RIGIDITY MODULUS BY TORSIONAL PENDULUM (WITHOUT
SYMMETRICAL MASSES)
1. Document Control
SOP Title: Determination of Rigidity Modulus by Torsional Pendulum (Without Symmetrical
Masses)
SOP Number: PHY/SOP/YM/UB/01
Version Number: 1.0
Effective Date: ___ / ___ / _____
Review Date: ___ / ___ / _____
Prepared by: Student
Reviewed by: Laboratory Supervisor
Approved by: Head of the Department
2. Purpose
To determine the Rigidity Modulus (Modulus of Rigidity) of the material of a given
suspension wire using a torsional pendulum without symmetrical masses, ensuring accuracy,
repeatability, and compliance with ISO laboratory practices.
3. Scope
This SOP applies to all students and laboratory personnel performing the experiment
“Rigidity Modulus by Torsional Pendulum (Without Symmetrical Masses)” in the physics
laboratory.
4. Apparatus Required
Circular metal disc
Suspension wire
Torsional pendulum setup
Stopwatch
Meter scale
Screw gauge
Thread
5. Principle of the Experiment
When a circular metal disc is suspended by a thin wire and twisted slightly, it
executes torsional oscillations.
The restoring torque is proportional to the angle of twist, provided the material
remains within its elastic limit.
The time period of torsional oscillation is given by:
T =2 π
√ I
C
Where C is the torsional constant of the wire.
The Rigidity Modulus of the wire is given by:
η= 4
a T ( )
8 πI l
2
Thus, by measuring the time period for different lengths of the wire and calculating
the moment of inertia of the disc, the rigidity modulus can be determined.
6. Procedure
6.1 Experimental Steps
1. Twist the disc slightly and release it gently so that it executes torsional oscillations.
2. Note the time taken for 10 oscillations using a stopwatch.
3. Repeat the observation three times and calculate the mean time.
4. Determine the time period:
Mean time for 10 oscillations
T=
10
5. Change the length of the wire and repeat the procedure.
l
6. Tabulate the values of l, T, T² and calculate 2 .
T
6.2 Measurement of Radius of Wire (Using Screw Gauge)
Determine the least count of the screw gauge.
Note the zero error and apply correction if necessary.
Take multiple readings and calculate the mean radius.
[Link] Table
(A) Measurement of Radius of the Wire using Screw Gauge
Least Count (LC) = ______ mm
Zero Error = ______ mm
Zero Correction = ______ mm
Observed
HSR = HSD × True Reading
[Link] PSR (mm) HSD (div) Reading OR
LC (mm) TR (mm)
(mm)
1
2
3
4
5
l
(B) Determination of 2
T
Unit of length = ×10⁻² m
Time
Length l Time for 10 Mean T² ( \frac{l}{T^2} )
[Link] II III Period T
(×10⁻² m) Oscillations (s) – I Time (s) (s²) (×10⁻² m s⁻²)
(s)
1
2
3
4
5
8. Calculations
Formula
(1) Moment of Inertia of the Disc:
2
MR
I=
2
(2) Time Period of Torsional Oscillation:
T =2 π
√ I
C
(3) Rigidity Modulus of the Wire:
η= 4
a T( )
8 πI l
2 Where:
η = Rigidity modulus of the material of the wire (Nm⁻²)
I = Moment of inertia of the disc about the axis of rotation (kg m²)
M = Mass of the disc (kg)
R = Radius of the disc (m)
a = Radius of the suspens on wire (m)
l = Length of the wire (m)
T = Time period of oscillation (s)
π = 3.14 (constant)
9. Quality Control and Acceptance Criteria
Oscillations must be small and uniform.
The disc should not wobble.
Readings must be repeatable.
Final value should lie within acceptable experimental error limits
10. Safety and Environmental Conditions
Wear lab coat and closed footwear.
Ensure the suspension wire is properly fixed before oscillation.
Avoid excessive twisting beyond elastic limit.
Do not disturb the setup during oscillation.
Maintain clean and vibration-free working conditions
11. Precautions
Ensure the wire is free from kinks.
Avoid large angular displacements.
Start and stop the stopwatch accurately.
Measure wire radius at different points and take the mean.
12. Results
The Rigidity Modulus of the material of the given wire is found to be:
10 −2
From Calculation Method , η=¿ ×10 Nm
From Graph method ,
10 −2
η=¿ ×10 Nm
13. Records and Documentation
Observation Tables
Calculation Sheets
Instrument Calibration Records
Laboratory Notebook