Ways of determining torque
The first way of determining torque is by measurement. Breakaway torque falls in this category. Breakaway or starting torque is measured by a torque wrench in small machines or a long lever that is loaded with weights to a point where the lead shaft breaks away and commences rotating. Torque is determined by multiplying the length of the arm lever in feet by the required weight to break the shaft away. Electric motor substitution also falls under this category. Running torques can be determined by temporarily coupling an electric motor to the shaft and measuring the motor line current as it runs. Another way of determining torque is by comparison. The new machine can be compared to an older machine that performs the same job, and all the factors such as speed, torque, and horsepower are recorded or known. Estimation of torque is done by comparing the horsepower of both machines followed by dividing the horsepower by speed to determine the hydraulic motor torque. The last way to determine torque is by calculation. This occurs when comparison estimates in relation to the torque of new machines are not easily acquired. To calculate the final output of a machine from the starting point if the machine output is in linear motion the formula to compute horsepower is HP = (F × D) ÷ [t × 33,000]. In a case where the machine output is in rotary, the formula to implement to acquire the horsepower is HP = T × RPM. After determining the horsepower work towards the input shaft of the machine adding horsepower in each step to make up for the loss of friction in parts of the system such as bearings and gears. Working from the output to the input of speed, it is vital to adjust the speed through gearboxes and chain drives to mention a few. The hydraulic motor will be coupled at the speed of the input shaft. These estimations make it easy to determine the torque produced.