CAE Torsion

SoE - Design - DSGN 313 - CAE

The Assignment
Each group will be allocated two hollow square lengths of steel box section. One of these will be 'closed' and one 'open' - having a longitudinal slit along one wall.
Measure the tubes carefully.
Strain gauges are fixed to one wall of these sections. You are required to investigate the behaviour of this sample under torsion, using three techniques:

experimental measurements taken using strain gauges, rotation gauges and torque meter (please note however that the torque meter readings may not be accurate) - (25% of marks) - tips for the experiment
theoretical calculations (25% of marks)
finite element analysis (25% of marks) - tips for the FEA and 'Discussion of Results'.

You will then compare the results from the three different techniques and explain the reasons for the differences (25% of marks).
N.B: It is most important that you not only identify possible sources of error and possible reasons for the differences in the results from the three methods, but you MUST state, with reasons, which sources of error are likely to be significant and which are less so.

References:
'Finite Elements - A Gentle Introduction', by D Henwood and J Bonet, Macmillan, 1996.
'Basic Principles of the Finite Element Method', by K M Entwistle, IoM, 1999.
'Mechanics of Solids and Structures', D W A Rees, McGraw-Hill, 1990, ISBN: 0-07-707222-7.
'Advanced Mechanics of Materials', A P Boresi and O M Sidebottom, John Wiley and Sons, 4th Ed. 1985, ISBN: 0-471-84323-7.
'Mechanics and Materials for Design', N H Cook, 1985, ISBN: 0-07-Y66157-X
'Advanced Solid Mechanics', P R Lancaster and D Mitchell, Macmillan Press, 1980, ISBN: 0 333 24018 8, now out of print, but may be available second hand.
'Roarks Formulas for Stress and Strain', 6th Ed., Ed by W C Young, McGraw-Hill International Editions, 1989.
'Stress Concentration Factors', by R E Peterson, John Wiley and Sons, 1974.
'Shock and Vibration Handbook', Ed. C M Harris, McGraw-Hill, 1988.

Return to Index of Online Documentation.

David J Grieve, 4th January 2008, (original - 15th September 2003).