ENGINEERING MECHANICS LAB MANUAL

Engineering mechanics
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1. To verify the law of triangle of forces and Lami`s theorem.

2. To verify the law of parallelogram of forces.
3. To verify law of polygon of forces.
4. To determine the support reactions of a given truss and verify it
analytically.

5. To determine support reaction of a Simply Supported Beam and verify

it analytically using parallel beam apparatus.
6.To determine the moment of inertia of fly wheel by falling weight
method.
7. To verify the law of moments by Rotating disc apparatus.
8. To verity the law of moments using a Bell crank lever.
 EXPERIMENT NO. 1

LAMI’S THEOREM & LAW OF TRIANGLE OF FORCES

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Aim: To verify the law of Lami’s theorem and Triangle of forces.

Theory: Law of Triangle of forces states that “If three coplanar, concurrent forces are in equilibrium, the
forces can be represented in magnitude and direction by the sides of triangle drawn in such a way that the
sides of triangle are parallel to the forces taken in order”.

If two coplanar ,concurrent forces acting on a particle is represented in magnitude and direction by the two
sides of a triangle, taken in order, their resultant can be represented in magnitude and direction by the third
side of the triangle but in opposite order.

Lami’s theorem states that “If three coplanar concurrent forces acting on a body are in equilibrium, then
each force is directly proportional to the sine of angle between the other two forces”.
Apparatus Used:

1. Board with pulleys

2. stepped weights hanger

3. Strings,

4. Weights

5. Drawing Sheets

Procedure:

1, Take two wire apparatus and fix drawing sheet on the board.,

2; Connect the hanger at the end of each string and hang the given weight on the pivot provided.

3. Note down the reading of the two spring balances and weight F 2 so that equilibrium condition is
achieved.

4. Mark the position of strings on the drawing sheet using mirror after equilibrium condition is
reached.

5. Note down magnitudes of weight F1, F2 and F3 in the table.

4. Repeat the above procedure for various sets of readings.

5. Measure magnitude of resultant6 force R graphically for verification of triangle law.

6. Measure the angle α, β, and γ for verification of Lamis theorm,

 Observations And Calculations : Law of Triangle of Forces

S.No. Experimental Experimental Experimental Graphical Force % error

Force F1 Force F2 Force F3 F3’
kg kg kg F3 –F’3 x100
F3
1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

Result:

1. Law of triangle of forces- ________________(Verified /Not verified)

1. For ____ sets of observations, the observed percentage error is____________________

 Observations And Calculations : Lami`s Theorem

S. Observed Observed Analytical % error

No.
Force F1 Force F2 Force F3 Angle α Angle β Angle γ F’1 F’2 F1 –F’1 x100 F2 –F’2 x100
F1 F2

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

Result:

1. Lami’s Theorem of forces- ________________(Verified /Not verified)

2. For ____ sets of observations, the observed percentage error is____________________

Precautions:

I. Pulleys should be smooth.

2. Place the weights gently.

3. Fix the drawing Sheet properly.

Viva Questions:

1. Describe the law of triangle of forces?

Ans:
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2. State Lami’s theorem?

Ans:
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3. What are the analytical and graphical equilibrium conditions?

Ans:
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4.What are the limitations of Lami`s theorem?

Ans:
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5.What is the exact no. of forces for which Lami`s theorem is applied?
Ans:
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EXPERIMENT NO. 2

LAW OF PARALLELOGRAM OF FORCES

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Aim: To verify the law of parallelogram of forces

Theory: If two force F1 and F2 acting on a particle, be represented in magnitude and direction by the two
adjacent sides of a parallelogram, then their resultant (R) is represented by the diagonal of the
parallelogram ,Magnitude and direction of the resultant force is given by:

Apparatus used:

1. Board with pulleys, 2.stepped weights hanger, 3. Strings,

4. Weights 5.Drawing Sheets

Procedure:
1. Take two wire apparatus and fix drawing sheet on the board.

2. Connect the hanger at the end of each string and hang the giving weight on the pivot provided.

3. Note down the reading of two weight W1 and W2 &weight R so that equilibrium condition is achieved.

4. Mark the position of strings on the drawing sheet using mirror after equilibrium condition is reached.

5. Note down magnitudes of weight F1, F2, R and measure angle ϴ and α.

6. Repeat the above procedure for various sets of readings. in the table.

7. Repeat the above procedure for various sets of readings.

Observations And Calculations :

S. Observed Forces Observed Analytical values % error

No. Angles

F1 F2 R θ α α’ R’ R’ – R x 100 α’ – α x100
R’ α’

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

Result:
 1. Law of Parallelogram of Forces- ________________(Verified /Not verified)

2. For ____ sets of observations, the observed percentage error is____________________

Precautions:

1. Pulleys should be smooth.

2. Place the weights gently.

3. Fixed the drawing Sheet properly.

Viva Questions:

1. What are units of forces? Define force?

Ans:
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2. What are the various types of force?

Ans:
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3.What do you understand by force?

Ans:
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4.what do you understand by the term parallel forces?

Ans:
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5.Distinguish between like forces and unlike forces.

Ans:
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6.What are collinear, coplanar & concurrent forces?

Ans:
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7.What is a couple?

Ans:
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8.state the characteristics of couple?

Ans:
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 EXPERIMENT NO. 3

LAW OF POLYGON OF FORCES

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Aim: To verify the law of parallelogram of forces by universal force table apparatus.

Theory: This law states that “if a number of coplanar, concurrent forces Is represented in magnitude and
direction by the sides of a polygon taken in order then their resultants represented in magnitude and
direction by the closing side of the polygon but in opposite order”.

Apparatus Used:
1. Universal force table

2. Strings

3. Weights

4. Hangers

5. drawing sheets

Procedure:

1. Draw the thread over the pulley and connect the hangers at one end of string whose other end is
connected to the circular ring.

2. Add suitable weights in each hanger till the ring is in centre and apply load in the thread in such a way
that all the forces are in equilibrium.

3. Mark the position of thread with the help of mirror on paper and join all the points.

4. Measure the angles between the strings and read the values of the corresponding weights.

5. Draw the vector diagram and calculate the percentage error.

6. Repeat the experiment for minimum five sets.

Observations And Calculations :

S. Experimental Angles Experimental weights Graphical Percentage error

No
α1 α2 α3 α4 α5 F1 F2 F3 F4 F5 F5’ α5’ F5 - F5’ x 100 α 5 - α 5’ x 100
F5 α5

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

Result:

1. Law of Polygon of Forces- ________________(Verified /Not verified)

2. For ____ sets of observations, the observed percentage error is____________________

Precaution:

1.Pulleys should be smooth.

2. Place the weights gently.

3. Plotting should he done carefully.

4. Clean the apparatus carefully.

5. The ring should be at centre for equilibrium position.

Viva Questions:
1. Define free body diagram?

Ans:
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2. What is equilibrant?

Ans:
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3. What are the analytical and graphical conditions of equilibrium of a ringid body?

Ans:
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4. What are the difference between force polygon and funicular polygon?

Ans:
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5.Define the term Resultant.

Ans:
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6. Differentiate between Resultant and Equilibrant.

Ans……………………………………………………………………………………………………………
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EXPERIMENT NO. 4

SUPPORT REACTION OF A TRUSS

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Aim: To determine the support reactions of a given truss and verify it analytically
Theory: The truss is one of the major types of engineering structures. It provides both a practical and

economical solution to many engineering situations, especially in Learning content the design of bridges

and buildings. A truss consists of straight members connected at joints. The truss is designed to carry

those loads which acts in its plane and thus treated as a two-dimensional structure. The applied loads are at

the joints. The load shared by the members of the truss is along their axes. These members are either in

tension tend to elongate or in compression tends to shorten. Force analysis in the members of the truss

helps in deciding their size. The first step in the procedure of analysis is to determine the reaction on

the support.

The aim of the experiment is to find support reaction of a given truss (in the present case it

is warren type) and verify analytically considering it simply supported. The truss is loaded at three joints

and supported on a frame through spring balances at two joints. The readings on the spring balance show

the amount of force on the support.

Apparatus Used:

(a) A warren- truss apparatus

(b) A set of slotted masses of known values weights (1 kg, 2 kg, ..... ..)

(c) A measuring tape

(d) Sprit level etc.

Procedure:

(a) Ensure that the truss remains in a vertical plane during the observation

(b) Note the initial reading on the scale of spring balance.

(c) Place the known masses at specified joints (here they are three)

(d) Note the changed readings on the scale of spring balances

(e) Change the loads at these joints and record the corresponding readings of spring balance scale
(f) Take at least FIVE or more sets of observations and tabulate them

(g) Measure the distance of loads from the left end of support of spring balance

(L1, L2, L3 for W1, W2, W3 respectively). Measure the distance L between the

spring balance support.

Considering the equilibrium of forces :

ΣV = 0

i.e., RA +RB =W1 +W2 +W3

and

ΣMA= o

RB= (W1L1 + W2L2 +W3L3)/L

Then RA =(W1 +W2 +W3)-RB

 Observations And Calculations :

S.No. Applied Loads Final Experimental Analytica % error in RA Experiment Analytical % error in RB
Reading of Reaction l al Reaction Reaction
spring Reaction RA –R’A x100 RB –R’B x100
balance R’A =S”A –SA RA R’B =S”B – RB RB
W1 W2 W3 S”A S”B RA SB

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

Results

1. For ____ sets of observations, the observed percentage error in RA is____________________

2. For ____ sets of observations, the observed percentage error in RB is____________________
Precautions

(a)Ensure the loads and the truss are in a vertical plane throughout the observation

(b) Do not put excessive load..

(c) Remove the load as the observations are over.

(d) Loads should be placed gently.

Viva questions:

1. What is a perfect frame?

Ans:
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2. What are the methods of analysisng a perfect frame?
Ans:
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3. Which are the various type of frames?

Ans:
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4. What is redundant frame?

Ans:
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5. Write expression for perfect frame.

Ans:
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6. Which are the assumptions made in the analysis of a perfect frame?

Ans:
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7. What is deficient frame?

Ans:
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 EXPERIMENT NO. 5

SHEAR FORCE OF SIMPLY SUPPORTED BEAM

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Aim: To determine support reaction of a Simply Supported Beam and draw shear force diagram.

Theory: Shear force is the algebraic sum of all vertical forces either on left hand or right hand of section.

Apparatus Used:

1. Parallel beam apparatus. 2. Measuring scale. 3. Sets of weights. 4. Sprit level.

Procedure:

1. Measure the length of the beam and and note down the balance readings for no load.

2. Apply loads at various points on the beam and measure its distance from support.

3. Note down the readings of balance.

4. Repeat the above steps with changing loads for at least five sets.
 5. Compare the experimental values with the analytical values.

Observations And Calculations :

S.N Applied Distance of Final reading Experimental Analytic % error in Experime Analytic % error in
o. Loads Load from end of spring Reaction al RA ntal al RB
A balance Reaction Reaction Reaction
W W W x2 x3 S”A S”B R’A =S”A –SA RA –R’A RB –R’B
1 2 3 x1 RA x100 R’B =S”B – RB x100
RA SB RB
1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

Results

1. For ____ sets of observations, the observed percentage error in RA

is____________________
2. For ____ sets of observations, the observed percentage error in RB

is____________________

Precautions

1. Level the beam properly at no load condition.

2. Keep the loads gently.

3. Take the spring balance reading properly.

4. Measure the span and position of the loads carefully.

Viva questions:

1. Define a beam?
 Ans:
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2. Define S.F. and B.M.?

Ans:
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3. What are various types of beam?

Ans:
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4. What are various types of supports?

Ans:
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5. What are various types of loadings?

Ans:
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6.What is point of contraflexure?

Ans:
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EXPERIMENT NO. 6

FLY WHEEL
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Aim: To determine the moment of inertia of fly wheel by falling weight method.

Theory: Flywheel is a device which absorb energy when demand is Less than the supply of energy ans
will give out the energy when demand is more than the energy being supplied.It consists of a heavy wheel
mounted on the axle and the axle is supported on small bearing.

Let N1 be the number of revolutions made by flywheel while the mass m is falling by height ‘h’ and N2 be
the number of revolutions made by the flywheel before coming to rest. Let ’t’ be the time taken to
complete the revolution N2 ,r be the radius of flywheel ,then the moment of inertia of flywheel
Apparatus Required:

1. Flywheel. 2. Hanger with known masses

3. Weight 4. Stop watch 5. Measuring tape

6. String 7. Vernier calipers.

Procedure:

1. Measure the radius of the axle by vernier caliper.

2. Attach the string & wind it and push the pin of string into the hole of axle &count the number of turns.
3. Attach the mass to the outer end of string and measure distance between floor and weight.
4. Release the mass. As mass falls, the wheel makes revolutions. Note the time of the fall from instant of
release to the instant it gets detached.
5. Start stop watch as mass is detached and observe the time taken to come to rest. Also note the
revolutions of flywheel after detachment of mass, Count the total number of revolutions made from the
instant the mass is released to the instant it comes to rest.
6. The steps as mentioned above are repeated and an average are taken.
7. Repeat the procedure for different weights.
Observations And Calculations :

Radius of flywheel axle (r) =……….cm

S.No. Suspended mass Height of No. of No. of Time Moment Average

(m) mass fall revolutions revolutions (t) of inertia moment
(h) during mass after mass fall of inertia
fall (N1) (N2)

1.

2.

3.

4.
5.

6.

Result:

Observed moment of inertia of flywheel is …………………..

Precautions:

1. Measure the lengths accurately.

2. Note down the time accurately.

3. Revolve the fly wheel without jerk.

Viva Questions:

1. What is a fly wheel?

Ans:
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2. Define plane Moment of Inertia?

Ans:
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3. Differentiate between inertia and moment of inertia?

Ans:
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4. Define radius of gyration?

Ans:
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5. Explain parallel axis theorem and perpendicular axis theorem?

Ans:
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6. Define product of Inertia and principal Moment of Inertia?

Ans:
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EXPERIMENT NO. 7

ROTATING DISC APPARATUS

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Aim: To verify the law of moments by rotating disc apparatus.

Theory: As per this law we can say that if a number of coplanar forces acting on a rigid body
which is in equilibrium then the algebraic sum of the moments of all forces about any point in
their plane is zero.

Apparatus Used: 1. Rotating disc apparatus 2. Sets of weights 3. Scale

Procedure:

1. Put weights in the two pans and note down W1 and W2.

2. Notc down the distance d1 and d, on the scale and enter in table.

3. Take different sets of reading by changing the position of pins &find out the value of both the moments.

4. Calculate the percentage error.

5. What is the principle of moment

Observations And Calculations :

S. Weight Distance from Weight Distance M 1 = W 1 d1 M 2 = W 2 d2 Percentage error=

No. W1 centre d1 W2 from centre M1 –M2 x 100
d2 M1

1.

2.
3.

4.

5.

Results :

The average percentage error is =……………………

Precautions:

1. Note down the distance carefully.

2. Place the Weights gently.

3. Lubrication should be done.

Viva questions:

1. What are the conditions of equilibrium?

Ans:
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2. Define Force.
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3. Define moment.
Ans:
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4. Define couple.
Ans:
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 5. Define Force, moment ,and couple.
Ans:
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6. State the conditions of equilibrium.

Ans:
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7. state the types of equilibrium.

Ans:
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8. Distinguish between moment and couple.

Ans:
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EXPERIMENT NO. 8

BELL CRANK LEVER

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Aim: To verify the law of moments using a bell crank lever.

Theory: This experiment is based on the basic engineering principle i.e., the Principle of Moments. The
algebraic sum of moments of all forces about any point is equal to the moment of the resultant about same
point.

Apparatus used:

1. Bell crank lever. 2. Sets of weights. 3. Sprit level 4. Meter scale

Procedure:

1. Note down the initial reading of the spring balance when no load is applied.

2. Apply suitable load W on the arm.

3. Measure distance on the scale from the fulcrum.

4. Note down the reading of the spring balance T in equilibrium.

5. Measure vertical distance.

6. Repeat the same process for different loads.

Observations And Calculations :

Length of arm d1 =…………………………..

S. Load Length Spring balance reading moments Percentage error=
No. on of side
lever
W d2 initial (S1) Final (S2) T= S2 – S1 M2 = W d2 M1 = W d1 M1 –M2 x 100
M1

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

Results

The average percentage error is =……………………

Precautions:

1. Weight should not be applied with any jerk.

2. Measure distance carefully from fulcrum.

3. Lever arm should horizontal before taking the reading.

Viva Questions:

1. Define lever?

Ans:
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2. Draw the free body diagram of lever?

 Ans:
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3. What is a bell crank lever?

Ans:
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4. What is the leverage?

Ans:
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5.Give the example of lever commonly used in our daily life?

Ans:
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6.Explain the principle of lever.

Ans:
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7.State the law of moments.

Ans:
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8.What is Varignon`s principle?

Ans:
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