DISCUSSIONS

From the graph plotted for torque, T against angle of twist, , we got a straight line
from the beginning original with a positive gradient. At this stage, when the torque is
removed and the specimen will go back to its original shape because it is in the elastic region.
Based on the graph,we know that the twist angle is keep increasing even the increment of the
torque is very small. After going through the elastic region, the specimen will enter the plastic
region and undergo plastic deformation and reach the ultimate strengh withthe increasing in
twist angle until fracture occurs.
Based on the experiment, we know that the twist angle is proportional to the torque.
This is because the copper is a brittle material and steel can returns to its original shape when
the torque is removed whereby the torque apply is less than the proportional stage. After that,
the twist angle will increase even the torque is very small after that the specimen will start to
fracture and fully break finally.
The mechanical properties which can be obtained from the experiment are the shear
stress, shear stress proportional limit, ultimate shear stress and the modulus of rigidity.
a) Shear stress, is the stress applied parallel or tangential to the surface of a material. From
the results obtained, the shear stress of copper is the highest.
b) Shear stress proportional limit is the limit where the specimen will return to its original
dimensions and shape when the load applied is removed. From the graph obtained, the
proportional limit of copper is the highest.
c) Ultimate shear stress is the maximum shear stress that can be sustained by a material
before rupture. It is the ultimate strength of a material subjected to shear loading. From the
graph obtained, the ultimate shear stress of copper is the highest.
d) Modulus of rigidity, G can be obtained from the ratio of shear stress to the shear strain. It
is the rate of change of strain as a function of stress in a specimen subjected to shear or
torsion loading. From the experiment, the modulus of rigidity of copper is the highest. This
proves that the copper has the highest brittleness.
Factors that can be affected to the experimental result are:
a) The equipment used in our experiment was old and rusted and friction may be created in
the system, hence the value obtained will differ from the theoretical value.
b) In this experiment, the loads must be applied constantly to obtain a perfect rotation.
However, this experiment was done manually. As a result, it was impossible to apply a
constant load on the specimens. Thus, the values obtained from the experiment would
definitely different from the theoretical values.

c) The difference between theoretical and experimental value was caused by the purity of the
specimens used. In our experiment the specimen used was not fully pure since they contain
impurities and there are imperfections in their structures, contrast with the one that being
used in order to get the theoretical value.
d) In this experiment, the torsion force must be continuously and uniformly supplied. If we
did not control and turn the holder of torsion machine properly with constant force and rate, it
was difficult to get smooth cycle and this will affect our results.
e) The time interval between taking the two continuous reading was very near, so we cannot
get the very accurate readings during the experiment because when the readings shown by the
torsion machine was not rigid and the same time we must get the next reading within a few
seconds.
CONCLUSIONS
From this experiment, the mechanical properties of the specimens such as the shear
stress, shear stress proportional limit, ultimate shear stress and the modulus of rigidity are
obtained. When a torque is acting on the specimens, the specimens would experience torsion
until the specimens have reached their fracture points. Furthermore, the modulus of rigidity,
G can be calculated by using the gradient of the graphs plotted for shear stress against shear
strain. From the experiment, the modulus of rigidity of steel is the highest, followed by brass
and aluminium is the lowest. This proves that the steel has the highest brittleness while
aluminium has the highest ductility.
Many mechanical structures are subjected to torsion during their operations. By
testing these materials used in these structures on torsion test, the manufacturers are able to
simulate real life service conditions, check products quality, verify designs, and ensure proper
manufacturing techniques as the shear stress, shear stress proportional limit, ultimate shear
stress and the modulus of rigidity of these materials are known.