Scribd
Upload
128 views

Lab Test # 1: Cantilever Beam Experiment: Objectives

1. The document describes a lab experiment to test a cantilever beam and measure surface strains, deflection, and compare analytical and experimental stress values. 2. A steel beam instrumented with 3 strain gauges is loaded incrementally up to 3kg while deflection and strain readings are recorded. 3. Calculations will compare theoretical and experimental stress and deflection values, analyze deflection-load relationships, and calculate elastic modulus. Statistical analysis of errors will also be performed.

Uploaded by

Ali Gh
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
128 views

Lab Test # 1: Cantilever Beam Experiment: Objectives

1. The document describes a lab experiment to test a cantilever beam and measure surface strains, deflection, and compare analytical and experimental stress values. 2. A steel beam instrumented with 3 strain gauges is loaded incrementally up to 3kg while deflection and strain readings are recorded. 3. Calculations will compare theoretical and experimental stress and deflection values, analyze deflection-load relationships, and calculate elastic modulus. Statistical analysis of errors will also be performed.

Uploaded by

Ali Gh
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
You are on page 1/ 7

LAB TEST # 1: CANTILEVER BEAM EXPERIMENT

OBJECTIVES:
1. To measure surface strains in a cantilever beam using electrical
strain gages.
2. To measure the deflection of the beam using LPDT.
3. To compare the analytical and experimental values of the stress in
the stress in cantilever beam.
4. To present the results in terms of statistical values.
5. To become acquainted with various items of structural testing
equipment.

REFERENCE
R.C. Hibbeler "Mechanics of Materials", Sixth Edition.

TEST SPECIMEN
A steel beam, flat bar cross section, instrumented with 3 strain gages.

EQUIPMENT
1. Structural testing frame.
2. Calibrated weights.
3. Data acquisition unit connected to a personal computer (PC)
4. Linear potentiometric displacement transducer (LPDT)
5. Measuring instruments as required.

PROCEDURE
1. The set-up for this experiment is shown in figure 1. The strain
gauges used are 10 mm long, with a resistance of 120 .
2. Using the appropriate instruments, measure the length, and depth
of the beam. Also, with the same accuracy used to determine the
Length of the beam, measure the distance from the fixed end of
the beam to centerline of each gage. Estimate the accuracy of
these measurements.
3. Check the data acquisition system, the personal computer and
driving software. Familiarize yourself with their operation.
4. Start the data acquisition (DA) program and create an electronic
file on the computer hard drive for data logging. Using the DA
program, set the initial values of strains and deflection to zero at
no load. Put the DA program on "monitoring mode".
5. Load the beam (gently) in increments of approximate 0.2 kg, up
to 3.0 kg. After placing each load increment, allow the system to
stabilize before logging the data.
6. Log the strains and mid-point deflection for each load increment
by changing the mode of the DA program from "monitoring" to
"log". In the "log" mode, the DA program writes one set of data
in the log file every 2 sec. Wait for about 10 seconds and switch
back to the monitoring mode. Keep an accurate record of the total
applied load at each loading increment for later synchronization
with the data in the log file.
7. After reaching the maximum load (3.0 kg) release the load from
the beam, in increments of 0.2 kg until all loads are removed.
Again log the strain gauge and LVDT readings for each
increment.
8. Copy the electronic file that contains the results to a floppy
diskette.
9. Turn off all equipment, and tidy up.



CALCULTIONS
1. The theoretical values of normal stress can be determined from
the flexural formula:
I
c M
=
(1)
Where,
= Normal stress
M = Bending moment
C = Distance from N.A. to the extreme fibers (C= h/2 for the
rectangular cross-section)
I = Moment of inertia (I = bh
3
/12 for the rectangular cross-section)
For this set-up, can be calculated from:
2
) ( 6
bh
x L P
=
(2)
2. Using the measured strains, , the experimental values of stress,
, can be determined from:
= E (3)
Where, E is the elastic modulus.
3. The theoretical value of deflection () for the cantilever beam is:
) 3 (
6
2
x L
EI
x P
=
(4)
Where, I = = bh
3
/12 for the rectangular cross-section,
x = Distance from the fixed end of the cantilever.

ANALYSIS
1. Produce plots of measured strains vs. applied load for the 3 strain
gauges.
2. Compare the theoretical and experimental values of stress at the
strain gage locations using equations 2 and 3, respectively. When
computing the experimental values of stress with equation 2, use
E=200 GPa.
3. Compare theatrical and experimental values graphically and
produce statistical parameters for the errors (mean, Standard
Deviation, etc.)
4. Conduct P- (Load-Deflection) graph from the experimental data.
Comment on the linearity of P- relationship (or the lack of it).
5. Using Equations 4, determine the experimental value of modulus
of elasticity, E, at each load increment. How do these values of E
compare with the handbook value of 200 GPa for mild steel? If
the computed values of E are different from the handbook value,
what are the possible causes?
6. Prepare a report according to the given guidelines. Include all
calculations made under "Preliminary Calculations" in Appendix.


3
LPDT LPDT Data Acquisition Unit
Figure 2 Data Acquisition System
1
2
L/2 L/2
L X
1

Deflection at mid-span
X
L - X
L
P
Gauges
C = h/2
Figure1. Test Set-Up
EI
PL
3
48
5
=

b
h

You might also like