Description

This Armfield benchtop-mounted unit is used to study torsion and torsional vibration. The apparatus is constructed around a profiled aluminium base with levelling feet, onto which is mounted 4 vertical chuck pillars.

Each pillar contains a central shaft running in precision bearings with a chuck at one end which grips a torsion specimen. Each chuck also contains a large disc of varying mass and inertia. With these chucks, it is possible to assemble a torsion specimen with up to 3 masses. Vibrations are transmitted into the torsion specimen by means of an exciter, which is electronically speed-controlled from the main control unit.

To change the end conditions of the apparatus a fifth chuck houses a chuck which rigidly clamps the end of the torsion specimen to achieve a fixed end.

Also supplied with the apparatus is a manual torsion arrangement, which allows a known angular twist to be applied to the specimen. A cord is wrapped around one of the large discs and a load is applied via a hanger and weights set. The angle of twist for incremental loading is recorded and the modulus of rigidity can be calculated. Oscillation sensors are mounted integrally with each mass pillar and provide signals of the amplitude of vibration.

The control unit conditions these signals and makes them available to an oscilloscope (not supplied) for vibration analysis.