Drejemoment

Drejemoment is a term found in Dutch-language engineering literature to denote the rotational effect produced by forces acting on a body, i.e., the moment of force about a chosen axis. In many contexts it is treated as equivalent to the English term torque or draaimoment, though terminology varies by source. The word combines draaien (to turn) with moment, reflecting its role as the rotational counterpart of linear force.

It is used to analyze how forces produce rotation in machines and structures, such as shafts, gears, or robotic joints. The quantity is typically expressed in newton-meters (N·m). In static situations, drejemoment equals the component of force perpendicular to the lever arm times the distance from the axis: T = F⊥ × r. In dynamic situations, drejemoment is related to angular acceleration via T = I α, where I is the moment of inertia and α is angular acceleration; equivalently, torque is the time rate of change of angular momentum (T = dL/dt), with L = I ω for a fixed inertia.

Terminology notes: some sources spell it draaimoment or koppel; drejemoment is less common outside certain regions or textbooks. The concept remains central to understanding how forces drive rotational motion in mechanical systems and is routinely used in design and analysis of drivetrains, machinery, and robotics.

Applications span automotive drivetrains, industrial machinery, and robotics, where the drejemoment transmitted or required informs design decisions and control strategies. See also: Torque, Moment of force, Koppel, Drehmoment.