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Experiment 1-1

The document outlines an experiment focused on measuring bending stresses in a simply supported beam using strain gauges and a load cell. It details the procedure for taking strain readings at various loads, correcting those readings, and analyzing the relationship between bending moment and strain. Additionally, it includes discussion items for evaluating the results and understanding the behavior of the beam under load.

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30 views3 pages

Experiment 1-1

The document outlines an experiment focused on measuring bending stresses in a simply supported beam using strain gauges and a load cell. It details the procedure for taking strain readings at various loads, correcting those readings, and analyzing the relationship between bending moment and strain. Additionally, it includes discussion items for evaluating the results and understanding the behavior of the beam under load.

Uploaded by

amrutkar42069
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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CE 393: Structural Engineering and Materials Laboratory

Experinment # 3: BENDING STRESSES IN ABEAM


DESCRIPTION
This exercise is focused on behaviour of a simply supported beam subjected to bending
moment resulting in flexural stresses. A measurement of strains and loads willbe made.
Fig. 1a shows the test set-up for the bending stresses in beam. It consists of an inverted
aluminium T-beam, with strain gauges fixed on the section (the front panels shows the exact
position).
The panel assembly and load cell apply load to the top of the beam at two positions (see
Fig. 1b) each side of the strain gauges. This loading arrangement creates constant bending
moment area and avoids stress concentration close to the gauge positions.

PROCEDURE
1 Ensure the beam and load cell are properly aligned.
2. Take the nine zero strain readings by choosing the number with the selector switch. Fill
the Table 1a with the zero force values.
3. Increase the load to 60 N and note all nine strain readings. Repeat the procedure in 6o N
increments to 30o N.
4. Gradually unload the specimen to zero and repeat the steps 2 and 3 to take another set of
readings.

Beam
Loading frame

Support Support
Pin
Strain gauges
(9 of)
Digital force
display STR8A Ioad cell

420 rmm

IN

Digital strain display

Figure 1a: Experimental set-up for bending stresses in beams

Page 1 of3
CE 393: Structural Engineering and Materials Laboratory

VAW

-350 mm -350 mm

-835 mm

Figure 1b: Beam set-up schematic showing the position of loads


load
5. Correct the strain reading values for zero (be careful with your signs!), convert the
against
to bending moment and fill Table 1b. From your results, plot a graph of strain
bending moment for all nine gauges.
6. Calculate the average strains from the pair of gauges and enter your results in Table 2
(disregard the zero values). Take the average of two sets of strain readings. Plot the strain
against the relative vertical position of the strain gauge pairs on the same graph for each
value of bending moment. Take the top of the beam as the datum. Calculate the second
moment of area and position of the neutral axis for the section (use vernier to measure
the exact size of the section) and add the position of the neutral axis to the plot. Take
modulus of aluminium as 69 GPa.

DISCUSsION ITEMS
1. What is the relationship between the bending moment and the strain at the various
positions (discuss based on the graph plotted in step 5).
2. What do you notice about the strain gauge readings on opposite sides of the section?
Should they be identical? If readings are not identical, give two reasons.
3. Compare the experimental value of neutral axis to the theoretical estimate. Also.
caleulate the maximum stres in the section by converting strain into stress values (at the
maximum load) and compare with theoretical value. Discuss possible sources of errors and
their potential impact on your results.
A, Did the readings at smaller loads or deflections seem to show more scatter (and
deviations from predictions) than the ones at higher values? If so, what do you think is
the reason?
5. Discuss any assumptions and limitations that may have influenced the results.
6. Discuss about the repeatability of test results by comparing the strain reading measured
during loading and reloading. If readings are not identical, give two reasons.
7. Briefly discuss the working principle of strain gauges.

Page 2 of3
CE 393: Structural Engineering and Materials Laboratory

Table 1a: Strain readings (ue) for various loads


(uncorrected)
Gauge Loading/Unloading (N)
Number
L60 u L 20 |249L 30D
1
20 2820312 b3||36 |o9882o3 4
2
415 394 378366 4 I 333
3 370369 |233 323 241 272 2Ky 23921S 2o5
4
5|4|14
5
6
T4733 527462s 463 76451%|88 800
7 828

rl-78-y-1H3-l1s-q2-8766-oI 40
Table 1b: Corrected Strain readings (u[)
Gauge Bending Moment (N-m)
Number 0 (o
1

5
6 0

Table 2: Average Strain readings (ue)


Vertical Bending Moment (N-m)
Gauge position
Number 0
(mm)
1

2,3

4, 5 23

6,7 31.7

8,9 38.1

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