B5.

8EC1 - Mechanical Engineering Science 3 (Strength of Materials)

Lab preparation: Bending of beams

The measurements taken during this lab exercise are quite straightforward. The emphasis of the lab exercise is to analyse the recorded experimental data and to compare it with theory, during the lab session. Therefore please attempt the following calculations before the lab, and bring along your calculator (and your laptop with Excel, if you have one) to your lab session.

Deflection of a statically indeterminate beam Calculate the support reactions and moments, and determine an expression for the deflection of the beam along its length. Use E=69 GN/m2. (See Worked example 8 in the Section on beam deflection in your notes).

Beam: 0.35 m

3.92N

Beam cross-section: 2.0 mm

z y x 19.75 mm 0.45 m

TecQuipment STR13

B5.8EC1 - Mechanical Engineering Science 3 (Strength of Materials)

Lab sheet: Bending of beams

Objectives: To measure the reactions at the supports and the deflection of a statically indeterminate beam. To compare the values calculated from the measurements with the relevant theory covered in the course. To demonstrate the principles involved and give practical support to your studies. The measurements taken during this lab exercise are quite straightforward. The emphasis of the lab exercise is to analyse the recorded experimental data and to compare it with theory, during the lab session. Therefore attempt the preparatory calculations (above) before the lab, and bring along your calculator (and your laptop with Excel, if you have one) to your lab.

Deflection of a statically indeterminate beam Equipment The equipment consists of a beam, supports that measure vertical beam reactions and fixing moments, and a dial indicator for measuring deflections. Procedure The beam is of length 450 mm and has a fixed support at each end, i.e. a built-in beam. Apply a 400 g mass at 350 mm from the left-hand end. Measure the fixing moment at the left-hand support and the vertical reaction at the right-hand support. Measure the deflection along the beam length at intervals of 50 mm, and also at the centre of the beam. Repeat the measurements for an 800 g mass at 350 mm from the left-hand end. Calculate the support reactions and moments, and derive an equation for the deflection of the beam along its length. Use the Excel spread sheet to record the measurements and to: (i) plot a graph of the measured beam deflection (v) against position along the beam (x); (ii) incorporate the theoretical prediction of the shape. Use E=69 GN/m2.

For the Full report only: From your experimental data, estimate the position and value of the maximum deflection of the beam for each load. Compare the experimental and theoretical values and discuss any differences between them.

B5.8EC1 - Mechanical Engineering Science 3 (Strength of Materials)

Short report sheet: Bending of beams

Name: Registration number:

What does this lab exercise demonstrate; how is the experiment relevant to engineering design / industry? 1. 2. 3. Deflection of a statically indeterminate beam. Sketch a free-body diagram for the built-in beam you are testing, clearly marking the position and value of the applied load. How do you immediately recognise that this is a statically indeterminate situation?

In this figure of the equipment, identify where a fixing moment is measured and where a reaction is measured at the supports. Describe briefly how the equipment measures these quantities.

What were the values of the measured fixing moment and the vertical reaction for the 400g mass? What were the calculated values and how do they compare with the measurements (you do not need to show your calculation of R1, M1, R2 and M2 in this Short report).

B5.8EC1 - Mechanical Engineering Science 3 (Strength of Materials) Write down the theoretical expression you determined that describes the beam deflection along the beam length (you do not need to show your derivation in this Short report). Use it to calculate the deflection at the midpoint of the beam and compare with your experimental values for the 400 g mass. Do show your working to calculate the midpoint deflection here.

Comment on the size of the experimental values for the fixing moment, vertical reaction and deflection compare for the 400 and 800 g loads. What general principle is demonstrated?

What errors affected your experiment? How could the experimental method be improved?

Conclusion: What can you conclude from this lab exercise? How do your findings relate to engineering design?