Question

Difficulty: MediumInferring Author Purpose and Intent

When securing critical mechanical fasteners, technicians often assume that applying higher torque directly produces a stronger joint. In reality, up to ninety percent of applied torque is consumed overcoming friction in the threads and beneath the bolt head, leaving only ten percent to generate clamping tension. Applying thread lubricants drastically alters this balance by reducing friction coefficient, which allows identical torque values to stretch bolts past their yield point and cause mechanical failure. Proper torquing protocols require mechanics to adjust torque specifications according to the specific lubricant used rather than relying on dry torque tables.

What is the author's primary purpose in writing this passage?

  1. A
    detail the exact percentage of applied torque that is lost to frictional resistance
  2. explain how thread lubrication affects clamping tension to highlight the importance of adjusted torque guidelinesAnswer
  3. C
    advise mechanics to avoid using thread lubricants on any critical fasteners
  4. D
    recommend that workshops replace manual wrenches with automated torque monitoring systems

Answer

explain how thread lubrication affects clamping tension to highlight the importance of adjusted torque guidelines
The passage begins by explaining how friction consumes torque and how lubricants alter tension dynamics, ultimately concluding that technicians must adjust their torque specifications when using lubricants. Thus, the author's primary intent is to explain this mechanical principle to emphasize the necessity of following adjusted torque guidelines.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the passage structure and central topic
The author introduces fastener mechanics, explains how lubricants reduce friction and alter bolt tension, and concludes with the necessity of adjusting torque protocols.
Identifying the organizational flow clarifies the relationship between supporting technical facts and the core message.
2
Distinguish between minor supporting facts and the author's primary communicative intent
The mention of ninety percent torque loss serves as evidence to explain why lubricants have such a significant impact on final tension, leading to the main takeaway about adjusting torque specifications.
Standardized reading assessments frequently include accurate passage details as distractors to test whether the reader can identify the broader purpose.
3
Select the choice that encapsulates both the technical explanation and the practical conclusion
The option stating that the author explains the mechanics of lubrication to emphasize following adjusted torque guidelines correctly reflects the whole text.
The author's intent is to educate the reader on the mechanical cause-and-effect relationship in order to justify proper procedural adjustments.

Key Concept

Inferring Author Purpose and Intent
Estimated Time:1m 0s
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