Torsionmeters

Torsion meters are used for the measurement of power transferred through a
propulsion shaft.

Principle

A torque of value T is applied to a shaft of fixed length L and radius r. An angle

of twist θ is generated and is dependent of the modulus of torsional rigidity G
and given by

T/r = Gθ/L

The modulus of rigidity, the raidus and the length of the shaft are
all fixed thus the torque on the shaft is proportional to the angle of twist

Typical system

Two AC generators are mounted so that they are driven by the main shaft and
area at set distance apart L. A sinusoidal waveform is produced. One of the
generators is adjusted so that at minimum torque the generated waveforms
are 180' out of phase. The outputs from the two generators are then added
and the resultant voltage is used as the measurement of torque
 As the torque is applied to the shaft so the twist causes the waveforms to shift
in phase. When the two waveforms are now added an output ac current is
produced which may be amplified and rectified to give an ouput voltage
proportional to the torque appled to the shaft.

Another method of achieving this is to replace the generators with

sensors and toothed ring.

Power Calculation

Power is a product of the Torque and revs of the shaft, one of the generator outputs
is used to measure the shaft rev/s and a calculation performed