Torsional stress is a technical term used in engineering to describe the amount of stress exerted on a material when it is twisted. The word torsional is pronounced /ˈtɔːʃənəl/ in IPA phonetic transcription. The ‘t’ is pronounced as a voiceless alveolar plosive, followed by the ‘ɔː’ vowel sound pronounced with an open-mid back rounded sound, the ‘ʃ’ is pronounced as a voiceless postalveolar fricative, followed by the ‘ən’ which is pronounced with a reduced vowel schwa sound, and the final ‘əl’ is pronounced with a syllabic l sound.
Torsional stress refers to the force per unit area acting in a circular or rotational manner on an object, resulting in twisting or a change in shape. It is a type of mechanical stress that occurs when a torque or twisting force is applied to a structural element, causing it to deform under the influence of the applied load.
Torsional stress is often experienced by objects that are subjected to rotational movements or where torque is applied, such as shafts, axles, and springs. When an object is subjected to torsional stress, it experiences an angular deformation or strain, causing it to twist or rotate.
The magnitude of torsional stress depends on factors such as the applied torque, the dimensions and shape of the object, and its material properties. Excessive torsional stress can lead to structural failure or permanent deformation of the object.
To analyze torsional stress, engineers use mathematical calculations and equations such as the torsion equation, which relates the applied torque, the polar moment of inertia, and the radius of the object. This allows them to determine the maximum allowable torque that an object can withstand before failure.
Understanding torsional stress is crucial in various fields, including mechanical engineering, material science, and structural design. It plays a significant role in designing and evaluating the strength and reliability of rotating machinery, transmission systems, and other components or structures subjected to torsional loads.
The word "torsional" is derived from the noun "torque", which refers to a twisting or turning force. "Torque" is derived from the Latin word "torquere", meaning "to twist".
The term "stress" is also derived from the Latin word "strictus", which means "drawn tight". In mechanics, stress refers to the internal resistance to deformation within a material caused by an external force.
Therefore, "torsional stress" combines the concept of twisting force (torque) with the internal resistance to deformation within a material (stress), describing the specific type of stress that occurs within a material subjected to twisting or torsion.