The state of strain in a solid material subjected to a twisting moment about its longitudinal axis. This deformation creates shear stresses within the material that peak at the outer surface. Engineers calculate it to size drive shafts, springs, and axles so they can transmit rotational power without shearing or yielding.
Heard on the job
The drive shaft sheared right at the coupling because the torsion exceeded the yield strength of the steel.
Also heard as
- twisting
Do not mix it up with
- Torque: Torque is the applied twisting force, while torsion is the resulting twist and internal stress within the material.