PUSAT PENGAJIAN KEJURUTERAAN MEKANIKAL

UNIVERSITI TEKNOLOGI MARA

PULAU PINANG

LABORATORY ASSESMENT FORM MEC291

(MECHANICS AND MATERIALS LAB)
EXPERIMENT : Torsion Test_________________________________________
VENUE : Strength Of Materials Lab______________________________
PREPARED BY:
NAME GROUP UiTM ID SIGNATURE
1.MOHD HAIKAL HAKIM BIN JAMIL C1_______ 2021892192_ __________
2._______________________________ _________ ___________ __________
3._______________________________ _________ ___________ __________

DATE PERFORMED : 1 NOVEMBER 2022_______________

DATE SUBMITTED : 15 NOVEMBER 2022______________

LECTURER’S NAME : MOHD ROZAIMAN BIN AZIZ______

LAB TECHNICIAN’S NAME : ABDUL HALIM BIN SAAD______

No Items Marks Score Score Score 3

(%) 1 2
Conducting experiment following the procedure.
1 10
(CO1:PLO5)
Able to use laboratory equipment precisely to
2 10
obtain experiment data and results (CO1:PLO5)
Results (data, graph, calculation and etc.
3 20
(CO1:PLO5)
4 Discussion. (CO2:PLO4) 25

5 Conclusions.(CO2:PLO4) 10

6 Safety .(CO3:PLO9) 5

7 Interaction and Participation.(CO3:PLO9) 10

8 Q&A (CO3:PLO9) 10

Total score 100

EXPERIMENT 2
TORSION TEST
1.0 Objective

i. To determine the modulus of rigidity, maximum shearing stress,

maximum shearing strain and Poisson`s ratio for the tested
specimen.
ii. To study the linearly elastic behaviour of the tested specimen under
torsion and to obtain the relationship between torsional load and
angle of twist for a full range of strains until failure.

2.0 Introduction

The purpose of torsion testing usually parallels that of uniaxial tension tests. In
this experiment, solid cylindrical specimen of steel or brass will be subjected to
a torsional load. The test will be conducted until failure (i.e. it will end in the
fracture). During the test, the angle of twist and the applied torque are measured
as the test proceeds. From the applied torque, the student will calculate the shear
stress and shear strain of the tested material. The modulus of rigidity will be
obtained from the plotted graph and compared to reference value.

3.0 Background

Torsional loads are created by propellers on aircraft, transmissions in cars or by

highway signs that are twisted by wind. Torsion loading results in twisting of
one section of a body with respect to a contiguous section. Torque is a moment
that tends to twist a member about its longitudinal axis. Shearing strains are
induced in members under torsion. Shafts are widely used in engineering
applications to transmit power from one point to another. A torque, T is applied
to the shaft as shown in Figure 1 where the shaft is fixed at one end and free at
the other. As a result, complementary shear stresses are developed on the
longitudinal planes which cause a distortion of filaments.

Figure 1

In a torque against angle of twist relationship, the modulus of rigidity or shear

modulus of the tested specimen can be determined by using the following
relationship:

1
G = TL / J and
G=τ /γ
where; T = applied torque
L = length of the shaft
G = modulus of rigidity
= angle of twist within the tested length.
The largest shear stress occurs at the outside surface of the material and can be
calculated using the following relationship:

τ = Tr / J
where; τ = shear stress
r = radius of the shaft
J = polar moment of inertia of the shaft

The shearing strain occurs along the tested length of the shaft can be determined
using the following relationship:

γ=r L

where; γ = shear strain

The relationship between the modulus of rigidity and modulus of elasticity

within the linear elastic range of the material is described by Hooke`s law,
which relates the Poisson`s ratio of the tested material is given by;

E = 2G (1+v)

where; v = Poisson`s ratio

E = modulus of elasticity

The torque can also be obtained by using the following relationship;

T = G (J )

where; = L = angle of twist per unit length

4.0 Apparatus

WP 500 torsion testing machine, caliper, solid cylindrical specimens (steel and
brass). Sketch the specimen with complete dimensions.

2
 Figure 2
5.0 Procedure

The experimental apparatus is setup as shown in Figure 2.

1. Measure the diameter and the length of the test specimen.

2. Draw a straight line using pencil lead on the specimen length in order
to observe the effect of twisting. Fixed the both end of the specimen into
the specimen holder.
3. Mount the specimen between the loading device and the torque
measuring unit. Make sure that the shifting specimen holder of the load
is in the mid position.
4. Make sure that the specimen is not initially loaded. Turn on the hand
wheel clockwise to provide the applied load. Switch on the
measurement amplifier and set it to zero. The read out values is the
applied torque.
5. For the first rotation choose an increment of a quarter rotation (900), for
the second and third rotation of a half rotation (1800) and for the fourth
to 8th rotation of one rotation (3600). For the 9th to specimen fracture,
take the reading of the applied load and angle of twist for each 5 or 10
rotations.

Note:
It is best to count the number of rotations and then later convert it to degrees
when writing the report. Record the final torque reading of the specimen at
failure and also measure the new diameter at the fracture point.

3
6.0 Result
Table 1: Experimental and calculation data of tested specimen

Applied torque Angle of twist Calculation value

Scale reading Amplifier Shear stress Shear strain
(revolution) reading Degree Radian (Pa)
(degree) (Nm)
0
0 (0 ) 0 0 0 0 0
¼ (90 )0
0.15 2 0.03 3.54×106 9.97×10−4
½ (180 ) 0
0.30 3 0.05 7.09×106 16.61×10−4
¾ (2700) 0.45 4 0.07 10.63×106 23.26×10−4
1 (360 )0
0.50 6 0.10 11.81×106 33.22×10−4
2 (720 )0
2.30 11 0.19 54.33×106 63.12×10−4
3 6.85 17 0.30 161.81×106 99.67×10−4
4 10.90 23 0.40 257.48×106 132.89×10−4
5 13.40 29 0.51 316.54×106 169.44×10−4
10 16.75 58 1.01 395.67×106 335.55×10−4
15 17.65 86 1.50 416.93×106 498.34×10−4
20 17.90 113 1.97 422.83×106 654.49×10−4
25 18.50 153 2.67 437.01×106 887.04×10−4
30 18.75 187 3.26 442.91×106 1083.06×10−4
40 19.00 245 4.28 448.82×106 1421.93×10−4
50 19.15 330 5.76 452.36×106 1913.62×10−4
60 19.30 360 6.28 455.91×106 2086.38×10−4
70 19.50 417 7.28 460.63×106 2418.60×10−4
80 19.70 473 8.26 465.35×106 2744.19×10−4
100 20.00 588 10.26 472.44×106 3408.64×10−4
120 20.10 703 12.27 474.80×106 4076.41×10−4
140
160
180
210
240
270
300
340
380
420
460
500
540
580
600

4
Table 2: Determine the following properties for the tested
specimen

Material Diameter Length Polar moment Modulus of

(m) (m) of inertia (m4) elasticity (GPa)
Brass 0.006 0.0903 1.27 × 10−10 83

Table 3: Determine the properties and % error of the tested

specimen

Item Experimental Theory/reference % error

value value
Modulus of rigidity, G (Pa) 35.55 40 11.13
Poisson`s ratio, v 10.67 0.31 3977.42

Maximum shear stress, τmax (Pa) 474.80× 106 270× 106 74.85

Maximum torque, Tmax (Nm) 20.10

Maximum shearing strain, γmax 4076.41 × 10−4

Failure shear stress, τf (Pa) 474.80 ×10−4

2. Graph

i. Torque vs angle of twist

5
 ii. Shear stress vs shear strain

Sketch

The fracture surface of the tested specimen

6
Calculation

Modulus of rigidity, G

𝑇𝐿
G=
𝐽𝛷

(0.15)(0.0903)
G=
(1.27×10−10 )(0.03)

=3555118110 Pa
Shear stress, τ
𝑇𝑟
τ=
𝐽

(0.15)(0.003)
τ=
(1.27×10−10 )

= 3.54 MPa
Shear strain, γ
𝑟𝛷
γ=
𝐿

(0.003)(0.03)
γ=
0.0903

= 0.000997
Poisson ‘ s ration, 𝑣
E = 2G (1+v)
83G = 2(3555118110)(1+v)
v = 10.67
Torque, T
T = G(J𝜃)

𝐽∅
= 𝐺( )
𝐿
(1.27x10−10 )(0.03)
= 3555118110 ( )
0.0903

= 0.15 Nm
Error
Empirical value−theoretical value
𝐸𝑟𝑟𝑜𝑟 𝜏𝑚𝑎𝑥=
theoretical value

474.80 x 106 − 270000000

= x 100
270000000

= 75.85%

7
7.0 Discussion

1. From this experiment, the values of modulus, Poisson's ratio, shear stress, and
shear strain are different from the reference values. The modulus of rigidity value
is 35.55 GPa and the reference value is 40 GPa. The error of these values is -
11.13%. Also, the Poisson's ratio value in the experiment is 12.64, whereas the
reference value is 0.31. The error in these values is 3977.42%. Otherwise, the
maximum shear stress is 474.80 x 10^6 Pa, but the reference value is 270 MPa.
The error in these values is 75.85%.

An error occurred during the experiment. One of those mistakes is a mistake.

These errors are caused by carelessness and are usually accidents. There are also
systematic errors. A systematic error is an identifiable and recoverable error.
They cause one-sided data like observation errors. This error can occur if the
observer does not read the measurements correctly. This error can be corrected
if the observer's eye position is perpendicular to the instrument scale. Apart from
that, another possible systematic error in this experiment is instrumental error.
This error occurs when the equipment is faulty, and readings are consistently
inaccurate. This error can be resolved by ensuring all machines are in good
working order and safe to operate.
2. It can be seen that as the applied torque increases, the applied torque twists and
deforms the rod. This is the same as tension where the torque increases at the
relative limit where the shear stress equals the shear strain. This leads to shear
and ultimate stresses and specimen failure. Like brittle materials, they are rarely
more complex than ductile materials.

3. According to Hooke's law, stress is directly proportional to strain. Applies only

up to the ratio limit of the material. Beyond this limit, Hooke's Law no longer
applies. Beyond the yield point, the steel remains deformed even under no load.

4. Ductile fracture is large plastic deformation and energy absorption before

fracture, observed by scanning electron microscopy. Spherical "pits" are micro
voids that initiate cracks. Brittle fracture is slight plastic deformation and low
energy absorption before facet texture fracture and surface fracture due to
different orientation of cleave planes in grains. Therefore, steel is brittle fracture.

5. Hollow bars can withstand higher torques than solid bars of the same material
and cross-sectional area. This is because the higher polar moment of inertia is the
ore torque it can withstand, because the polar moment of area is called the
resistance zone where torsional loads are resisted. Hollow shafts have more polar
moment of inertia. It can also absorb more torque than a solid shaft.

8
8.0 Conclusion

At the conclusion of this test, the stiffness modulus, maximum shear stress, maximum
shear strain, and Poisson's ratio of the specimen can be determined. In addition, the linear
elastic behaviour of specimens under torsion can be investigated to determine the
relationship between torsional load and torsional angle over the full range from strain to
failure. I said I tested steel, but the results of steel are where it breaks very easily where
the force is still small, and it breaks very easily. It is used in ballistic impacts and more.
To make this torsion test more accurate and efficient, it is necessary to avoid mistakes in
this test. This means that this test cannot be done manually. By using a robot, we can get
more accurate and consistent values for each sample. Different types of materials have
different elastic limits. The higher the value of the modulus of rigidity G, the more
torsional stiffness the material has. Deformation occurs when the material exceeds its
elastic limit, which is the goal of this experiment.

9.0 References

1. What is Torsion Testing? (2022). Instron.com.

https://www.instron.com/en/resources/test-types/torsion-test

2. Khan, Y. (2019). Characterizing the Properties of Tissue Constructs for

Regenerative Engineering. Encyclopedia of Biomedical Engineering, 537–545.
https:/doi.org/10.1016/b978-0-12-801238-3.99897-0

3. unknown. (2022, January 30). Rosley JAAFAR | senior Lecturer | Bachelor of

Engineering,Master of Science | Faculty of Mechanical engineering | Scientific
profile. ResearchGate; ResearchGate.
https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Rosley-Jaafar

4. Torsion Test. (2022). Testresources.net.

https://www.testresources.net/applications/test-types/torsion-test/

5. Instron. (2021). What is Torsion Testing? [YouTube Video]. In YouTube.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bd-uUHAI1HE