INTRODUCTION

In this laboratory activity students will be exposed to the apparatus and the procedures to
carry out torsion experiment. Torsion tests twist a material or test component to a specified
degree, with a specified force, or until the material fails in torsion. The twisting force of a
torsion test is applied to the test sample by anchoring one end so that it cannot move or
rotate and applying a moment to the other end so that the sample is rotated about its axis.
The rotating moment may also be applied to both ends of the sample but the ends must be
rotated in opposite directions. The forces and mechanics found in this test are similar to
those found in a piece of string that has one end held in a hand and the other end twisted by
the other.

OBJECTIVE

To determine the relationship between the applied torque and the angle of twist and hence
obtain the shear modulus.

BASIC CONCEPT

Shear modulus is a material property that is useful in calculating the compliance of structural
materials in torsion, provided that they follow Hookes law that is the angle of twist is
proportional to the applied torque. Typical value for shear modulus:

Material Shear Modulus (GPa)

Aluminium 26-28

Brass 36-41

Steel 70-81
APPARATUS

Torsion experiment apparatus

Test specimen ( steel , brass , aluminium )

Vernier caliper

PROCEDURE

1) The systems was warming by switching on the digital protractor and the load indicator
unit.

2) The length (only the round section) and diameter of the specimen was measure.

3) The torsiometer was mounted approximately at the center of the specimen setting then
the dial gauge was set to zero.

4) The top screw that is attached to the specimen setting bar was loosed.

5) Attaching a socket to the end of the specimen setting bar.

6) The specimen placed in the socket.

7) Another socket was placed at the free end.

8) The specimen setting bar was pushing towards the other socket. Specimen pushed once
it was in contact with the socket so it slides into the socket. If this is not possible, turn the
handle to rotate the socket slightly so that the specimen can slide into the socket.

9) The specimen was pushed until the whole hexagon portion was inside the socket once
the socket and specimen was in line.

10) The screws at top and bottom of the specimen setting bar was tightened to lock it
position.

11) The load indicator reading set to zero by pressing the tare button.

12) The digital protractor reading set to zero by pressing the R button.

13) The torsiometer reading was also set to zero by turning the dial indicator face.

14) Turn the handle until the load cell records a small reading (approximately 5 Newtons)
and the specimen was tight enough. This is a preload condition.

15) The load indicator was set, the digital protractor and the torsiometer reading to zero by
pressing the tare button, the R button and turning the face of the dial gauge, respectively.

16) Torque applied to the specimen by turning the handle.

17) The load cell, the digital protractor and the torsiometer readings initially for every 5
divisions of the torsiometer was recorded.
18) Increase the applied torque and for each increment record the corresponding angles of
twist.

19) When the torsiometer reading starts to increase rapidly, remove the torsiometer to avoid
damage.

20) The load was increased until the specimen breaks.

21) If the experiment is to be conducted in the linear range only, it is advisable that the
torsional stress should not exceed 0.3 the yield stress of the material.

22) When conducting test to destruction, remove the torsiometer when the specimen
approaches yield.
RESULTS

The group is required to perform the data acquisition process and complete the information
required and Table 1 below.

Length of specimen, L = 79.48 mm

Diameter of specimen, D = 6.35 mm

Polar moment of inertia, J = 159.62 mm4

Gauge length torsiometer = 50 mm

Torque arm, L = 100 mm

Note: 1 division represents 0.01 degrees on the torsionmeter

Load Cell, W Applied Torque, T=W*100 Torsiometer (Angle of twist),

(N) (Nmm) (Radian)

10 1000 -1.4
20 2000 -2.7
30 3000 -4.1
40 4000 -5.7
50 5000 -7.5
60 6000 -10.0
70 7000 -12.5
Table 1

Polar Moment Inertia Length

D 79.15+79.84+79.40
J= 32
L= 3

(6.35)
= 32
=79.48mm

=159.62N/mm2

Diameter Shear Modulus

6.42+6.37+6.35 slope x L
D= 3
G= J

704.55 X 79.48
=6.35mm = 159.62

= 350.82 N/mm2
DISCUSSION

In this torsion experiment, the specimen that we used is brass. For the length and
diameter we take three time reading and calculate the average. The average length and
diameter is 79.15 and 79.89.For angle of twist we get negative value because the direction
of applied load is anti-clockwise.

The theoretical value for Modulus of Rigidity, G for brass is 36-41 GPa then the
Modulus of Rigidity, G we get is 350.82 N/mm2. if the specimen is failure, the specimen
became brittle which is the material to break into the pieces upon the application of tensile
force without any elongation and deformation then when it reach the maximum tensile force
it became ductile that can withstand tensile force.

For the error, the measurement error occurred when measured the brass dimension.
Next, error occurred when student take the reading of angle of twist and typing error when
note down the reading. Lastly, the brass is loose when placed in the specimen socket. For
the solution measured the dimension of the specimens carefully. Then, note down the
reading carefully and repeat it continuously. Lastly, placed the brass carefully and make sure
it placed in the socket tightly.
CONCLUSION

In conclusion, we have calculated the slope based on the graph that been plotted. Refer to
the graph the value of the shear for brass is 350.82 N/mm2. This value was calculated using
the formula :

slope x L
G= J

Thus, the shear modulus of this material in the experiment is different with the theoretical
value. From the experiment, we can conclude that the applied torque related to the angle of
twist. If the applied torque increased, the angle of twist will increased too. Hence, the
objective is achieved.