First Torsion Test for Angle of Twist

For our first torsion test we tested two 2" pipes with an 1/8" wall. We tested one pipe at 41-13/16" and the other at 51-11/16". We first hand calculated the angle of twist of the two pipes and then we proceeded with our testing. During testing we measured the angle of twist manually. We downloaded a clinomoter application on our phones and we used it to measure the angle as the pipe was being twisted. However, we had to weld a flat bar on top of the pipe so we had a flat surface on where we could place our phones and measure the angle of twist. We tested the 2 different pipe lengths in order to determine the consistency of the torsion machine. Both of the pipes' angle of twist were close to what was calculated by hand. We determined that the machine was calibrated and accurate. We did not use strain gauges for our initial test because we did not know what to expect. Strain gauges will be used for our next test. 

Material Donation

The material that we will be using to calibrate the machine was donated to us by PDM Steel through our contact Ken Matzek. PDM Steel Donated 4 pieces of material to include 1/8" x 4 Flatbar, 2" Diameter OD solid round bar, 2" Diameter OD pipe with an 1/8" wall and a 2" x 2" 1/8" thick. This material was picked up by our team in January and taken to the Spartan Superway Shop.