Torsional Oscillator upper level physics experiments

The Torsional Oscillator Experiment System is a fully instrumented laboratory setup designed to investigate the principles of Simple Harmonic Motion (SHM), rotational dynamics, and oscillatory systems. The apparatus allows students to study torsional oscillations, resonance, damping, rotational inertia, and magnetic torque using precision non-contact sensors and interchangeable components. Its modular design makes it suitable for experiments ranging from introductory mechanics to advanced physics and electronics. Manufactured by Atico Export India.

• Simple harmonic motion studies
• Rotational dynamics experiments
• Torsional oscillation analysis
• Resonance investigations
• Damped oscillation studies
• Rotational inertia measurement
• Magnetic torque experiments
• Phase plane analysis
• Mechanical vibrations
• Advanced physics laboratory education

Instrument Components :

• Aluminum rotor
• Copper disc
• Steel torsion wires
• Interchangeable torsion wires
• Additional inertia masses
• Helmholtz coils
• Magnetic dipole assembly
• Capacitive angular position transducer
• Angular velocity sensor
• Magnetic braking system
• Static torque calibration pulleys
• Strings and mass hangers
• Electronic control unit
• Drive coil system

Experiments :

Simple Harmonic Motion

• Torsional oscillation studies
• Angular displacement measurement
• Period determination
• Oscillation analysis

Spring Constant Measurement

• Static torsional constant measurement
• Dynamic torsional constant measurement
• Moment of inertia determination
• Rotational inertia analysis

Rotational Dynamics

• Angular position calibration
• Angular velocity measurement
• Phase plane analysis
• Rotational kinematics

Magnetic Torque Studies

• Static magnetic torque measurement
• Magnetic moment determination
• Drive current analysis
• Torque calibration

Damping Experiments

• Eddy current damping
• Sliding friction damping
• Fluid drag damping
• Comparison of damping mechanisms
• Quality factor (Q) measurement

Driven Oscillations

• Forced oscillation studies
• Resonance investigation
• Frequency response analysis
• Amplitude response measurement
• Phase shift measurement
• Transfer function determination
• Arbitrary waveform excitation

Educational Objectives :

• Understand the principles of simple harmonic motion
• Study rotational kinematics and dynamics
• Determine torsional spring constants
• Measure rotational inertia experimentally
• Investigate resonance and forced oscillations
• Compare different damping mechanisms
• Analyze phase relationships in oscillatory systems
• Study magnetic torque generation
• Develop practical skills in experimental mechanics
• Gain hands-on experience with precision oscillation measurements and advanced laboratory instrumentation

• Fully instrumented torsional oscillator
• Modular architecture
• Adjustable torsion constant
• Variable rotational inertia
• Non-contact angular position sensor
• Non-contact angular velocity sensor
• Real-time analog outputs
• Variable magnetic damping
• Sliding friction damping
• Fluid drag damping
• Magnetic torque drive
• Arbitrary waveform excitation
• Wide Q-factor range (less than 1 to greater than 100)
• High-precision angular position measurement
• Suitable for undergraduate and postgraduate laboratories