Torque

The torque or turning moment acting on a body is defined as the product of the magnitude of the force and the perpendicular distance of the line of action of the force from the axis about which the body is being rotated.

T = Fd

where

T = torque Nm

F = magnitude of the force N

d = perpendicular distance from the line of action of the force to the axis of rotation m

Torque has the same units as work or energy, however, it is a different physical concept and so to show the difference it is measured in newton metres rather than in joules.

Some typical torque values are given in the examples tabele below. Note: these are only indicative values.

See also: Couple, Foot Pound, Force, Length, Newton Metre, Torque to Power, Work.