EXPERIMENT TITLE: TORSION OF TUBES AND RODS

MODULE : STRENGTH OF MATERIALS (MECE 221)

GROUP MEMBERS:
MADIAKWANA GAEETE 19000688
MADIKWE GABORONE 19000915
LAME MORUPISI 18000508
KESEGO SEFHELA 18001038
Abstract

A moment that tends to twist a member about its longitudinal axis is known as torque and the resulting
stress is known as Shear stress (HIBBELER, 2013). Torsion is the twisting of a structural part that is
loaded by torque (rotation) around its longitudinal axis. That is, the member is loaded so that the stress
resultant is a couple about the longitudinal axis.

In this experiment the shear modulus of 4 specimens was investigated after subjecting them to loads
ranging from 0N to 10N. The specimen was fixed at one end which rotated and to the machine where
the torque was measured. The torque-twist was used to make a stress-strain curve which is then used to
find shear modulus of rigidity as well as the proportionality limit

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Introduction
In many engineering applications engineering components are subjected to torsion, so it is compulsory
for an engineer to understand the basics of torsion theory and learn how a material of engineering
component will act under torsion stresses (Khurmi & Gupta., 2005) Torsion occurs when an engineering
component is subjected to a twisting moment or torque. Torsional shear stress is the consequence of
torsion. These moments are present when one end of the material relative to the other is induced by a
torque. Torsion tests rotate a material or test component to a set degree with a predetermined force, or
until it fails in torsion. The twisting force of a torsion test is provided to the test specimen by attaching
one end with the objective of preventing it from moving or turning, and applying a moment to the
opposing end to pivot the sample about its axis.

Figure 1 showing a circular rod experiencing torque.

The turning moment may likewise be applied to the two ends of the sample however the ends must be
rotated in inverse directions. (Test Resources, 2020) A torsion test is a mechanical test mainly
performed for a number of engineering reasons. This test can be performed to:

-Learn the basics of torsion theory

-Learn and practices the principle of torsion testing,

-Find the maximum shear strain, shear stress, torsional rigidity, modulus of elasticity in shear as well as
modulus of rigidity.

-Establish the relationship degree of rotation and torque applied for the material under observation

-Understand the differences between material properties of different material

-Be able to select material for different engineering components which are under torsion

The failure, proof and operational tests are the 3 forms of torsional testing. One for failure is whereby a
sample is twisted until it breaks, this is used to measure strength of a sample. A proof test is designed to
observe the material under a specified torque load over a set period of time. Lastly, operational testing
measures the material’s performance under expected service conditions of its application. (Torsion test,
2020)

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Aim(s)
The main aim(s) of this experiment was;

-To investigate the torsional rigidity, G of solid and hollow circular rods.
-To investigate the torsional constant, J for the square torsional specimen and the aluminum torsional
specimen with a slit down its length.

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Background and Theory
The aim of the exercise is to find the modulus of elasticity in shear G (rigidity modulus) of the material of
which a bar with a cross-section is made, by measuring the angle of twist. The second purpose of the
exercise is determination of the characteristics of Ms=f*(ϕ) (dependence of the torque (twist moment)
versus angle of twist).

Torsional testing helps engineers to identify an appropriate material that will possess the required
torsional strength while also contributing to the goal of light weighting for example the metal used in
vehicle drive trains experiences a complex combined loading when in use, with torsion being the main
component.

Torsion is defined as a moment that causes a part to twist around its longitudinal axis. The resulting
shear stress in sections perpendicular to the torque axis is perpendicular to the radius. The torque twists
the shaft and causes one end to spin relative to the other, causing shear stress in any cross section. Its
main impact is on the design of drive shafts in cars and machines, therefore knowing how to calculate
shear stress and deformation in an item when subjected to torsional pressures is critical. When torque is
applied, all cross sections of the shaft stay flat and undistorted; nevertheless, non circular shaft cross
sections are warped when torque is applied.

Studies on single yarn natural fiber, particularly those aimed at increasing its mechanical qualities, have
been published. Materials & Design discovered that synthetic fiber has higher strength in composites
and is a low-cost material, but the problem is that it does not degrade in the environment, according to
an experiment conducted on the Torsional behavior of filament wound kenaf yarn fiber reinforced
unsaturated polyester composite hollow shafts. To limit the usage of synthetic fiber in lower-end
applications such as furniture and vehicle dashboards, this can be employed. For engineering
applications, continuous yarn fibers are required, and filament winding is a process for producing aligned
technical composites with a high fiber content. This study includes experimental and modeling
experiments to explore the behavior of composite hollow shafts, with a particular focus on the
composite hollow shaft's maximum torsion capacity for various winding angles and aluminum
reinforcement. To make a novel natural fiber composite hollow shaft utilizing kenaf yarn fiber reinforced
with unsaturated polyester resin, a typical filament winding machine was modified and added to a new
resin bath mechanism. Changes in winding angle and the presence of aluminum in the static torque test
capacity qualities have a substantial impact on torsion capacity, according to the findings. The maximum
static torsion capacity of kenaf yarn fiber reinforced unsaturated polyester composite shaft at a winding
angle of 45° was higher than that of a 90° orientation, and the inclusion of aluminum greatly improved
the torsion property. Finite element analysis (FEA) using Abaqus software was carried out and showed a
good agreement with the experimental results.

Torsion Equations
A specimen under a torsional load has a modulus of rigidity, G(N/m 2) that is given by the standard
equation;

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 𝑇𝐿
𝐺=
𝜃𝐽

Equation 1: Modulus of Rigidity

Where:

T/𝜃 = Slope of graph, with 𝜃 in radians.

L =Gauge length in mm.
1 4
J =Torsion constant. = πr
2

Equation 2: Torsion constant

Where:

d= Diameter of torsion specimen in mm

The torsional constant “J” (N/mm2) for a solid aluminum alloy and Perspex rod is given by

𝜋𝑑4
𝐽=
32
Equation 3: Torsion Constant (J)

Where:
d= mean diameter of solid aluminum alloy (7.90 mm nominal)
t = wall thickness (1.6mm nominal)
The torsional constant “J” (N/mm2) for the square aluminum specimen is given by:
𝐽′ = 𝑆3𝑡
Equation 4: Torsional constant for square aluminum

s = (𝑎 + 𝑏)

t= (𝑎 − 𝑏)
Where:
a = external size of square tube = 12.7 mm nominal

b = internal size = 9.44 mm nominal (wall thickness of 1.63 mm nominal)

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Equation 5: Conversion from degrees to radians
To convert the twist angle (θ) in degrees to radians use the following equation:
π
Radians=(θ) ( )
180

Apparatus and Materials

-Load Cell Head

-Measuring tape

-Torsion Head

-HST1 Frame

-HDA200 Interface

-Specimens

-Solid aluminum alloy tube with gauge length of 400.0mm, 4.74mm diameter rod. Datasheet value of G
= 27,200N/mm²

-Perspex Rod with gauge length of 390.0 mm, 10mm diameter. Datasheet value for G = 1200N/mm²

Figure 2: HEXAGON CHUCK KEY AND WRENCHES

Figure 3:HDA200 TORSION TESTING MACHINE

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Figure 4: TORSION HEAD

Figure 5: TORSION SPECIMEN

Figure 6: VERNIER CALLIPER POINTER SCALE AND DEFLECTION SCALE

Figure 7: HAD 200 DIGITAL DISPLAY

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Procedure
Part 1

1. Fit the aluminum 4.74mm torsional specimen between the chucks of the torsional head and
load the cell head.

2. Record the gauge length (distance between chucks for this specimen).
3. Turn the hand wheel on the torsion head until the lever arm just rests on the load cell. The
HDA200 interface displays will show a change in force when the lever arm is touching the load
cell.

4. Check the value of angle on the HDA200 interface reading.

5. Zero the HDA200 interface and record the “no load” force reading and angle reading in Table 1.
6. Gradually turn the hand wheel to increase the twist of the specimen. In increments of 1N,
(approximately) up to a maximum of 10N record the angle of twist from the HDA200 in table 1.

Part 2

1. Repeat the whole procedure from part 1 for Perspex specimens, with their clamp bushes, before
attaching between the chucks.

2. Do not tighten the chucks as this could damage the ends of the soft acrylic material.
3. In increments of 1N up to a maximum of 10N, twist the specimen using the hand wheel on the
torsion head and at every interval record the angle of twist from HDA200 in Table 2.

Part 3

1. Replace the acrylic specimen with aluminum tube and repeat the whole process of part 1.
2. Apply load in 1N increment up to a maximum of 10N, reading and recording the angular
deflections from the HDA200 in Table 3.

Part 4

1. Repeat the whole process of part 1 for the split tube specimen.
2. Apply 1N increment up to a maximum of 16N, reading the HDA200 values and recording in Table
4.

Part 5

1. Finally, take the hollow square section and repeat the whole part 1 again.
2. Apply 2N increments up to a maximum of 20N to the specimen, reading and recording the
HDA200 angle reading into Table 5.

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Results and Analysis
Table 1 showing actual twist in radians for Aluminum rod

Actual Actual
HDA200 twist twist
Load Torque twist (deg) (rad)
0 0 230.6 0 0.0000
1 65 231.6 1 0.0175
2 130 232.6 1 0.0175
3 195 233.6 1 0.0175
4 260 234.9 1.3 0.0227
5 325 235.9 1 0.0175
6 390 236.9 1 0.0175
7 455 237.9 1 0.0175
8 520 238.8 0.9 0.0157
9 585 239.6 0.8 0.0140
10 650 240.6 1 0.0175

Sample Calculations

Actual Twists = 231.6 – 230.6

Actual Twists = 1 degree

Actual twist (rad) = 0.0175 rads

1.4

1.2

0.8
Twist (◦)

0.6

0.4

0.2

0
0 100 200 300 400 500 600 700
Applied Torque (Nmm)

Graph 1 showing Aluminum rod Twist vs Torque

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Table 2 showing actual twist in rad for Acrylic

Actual Actual
Torqu HDA200 twist twist
Load e twist (deg) (rad)
0 0 605.4 0 0.0000
1 65 606.4 1 0.0175
2 130 608.5 2.1 0.0367
3 195 609.4 0.9 0.0157
4 260 610.3 0.9 0.0157
5 325 612.2 1.9 0.0332
6 390 612.8 0.6 0.0105
7 455 613.8 1 0.0175
8 520 614.7 0.9 0.0157
9 585 615.5 0.8 0.0140
10 650 616.4 0.9 0.0157

2.5

1.5
Twist (◦)

0.5

0
0 100 200 300 400 500 600 700

Applied Torque (Nmm)

Graph 2 showing Acrylic Twist vs Torque

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Table 2 showing actual twist in rad for Aluminum tube

Actual Actual
HDA200 twist twist
Load Torque twist (deg) (rad)
0 0 249.7 0 0.0000
1 65 250.8 1.1 0.0192
2 130 251.8 1 0.0175
3 195 252.8 1 0.0175
4 260 253.8 1 0.0175
5 325 254.7 0.9 0.0157
6 390 255.7 1 0.0175
7 455 256.7 1 0.0175
8 520 257.7 1 0.0175
9 585 258.5 0.8 0.0140
10 650 260.4 1.9 0.0332

2
1.8
1.6
1.4
1.2
Twist (◦)

1
0.8
0.6
0.4
0.2
0
0 100 200 300 400 500 600 700
Applied Torque (Nmm)

Graph 2 showing Aluminum tube Twist vs Torque

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Table 4 showing actual twist in rad for Split tube

Actual Actual
HDA200 twist twist
Load Torque twist (deg) (rad)
0 0 498.5 0 0.0000
1 65 499.9 1.4 0.0244
2 130 501.4 1.5 0.0262
3 195 502.7 1.3 0.0227
4 260 504.1 1.4 0.0244
5 325 505.6 1.5 0.0262
6 390 506.6 1 0.0175
7 455 508.2 1.6 0.0279
8 520 509.4 1.2 0.0209
9 585 510.6 1.2 0.0209
10 650 511.9 1.3 0.0227
11 715 513.4 1.5 0.0262
12 780 514.6 1.2 0.0209
13 845 516 1.4 0.0244
14 910 517.2 1.2 0.0209
15 975 518.4 1.2 0.0209
16 1040 519.7 1.3 0.0227

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 1.8

1.6

1.4

1.2

1
Twist (◦)

0.8

0.6

0.4

0.2

0
0 200 400 600 800 1000 1200
Applied Torque (Nmm)

Graph 4 showing Split tube Twist vs Torque

Table 5 showing actual twist in rad for Hollow Square tube

Actual Actual
HDA200 twist twist
Load Torque twist (deg) (rad)
0 0 407.2 0 0.0000
1 65 408.6 1.4 0.0244
2 130 408.9 0.3 0.0052
3 195 409.7 0.8 0.0140
4 260 410.4 0.7 0.0122
5 325 411.2 0.8 0.0140
6 390 412 0.8 0.0140
7 455 412.9 0.9 0.0157
8 520 413.7 0.8 0.0140
9 585 414.4 0.7 0.0122
10 650 415.2 0.8 0.0140

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 1.6

1.4

1.2

1
Twist (◦)

0.8

0.6

0.4

0.2

0
0 100 200 300 400 500 600 700
Applied Torque (Nmm)

Graph 5 showing Hollow square tube Twist vs Torque

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Discussion
Graphs 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 show a linear relationship between angle of twist and torque applied to the
different specimen and checking with the elastic torsion which was expected. The modulus of rigidity
which was expected was G = 26 200N/mm and it was found to be greater than the expected value. A
high modulus of elasticity means that the aluminum specimen was more elastic than expected. Acrylic
rod specimen showed a modulus of rigidity which was more than expected which is 1200N/mm and this
means that the rod was more resilient than expected.

The difference in the moduli of rigidity for the experimented and expected value could be because the
specimen was used by all the engineering group to do the lab and it can be said that there is a possibility
some of the groups might have exceeded the yield point of the material. Another reason could be errors
due to the instrumentation because of faults and not being serviced.

Conclusion
In conclusion, the fundamental torsion theory applies to both circle section rods and tubes, as we
discover that that applying torsion and torque forces to rods and tubes results in an an uneven
stress distribution over the rod’s cross section, ranging from zero at the centre to it’s maximum
value at the perimeter. This approach allows us to draw a link between the twisting angle anywhere
along the rod and the shear strain across the rod. The optimum strategy for torque design is to
produce a hollow specimen with the greatest torque within a particular diameter, since this
specimen can have the largest torque per unit area. For a given shear force, a hollow shape is the
lightest element. A significant amount of rotation is required when designing a tubular part. The
torsional rigidity of aluminum rod 540 100.48N/mm2 , the Perspex rod has a torsional rigidity of 1
132.43N/mm2 , the torsional rigidity of the aluminum split tube of 32100.42N/mm2, torsional
rigidity of aluminum tube of 28200.25N/mm2, and the torsional rigid torsional strength of square
aluminum is 12 470N/mm2. Torsion constant, J, is 2 211 mm 4 for square, hollow aluminum, and 30
mm 4 for the cutting aluminum.

Recommendations
This test is performed on a HST22 Torsion of rods and tubes, which has sensitive parts that must be
manually fitted together, which can cause errors during the experiment. An automated hand wheel
should be used to reduce the effects of human error in measurements. Multiple measurements for
each force should be taken before calculating the average to improve the accuracy of the results. In
order to avoid parallax error, the equipment's jaws must be automated so that they measure gauge
length.

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References
1. Hibbeler, R (2013). Mechanics of Materials. In R. Hibbeler, Mechanics of Materials.
Pearson Prentice Hall
2. Khurmi, R.S. and Gupta, J.K. (2005) A Textbook of Machine Design. 14th Edition,
Eurasia Publishing House (PVT.) Ltd, Ram Nagar, New Delhi
3. Misri, S., & Sapuan, S. M. (1980-2015). Torsional behavior of filament wound kenaf
yarn fiber reinforced unsaturated polyester composite hollow shafts,. 953-960.
4. Stolecka, K. (2018). TORSION TEST.
5. Instron, 2020. torsion test. [Online]
https://www.instron.us/our-company/library/test-types/torsion-test [Accessed 08 April
2024].
6. TestResources, 2020. What is a torsion test? [Online]
https://www.testresources.net/applications/test-types/torsion-test/ [Accessed 08 April
2024].

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