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The Turn of the Screw

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Summary

Areas of Science
Difficulty
 
Time Required
Short (2-5 days)
*Note: For this science project you will need to develop your own experimental procedure. Use the information in the summary tab as a starting place. If you would like to discuss your ideas or need help troubleshooting, use the Ask An Expert forum. Our Experts won't do the work for you, but they will make suggestions and offer guidance if you come to them with specific questions.

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Abstract

How much force is required to advance a lag bolt (large wood screw with a hex-shaped head) into a piece of wood? You can measure the force by using a spring scale attached to the handle of ratchet. Pull on the spring scale until the bolt starts to turn, and note the required force from the spring scale. There are many potential experiments you could try. Think about answering the following questions: How does the force change as the bolt advances deeper into the wood? Why? How does the required force change as the diameter of the pilot hole is changed? Why? Can you change the required force by rubbing the bolt's threads with soap or wax? (Coyle, 2005)

Bibliography

Coyle, C.P., 2005. "Some Variables Affecting the Torque Required to Turn a Screw," California State Science Fair Project Abstract [accessed April 18, 2006] http://cssf.usc.edu/History/2005/Projects/J0205.pdf.
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Global Connections

The United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UNSDGs) are a blueprint to achieve a better and more sustainable future for all.

This project explores topics key to Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure: Build resilient infrastructure, promote sustainable industrialization and foster innovation.

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General citation information is provided here. Be sure to check the formatting, including capitalization, for the method you are using and update your citation, as needed.

MLA Style

Science Buddies Staff. "The Turn of the Screw." Science Buddies, 7 May 2021, https://www.sciencebuddies.org/science-fair-projects/project-ideas/ApMech_p032/mechanical-engineering/turn-of-the-screw?class=AQW0SbgRd4KI_yiijOMUC6MDKL-yyR2pGA3BmJYNFpydKRIGdhNt1QHQIUKWw7B2zddBy5_Xv0cC5NmDmyZSoQPbQO7sK7oOJi47Hru9LgAQ9w. Accessed 25 Apr. 2024.

APA Style

Science Buddies Staff. (2021, May 7). The Turn of the Screw. Retrieved from https://www.sciencebuddies.org/science-fair-projects/project-ideas/ApMech_p032/mechanical-engineering/turn-of-the-screw?class=AQW0SbgRd4KI_yiijOMUC6MDKL-yyR2pGA3BmJYNFpydKRIGdhNt1QHQIUKWw7B2zddBy5_Xv0cC5NmDmyZSoQPbQO7sK7oOJi47Hru9LgAQ9w


Last edit date: 2021-05-07
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