Torque and friction tester

An apparatus for measuring torque characteristics of devices (20, 73) includes a first shaft (19) having torque applied thereto by a first device (20) and a second shaft (41) having torque applied thereto by a second device (73). Sensing elements (31) are provided which detect the forces generated by the torque of the first and second shafts (19, 41) and produce electrical signals proportional to the forces detected. A first coupling device (25) transfers the forces generated by the torque from the first and second shafts (19, 41) to the sensing elements (31). A suspension mechanism (57) permits the second device (73) to move laterally independent in two spatial dimensions with respect to the first device (20) so as to minimize any effects from mechanical misalignment and the structural support frame (10). The apparatus can be adapted to measure frictional characteristics of devices (20, 73) by providing an actuator (93) for applying a torque to a third shaft (92). A second coupling device (95 ) transfers the rotational moment generated by the actuator (93) from the third shaft (92) to the first shaft (19). Sensing elements (31), contained within the second coupling device (95) measure the frictional characteristics of the first device (20) and compensates from mechanical misalignment between the actuator (93) and the first device (20).