TORSION OF BARS

(Read this through before attending the experiment. You will be subjected to a quiz that
will cover the experiment and the content of this paper. Print the last page only, one page
per group, and bring it with to the laboratory.)

Contents

1. Introduction…………………………………………….2

2. Experiment Setup………………………………………2

3. Experiment……………………………………………..3

4. Evaluation of the Experiment.…………………..……..5

5. Safety Instructions……………………………………..5

1
 1. Introduction

The experiment of torsion of bars is used to investigate the fundamentals of torsional

loading. The angle of twist of bars with different cross-sections is measured and stress distribution
is calculated under various torsional loadings within the boundaries of elastic material behavior.

Torque is a moment that tends to twist a

member about its longitudinal axis. Twisting effect is
taken into account especially in the design of axles or
drive-shafts used in vehicles and machinery. When
the torque is applied, the circles and longitudinal grid
lines originally marked on the shaft tend to distort as
shown in figure 1. Twisting causes the circles to
remain circles and the cross-section along the shaft
will remain flat if they do not warp or bulge in or out.

Figure 1 : The angle of twist (x)

2. Experiment Setup

Figure 2 : Experiment Setup

2
 1 Universal Test Frame
2 Chuck, adjustable
3 Adjustable angle scale
4 Chuck-mounted test bar
5 clamped-on pointer for angle scale
Additional test bars of the differing cross-
6
section
7 Wheel for moment transmission
8 Adjustable guide pulley
9 Hanger with weights
Table 1: List of equipment
If the test bar is to be replaced, first, slacken off hexagon socket-head bolts to release both
pointers for angle scales. Then, open left chuck and move it to the left, release right chuck, take
out the test bar and remove pointers. Now, you can slip pointers loosely onto the new test bar.
Insert the test bar with pointers into the right chuck, thread pointers between angle scales and insert
the test bar into the left chuck. Set the desired distance between angle scales. Adjust pointers in
front of angle scales and secure in 0° position.

3. Experiment

After the test bar is mounted, a weight is attached in the hanger that is 1 N for the slotted
tube and 5 N for others. The difference between the two angles is read off and recorded at every
length angle of twist is measured along by changing it 100 mm at a time. It could also be measured
between one angle scale and the fixed support where the angle of twist is zero. Repeat the
experiment by adding 1 N for a slotted tube up to a maximum load of 3 N and 5 N for others up to
a maximum load of 20 N.
The torque applied is calculated as 𝑇 = 𝐹 × 𝑅 where F is the force applied and R is the
radius of the pulley, which is 110 mm.

3
 Shear stress distribution across solid
T
circular bar cross-section is given by  
J
where  is the radial position from zero to r .  max

is at   r . Figure 3 represents the shear-stress

distribution over the bar cross-section.

Cross-sections of test bars that are made of

brass (CuZn39Pb3), shear modulus of which is
given as G=40000 N/mm2, is given in figure 4.
Their polar moments of inertia of area are tabulated
in table 2.
Figure 3: Shear stress distribution along
circular cross-section

Figure 4: Cross-section of test bars

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 
Bar 1 J D4 J=....................mm4
32

Bar 2 J (D4  d 4 ) J=....................mm4
32

Bar 3 J  a 3t J=....................mm4

1  (D  d ) 
Bar 4 J    f  t 3 J =...................mm4
3 2 
Table 2: Polar moments of inertia of area for test bar cross-sections
After the values of the angle of twist are measured, they are compared with calculated angle
values as follows.
TL

JG
 : Angle of twist
T: The internal torque at the arbitrary position x
J: Polar moments of inertia
G: Shear Modulus

4. Evaluation of the Experiment

Report the experiment you carried out step by step. A report starts with an introduction that
contains generic information about the test, continues with the experimental procedure that is
followed during the tests. Results and discussion will be the last part of the report. In results and
discussion, plot a chart in which all measurement series and calculated values are in a single graph.
Also, plot another graph for the same position under different weights. Do not forget to add the
units and the legend (name the series in the legend), and to scale the axes’ range in accord with
your data. What are the trends in your graph? Comment on how each parameter affects the angle
of twist. Explain the possible reasons for discrepancies between measured and calculated values.

5. Safety Instructions
! The test bars would be ruined by plastic deformation and thus become unusable. The slotted
test bar, in particular, should not be subjected to a load of more than 3N, the others not more than
20N.
! The angle pointer is very sensitive. Take care when mounting and removing.

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Test Bar: …………………

Load: ………….. Load: …………..

   
x x
measured calculated measured calculated

Load: ………….. Load: …………..

   
x x
measured calculated measured calculated