In the United States, torque is measured in what unit?

Torque is a measure of rotational force and in the United States, it is commonly expressed in foot-pounds. This unit means the amount of torque produced when a force of one pound is applied at a distance of one foot from the pivot point or axis of rotation. Foot-pounds are standard in various mechanical and aerospace applications, making it essential for professionals in these fields to be familiar with this unit when working on assembly and maintenance tasks.

The significance of using foot-pounds in the aerospace industry lies largely in the need for precise control over fastener tension and joint integrity. Torque specifications for bolts and other fasteners are critical to ensuring safety and performance in aircraft design and construction. Therefore, familiarity with foot-pounds is vital for proper assembly mechanics.

In contrast, other units of torque may be used globally, such as Newton meters and pound-inches, which are more prevalent in different regions or contexts. However, in the context of standard practice in the United States, foot-pounds is the primary unit of measure you will encounter.