Which term would describe a load that causes twisting because it's applied at a right angle to the member?

Which term would describe a load that causes twisting because it's applied at a right angle to the member?

• A. Eccentric Load
• B. Axial Load
• C. Concentrated Load
• D. Torsional Load

Answer: (D)

Twisting of a member is described by a torsional load. This is a twisting moment about the member’s longitudinal axis, which occurs when a force is applied in a way that creates a torque around that axis. An external force that acts perpendicular to the length can produce this rotational effect, especially when its line of action creates a turning moment on the cross-section. In contrast, an axial load acts along the length, causing compression or tension without rotation; an eccentric load mainly causes bending due to being off center; a concentrated load is a single point force that produces local bending and shear rather than twisting. Therefore, the term that best describes twisting caused by a right-angle force is torsional load.

Twisting of a member is described by a torsional load. This is a twisting moment about the member’s longitudinal axis, which occurs when a force is applied in a way that creates a torque around that axis. An external force that acts perpendicular to the length can produce this rotational effect, especially when its line of action creates a turning moment on the cross-section. In contrast, an axial load acts along the length, causing compression or tension without rotation; an eccentric load mainly causes bending due to being off center; a concentrated load is a single point force that produces local bending and shear rather than twisting. Therefore, the term that best describes twisting caused by a right-angle force is torsional load.