Experiment # 2

Torsion Test
■ Objectives:
1. To study the torsional stress-strain relationship and determine shear modulus
(G) and Poisson’s ratio (ν) .

2. To study qualitatively the relationship between torsional load and angle of twist
for a full range of strains till failure.

3. To determine the mode of failure (ductile or brittle).

 Determining the G :

■ Hooke’s Law in shear:

Hooke's law is an approximation that states that the amount by which a material
body is deformed (the strain) is linearly related to the force causing the deformation
(the stress).

τ=G.γ
τ: shear stress
G: shear modulus of elasticity

■ Shear modulus (G) is the slope of the linear portion of the shear stress-strain
of
a material.
 Determining G :
ϕ (x)
ϕ
ϕ

T.r
Shear stress τ=
J J: polar moment of inertia
TL J=
π d4
Angle of twist φ= 32
GJ
φ .r GJ: torsional rigidity
Shear strain γ=
L
Determining the G :

shear stress-strain curve for a metallic material

 Determining Poisson's ratio :

■ Poisson ratio (Siméon Denis Poisson (1781-1840)) denoted by the ν :

The elongation produced by an axial tensile force (P) in the direction of the
force (x axis) is accompanied by a contraction in any transverse direction (y
and z axis).

lateral strain εy ε
ν =− =− =− z ε y = −ε x .ν
axial strain εx εx

■ The relationship between E and G :

E E
G= ν= −1
2(1 +ν ) 2G
-Axial elongation and lateral contraction of a
prismatic bar in tension: (a) bar before loading
and (b) bar after loading
 Modes of failure under torsion:

■ Ductile materials fail in shear when subjected to torsion. Specimens will

break
along a plane perpendicular to its longitudinal axis.

■ Brittle materials are generally weak in tension than in shear. When subjected
to torsion a specimen tends to break along surfaces which are perpendicular
to the direction in which tension is maximum.
 To Be Reported:

Part 1: Study the T-φ curve

■ The torque and corresponding twist angle measured
during the experiment will be given to you. Plot the T-φ
curve from zero point to failure!

■ Qualitatively describe the behavior of this material as it

responds to increasing applied torque. Pay special
attention to the region above the yield where linear elastic
theory no longer applies.
 To Be Reported:
Part 2: Figure G and υ out
■ In the first phase of the test while the material is behaving
T Rotation
linearly the shear Torque and Angle of twist will be measured τ=
T.r
γ =
φ .r
(N.m) φ (deg.)
and they will be recorded in the computer. J L

■ You will be given the data in blue columns. The data in

yellow column should be calculated.
■ Plot the stress-strain curve. Determine the G from the up
to proportional limit part of the curve.
■ After looking up the value of modulus of elasticity in a π r4
J=
reliable reference, calculate the Poisson's ratio. 2
■ Compare the obtained G and ν from the test with the
authoritative tests as given in the text book and other E
resources. Compare and discuss about G and ν value. ν= −1
2G
 To Be Reported:

Part 3:
■ Describe and discuss the mode of failure (brittle or ductile) !
Thank you !
Question?