ENGINEERING FACULTY

DEPARTMENT OF MECHANICAL ENGINEERING

Laboratory Report 2

Torsion Test

Subject: STL201S

Date: 23 November 2023

221002596 Nelwamondo A.A Signed: Nelwamondo AA

221506349 Khoza S.Q Signed: S.Q

214097285 Jele A. Signed: A Jele

219259062 Tshutsha A. Signed: A Tshutsha

I (We) swear that this is the original work of the author(s). All information obtained directly or indirectly
from other sources has been fully acknowledged.
 Evaluation Criteria

Report Format:
Cover page, signatures, due date met, layout, appendix, referencing
5
Discussion:
Are the results as they were obtained described properly, are trends, deviation
from the trends identified and described properly, are relationships between 10
variables identified in terms of their mathematical definition

Conclusions:
Has a conclusion been reached, Does the conclusions relate to the aim of the
experiment, Is the result compared to what was expected? 5
Readings & Results:
Are the readings and results (tabulated) in an orderly manner? Axes scaled and
labelled properly; Experimental points plotted correctly (trends) 15
Calculations:
Are the results calculated correctly? Is the method of the calculations
explained? Is the method correct?
5

Total 40
Comments

2 Developed By: V. Moni & Moderated By: M. Ludick & S. Makhomo| CPUT
TABLE OF CONTENTS

1. Aim of the Experiment

2. Theoretical Background

3. Experimental Apparatus

4. Experimental Procedure

5. Results and Calculations

6. Discussion of Results

7. Conclusion

8. Bibliography/references

Appendix A: Experimental Readings and Calculations

Figure 1: Torsion test apparatus.

3 Developed By: V. Moni & Moderated By: M. Ludick & S. Makhomo| CPUT
1. AIM OF THE LABORATORY EXPERIMENT

To carry out a torsion test to destruction in order to determine for a mild steel and brass
specimen:
1. The modulus of rigidity,
2. The shear stress at the limit of proportionality,
3. The general characteristics of the torque, angle of twist relationship.

2. THEORETICAL BACKGROUND

For a shaft under torsion, the relationship between the parameters is given by:

T τ Gθ
= =
J r l
Where: T = applied torque

J = Polar second moment of area

 = shear stress

G = Modulus of rigidity

 = angle of twist (radians)

l = shaft length

For the shaft, J, T, and l will be determined. G will be an unknown, depending on the type of
material. Measuring  will enable you to calculate G and .

3. EXPERIMENTAL APPARATUS

1. Torsion Apparatus

2. 2 specimens (Mild steel and Brass)

3. Vernier Caliper

4. Chuck key

4 Developed By: V. Moni & Moderated By: M. Ludick & S. Makhomo| CPUT
 5. Permanent board marker

4. EXPERIMENTAL PROCEDURE

1. Measure the diameter and the length of the specimen

2. Ensure that the spirit level on the torsion test apparatus is level by turning hand crank
on top of torsiometer clockwise.

3. Clamp the specimen into the chuck of the torsion test machine and secure it using chuck
key.

4. Once the specimen is secured completely, turn the hand crank on sliding carriage of the
torsion test clockwise to preload a torque of less than 1Nm on the torsiometer.

5. Reset torsiometer to zero by turning hand crank above it clockwise.

6. Reset two protractors to zero by loosening a knurled nut and align them appropriately.

7. Make a line on the specimen along its length using a permanent board marker to be
able to trace the twisting of specimen.

8. Apply torque to make increments 30° on the angle of twist (Ө) and record both the torque and
angle of twist until the specimen breaks.

9. For the next specimen repeat steps 1 to 8.

5. RESULTS AND CALCULATIONS

APPENDIX B: Experimental Readings and Results

Table 1

Readings for BS970 EN8 Steel specimen

Angle of Torque Shear Modulus of Shear Strain (γ) Polar second
Twist () (T) Stress Rigidity (G) moment of area
Nm ()(MPa) GPa (J)
1 1,2 28,29421 32,47681673 0,871212605 1,27235E-10
2 2,2 51,87272 29,77041534 1,74242521 1,27235E-10
3 3,4 80,16693 30,67254913 2,613637815 1,27235E-10
4 4,8 113,1768 32,47681673 3,48485042 1,27235E-10
5 6 141,4711 32,47681673 4,356063025 1,27235E-10

5 Developed By: V. Moni & Moderated By: M. Ludick & S. Makhomo| CPUT
 6 6,9 162,6917 31,12361603 5,22727563 1,27235E-10
7 8,2 193,3438 31,70355919 6,098488235 1,27235E-10
8 9,2 216,9223 31,12361603 6,96970084 1,27235E-10
9 10,2 240,5008 30,67254913 7,840913445 1,27235E-10
10 11,2 264,0793 30,31169561 8,71212605 1,27235E-10
11 12,4 292,3735 30,50852481 9,583338655 1,27235E-10
12 13,4 315,952 30,22148224 10,45455126 1,27235E-10
13 14,4 339,5305 29,97860006 11,32576386 1,27235E-10
14 15,2 358,3934 29,38378657 12,19697647 1,27235E-10
15 15,2 358,3934 27,42486746 13,06818907 1,27235E-10
16 16 377,2562 27,06401394 13,93940168 1,27235E-10
17 16,4 386,6876 26,10881345 14,81061428 1,27235E-10
18 17,4 410,2661 26,16188014 15,68182689 1,27235E-10
19 18 424,4132 25,63959216 16,55303949 1,27235E-10
20 19 447,9917 25,71081324 17,4242521 1,27235E-10
21 19,1 450,3495 24,61536506 18,2954647 1,27235E-10
22 19,2 452,7074 23,61950308 19,16667731 1,27235E-10
23 19,7 464,4966 23,18091629 20,03788991 1,27235E-10
24 20 471,5702 22,55334495 20,90910252 1,27235E-10
25 20,1 473,9281 21,75946721 21,78031512 1,27235E-10
26 20,2 476,2859 21,02665699 22,65152773 1,27235E-10
27 20,4 481,0016 20,44836609 23,52274033 1,27235E-10
28 20,6 485,7173 19,91138169 24,39395294 1,27235E-10
29 20,8 490,433 19,41143069 25,26516554 1,27235E-10
30 20,9 492,7909 18,85459638 26,13637815 1,27235E-10
60 21 495,1487 9,47240488 52,2727563 1,27235E-10
90 23 542,3057 6,916359118 78,40913445 1,27235E-10
120 23,7 558,8107 5,345142754 104,5455126 1,27235E-10
493 25,2 594,1785 0,138339382 4295,078143 1,27235E-10
Specimen diameter: 6.0 mm
Specimen length: 60.1 mm
Torque at failure: 25,2 N.m
Angle at failure 493 radians
Twisted length: 76.0 mm
Attach your test specimen here

Table 2

Readings for Brass specimen

Angle of Torque Shear Modulus of Shear Strain (γ) Polar second
Twist () (T) Stress Rigidity (G) moment of
Nm () GPa area (J)

6 Developed By: V. Moni & Moderated By: M. Ludick & S. Makhomo| CPUT
 MPa
0,5 0,5 11,21891 25,41679055 0,441397531 1,36E-10
1 1 22,43782 25,41679055 0,882795061 1,36E-10
1,5 1,4 31,41294 23,72233785 1,324192592 1,36E-10
2 1,7 38,14429 21,60427197 1,765590122 1,36E-10
2,5 2,2 49,3632 22,36677569 2,206987653 1,36E-10
3 2,6 58,33832 22,02788515 2,648385183 1,36E-10
3,5 3 67,31345 21,78582047 3,089782714 1,36E-10
4 3,4 76,28858 21,60427197 3,531180244 1,36E-10
4,5 3,8 85,26371 21,46306758 3,972577775 1,36E-10
5 4,1 91,99505 20,84176825 4,413975306 1,36E-10
5,5 4,6 103,214 21,25767937 4,855372836 1,36E-10
6 5 112,1891 21,18065879 5,296770367 1,36E-10
6,5 5,3 118,9204 20,72445999 5,738167897 1,36E-10
7 5,6 125,6518 20,33343244 6,179565428 1,36E-10
7,5 5,9 132,3831 19,9945419 6,620962958 1,36E-10
8 6,2 139,1145 19,69801268 7,062360489 1,36E-10
8,5 6,2 139,1145 18,53930605 7,50375802 1,36E-10
9 6,4 143,602 18,07416217 7,94515555 1,36E-10
9,5 6,7 150,3334 17,92552597 8,386553081 1,36E-10
10 6,7 150,3334 17,02924967 8,827950611 1,36E-10
10,5 7 157,0647 16,94452704 9,269348142 1,36E-10
11 7,2 161,5523 16,63644473 9,710745672 1,36E-10
11,5 7,4 166,0398 16,35515218 10,1521432 1,36E-10
12 7,6 170,5274 16,09730068 10,59354073 1,36E-10
12,5 7,8 175,015 15,8600773 11,03493826 1,36E-10
13 8,2 183,9901 16,03212943 11,47633579 1,36E-10
13,5 8,3 186,2339 15,62661938 11,91773333 1,36E-10
14 8,4 188,4777 15,25007433 12,35913086 1,36E-10
14,5 8,5 190,7214 14,89949791 12,80052839 1,36E-10
15 8,6 192,9652 14,57229325 13,24192592 1,36E-10
15,5 8,7 195,209 14,26619857 13,68332345 1,36E-10
16 8,8 197,4528 13,9792348 14,12472098 1,36E-10
16,5 8,9 199,6966 13,70966278 14,56611851 1,36E-10
17 9 201,9404 13,45594794 15,00751604 1,36E-10
17,5 9,1 204,1841 13,21673109 15,44891357 1,36E-10
18 9,1 204,1841 12,84959967 15,8903111 1,36E-10
18,5 9,2 206,4279 12,63970125 16,33170863 1,36E-10
19 9,2 206,4279 12,30707753 16,77310616 1,36E-10
19,5 9,3 208,6717 12,12185396 17,21450369 1,36E-10
20 9,3 208,6717 11,81880761 17,65590122 1,36E-10
20,5 9,3 208,6717 11,53054401 18,09729875 1,36E-10
21 9,4 210,9155 11,37703958 18,53869628 1,36E-10
21,5 9,4 210,9155 11,11245726 18,98009381 1,36E-10
22 9,5 213,1593 10,97543228 19,42149134 1,36E-10
22,5 9,5 213,1593 10,73153379 19,86288888 1,36E-10

7 Developed By: V. Moni & Moderated By: M. Ludick & S. Makhomo| CPUT
23 9,6 215,403 10,60874736 20,30428641 1,36E-10
23,5 9,6 215,403 10,38302933 20,74568394 1,36E-10
24 9,6 215,403 10,16671622 21,18708147 1,36E-10
24,5 9,7 217,6468 10,06297422 21,628479 1,36E-10
25 9,7 217,6468 9,861714734 22,06987653 1,36E-10
25,5 9,7 217,6468 9,668347779 22,51127406 1,36E-10
26 9,8 219,8906 9,580174901 22,95267159 1,36E-10
26,5 9,8 219,8906 9,399416884 23,39406912 1,36E-10
27 9,8 219,8906 9,225353608 23,83546665 1,36E-10
27,5 9,8 219,8906 9,057619906 24,27686418 1,36E-10
28 9,9 222,1344 8,986650945 24,71826171 1,36E-10
28,5 9,9 222,1344 8,828990402 25,15965924 1,36E-10
29 9,9 222,1344 8,67676643 25,60105677 1,36E-10
29,5 9,9 222,1344 8,529702592 26,0424543 1,36E-10
30 10 224,3782 8,472263518 26,48385183 1,36E-10
60 10,6 237,8409 4,490299664 52,96770367 1,36E-10
90 11 246,816 3,106496623 79,4515555 1,36E-10
120 11,4 255,7911 2,414595102 105,9354073 1,36E-10
150 11,8 264,7662 1,99945419 132,4192592 1,36E-10
664 13,2 296,1792 0,050527355 5861,759206 1,36E-10
Specimen diameter: 6.1 mm
Specimen length: 60.3 mm
Torque at failure: 13,2 N.m
Angle at failure 664 radians
Twisted length: 74.6 mm
Attach your test specimen here

8 Developed By: V. Moni & Moderated By: M. Ludick & S. Makhomo| CPUT
Graph 1

STEEL
Torque Vs Angle Of Twist
25

20

15
Torque(N.m)

10

0
0 20 40 60 80 100 120 140

Angle of Twist(radians)

Graph 2

STEEL
Torque Vs Shear Stress
30

25

20
Torque(N.m)

15

10

0
0 100 200 300 400 500 600 700

Shear Stress(MPa)

9 Developed By: V. Moni & Moderated By: M. Ludick & S. Makhomo| CPUT
 Group 3

STEEL
Shear Stress Vs Shear Strain
600

500

400
Shear Stress (MPa)

300

200

100

0
0 20 40 60 80 100 120

Shear Strain

Graph 4

BRASS
Torque Vs Angle of Twist
14

12

10
Torque(N.m)

0
0 20 40 60 80 100 120 140 160

Angle of Twist(radians)

Graph 5
10 Developed By: V. Moni & Moderated By: M. Ludick & S. Makhomo| CPUT
 BRASS
Torque Vs Shear Stress
14

12

10
Torque(N.m)

0
0 50 100 150 200 250 300 350

Shear Stress(MPa)

Graph 6

BRASS
Shear Stress Vs Shear Strain
300

250

200
Shear Stress(MPa)

150

100

50

0
0 20 40 60 80 100 120 140

Shear Strain

11 Developed By: V. Moni & Moderated By: M. Ludick & S. Makhomo| CPUT
6. DISCUSSION OF RESULTS

From Table 1 & 2, we can see that the values of shear stress increases as the
shear strain increase, hence more torque is needed to produce the same angular
displacement. The same logic applied for Brass, also applies for steel. When steel
shear strain increase, the shear stress also increases, hence more torque is
required to produce the same angular displacement among brass sample.

We spot similar trends in Graphs 1 & 4. Yet, we spot that our experimental values
of K are significantly lower than our theoretical values. This can be attributed to
wear and tear of the brass shafts. We noticed that as we unloaded and loaded
the same shaft to the same angular displacement, torque readings became
slightly higher every time. An accumulation of wear and tear from previous lab
groups might have caused the extreme differences that we see between our
experimental values and theoretical values of K.

From Table 1, 2 and Graph 3, 6. we want to compare the strength and stiffness of
steel and brass shafts when Ds = Dh. From our data, we can observe that as shear
stress increases, modulus of rigidity decreases, hence the brass shaft is weaker
and less rigid than a steel shaft of the same diameter and length. Logically, this is
because there is less mass in the brass shaft to sustain the same load as a steel
shaft. Hence such a result is unsurprising.

The data for the max shear stress gives the same conclusions – as dh/Dh
increases, the maximum shear stress within the shaft increases, since less mass is
required to sustain the same amount of load. Hence, a brass shaft is weaker and
less rigid than a steel shaft if Ds = Dh. In Table 3, we investigate the effects of
how stiffness and maximum shear stress of two shafts (brass shaft and steel shaft)
would be changed if they were the same material. These data are then plotted
onto Graph 4.

12 Developed By: V. Moni & Moderated By: M. Ludick & S. Makhomo| CPUT
7. CONCLUSION

we can conclude that as the shear stress of the steel shaft increases, more torque
is required to produce the same angular displacements. For the brass material, as
the shear stress of the shaft increases, less torque is required to produce the
same angular displacements. Yet, if we were to use the same material shafts with
same length and diameter, steel shaft is the most cost-effective as they have a
much larger strength-to-weight ratio (∆ 𝜏 is much lower), as well as rigidity to
weight ratio (∆𝐾 is much higher).

8. BIBLIOGRAPHY/ REFERENCES.
1. Hibbeler, R. C. "Mechanics of Materials", Prentice-Hall, 7th Edition.
2. Instruction Bulletin of Tecquipment Ltd.
3. https://www.green-mechanic.com/2016/09/torsional-testing-of-materials.html?m=1
4. Strength of Materials for Technicians, JG Drotsky, 1st Edition

13 Developed By: V. Moni & Moderated By: M. Ludick & S. Makhomo| CPUT
Appendix A: EN8 Steel Calculations

Original diameter=0.006m

Original length=0.0601m

Length due to twist=0.076m

Torque 1(T 1 )=1.2 N . m

Angle of twist 1(θ 1)=1 ℃=0.0174533 rad

θr=γl

( 0.0174533 )( 0.003 )=(γ )(0.0601)

γ =0.00087121297 Shear Strain

4
πD
J=
32
(0.006¿¿ 4)
¿π ¿
32
−10
m Polar second moment of area
4
¿ 1.272345025 ×10

Tr
τ=
J

(1.2)(0.003)
¿
(1.272345025 ×10−10)

N
¿ 28294212.11 2
Shear Stress
m

τ
G=
γ
28294212.11
¿
0.0008712197

14 Developed By: V. Moni & Moderated By: M. Ludick & S. Makhomo| CPUT
 10 2
¿ 3.24768031 ×10 N /m Modulus ofrigidty

Appendix B: Brass Calculations

Original diameter=0.0061m

Original length=0.0603m

Length due to twist=0.0746m

Torque 1(T 1 )=0.5 N . m

Angle of twist 1(θ 1)=0.5℃=0.00872665 rad

θr=γl

( 0.00872665 )( 0.00305 )=(γ )(0.0603)

γ =0.00044139771 Shear Strain

4
πD
J=
32
(0.0061¿¿ 4)
¿π ¿
32
−10
m Polar second moment of area
4
¿ 1.359312262 ×10

Tr
τ=
J

(0.5)(0.00305)
¿
(1.359312262 ×10−10)

N
¿ 11218908.58 2
Shear Stress
m

τ
G=
γ

15 Developed By: V. Moni & Moderated By: M. Ludick & S. Makhomo| CPUT
 11218908.58
¿
0.00044139771
10 2
¿ 2.541678022 ×10 N /m Modulus ofrigidty

16 Developed By: V. Moni & Moderated By: M. Ludick & S. Makhomo| CPUT