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Definition of torsion

Aviation Mechanic General (AMG) practice question 3 of 33 on Aircraft Materials, Hardware, and Processes. ACS element AM.I.E.K3 · difficulty: recall. Want to answer it in a timed quiz? Use the Aviation Mechanic General (AMG) practice mode.

Question bank updated 2026-09-22

QUESTIONA structural member is fixed at one end and twisted at the other. Which type of stress is the member subjected to?

  1. ATorsion
  2. BShear
  3. CCompression
Show the answer and explanation

Correct answer: A. Torsion

  • A — correct Torsion is a twisting force; the handbook describes it as the action that occurs in a member fixed at one end and twisted at the other.
  • B — incorrect Shear is the tendency of parallel members to slide in opposite directions, like a cord between the blades of scissors, not a twisting action.
  • C — incorrect Compression is resistance to a crushing force, the opposite of tension, and does not describe twisting.

BACKGROUND

The five basic stresses that metals may be required to withstand are tension, compression, shear, bending, and torsion. Tension tends to pull a material apart, and compression is a crushing force, the opposite of tension. Shear is the tendency of parallel members to slide in opposite directions, like a thread placed between the blades of a pair of scissors. Bending is the deflection or curving of a member due to forces acting on it. Torsion is a twisting force, such as occurs in a member fixed at one end and twisted at the other; torsional strength is a material's resistance to twisting.

STUDY TIP

Associate each of the five stresses with its simple action word: pull, crush, slide, curve, and twist.

KEY POINTS

  • Torsion is a twisting force.
  • It occurs in a member fixed at one end and twisted at the other.
  • The five basic stresses are tension, compression, shear, bending, and torsion.

SOURCES

  • FAA-H-8083-30B ch07 "Metalworking Processes" (five basic stresses passage)
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SkyDrill is not affiliated with the FAA. This is an original practice item based on FAA-H-8083-30B Aviation Maintenance Technician Handbook – General, 14 CFR part 43 and part 65. Regulations and handbooks are revised; confirm details against the current edition.