Analyze torque effects across common steel sections. Estimate stress, angle, rigidity, and allowable capacity easily. Use clean inputs for fast design-side torsion reviews today.
| Section | Torque | Length | Main Dimensions | Typical Use |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Solid round | 12 kN·m | 4 m | d = 150 mm | Drive shafts and pins |
| Hollow round | 18 kN·m | 5 m | Do = 200 mm, Di = 160 mm | Torsion-efficient members |
| Thin-walled box | 9 kN·m | 3.5 m | 250 × 180 × 10 mm | Closed steel frames |
| I or H beam | 6 kN·m | 6 m | bf 200, tf 16, tw 10, d 300 mm | Open beams needing warping checks |
Use the calculator to see section-specific torsion formulas. The main outputs are torsional constant, torsional rigidity, shear stress, and angle of twist.
Steel members often carry more than bending and shear. They can also twist under eccentric loading, connection offsets, or direct torque. Torsion changes stress patterns, connection demand, and serviceability response. A quick torsion review helps engineers screen member behavior before moving into detailed code checks.
A useful torsion calculator should report the torsional constant, torsional rigidity, angle of twist, and a stress estimate. These values show how easily a member twists and whether the section shape is efficient. Closed sections usually resist torsion better than open sections of similar area.
Round steel sections behave well in pure torsion. Hollow tubes are often even more efficient because material stays farther from the center. Rectangular bars can work, but twist and stress rise faster. Thin-walled closed boxes are strong in torsion. I-beams need extra care because warping effects may become important.
This calculator uses Saint-Venant torsion relationships and common engineering approximations. Those assumptions fit many preliminary checks. They are most reliable for free warping conditions and for compact sections with clear geometry. When restraint, weld details, openings, or load introduction points matter, a more detailed model is better.
This type of check helps with equipment supports, stair beams, transfer members, edge beams, platform framing, and connection studies. It is also useful during value engineering. Engineers can compare several shapes quickly and see which section gives lower twist without adding unnecessary steel weight.
Start with the angle of twist. Large rotation can create fit-up and serviceability problems. Next, review the stress estimate and compare it with your allowable value. Then study torsional rigidity. A higher GJ means the member is harder to twist and often performs better under the same torque during review meetings.
Use the results to compare alternative sections, check twist limits, and estimate whether a member is close to an allowable shear stress. That can speed up framing studies, support design, equipment base checks, and steel connection planning. The export tools also help when you need a clean calculation record for review.
It estimates torsional constant, rigidity, angle of twist, and stress for several common steel section shapes. It is intended for preliminary engineering checks.
Yes. It reports Saint-Venant torsion for I and H sections. Restrained beams may also develop warping torsion, so detailed verification is still needed.
Closed and hollow sections place more material away from the center. That increases torsional efficiency and usually reduces twist for the same steel weight.
A common shear modulus for structural steel is about 79.3 GPa. Use your project material data when a grade-specific value is required.
No. The rectangular bar stress is an engineering estimate. Use refined references or numerical analysis for final design where torsion controls.
It is the total member rotation caused by the applied torque over the entered length. The tool reports both radians and degrees.
Avoid relying only on simplified formulas when warping restraint, thin local details, cutouts, or complex load paths strongly influence the steel member.
Yes. After calculation, the visible results can be exported as a CSV file or a simple PDF for documentation and review.
Important Note: All the Calculators listed in this site are for educational purpose only and we do not guarentee the accuracy of results. Please do consult with other sources as well.