The phrase "apply a torque" is correct and can be used in written English.
It means to exert a twisting or turning force on an object. You can use it when describing a physical action or process that involves turning or rotating something. Example: The mechanic applied a torque to the bolts in order to tighten them securely.
When an external magnetic field is applied, a torque generated on the magnetic pieces produces membrane displacement.
Realizing flexion/extension the actuator applies a torque adequate to the joint position of the human ankle during level ground walking.
The test consists in inserting the toothed nail into a mortar joint and then applying a torque by means of a dynamometric key, until reaching the failure of the material.
When a single motor applies a torque to the point where the petals meet, it causes the entire structure to rotate about its joints and fold up into a hollow dodecahedron (like a twelve-sided, almost-round box), earning it the name of Rotary Actuated Dodecahedron (RAD).
The material spirals inward, applying a torque to the pulsar's magnetic field and spinning it up.
At this configuration, the tension in the cables, which are applying a torque against the disturbance force, change the direction of the torque and makes the ankle unstable.
The two-wheeled robot is controlled by applying a torque ( tau_{text{R}} ) and ( tau_{text{L}} ) to the right and left wheels, respectively.
First, the effect of (tau_{text{L}}): applying a torque (tau_{text{L}}) at (J_{text{Hm}}) causes a tension force to be generated in the front leg and a compression force in the middle leg.
This leftward lean of the bike, called counter lean by some authors, will cause it to steer to the left and initiate a right-hand turn as if the rider had countersteered to the left by applying a torque directly to the handlebars.
