UNIVERSITI TEKNOLOGI MARA

FAKULTI KEJURUTERAAN MEKANIKAL

________________________________________________________________________

Program : Bachelor of Engineering (Hons) Mechanical (EM220/EM221)

Course : Applied Mechanics Lab
Code : MEC 424
Lecturer :
Group : EMD4M1A
________________________________________________________________________

MEC 424 - LABORATORY REPORT

TITLE : Strength of Material Experiment 3 (Torsion Test)

No NAME STUDENT ID SIGNATURE

1. MUHAMMAD AZIM BIN SUHAIMI 2016230076
2. MUHAMMAD AIZUDDIN BIN HAMDAN 2016230078
3. MUHAMMAD IKHMAL HISYAM BIN KAMALUDIN 2016229886

LABORATORY SESSION :
(DATE)

REPORT SUBMISSION :
(DATE)

*By signing above you attest that you have contributed to this submission and confirm that all work you have contributed to this
submission is your own work. Any suspicion of copying or plagiarism in this work will result in an investigation of academic
misconduct and may result in a “0” on the work, an “F” in the course, or possibly more severe penalties.

Marking Scheme

No 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 Total
ABSTRACT

The following experiment outlines the proper procedure for determining the shear modulus for
a material. During this experiment, mild steel was used as samples to demonstrate how
materials behave during testing conditions. Solid cylindrical specimen of mild steel is
subjected to a torsional load in this experiment. By measuring the applied torque with
respect to the angle of twist, the shear modulus, shear stress at the limit of proportionality, and
failure conditions can be found. The modulus of rigidity will be obtained from the plotted graph
and compared to the reference value.
TABLE OF CONTENT

ABSTRACT ........................................................................................................................... 2

1.0 INTRODUCTION............................................................................................................. 4

2.0 THEORY ......................................................................................................................... 6

3.0 EXPERIMENTAL PROCEDURES .................................................................................. 8

4.0 RESULT ........................................................................................................................ 10

5.0 DISCUSSION................................................................................................................ 14

6.0 CONCLUSION .............................................................................................................. 17

1.0 INTRODUCTION

Generally, this experiment is about the torsion test. There are few objectives included
in this experiment which all of them shared the same goals which is able to determine the
torsion properties subjected to pure torque loading. One of the examples of torsion properties
are there is a shear stress occurs in torsion. As the radius is getting bigger, the shear stress
increases. Then, be able to identify the types of fracture surface under pure torque. The
material used as the specimen will undergo fracture as it reaches its maximum torsion limit.
The fracture can occur at any parts or section of the materials used. After the experiment is
done, student should be able to identify and calculate the difference in experimental data value
and theoretical data value.

Many areas in engineering fields use torsion as one of the subjected services
applications. As an example, drive shafts, axles, twisted drills and etc. besides that, widely
applications as one of the structural component such as bridges, springs, chassis, aeroplane
fuselages and boat hulls are randomly subjected to torsion applications. The materials used
in this case should not require not only adequate strength but also be able to withstand torque
in operation.
 Figure 1.1: Torsion Test

Not only that, torsion is defined as twisting of an object due to an applied torque in the field of
solid mechanics. Torsion is expressed in newton per square meter (Pa) or pound per square
inch (psi) while torque is expressed in newton metres (N·m) or foot-pound force (ft·lbf). In
sections perpendicular to the torque axis, the resultant shear stress in this section is
perpendicular to the radius.
2.0 THEORY

Torsion
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. Even after the torque is applied,
plane sections remain plane as the material is linearly elastic to be applied according to
Hooke’s Law and shear strain linearly in the radial direction are the assumptions that can be
made for the torsion.

Torsion Energy
Torsion energy is defined as an energy that exists in order to overcome torsional strain or the
difference between eclipsed and staggered conformations.

Formulae:
𝜋 4
Polar moment of inertia, J (for solid specimen) = 𝑐
2
𝑇𝑐
Maximum shear stress, 𝜏max =
𝐽
𝜏
Shear strain, 𝛾=
𝐺
𝑇𝑐/𝐽
=
𝑇𝐿/𝐽∅
𝑐∅
Then, 𝛾=
𝐿

Where;
T: maximum torque, Nm
C: radius, m
J: polar moment of inertia, m4
L: length, m
Ø: angle of twist, rad
 𝑇
Strain energy, U= 𝜃
2
T2
=
2𝐾
𝐿𝑇 2
Therefore, U=
2𝐽𝐺

Experimental value for Modulus of Rigidity, Gexp:

𝑇𝐿
We know that, ∅=
𝐽𝐺
𝑇𝐿
Then, G=
𝐽∅
𝑠ℎ𝑒𝑎𝑟 𝑠𝑡𝑟𝑒𝑠𝑠,𝜏
Then, G=
𝑠ℎ𝑒𝑎𝑟 𝑠𝑡𝑟𝑎𝑖𝑛,𝛾

Where;
T: torque, Nm
∅: Angle of twist, rad
𝑡ℎ𝑒𝑜𝑟𝑒𝑡𝑖𝑐𝑎𝑙 𝑣𝑎𝑙𝑢𝑒−𝐸𝑥𝑝𝑒𝑟𝑖𝑚𝑒𝑛𝑡𝑎𝑙 𝑣𝑎𝑙𝑢𝑒
Percentage error = × 100 %
𝑇ℎ𝑒𝑜𝑟𝑒𝑡𝑖𝑐𝑎𝑙 𝑣𝑎𝑙𝑢𝑒
3.0 EXPERIMENTAL PROCEDURES
Apparatus

Figure 3.1: Torsion Test Machine.

Figure 3.2: torque meter.

Figure 3.3: Vernier calliper.

Procedures:

1) By using the Vernier calliper that has been provided, the specimen size, the
diameter and the inner length of the specimen rod is being measured and the
data is being recorded.

2) The specimen’s end then being fixed to the end of machine chuck. The gauge
is then being set to zero as the initial reading point.

3) Slowly, turn the hand wheel is being turned according to clockwise rotation to
provide the applied load.

4) The increment of a quarter of rotation (90°) is being used for the first four
rotations. For the second eight rotation, the increment of half rotation (180°).
For the third rotation, the increment of a complete rotation (360°) .

5) The value of angle twist at the specimen is then being divided the rotation at
the input by the reduction of 62. Normally, the facture phase is about 100-200
and the specimen will fracture between that values.

6) It is being noted that for every rotation of the hand wheel, in order to ensure the
accuracy and precision of the torque, (Nm) reading, compensate the
deformation on the specimen by turning the hand wheel of the compensation
unit until the dial gauge itself will deflect the needle to its initial value which is
zero. After that, read the value that was imaged on the display monitor.
4.0 RESULT

Types Of Materials: Mild steel

Dimensions:
I. Length :79.3mm (before) / 79.58mm (after)
II. Diameter: 5.86mm (before) / 5.92mm (after)
III. Area: 26.97mm 2(before) / 27.52mm2 (after)

Angle Angle of Angle of Torque Shear Shear

Rotation( ° ) Twist ( ° ) Twist (rad) (Nm) Stress (MPa) Strain
0 0.000 0.000 0.00 0.000 0.0000
90 1.452 0.025 1.85 45 0.0010
90 2.903 0.051 4.22 103.592 0.0019

90 4.355 0.076 6.30 154.652 0.0028

90 5.807 0.101 9.40 230.750 0.0038
180 8.710 0.152 14.50 355.946 0.0057

180 11.613 0.203 17.30 424.680 0.0076

180 14.516 0.253 19.30 473.776 0.0095
180 17.419 0.304 20.25 497.097 0.0114
180 23.225 0.405 20.73 508.880 0.0152
180 29.031 0.507 20.98 515.017 0.0190
180 34.837 0.608 21.09 517.717 0.0228

180 40.643 0.709 21.24 521.399 0.0266

360 46.449 0.811 21.30 522.872 0.0304
360 52.255 0.912 17.64 433.027 0.0342

180 58.061 1.013 15.10 370.675 0.0380

90 63.867 1.115 Fracture - -

Table 1: Torsion test data

Graph

Torque vs Angle of twist

25

21.09 21.24 21.3

20 20.25 20.73 20.98
19.3
17.3 17.64
15 14.5 15.1
Torque

10 9.4

6.3
5
4.22
1.85
0
0.025 0.051 0.076 0.101 0.152 0.203 0.253 0.304 0.405 0.507 0.608 0.709 0.811 0.912 1.013
Angle of twist

02

Shear stress vs shear strain

Shear stress vs shear strain

600

500

400
Stress

300

200

100

Strain

Series 1
Sample calculation

Figure 4.1: Material after fracture

Polar Moment Of Inertia, J (For Solid Specimen):

𝜋
= 𝑐4
2
= 𝜋2 (0.00296)4
=
1.2058 × 10-10 m4

Maximum shear stress, τmax:

𝑇𝑐
τmax =
𝐽
(1.85)(0.00296)
=
1.2058 ×10−10
= 45 MPa
Where;
T: Maximum Torque, Nm
C: Radius, m
J: Polar Moment Of Inertia, m4

Shear strain,
𝝉
𝜸=
𝑮
𝑇𝑐/𝐽
=
𝑇𝐿/𝐽∅
𝑐∅
Then, 𝛾 =
𝐿
(0.00296)(0.025)
=
0.07958
= 9.2988× 10-4 rad
Experimental value for Modulus of Rigidity, Gexp:

𝑇𝐿
We know that, ∅ = 𝐽G

𝑇𝐿
Then , G =
𝐽∅
(1.85)(0.07958)
=
(1.2058)(0.025)

= 48.838 GPa

Theoretical value for Modulus of Rigidity, G for mild steel is 77 GPa.

Theoretical value− Experimental value

Percentage of error = x 100%
Theoretical value

77 GPa− 48.838 GPa

= x 100%
77 GPa

= 36.57 %

𝑇
Strain energy, U =
2
Ө

𝐿𝑇2
Therefore, U =
2𝐽𝐺
(0.07958)(1.85)2
=
2(1.2058 ×10−10 )(48.838 ×109 )

= 0.023
5.0 DISCUSSION
MUHAMMAD AZIM BIN SUHAIMI
2016230076

This main objective of conducting this experiment is to determine the torsion properties
subjected to pure torque loading and identify the type of fracture surface under pure torque.
The value of modulus of rigidity can be obtained by using angle of twist formula, where the
polar moment of inertia need to be determined first. The angle of twist need to be converted
into radian to apply into the formula.

From the experimental result data obtained, it showed that when the angle of rotation increase,
the angle of twist also increase. The relationship between angle of rotation and angle of twist
are directly proportional. It also shown that if the angle of twist increasing, the torque also
increase as well. The relationship between these two factors are also directly proportional.
However, when the angle of twist exceed a certain amount of limit, the torque will remain the
same for a moment and starting to drop down rapidly. The type of fracture surface is flat
surface due to brittle material.

From angle of twist of 0 rad until 0.811 rad, the torque are increasing smoothly, however when
the angle of twist exceed 0.912 rad, the torque starts to lose power. This phenomenon are
occurred due to fracture of the specimen. At the limit point, the specimen will break and
fracture as the angle of twist increasing. This fracture situation will decrease the torque and
resulting a downfall in the graph.

From the experimental result data obtained also, it showed that when the shear stress
increase, the shear strain are also increase. The relationship between shear stress and shear
strain are directly proportional. From shear strain of 0 until 0.0304, the shear stress are
increasing smoothly, however when the shear strain exceed 0.0342, the shear stress starts to
lose power. This phenomenon are occurred due to fracture of the specimen. At the limit point,
the specimen will break and fracture as the angle of twist increasing. This fracture situation
will decrease the shear stress and resulting a downfall in the graph.

Once the modulus of rigidity are obtained by calculating the experimental data, it then
compared with the theoretical data to obtain the percentage error. From the calculation, the
percentage error obtained are 36.57% and the strain energy is 0.023. This error are due to
mistake while performing the experiment. The gauge is very sensitive where any external force
applied can deflect the reading and may lead to error in result.
MUHAMMAD AIZUDDIN BIN HAMDAN
2016230078

It can be concluded that the experiment was a success as the objectives of the experiment
met the needs to achieve the success even though the experimental result was differ from the
theoretical result. The conducted experiment managed to earn the result of the torque, T (Nm)
value as it was be done easily and smoothly with the help of the lab assistant and the
procedure were followed thoroughly and carefully in order to complete this experiment. as by
that, by using the formula that has been provided, the Modulus of Rigidity, the maximum shear
stress and the produced energy can be calculated and being recorded in the result form.

From this experiment, as the fracture occurs, the properties of the mild steel can be known.
From the experiment, it is understandable that the mild steel is a brittle material type as when
the material fractured, a flat structure formed on the fractured surface. As we checked for the
fractured material, it is understandable to know that the surface is one of the brittle material
properties. From this experiment, it is clearly shown and understandable that brittle and ductile
materials have their very own properties that differs them.

However, even though we followed the procedure carefully and wisely, the theoretical value
and the experimental value of the Modulus of Rigidity are showing the percentage error as it
is being calculated.

The errors happened is affected by several factors such as human error. Parallax error was
done by human when taking the reading which lead to incorrect data obtained. However, it
can be minimized by repeating the experiment for several times in order to obtain a consistent
result. Misinterpretation at the procedure at the experiment may also lead to an absurd result
or worse and accident during conducting the experiment that also may lead to an injury. So, it
is crucial to ask the lab assistant for a help in order to clear the misunderstanding about the
experiment to avoid these problems. By this, the experiment can be done safely and correctly
which lead to higher success rate for future experiment and the percentage of error of
calculated result can be minimized.
MUHAMMAD IKHMAL HISYAM BIN KAMALUDIN
2016229886

Based on this experiment, we have used mild steel specimen with a length of 0.0793 m and
diameter of 0.00586 m. The calculated value of polar moment of inertia is 1.2058 × 10-10 m4.

The experimental value of modulus of rigidity for mild steel is slightly different with the
theoretical value. The experimental value is 48.838GPa different compare with theoretical
value which is 77GPa. The experimental value is said to have 36.57% of percentage error.
This happens due to the external factors that cause the sensitivity of the machine to be
affected. To avoid the error in the experiment, we study several precautions to minimize error
during experiment. For example, we must carefully turn the hand wheel to anticlockwise
direction, which is to the right in order to prevent from compress the sample instead of tensile
it.
From the data, we can conclude that the value for torque is kept on increasing. But,
when the specimen is nearly fractured, the torque value dropped drastically, so does the shear
stress value. Torque is directly perpendicular to the shear stress. As the torque value
increases, the shear stress value will also increases and vice versa. The fracture occurs
because the material had reached its ultimate stress and turns to necking. This fracture is
called brittle fracture.
6.0 CONCLUSION
MUHAMMAD AZIM BIN SUHAIMI
2016230076

After performing this experiment, we are able to determine the torsion properties subjected to
pure torque loading and we were able to identify the type of fracture under pure torque. The
angle of twist increasing, the torque also increase as well. The relationship between these two
factors are also directly proportional. The type of fracture surface is flat surface due to brittle
material. As a recommendation, for future study, this experiment need to be done in the room
that are prevented with other external forces and need to be done with extra cautious to obtain
better result.
MUHAMMAD AIZUDDIN BIN HAMDAN
2016230078

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. Even after the torque is applied, plane
sections remain plane as the material is linearly elastic to be applied according to Hooke’s
Law and shear strain linearly in the radial direction are the assumptions that can be made for
the torsion.

During the experiment, the specimen was broke and it was being classified as a brittle
fracture. There were several stages of fracture process. For the first process which is ultimate
stress, the cross-sectional is beginning to have a decreasing pattern in a localized region of
the specimen. This case are happened as the slip plane occurred within the material, the
smaller area can only carry an ever-decreasing load. If specimens are receiving the
continuously load even though it had been passed through the necking phase, the ductile
fracture will happen finally.

After the experiment, the percentage error that was obtained was 36.57 %. It is considered
as higher than the theoretical value (77 GPa). In order to avoid the error occurred in the
experiment, we take a several precautious steps while conducting this experiment in order to
minimize the error. . For example, we must carefully turn the hand wheel to anticlockwise
direction, which is to the right in order to prevent from compress the sample instead of tensile
it. The other ways are when read the data from the reading scale, the eyes must parallel to
the scale to get accurate data.
MUHAMMAD IKHMAL HISYAM BIN KAMALUDIN
2016229886

In conclusion, the experiment of torsion test is done and conclude that the higher angle of
twist, the higher the strain of specimen. For the shear stress is also same. After completely
finished this experiment, we can conclude that every material (metal) have own
characteristics. Its reaction shows the behaviour when subjected to pure torque and the
following properties were obtained is max shear stress, types of fractures relationship between
torque and angle of twist and strain, its obey the Hooke’s law. The understanding of the torsion
is become clear and the objective is accepted.
7.0 REFERENCE

Atta, T. (n.d.). Torsional Testing of Materials, Mechanics of Material Lab Report. Retrieved 20
May, 2017, from Green Mechanic: http://www.green-mechanic.com/2016/09/torsional-
testing-of-materials.html

Ferd Beer, R. J. (2012). Mechanics of Materials. New York: The McGraw Hill Companies, Inc.
R.C.Hibbeler. (2010). Mechanics for Material Eight Edition. United State of America: Prentice
Hall.

Torsion Test. (n.d.). Retrieved 20 May, 2017, from

http://www.learneasy.info/MDME/MEMmods/MEM23061A/Torsion/Torsion.html