the
object.
If F is the force applied uniformly and normally on a surface area ‘a’ then.
𝐹
Compressive stress is =
𝑎

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Volume strain:
If a uniform force is applied all over the surface of a body then the body undergoes a
change in its volume (however the shape is retained in case of solid bodies). If v is the change in
volume to an original volume V of the body then,

change in volume v
Volume strain = =
original volume V

Hooke’s law:
The fundamental law of elasticity was given by Robert Hook. It states that “Stress
produced in a body is directly proportional to the strain within the elastic limit”. Thus in
such a case the ratio of stress to strain is a constant and it is called the modulus of elasticity or

coefficient of elasticity. i.e., stress α strain,

stress
or, = a constant (E)
strain
Stress – strain Graph when a wire is stressed
The relationship between stress and strain is
studied by plotting a graph for various values of
stress and the accompanying strain. This graph is
obtained by plotting various values of stress and
the accompanying strain of simple case of a bar
or wire subjected to increasing tension. The graph
obtained is in the general form as shown in the
figure and is known as stress-strain diagram.

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• In the graph the straight and slopping part OP of the curve shows that the strain produced is
directly proportional to the stress or the Hook’s law is obeyed perfectly up to P. In this region
the material will recover its original condition of zero strain, on the removal of the stress.
The point ‘P’ is called as proportionality limit.
• If the material is stressed between The region P and Q. the material will regain its original
shape i.e it exhibits elasticity but it will not obey Hookes law. The point Q is called as
Yield point or elastic limit.
• If the material is stressed between the region Q and S. it will not regain its original shape and
size. it will not trace the original path instead it will trace the RT. i.e it has undergone a
permanent deformation or plastic deformation.
The point ‘x’ is called as the ultimate strength. It is the maximum stress that amaterial can
withstand beyond which the material breaks.
• The point ‘s’ is called as the Breaking point.The region ‘QX’ is called as strain
hardening. The region XS is called as Strain softening.
Strain Hardening and strain softening:
Certain materials that are plastically deformed earlier are stressed again, shows an
increased yield point. This effect is called as strain hardening.

It is one of the process of Making a material harder by plastic deformation. It is also known as
‘work hardening’ or ‘ cold working’.

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Certain materials like concrete or soil, are stressed their stress strain graph shows negative slope
soon after the elastic region. The negative slope indicates the that there is softening effect of the
material. This effect is called as ‘strain softening’.

Effect of continuous stress, temperature, annealing and Impurities on the elastic

properties of the body.
Effect of continuous stress.
When certain elastic materials are stressed continuously effect of creep comes in to play
Creep is the property due to which a material under steady stress undergo slow plastic
deformation even below the proportionality limit.

It occurs due to the deformation caused by slip occurring along the crystallographic directions in
the metal.
Ex. The warping of a shelf over time when heavy object is placed on it.
Effect of temperature:
When the material is subjected stress at high temperatures. The effect of creep dominates. It is
an important factor to be considered in the design of boilers , turbines , jet engines etc.

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Annealing.
It is a type of heat treatment used increase the strength, hardness and toughness to meet the
requirement of good machinibility, forging and casting. It improves the elasticity and increases
the ductility.
In annealing the material is heated to very high temperature first to make the metal soft and then
it gradually cooled down.
Effect of impurities:

Addition of impurities to metal results in either increase or decrease of elasticity depending on

the type of impurity added.
If the impurity added obstructs the motion of dislocation in the lattice it increases the elastic
modulus and hence the yield strength.
If the impurity added enables the movement of dislocation it causes cracks, inclusions and
reduces the strength.
Types of elasticity
Corresponding to the three types of strain, we have three types of elasticity
a) Linear Elasticity or Elasticity of length or Young’s modulus
b) Elasticity of volume or Bulk modulus
c) Modulus of Rigidity (corresponding to shear strain)
a) Young’s modulus (Y).
The ratio of longitudinal stress to linear strain within elastic limit is called the
coefficient of direct elasticity or Young’s modulus and is denoted by Y .
If F is the force applied normally, to a cross-sectional area a, then the stress is F/a. If L is
original length and x is change in length due to the applied force, the strain is given by x/L.
Normal stress F a FL
Y= = = N/m2
Longitudin al strain x L ax

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b) Elasticity of volume or Bulk modulus (K):

The ratio of normal stress or pressure to the volume strain without change in shape of
the body within the elastic limits is called Bulk modulus.
If ‘F’ is the force applied uniformly and normally on a surface area ‘a’ the stress or pressure
is ‘F/a’ or P and if ‘v’ is the change in volume produced in an original volume V, the strain is
given by ‘v/V’ and therefore
Normal stress F a FV PV
K= = = = N/m2
Volume strain v V av v

Bulk modulus is referred to as incompressibility and hence its reciprocal is called

compressibility (strain per unit stress).
c) Modulus of Rigidity (corresponding to shear strain)
In this case, while there is a change in the shape of the body, there is no change in its
volume. It takes place by the movement of contiguous layers of the body, one over the other.

Q1 that is the planes of the two faces ABCD and PQRS can be said to have turned through an angle .
This angle  is called the angle of shear or shearing strain. Tangential stress is equal to the force F
divided by area ‘a’ of the face APQB.
The rigidity modulus is defined as the ratio of the tangential stress to the shearing strain.
F x
Hence tangential stress = θ = PP1 / PS =
a L
tangential stress F a F a FL
Rigidity modulus η = = = = N/m2
shearing strain.  x L ax
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Longitudinal Strain co efficient:

If x/L is the Longitudinal strain produced due to Longintudinal stress T
The from Hookes law
x/L ∝ T
x/L = 𝛼 T
Where 𝛼 is called as Longitudinal strain co efficient.
Logitudinal strain co efficient (𝜶) is defined as the Longitudinal strain produced per unit
stress.
Lateral Strain co efficient:
When an elastic material subjected to tensile stress it produces longitudinal strain as well as
lateral strain in the direction perpendicular to longitudinal strain in the material.
Lateral strain is defined as the ratio of change in the diameter to original diameter.
If ‘d’ is the change in the diameter and ‘D’ is the original diameter then
Lateral strain = d/D
If d/D is the lateral strain produced due to Longintudinal stress T
The from Hookes law
d/D ∝ T
d/D = 𝛽 T
Where 𝛽 is called as Lateral strain co efficient.
Lateral strain co efficient (𝛽) is defined as the Lateral strain produced per unit stress.

Poisson’s Ratio ()

It is commonly observed fact that when we stretch string or wire it becomes longer but
thinner. That is an increase in length is always accompanied by a decrease in its cross section. In
other words a linear or a tangential strain produced in a wire is accompanied by a transverse or
lateral strain of opposite kind in a direction right angle to the direction of applied force. This
change which occurs in a direction perpendicular to the direction along which the deforming
force is acting is called lateral change.
Within elastic limits of a body, the ratio of lateral strain (β) to the longitudinal strain
(α) is a constant and is called Poisson’s ratio ().

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If a deforming force acting on a wire of length ‘L’ produces a change in length ‘x’
accompanied by a change in diameter of ‘d’ in it which has a original diameter of ‘D’
𝑳𝒂𝒕𝒆𝒓𝒂𝒍 𝒔𝒕𝒓𝒂𝒊𝒏 Ld
 Poisson’s ratio, σ = =
𝑳𝒐𝒏𝒈𝒊𝒕𝒖𝒅𝒊𝒏𝒂𝒍 𝒔𝒕𝒓𝒂𝒊𝒏 xD
d x
The lateral strain coefficient = and Longitudinal strain coeficient α =
D L,

Ld 
 Poisson’s ratio, σ = =
xD 
Poisson’s ratio is a dimensionless quantity.

Limiting value of Poisson’s ratio:

W.K.T.
Y = 2  (1 + σ), and Y = 3K (1-2σ)
 2 (1 + σ) = 3K (1-2σ)
where k &  are essentially positive quantities.
(i) If σ be positive quantity, then the right hand side and left hand side expression must be
positive. i.e. (1-2σ) > 0
Or 2σ <1
 σ < 0.5
(ii) If σ is A negative quantity, then the right hand side and left hand side expression must
be positive. i.e. (1 + σ) > 0
Or σ > - 1
Thus the limiting value of Poisson’s ratio is -1 > σ < 0.5
If σ = 0.5, then Bulk modulus is infinite. It means that, the substance is perfectly
incompressible. Actually there is no substance which perfectly incompressible.
If σ = -1, the rigidity modulus is infinite. It means that, if a body is extended linearly,
then it should also extend laterally. No substance exhibits such phenomenon.
In actual practice, the value of σ varies from 0.2 to 0.4 (Practical limit)

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Equivalence of shear to compression and extension Strain

Consider a front face a cube ABPS, whose lower surface AS is fixed to a rigid support.
Let a tangential force ‘F’ is applied at the upper surface along BP of the cube in a direction as
shown in figure. The applied tangential force causes the relative displacements at different parts
of the cube, so that, A moves to A' and P moves to P' through a small angle. Due to this the
diagonal AS will be shortened to A'S and diagonal DP will be increased to a length DP'.let θ be
the angle of shear which is very small in magnitude.

Let length of each side of the cube = L.

and PP'= x.
As θ is very small, from ΔSPP', we can write, θ = tanθ = x/ L.
As diagonal DP increases to DP' and diagonal AS is compressed to A'S,
We have Extension Strain along DP and compression strain along AS
Therefore extension Strain along DP
Elongation strain = P'X/DP

If L is the length of each side of the cube, then we have DP= 2 L (By Pythagoras theorem).
From Δ PP'X , P'X=PP' cos (PP'X)
𝑏𝑢𝑡 ∠ PP'X= ∠AP'D = ∠ APD = 45º
PP'
 P'X = PP'cos45  =
2
Let PP' = x
x
we get, P'X=PP'cos45  =
2

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x/ 2 x 
 Elongation strain along DP = P'X/DP= = =
L 2 2L 2 (1)
Since x/L = 𝜃
Similarly the compression strain along AS
𝐴′𝑌 
i.e Compresion strain = =
𝐴𝑆 2 (2)
From (1) and (2) it is clear that a shear strain θ is equivalent to an extension strain and
compression strain at right angles to each other and each of value θ/2.
 
Elongation strain + compression strain = + =  , the shearing strain.
2 2
Relation between  ,  and 
Consider a cube with each of its sides of length L
under the action of tangential stress T. let
tangential force F be applied to its upper face. It
causes the plane of the faces perpendicular to the
applied force F turn through an angle θ. as a
result diagonal AC undergoes contraction and
diagonal DB1undergoes elongation of equal
amount.
Now, shearing strain occurring along AP can be treated as equivalent to a longitudinal
strain, along DP' and an equal lateral strain along the diagonal A'S i.e., perpendicular to DP. Let
α and β be the longitudinal strain co efficient and lateral strain co efficients
since T is the applied stress, therefore extension produced for the length DP due to tensile stress
then Longitudinal Strain = T. DB.α
Lateral strain = T.DB.β.
 Total extension = Longitudinal strain along DP + Lateral strain Perpendiclar to Dp
 P'X = DP.T.(α+β),
P'X=PP' cos (PP'X)
𝑏𝑢𝑡 ∠ PP'X= ∠AP'D = ∠ APD = 45º

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PP'
 P'X = PP'cos45  =
2
Let PP'= x
x
P'X =
2

And DP = 2L

 P'X=( 2 L ).T(α+β),
Rearranging the terms
x
 ( 2 L) T ( +  ) = ,
2
1 1 TL T T
Or, = = = =
2 ( +  ) x ( x L ) 

1
 = ,
2( +  )
1
= ,
2 (1 +   )

1
= , ( =   ) ,
Or, 2(1 +  )

Y
=
2(1 +  )

or Y = 2 (1 +  )

Relation between Y and α

Consider a cube of unit side subjected to unit tension along one side. Let α be the
elongation per unit length per unit tension along the direction of the force. Therefore,
Force
Stress = =1
Area
change in length 
Similarly, linear strain = = =α
original length 1

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Normal stress 1
 Y= =
Longitudin al strain 

Relation between K, n and Y

Consider a cube of unit volume, as shown in the
diagram. Let Tx Ty and Tz be the stress acting
on the faces along X,Y and Z.

Each stress produces an extension in its own direction and a lateral contraction in the other two
perpendicular directions. Let α be the elongation per unit length per unit stress along the
direction of the forces and β be the contraction per unit length per unit stress in a direction
perpendicular to the respective forces. Then stress like Tx produces an increase in length of α Tx
in X-direction: but since other two stresses Ty and Tz are perpendicular to X-direction they
produce a contraction of β Ty and β Tz respectively in the cube along X-direction .Hence, a length
which was unity along X-direction becomes ,
1+ α Tx - β Ty - β Tz.
Similarly along Y and Z directions the respective length become,
1+ α Ty - β Tz - β Tx.
1+ α Tz - β Tx - β Ty.
Hence the new volume of the cube is
= (1+ α Tx - β Ty - β Tz) (1+ α Ty - β Tz - β Tx) (1+ α Tz - β Tx - β Ty)

Since α and β are very small, the terms which contain either powers of α and β, or their products
can be neglected.
 New volume of the cube = 1 + α(Tx+ Ty+ Tz)- 2β(Tx+ Ty+ Tz),
= 1+ (α-2β)(Tx+ Ty+ Tz)
If Tx= Ty= Tz= Tσ

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Then the new volume =1+ (α-2β) 3T

Since the cube under consideration is of unit volume, increase in volume = [1+3T (α-2β)]-1
= 3T (α-2β)
If instead of outward stress T, a pressure P is applied, the decrease in volume = 3P (α-2β).

change in volume 3P ( - 2  )
 Volume strain = =
original volume 1
Pressure P 1
K = = =
Volume strain 3P ( - 2 ) 3 ( - 2 )

K=
1
=
(1  ) = Y (  =
 1
and Y = )
3 (1 − 2  ) 3(1 − 2 /  ) 3(1 − 2 )  

Relation between Y, K and 

Y Y
We know that  = and K =
2(1 +  ) 3(1 − 2 )

Rearranging which we get,

Y Y
= 2 + 2 and =1-2σ
 3K
Y Y
Adding the above we get, + = 3,
 3K
Y (3K +  )
Or =3
3K

 9K 
Y =  
 3K +  
Relation between K ,  and σ
We have the relations Y = 2 (1 + σ), and Y = 3K (1-2σ)
Equating the above equations we get,
2η + 2ησ = 3K – 6Kσ,

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 2ησ + 6Kσ = 3K - 2η,

Or , σ(2η + 6K) = 3K - 2η,
3K − 2
Or, σ =
2 + 6 K
BENDING OF BEAMS
A homogenous body of uniform cross section whose length is large compared to its other
dimensions is called a beam.
Neutral surface and neutral axis
Consider a uniform beam MN whose one
end is fixed at M. The beam can be thought of as
made up of a number of parallel layers and each
layer in turn can be thought of as made up of a
number of infinitesimally thin straight parallel
longitudinal filaments or fibers arranged one closely
next to the other in the plane of the layer.

If a load is attached to the free end of the beam, the beam bends. The successive layers along
with constituent filaments are strained. A filament like AB of an upper layer will be elongated to
A' B' and the one like EF of a lower layer will be contracted to E'F'. But there will always be a
particular layer whose filaments do not change their length as shown for CD. Such a layer is
called neutral surface and the line along which a filament of it is situated is called neutral axis.

Neutral Surface: It is that layer of a uniform beam which does not undergo any change in its
dimensions, when the beam is subjected to bending within its elastic limit.

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Neutral axis: It is a longitudinal line along which neutral surface is intercepted by any
longitudinal plane considered in the plane of bending.
Bending moment of a beam:
Consider a uniform beam whose one end is fixed at M. If now a load is attached to the beam,
the beam bends. The successive layers are now strained. A layer like AB which is above the
neutral surface will be elongated to A' B' and the one like EF below neutral surface will be
contracted to E'F'. CD is neutral surface which does not change its length.
The shape of each layers of the beam can be imagined to
form part of concentric circles of varying radii. Let R be
the radius of the circle to which the neutral surface forms
a part.
CD=R
where ‘’ is the common angle subtended by the layers at
common center O of the circles. The layer AB has been
elongated to A1B1.
 Change in length = A' B' -AB

But AB=CD=R
If the successive layers are separated by a distance r then,
A' B' =(R+r)
Change in length=(R+r)-R = r
But original length = AB=R
r r
Linear strain = =
R R
Youngs Modulus Y= Longitudinal stress/linear strain
Longitudinal stress = Yx Linear strain
r
= Yx
R
F
But stress =
a

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Where F is the force acting on the beam and a is the area of the layer AB.
F Yr Yar
= =
a R R
Moment of this force about the neutral axis=F x its distance from neutral axis.
= F x r = Yar2 /R

Yar 2
Moment of force acting on the entire beam = Σ
R
Y
=  ar 2
R
The moment of inertia of a body about a given axis is given by Σmr2, where Σm is the mass of
the body. Similarly Σar2 is called the geometric moment of Inertia Ig.
Ig=Σar2 =Ak2 , where A is the area of cross section of the beam and k is the radius of
gyration about the neutral axis.

Y
Moment of force = Ig
R
3
Y bd
1) Bending moment of rectangular beam =
R 12
Y  4
2) Bending moment of circular beam =
R 4
Single Cantilever
If one end of beam is fixed to a rigid
support and its other end is loaded, then the
arrangement is called single cantilever or
cantilever.
Consider a uniform beam of length L fixed
at M. Let a load W act on the beam at N.
Consider a point on the free beam at a
distance x from the fixed end which will be
at a distance (L-x) from N. Let P' be its
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position after the beam is bent.

Bending moment = Force x Perpendicular distance.

= W (L-x)
Y
But bending moment of a beam is given by Ig
R
Y
Ig = W(L-x) (1)
R
1 W(L - x)
= (2)
R YIg
But if ‘y’ is the depression of the point P then it can be shown that
1 d2y
= (3)
R dx 2
where ‘R’ is the radius of circle to which the bent beam becomes a part.
Comparing equations (2)and (3)
d 2 y W(L - x)
=
dx 2 YIg
d  dy  w(L − x )
 =
dx  dx  YI g

 dy  w( Ldx − xdx)
d  =
 dx  YI g

Integrating both sides

dy w  x2 
=  Lx −  + C1 (4)
dx YI g  2

C1 is constant of integration
But dy/dx is the slope of the tangent drawn to the bent beam at a distance x from the fixed end.
When x=0, it refers to the tangent drawn at M, where it is horizontal. Hence (dy/dx)=0 at x=0.
Introducing this condition in equation (4) we get 0=C1
Equation (4) becomes

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dy W  x2 
=  Lx − 
dx YIg  2
W  x2 
dy =  Lx −  dx
YIg  2

Integrating both sides we get

W  Lx 2 x 3 
y=  −  + C2 (5)
YIg  2 6

where C2 is constant of integration, y is the depression produced at known distance from the
fixed end. Therefore when x=0, it refers to the depression at M, where there is obviously no
depression. Hence y=0 at x=0. Introducing this condition in equation (5) we get

W  Lx 2 x 3 
y=  − 
YIg  2 6

At the loaded end, y=y0 and x=L

W  L3 L3 
Therefore y0 =  − 
YIg  2 6

Depression produced at loaded end is

WL3
y0 =
3YIg
Therefore the young’s modulus of the material of the cantilever is
WL3
Y= (6)
3 y 0 Ig
Case (a):
If the beam is having rectangular cross-section, with breadth b and thickness d then,
bd 3
Ig = (7)
12
Substituting equation (7) in equation (6) we get
WL3 12
Y= x
3 y0 bd 3

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4WL3
Y=
Y0 bd 3
Case(b):
If the beam is having a circular cross section of radius r then,
r 4
Ig = (8)
4
Substituting equation (8) in equation (7) we get

4WL3
Y=
3y 0 r 4
Torsion of a cylinder
A long body which is twisted around its length as an axis is said to be under torsion. The
twisting is brought into effect by fixing one end of the body to a rigid support and applying a
suitable couple at the other end. The elasticity of a solid, long uniform cylindrical body under
torsion can be studied, by imagining it to be consisting of concentric layers of the material of
which it is made up of. The applied twisting couple is calculated in terms of the rigidity modulus
of the body.
Expression for the Torsion of a cylindrical rod
Consider a long cylindrical rod of length ‘L’
and radius ‘R’ rigidly fixed at its upper end.
Let OO' be its axis. Imagine the cylindrical
rod is made up of thin concentric hollow
cylindrical layers each of thickness ‘dr’. The
rod twisted at its lower end, and then the
concentric layers slide one
over the other. This movement will be zero at
the fixed end and gradually increased along
the downward direction. Let us consider one
concentric circular layer of radius ‘r’ and
thickness ‘dr’ . Any point ‘X’ on its

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uppermost part would remain fixed and a

point like ‘B’ at its bottom moves to ‘B'’.

Now, BXˆB  =  gives the angle of shear.

Since  is also small, the movement length BB  = L .

Also, if BOˆ B =  , the length B B' = rθ.

 L  = r

Now, the cross sectional area of the layer under consideration is 2r dr . If ‘F’ is the shearing
force, then the shearing stress T is given by
Force F
T= =
Area 2rdr
Shearing force F = T(2rdr)
 Rigidity modulus n = Shearing stress/shearing strain.
T
n=

nr
 T = n =
L
nr
F = (2rdr ) = 2n r 2 dr
L L
 2n 2  2n 3
The moment of the force about OO  =  r dr r = r dr
 L  L
This is only for the one layer of the cylinder.

2n 3
R
Therefore, twisting couple acting on the entire cylinder =  r dr
0
L
R
2n  r 4 
=  
L  4 0
nR 4
=
2L
Couple per unit twist is given by C=Total twisting couple / angle of twist.

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nR 4 / 2 L
C=

 nR 4 
C =  
 2L 
Torsion Pendulum
Torsion pendulum consists of a heavy metal disc is suspended by means of a wire. When
the disc is rotated in a horizontal plane so as to twist the wire, the various elements of the wire
undergo shearing strain. The restoring couple of the wire tries to bring the wire back to the
original position. Therefore disc executes torsional oscillations about the mean position.

Let θ be the angle of twist made by the wire and C be the couple per unit twist.
Then the restoring couple per unit twist = Cθ.
d 2
Therefore the angular acceleration produced by the restoring couple in the wire. a =
dt 2

 d 2 
Let I be the moment of inertia of the wire about the axis. Therefore, we have, I  2  = -Cθ
 dt 
The above relation shows that the angular acceleration is proportional to angular displacement
and is always directed towards the mean position. The negative sign indicates that the couple
tends to decrease the twist on the wire. Therefore, the motion of the disc is always simple
harmonic motion (SHM).
Therefore, the time period of oscillator is given by relation,

displacement  I
T = 2 = 2 = 2
Accleration C  C
 X
I 

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Application of torsion pendulum

1) Determination of moment of inertia of an irregular body
a) Time period (T1) of pendulum is determined by fixing a regular body at the free end of
torsion pendulum.
b) Similarly the time period (T2) is regular body is determined.
If I1 and I2 are the moment of inertia of regular and irregular body respectively, then
I1
T1 = 2
C

I2
T2 = 2
C

T12 I 2
 =
T22 I1

The moment of inertia of the regular body about any axis can be determined by knowing its mass
and dimensions. This moment of inertia of the irregular body is calculated.

T12
 I 2 = I1 2
T2

2) Determination of Torsion rigidity

The Time period of torsion pendulum is given by
I
T = 2
C
I
 T 2 = 4 2
C
I
C = 4 2
T2
Where, I is the moment of inertia of the regular body and C is the couple per unit twist of the
wire.
nR 4
But C=
2L

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Engineering physics study material SVIT,Bangalore
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I nR 4
 4 2 =
T2 2L
8L  I 
or n =  
R4  T 2 

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