Why Do Metric and Imperial Torque Calculations Yield Different Results?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the discrepancies observed when calculating torque values using metric and imperial systems, specifically in the context of fasteners. Participants explore the differences in methodologies and units used in torque calculations, as well as the implications for mechanical engineering applications.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested
  • Mathematical reasoning

Main Points Raised

  • One participant describes their efforts to create a torque calculator and notes significant differences in torque values when applying metric versus imperial calculations, particularly referencing examples from Machinery's Handbook.
  • The participant expresses confusion over the large torque values obtained when substituting metric values into an imperial calculation method, questioning the validity of the results.
  • Another participant suggests considering the difference in measuring thread pitch between imperial and metric systems, indicating that this might contribute to the discrepancies.
  • Another participant advises checking unit consistency, such as ensuring correct conversions between ksi and psi, or MPa and GPa, and asks for clarification on the specific equations being used.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on the cause of the discrepancies in torque calculations. Multiple competing views are presented regarding the factors influencing the differences, including unit conversions and measurement methods.

Contextual Notes

The discussion highlights potential limitations in the understanding of torque calculations across different measurement systems, including the need for careful attention to units and the specific equations employed.

M172
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Hi everyone.

I was doing this more out of interest than any other reason (i.e. profit, homework, etc) however I am a mechanical engineer by day and haven't needed to do this up until recently. The answer isn't relevant to the project in question as it has already been approved and put into production. Anyway...

What I'm trying to do is put together a torque calculator, which will allow me to put in any parameter that I want, to calculate things like maximum preload and subsequently torque values for hollow bolts, or bolts of materials other than "normal" things, i.e. brass, Inconel, etc., or threaded shafts with reduced shank diameters, various coatings, or lack of, etc. I've got quite far but have come across a hurdle.

I've got a copy of Machinery's Handbook, the 29th Edition, and inside there is a section called Torque and Tension in Fasteners.

On page 1531 there is an example exercise, where they demonstrate how to calculate the torque value required to yield an M10x1.5 bolt. I have taken a picture in case anyone doesn't have a copy:

6t0ch0_th.jpg

Code:
Link: http://i61.tinypic.com/n3ltn4.jpg

Further on, on page 1533 there is another example which happens to be in inches, but they take a different approach:

2nlvj3m_th.jpg

Code:
Link: http://i57.tinypic.com/xd6l3d.jpg]

They describe this as "Torque-Tension Relationships", whereas the first example is clearly in "Relationship Between Torque and Clamping Force".

Reading this section much like a story, I have understood most of it, however what I don't understand is that the second method I've shown above seems to do the same thing as the first, yet when I try to substitute metric values into the second, I get horrendous values, i.e. 4kN-m for bolts I'd expect to tighten to about 350 N-m.

I've spent a few hours contemplating this and don't yet understand why I can't grasp it. I appreciate that there might be a difference between tension and clamping force, but surely the numbers cannot be that far apart?

For example, their value for F in example 1 is 30.463 kN. Substituting their same example values into example 2, I get 1740 kN for PB. Hence, a ridiculous torque figure.

Now, obviously, the number is so large because the equation says to multiply σallow (which is 30.463 kN) by As (58 mm2). With imperial figures, the area will always be a low number, and in their example it is 0.1419 in2. Perhaps this is the reason? I can't recall anything else which has separate equations for metric and imperial, though, other than including 25.4, or a reciprocal here and there...

Hopefully someone can help me understand?

The second method is of interest because it takes into account the coefficient of friction of the bearing face and its effective diameter, which the first one doesn't appear to do. This is of interest because I cannot always design bearing faces that are about 0.95 times the A/F dimension.

Many thanks in advance.
 
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Reduce the size of your image please!
 
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Better? :)
 
yeah, thanks.
 
Take this suggestion "with a grain of salt" as I am not a mechanical engineer and am not familiar with your equations. But have you considered the difference in how thread pitch is measured. Imperial is number of threads per inch and metric is simply pitch in mm. Sorry if this is a pointless distraction.
 
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You might also check your units to make sure you're plugging in the correct values, e.g. ksi vs psi, MPa vs GPa.

Can you post an example of your equation? Are you off by a factor of 2 or some other obvious quantity like 10 or 1000?
 

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