By definition, torque refers to the force's rotational equivalence. For this reason, an object rotates with an angular acceleration when subjected to a net torque. Normally, a torque has to be defined about an axis of rotation. The torque size depends on its perpendicular distance from the rotation's axis as well as the size of the force applied. Mathematically, torque is defined as the object's angular momentum rate of change (Prikhodko " Smelyagin, 2015). In this definition, it is clear either one or both of the object's momentum of inertia or angular velocity are changing. In general, the moment is the term used for one or more applied forces tending to rotate an object about an axis. However, the object’s angular momentum is not necessarily changed.
Torque is produced when a force applied to the lever's right angle is multiplied by its distance from the fulcrum (the lever arm's length). For example, when a force of one newton is applied to a distance of six meters from the fulcrum, it exerts the same torque that results from the application of a force of three newtons applied to a distance of two meters. In this case, the use of the right-hand grip helps in the determination of the direction of torque. Curling the right-hand fingers from the lever arm's direction to the direction of force makes the thumb to point in the torque's direction.
Symbolically, torque has force of dimension times distance (L2MT-2). Moment or torque is simply a rotational force. Torque is always thought of as an object subjected to twist just like a linear force is considered a pull or push. For point particles, a torque is given as the position and force vector's cross product. Also, the torque is a pseudovector in three dimensions. Typically, the symbol of torque is given as 휏.
However, this symbol is usually denoted as M when it is called the moment of force. In a rigid body, the torque's magnitude depends on three quantities. These quantities include the angle between the lever arm vectors and the force and the vector's lever arm. Another quantity is the force applied to the system (Prikhodko " Smelyagin, 2015).
Mathematically, 휏. = r x F. Where r is the position vector and x is the cross product. Also, 휏
and F are the torque and force vectors respectively. The torque's SI unit is Nm/ rad. From the properties of the cross product, it follows that the torque vector is perpendicular to both force and position vectors. N Typically the torque vector points along the ration axis that the force would initiate. The torque that is unbalanced on a body along the rotation axis plays a significant role in the determination of the rate of change of the angular momentum of a body.
In this case, the 휏. =dL/dt. Where t is, the time and L denotes the angular momentum vector. However, the net torque is always responsible for the determination of the angular momentum’s rate of change in case it acts on a body multiple times. Torque is also part of the engine’s basic specification. In particular, the output of power of an engine is normally expressed as its rotational speed of axis multiplied by the torque (Prikhodko " Smelyagin, 2015). Maximum torque is always produced by electric motors and steam engines. It is always possible to start heavy loads from zero revolutions per minute without the clutch using reciprocating steam engines.
Reference
Prikhodko, A., " Smelyagin, A. (2015). Kinematic Analysis of Mechanism for Converting Rotational Motion into Reciprocating Rotational Motion. Procedia Engineering, 129, 87- 92. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.proeng.2015.12.013
