What is a Torsion Test?

Evaluating the torsional strength, stiffness and stress-strain properties of materials and products

Torsion tests twist a material or test component to a specified degree, with a specified force, or until the material fails in torsion. The twisting force of a torsion test is applied to the test sample by anchoring one end so that it cannot move or rotate and applying a moment to the other end so that the sample is rotated about its axis. The rotating moment may also be applied to both ends of the sample but the ends must be rotated in opposite directions. The forces and mechanics found in this test are similar to those found in a piece of string that has one end held in a hand and the other end twisted by the other.

What is the Purpose of a Torsion Test?

The purpose of a torsion test is to determine the behavior a material or test sample exhibits when twisted or under torsional forces as a result of applied moments that cause shear stress about the axis. Measurable values include: the modulus of elasticity in shear, yield shear strength, torsional fatigue life, ductility, ultimate shear strength, and modulus of rupture in shear. These values are similar but not the same as those measured by a tensile test and are important in manufacturing as they may be used to simulate the service conditions, check the product’s quality and design, and ensure that it was manufactured correctly.


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Types of Torsion Tests:

The three common forms that torsion testing take include failure, proof and operational. A torsion test for failure requires that the test sample be twisted until it breaks and is designed to measure the strength of the sample. A proof test is designed to observe the material under a specified torque load over a set period of time. Finally, operational testing is measures the material’s performance under the expected service conditions of its application. All of these forms of tests may be performed with either torsion only loading or a combination of torsion and axial (tension or compression) loading depending upon the characteristics to be measured.

Types of Torsion Testing Materials:

Many materials experience torques or torsional forces in their applications and so will benefit from or require torsion testing. Materials used in structural, biomedical and automotive applications are among the more common materials to experience torsion in their applications. These materials may be composed of metals, plastics, woods, polymers, composites, or ceramics among others and commonly take the forms of fasteners, rods, beams, tubes and wires.

Common Test Standards

ASTM A938 Torsional Test of Wire
ASTM D1043 Torsion Plastics Test Equipment
ASTM D5279 Thermoset & Thermoplastic Dynamic Torsion Testing Machine
ASTM E2207 Axial-Torsional Fatigue Thin-Walled Tubular Materials Test Equipment
ASTM F383 Static Bend and Torsion Testing of Intramedullary Rods
ASTM F543 Medical Bone Screw Torsion Test Equipment
ISO 6475 Bone Screw Torsion Test Methods | Equipment
ISO 7800 Metal Wire Torsion test
ISO 80369-1 Axial Torsional Luer Connector Test Equipment

Common Applications

Torsion Test Equipment for Plastics
Torsion Testing of Bone Screws | Equipment
Torsion Testing of Wire | Equipment
Torsion Tests on Engineered Composite Materials | Equipment
Torsion Test Machine | Teaching Lab Academic Spotlight
Torsional Test Machine with Static Axial Load
Wire Torsion Strength Test | Equipment

You Can Pick Your Torsion Test Machine in 4 Easy Steps

First, select your frame ^{(Step 1)}, then complete your system by selecting your controller software^{(Step 2)} and accessories^{(Step 3)}. Choose from a wide range of controller software packages, grips, fixtures, chambers, video extensometers and more, are all designed to perform thousands of ASTM, ISO, EN and DIN industry standard test methods.

When you're ready to complete your system, contact us^{(Step 4)}, and an application expert will help you optimize your system to your test requirements and budget.

Start by Selecting Your Frame

Torsion Test Machines

Type: Electromechanical Gear or Electrodynamic Direct Drive
Capacity: 1 Nm to 5650 Nm (9 to 50,000 in-lb)

Choose from a wide range of torsion capacities with 7 frame styles and 100's of configurations which allows you to optimize your testing capabilities and pick exactly what you need. Our extensive product line of torsion test machines gives you the options you need. Choose from two different torsion test technologies: electromechanical and electrodynamic, which perform static, dynamic and fatigue tests. Our torsion testers are available in both horizontal and vertical orientations. Due to our modular design, we can customize each machine to match your unique test objectives.