A torsion box consists of
two thin layers of material (skins) on either side of a lightweight core, usually a grid of beams. It is designed to resist
torsion under an applied load. A hollow core door is probably the most common example of a torsion box (stressed skin) structure. The principle is to use less material more efficiently. The torsion box uses the properties of its thin surfaces to carry the imposed loads primarily through tension while the close proximity of the enclosed core material compensates for the tendency of the opposite side to buckle under compression.
Torsion boxes are used in the construction of structural insulated panels for houses, wooden
tables and
doors,
skis,
snowboard
Snowboards are boards where the user places both feet, usually secured, to the same board. The board itself is wider than most skis, with the ability to glide on snow."snowboarding." Dictionary.com Unabridged (v 1.1). Random House, Inc. 17 Mar ...
s, and
airframes - especially
wing
A wing is a type of fin that produces both Lift (force), lift and drag while moving through air. Wings are defined by two shape characteristics, an airfoil section and a planform (aeronautics), planform. Wing efficiency is expressed as lift-to-d ...
s and
vertical stabilizer
A vertical stabilizer or tail fin is the static part of the vertical tail of an aircraft. The term is commonly applied to the assembly of both this fixed surface and one or more movable rudders hinged to it. Their role is to provide control, sta ...
s.
References
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See also
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Tubular bridge and
Fairbairn crane, the Victorian invention of the multiple torsion box, for the construction of bridges and cranes in wrought iron.
Structural engineering
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