Bend testing in laboratory
Would you like to carry out a torsion test on a raw material or a finished product?
What is a torsion test?
A torsion test is a mechanical test carried out on a raw material and/or finished product to assess its resistance under the effect of mechanical torsion. These tests can be carried out by applying a rotational movement or by combining tensile or compressive forces with torsional forces.
Materials tested can include metals, polymers, composites and ceramics.
Torsion test: guaranteeing the mechanical strength of your materials
The torsion test assesses the resistance of materials to deformation when subjected to torsional forces. This test determines the mechanical behaviour of materials, in particular their ability to resist rotation without breaking or permanently deforming.
For demanding sectors such as aerospace,automotive and medical device manufacturing, FILAB has state-of-the-art equipment for performing torsion tests on a wide range of materials.
Why carry out a torsion test in the laboratory?
Carrying out mechanical tests such as torsion testing on your materials gives you a better understanding of the various failures to which your materials may be subject. Mechanical testing has the advantage of testing the limits of your materials in order to optimise them, and in particular to test the risks of breakage, cracks and degradation of your materials.
– Assessing the torsional strength of materials: This enables the rigidity and ductility of materials to be measured under mechanical torsional stress.
– Identify structural weaknesses: By testing components, this test detects potential breaking points before they are put to industrial use.
– Guarantee compliance with standards: Torsion testing helps to ensure that the materials used comply with the quality and safety standards specific to each industry.
Mechanical properties measured in mechanical torsion
The mechanical properties most often measured by torsion tests are :
- Modulus of elasticity in shear
- Shear strength at yield point
- Shear failure
- Ductility
FILAB can help you carry out torsion tests on your materials
Pourquoi choisir FILAB pour un test de torsion sur vos matériaux ?
FILAB, an ISO 17025 accredited laboratory, offers torsion testing in compliance with international standards. We support our customers in in-depth analysis of the torsional strength of materials, providing accurate results and recommendations tailored to your industrial needs. Whether for prototype testing, product validation or quality control, our experts guarantee you fast, reliable analysis.
The stages of a torsion test at FILAB
FILAB offers torsion tests tailored to your industrial needs, to guarantee the strength of the materials you use.
- Sample preparation : The material or component is carefully prepared in accordance with current standards.
- Application of torsional force: The material is subjected to a rotational force until it deforms or breaks.
- Analysis of results: Parameters such as modulus of torsion, angle of rotation and yield strength are measured to assess the material’s performance.
Applications of torsion testing in industry
> Automotive: In the automotive industry, torsion tests are used to assess the strength of drive shafts, axles and torsion bar springs. This ensures that these essential components can withstand repetitive mechanical stresses without risk of failure, thereby ensuring vehicle safety.
> Aerospace: Torsion testing is fundamental to verifying the performance of metal and composite parts used in aircraft. Components such as wings, propellers and axles have to withstand the torsion caused by flight forces, ensuring safety in extreme flight conditions.
> Metallurgy and construction: Torsion tests are crucial in the design of metal structures, such as beams and reinforcement bars. These tests verify the ability of materials to resist torsion due to asymmetrical loads, thus avoiding the risk of collapse.
> Electronics: In the manufacture of electronic components, such as wires or connectors, mechanical torsion is used to check that materials can withstand rotational forces during installation or use, while avoiding any functional failure.
Our related analyses
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FAQ
Which materials are affected by the torsion test
Torsion testing applies to a wide range of materials used in various industries. Here are the main types of material involved:
- Metals: Steels, aluminium alloys, titanium, copper and other metals are commonly tested to assess their resistance to torsion in industrial applications such as automotive, aerospace and construction.
- Polymers: Plastics and polymeric materials are subjected to torsion tests to verify their durability and ability to withstand torsional forces without deforming, particularly in lightweight components for the automotive or electronics industries.
- Composites: Composite materials (fibreglass, carbon) are often tested to guarantee their performance in torsion environments, particularly for parts used in aeronautics or sports equipment.
- Elastomers: Rubber and other elastic materials undergo torsion tests to assess their ability to absorb rotational forces, particularly in applications such as seals, suspensions or damping parts.
- Wires and cables: Wires used in the electronics industry or in metal structures are tested to ensure that they can withstand torsional forces during use, without breaking or losing their functionality.
Torsion testing assesses the performance of these materials under torsional stress, ensuring their durability and safety in demanding industrial environments.
Which industries are most dependent on torsion testing?
Torsion testing is essential for many industries where components and materials are subjected to rotational and torsional forces. Here are the main industries that depend on this type of test:
> Automotive industry
Automotive parts, such as drive shafts, axles, torsion springs and bolts, are subject to continuous torsional stress. Torsion testing is used to check their mechanical strength and prevent failures that could affect vehicle safety.
> Aeronautical industry
The materials used in aircraft (metals, composites) must withstand torsional forces in flight. Torsion tests guarantee the performance and safety of critical components, such as propellers, wings and structural fasteners.
> Medical industry
Medical devices, such as implant screws and surgical components, must be tested for their ability to withstand torsion during use. These tests guarantee the reliability and safety of the devices when implanted or handled by healthcare professionals.
> Electronic industry
Electronic cables, wires and connectors are subject to torsion during installation and use. Torsion testing ensures that these components do not break and retain their functionality under real-life conditions.
> Energy industry
Pipelines, wind turbines and drilling equipment are often subjected to significant torsional forces. Testing ensures that these critical components can withstand high mechanical loads without cracking or breaking.
What are the advantages of a torsion test compared with other mechanical tests?
- Specific evaluation of rotational forces: Unlike tensile or compression tests, torsion testing measures a material's resistance to rotational forces, which is essential for components subject to rotary movements (e.g. drive shafts, springs).
- Detection of ductility and stiffness: Torsion testing can assess both the ductility (ability to deform without breaking) and stiffness of a material, providing a complete understanding of behaviour under torsion.
- Comprehensive weakness analysis: identifies potential failure points under torsional stress, particularly for components working in rotation or repetitive torsion.
- Simulates real-life conditions: This test is particularly relevant for materials used in environments where torsional forces predominate, such as the automotive or aerospace industries.
- Complementary to other tests: The torsion test complements the other mechanical tests ( tension, bending) by providing specific information on resistance to angular stresses.
