Torque analysis
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Course Name: Electrical and Electronics Measurement
Course Code: PC EE 403
Course Instructor: Dr. Nirmalya Mallick
Module 1
Deflecting Torque, Damping Torque, and Controlling Torque in
Measuring Instruments
In analog measuring instruments, a moving system responds to electrical inputs such as current
or voltage. This response is governed by three essential torques:
1. Deflecting Torque (Td)
2. Controlling Torque (Tc)
3. Damping Torque (Tdamp)
Each of these torques plays a crucial role in ensuring the proper functioning of an electrical
measuring instrument.
1. Deflecting Torque (Td)
Definition:
Deflecting torque is the force responsible for moving the pointer of a measuring instrument
away from its zero position. It is produced when an electrical quantity (current, voltage, or
power) flows through the instrument.
Purpose:
• It initiates the movement of the pointer.
• It is proportional to the quantity being measured.
• The pointer moves until the equilibrium position is reached.
Methods of Producing Deflecting Torque:
1. Magnetic Effect
o Used in moving iron (MI) and permanent magnet moving coil (PMMC)
instruments.
o The current passing through a coil generates a magnetic field, which interacts
with a permanent magnet or soft iron to produce motion.
2. Electromagnetic Induction Effect
o Used in induction-type wattmeters and energy meters.
o A rotating magnetic field is produced by AC, inducing eddy currents in a
moving disc.
3. Electrostatic Effect
o Used in electrostatic voltmeters.
o Deflecting force is generated by the attraction or repulsion of charges on parallel
plates.
4. Thermal Effect
o Used in hot-wire ammeters.
o Heating due to current flow expands a wire, creating a mechanical displacement.
5. Chemical Effect
o Used in electrochemical meters (e.g., Coulomb meters used for battery charge
measurement).
o The amount of material deposited is proportional to the charge passed.
6. Hall Effect
o Used in Hall-effect sensors.
o A voltage is produced perpendicular to the current flow in a conductor exposed
to a magnetic field.
2. Damping Torque (Tdamp)
Definition:
Damping torque is the force that prevents excessive oscillations of the pointer and helps it settle
quickly at its final reading.
Purpose:
• Prevents continuous oscillations of the pointer.
• Helps the pointer settle quickly at the correct measurement value.
• Ensures smooth and stable operation.
Methods of Producing Damping Torque:
1. Air Friction (Pneumatic Damping)
o Used in moving iron instruments.
o A piston moves inside an airtight chamber, restricting motion due to air
resistance.
2. Fluid Friction (Oil Damping)
o Used in electrostatic voltmeters.
o A vane moves through an oil-filled chamber to slow down motion.
3. Eddy Current Damping (Electromagnetic Damping)
o Used in PMMC instruments.
o A non-magnetic, conducting disc (usually aluminum or copper) moves in a
magnetic field, inducing eddy currents that oppose the motion.
4. Hysteresis Damping
o Used in some high-precision instruments.
o The motion of the magnetic core in a magnetic field causes energy losses due
to hysteresis.
3. Controlling Torque (Tc)
Definition:
Controlling torque provides the necessary force to bring the pointer to rest at a stable position
corresponding to the measured value.
Purpose:
• Prevents the pointer from moving indefinitely.
• Helps the pointer return to zero when no input is present.
• Ensures proper proportionality between the measured quantity and pointer movement.
Methods of Producing Controlling Torque:
1. Spring Control
o Used in PMMC and MI instruments.
o A coiled spring opposes the motion of the moving system. The more the pointer
deflects, the greater the opposing force.
2. Gravity Control
o Used in some MI instruments.
o A small weight attached to the pointer shaft creates a restoring force due to
gravity.
3. Torsional Control (Elastic Control)
o Used in some electromechanical meters.
o A torsional wire or filament provides the restoring force.
Comparison of the Three Torques
Controlling
Feature Deflecting Torque Damping Torque
Torque
Brings the pointer
Purpose Moves the pointer Reduces oscillations
to rest
Restores
Effect Initiates movement Prevents overshooting
equilibrium
Angular
Proportional
Electrical quantity (I, V, P) Velocity of motion displacement of
to
pointer
Magnetic, electromagnetic,
Air, fluid, eddy current, Spring, gravity, or
Produced by electrostatic, thermal, or
or hysteresis damping torsional control
chemical effects
Conclusion
• Deflecting torque (Td) is responsible for moving the pointer.
• Damping torque (T_damp) ensures smooth motion and prevents oscillations.
• Controlling torque (Tc) brings the pointer to a stable position.
For a measuring instrument to function correctly, all three torques must work in balance. If
deflecting torque is too high, the pointer will overshoot. If damping torque is too low, the
pointer will oscillate. If controlling torque is absent, the pointer will move indefinitely.
