
Fundamental Aspects of Torsional Loading
John A. Bailey, North Carolina State University;Jamal Y. Sheikh-Ahmad, Wichita State University
Introduction
TORSION TESTS can be carried out on most materials, using standards specimens, to determine mechanical
properties such as modulus of elasticity in shear, yield shear strength, ultimate shear strength, modulus of
rupture in shear, and ductility. Torsion tests can also be carried out on full-size parts (shafts, axles, and twist
drills) and structures (beams and frames) to determine their response to torsional loading. In torsion testing,
unlike tension testing and compression testing, large strains can be applied before plastic instability occurs, and
complications due to friction between the test specimen and dies do not arise.
Torsion tests are most frequently carried out on prismatic bars of circular cross section by applying a torsional
moment about the longitudinal axis. The shear stress versus shear strain curve can be determined from
simultaneous measurements of the torque and angle of twist of the test specimen over a predetermined gage
length.
Certain shear properties of materials can also be determined by single or double direct shear tests. In these
types, of tests loads are applied to bars, usually of circular section, in such a way as to produce failure (shear)
on either one (single) or two (double) transverse planes perpendicular to the axis of the bar. The shear strength
of the bar is determined by dividing the shear load by the cross-sectional area of the bar. Such tests provide
little fundamental information on the shear properties of materials and are primarily used in the design of rivets,
bolts keyway systems, and so forth, that are subjected to shearing loads in service (Ref 1) (see also the article
“Shear, Torsion, and Multiaxial Testing” in this Volume).
The following sections discuss the torsional deformation of prismatic bars of circular cross section. Discussion
of the torsional response of prismatic bars of noncircular cross section (rectangular, elliptical, triangular) in the
elastic range can be found in Ref 2.
References cited in this section
1. C.L. Harmsworth, Mechanical Testing, Vol 8, ASM Handbook, American Society for Metals, 1985, p 62
2. S.P. Timoshenko and J.N. Goodier, Theory of Elasticity, 3rd ed., McGraw-Hill, 1970, p 291
Fundamental Aspects of Torsional Loading
John A. Bailey, North Carolina State University;Jamal Y. Sheikh-Ahmad, Wichita State University
Prismatic Bars of Circular Cross Section
Elastic Deformation (Solid Bars). In torsional testing of prismatic bars of circular cross section it is assumed
that:
• Bar material is homogeneous and isotropic.
• Twist per unit length along the bar is constant.
• Sections that are originally plane to the torsional axis remain plane after deformation.