Open Ended Lab Report

ME-216 Mechanics of Materials Lab

Experimental Analysis of Beam Deformation and Stresses Subjected
to Various Loadings
5th SEMESTER

Submitted to: LE. Muhammad Zeeshan Ahsan

Submitted by: Muhammed Hassan Khan

Session: ME-14 Group: Wednesday Section: C

School of Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering

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Table of Contents
INTRODUCTION................................................................................................................................................... 2
OBJECTIVES........................................................................................................................................................ 2
APPARATUS ....................................................................................................................................................... 2
ELASTIC LINE OF BEAM APPARATUS ................................................................................................................... 2
Components ........................................................................................................................................... 2
THEORY ............................................................................................................................................................ 3
BEAM AND ITS TYPES ....................................................................................................................................... 3
EXPERMENTAL SETUP .......................................................................................................................................... 4
SELECTION OF BEAM ....................................................................................................................................... 4
BOUNDARY CONDITIONS .................................................................................................................................. 4
FORMULAS AND DERIVATION ........................................................................................................................... 5
METHODOLOGY.................................................................................................................................................. 5
LOAD APPLICATION ............................................................................................................................................. 6
DATA ACQUISITION ............................................................................................................................................. 7
ANALYSIS........................................................................................................................................................... 7
CALCULATIONS ............................................................................................................................................... 7
SHEAR FORCE AND BENDING MOMENT DIAGRAMS .............................................................................................. 8
DEFLECTION DIAGRAMS ................................................................................................................................. 10
COMPARISON AND VALIDATION .......................................................................................................................... 12
FEA VALIDATION .............................................................................................................................................. 12
VALIDATION OF RESULTS ................................................................................................................................ 14
DISCUSSION ..................................................................................................................................................... 16
CONCLUSION ................................................................................................................................................... 16

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EXPERIMENTAL ANALYSIS OF BEAM DEFORMATION AND STRESSES

SUBJECTED TO VARIOUS LOADINGS, ALONG WITH VALIDATION OF
RESULTS USING FEA

INTRODUCTION
In this experiment, we analyzed the deflection, shear force, and bending moment of an aluminum
beam fixed at one end and free at the other. To achieve this, instead of applying one 10N force in
the center (because the presence of the force transducer in the middle was making it hard to hang
one load in center) two concentrated loads were applied simultaneously at fixed positions, 36 cm
and 54 cm from the fixed end. By plotting deflection, shear force, and bending moment
diagrams, we visualized the beam’s behaviour under applied forces. The experimental results
were further validated using Finite Element Analysis (FEA), providing a comprehensive
understanding of theoretical and practical correlations in beam mechanics.

OBJECTIVES
❖ To analyze the deformation and stresses in the beam made of different materials.
❖ To perform the analysis under the application of various loads and different boundary
conditions.
❖ To draw bending moment diagram and shear force diagram for the given beam
❖ To compare and validate the results using Finite Element Analysis software (FEA).

APPARATUS
The list of apparatus used to perform the experiment is given below
• Elastic line of beam apparatus.
• Aluminium beam
• Load hangers and loads

ELASTIC LINE OF BEAM APPARATUS

The elastic line of the beam apparatus is designed to measure deflection and stresses accurately
under applied loads. The setup includes three force transducers to quantify the applied forces,
two fixed supports to ensure beam stability, and three dial gauges with a least count of 0.01 mm
to record precise deflection values. This configuration facilitates the detailed analysis of the
beam's elastic behaviour and the development of accurate shear force and bending moment
diagrams.

Components
The Elastic line of Beam apparatus, as shown in Figure 1, consists of several key components
that work together to measure the behavior of a Aluminium beam under Concentrated loads:

1. Beam: A horizontal aluminum beam placed securely between two supports to study
deformation under applied loads.

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2. Fixed Supports: Two vertical supports that hold the beam firmly in place, creating the
boundary conditions for the experiment.
3. Force Transducers: Devices mounted to measure the forces applied at specific points
along the beam.
4. Dial Gauges: Three precision dial gauges with a least count of 0.01 mm to measure
deflection at specific locations along the beam.
5. Weights and Hooks: Used to apply controlled loads at predefined positions on the beam.
6. Frame Structure: A rigid frame that houses and supports all the components of the
apparatus.
7. Load Hanging Mechanism: Includes pulleys and strings for applying weights in a stable
and consistent manner.

Wheel Arm Aluminium Beam

Frame
Structure
Fixed
Supports Force
Transducers

Weights
and Hooks

Figure 1: Elastic Line of Beam Apparatus

THEORY
BEAM AND ITS TYPES
A beam is a structural element that primarily resists loads applied perpendicular to its
longitudinal axis. It is designed to withstand bending moments, shear forces, and deflections due
to applied loads.

Types of Beams
Simply Supported Beam: A beam supported at both ends, allowing rotation but preventing
vertical movement.
Cantilever Beam: A beam fixed at one end and free at the other, commonly used in structures
like balconies.

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Fixed Beam: A beam whose both ends are fixed, restricting all movement and rotation.

Overhanging Beam: A beam with one or both ends extending beyond its supports.

Continuous Beam: A beam that spans over multiple supports, providing additional stability and
load distribution.

Figure 2: Types of Beams

EXPERMENTAL SETUP
SELECTION OF BEAM
The selection of a cantilever beam, fixed at one end and free at the other, was made to study its
deformation and stress behaviour under concentrated loads. This type of beam is ideal for
experiments as it provides clear boundary conditions, simplifies analysis, and is commonly
encountered in practical engineering applications such as overhangs and structural supports.

BOUNDARY CONDITIONS
For the selected cantilever beam, the boundary conditions are as follows:

At the fixed end: Zero displacement and zero rotation.

At the free end: Free to displace and rotate under applied loads.
Applied Loads: There are total two concentrated loads are applied at 36cm and 54cm
from the fixed end.

Specimen Specifications
Material: Aluminium
Elastic Modulus: 70 GPa
Length: 96mm
Breadth: 20.2mm
Thickness: 4mm

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Apparatus Specifications
Cantilever Beam, fixed at one end and free at the other
Three dial gauges of 0.01mm least count
Three force transducers

FORMULAS AND DERIVATION

𝑏𝑟𝑒𝑎𝑑𝑡ℎ × 𝑡ℎ𝑖𝑐𝑘𝑛𝑒𝑠𝑠3 𝑏𝑡3
𝐼𝑥 = =
12 12
𝐴𝑐 = 𝐵𝑟𝑒𝑎𝑑𝑡ℎ × 𝑇ℎ𝑖𝑐𝑘𝑛𝑒𝑠𝑠 = 𝑏𝑡
Ac = Cross sectional area
Ix = Moment of inertia

METHODOLOGY
Step by step procedure of the experiment is given below:
Set up the experimental apparatus with a fixed support and three dial gauges.
Measure the total length of the aluminium beam and fix one end securely in the support,
leaving the other end free. The total length outside the fixture is 96 cm.
Place the dial gauges at measured distances of 12 cm, 36 cm, and 54 cm from the fixed
end.
Position the force transducers at 24 cm, 48 cm, and 72 cm from the fixed end.
Apply two concentrated loads at 36 cm and 54 cm from the fixed end.
Record the deflection readings from the dial gauges and the force values from the
transducers.
Repeat the process for 15 different loading scenarios, ensuring the positions of the
applied loads remain consistent.
Document all readings for further analysis and comparison.

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LOAD APPLICATION

Figure 3: Load Application on the beam Schematic Diagram

As shown in the figure, the load application is configured to analyze the beam's response under
multiple forces:
Force Transducers: Positioned at 240 mm, 480 mm, and 720 mm from the fixed end to measure
upward reaction forces:
Force 1: 2.1 N (upward).
Force 2: 4.1 N (upward).
Force 3: 2.5 N (upward).

Load 1: Applied at 360 mm from the fixed end with a magnitude of 5 N (downward).
Load 2: Applied at 600 mm from the fixed end with a magnitude of 5 N (downward).

These loads and transducer positions allow for the measurement of deflection, shear force, and
bending moment distributions along the beam. By repeating the procedure for 15 variations of
loads, comprehensive data was obtained to validate theoretical predictions.

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DATA ACQUISITION
Table 1: Experimental Results, taking downward deflection and downward force as positive

S Load 01 Load 02 Deflection Deflection Deflection Force 1 Force 2 Force 3

No. (N) (N) at A(mm) at B(mm) at C(mm) (N) (N) (N)
1 5 5 0.13 0.84 1.88 2.1 4.1 2.5

ANALYSIS

Figure 4: Beam Schematic for finding the reaction forces

CALCULATIONS

Calculations for Support Reactions:

Load 1 = 5N
Load 2 = 5N
Upward Force 1 = 2.1N
Upward Force 2 = 4.1N
Upward Force 3 = 2.5N

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Taking upward forces positive:

∑ 𝐹𝑥 = 0

𝑯𝑨 = 𝟎

∑ 𝐹𝑦 = 0

𝑅𝐴 + 2.1 + 4.1 + 2.5 = 10

𝑹𝑨 = 𝟏. 𝟑𝑵

∑ 𝑀𝐴 = 0

𝑀𝐴 = 2.1 × 240 − 5 × 360 + 4.1 × 480 − 5 × 600 + 2.5 × 720

After solving, we get,
𝑴𝑨 = −𝟓𝟐𝟖𝑵𝒎𝒎
This is shown in the following diagram:

Figure 5: Reactions on the fixture of the beam

SHEAR FORCE AND BENDING MOMENT DIAGRAMS

Figure 6: Shear Force Diagram

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The shear force diagram depicts the following values:

At the fixed end (0 cm): The shear force starts at RA=1.3 N.

From 0 cm to 24cm: The shear force remains constant at 1.3 N.
At 24cm (P1 = 2.1N): The shear force increases to 1.3+2.1=3.4 due to the upward force.
From 24cm to 36cm: The shear force remains constant at 3.4N.
At 36cm (P2 = 5.0 N): The shear force decreases to 3.4−5.0=−1.6 N
From 36cm to 48cm: The shear force remains constant at −1.6 N.
At 48cm (P3 = 4.1N): The shear force increases to −1.6+4.1=2.5N.
From 48cm to 60cm: The shear force remains constant at 2.5 .
At 60 cm (P4 = 5.0 N): The shear force decreases to 2.5−5.0=−2.5 N.
From 60 cm to 72cm: The shear force remains constant at −2.5N.
At 72cm (P5=2.5N): The shear force increases to −2.5+2.5=0N.
From 72cm to 96cm: The shear force remains constant at 0N.

Figure 7: Bending Moment Diagram

The Bending Moment Diagram illustrates:

Given:
Initial moment at fixed end, MA = −528Nmm.
Shear force values and their locations are given.
Moment Calculation Steps:
From 0 cm to 24 cm:
➢ Shear force is constant at 1.3 N.
➢ Moment at any point x is given by:
M(x) = MA + Shear force × distance from A
M(x) = −528Nmm + 1.3N × xmm
➢ So, the moment at 24 cm (240 mm) is:
M(24)=−528+1.3×240=−528+312=−216Nmm.
From 24 cm to 36 cm:
➢ Shear force is constant at 3.4 N.
➢ Moment at 36 cm (360 mm) is:

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M(36)=M(24)+Shear force×distance between 24 cm and 36 cm

M(36)=−216+3.4×120=−216+408=192Nmm.
From 36 cm to 48 cm:
➢ Shear force is constant at -1.6 N.
➢ Moment at 48 cm (480 mm) is:
M(48)=M(36)+Shear force×distance between 36 cm and 48 cm
M(48)=192+(−1.6)×120=192−192=0Nmm.
From 48 cm to 60 cm:
➢ Shear force is constant at 2.5 N.
➢ Moment at 60 cm (600 mm) is:
M(60)=M(48)+Shear force×distance between 48 cm and 60 cm
M(60)=0+2.5×120=300Nmm.
From 60 cm to 72 cm:
➢ Shear force is constant at -2.5 N.
➢ Moment at 72 cm (720 mm) is:
M(72)=M(60)+Shear force×distance between 60 cm and 72 cm
M(72)=300+(−2.5)×120=300−300=0Nmm.
From 72 cm to 96 cm:
➢ Shear force is constant at 0 N.
➢ Moment at 96 cm (960 mm) is:
M(96)=M(72)+Shear force×distance between 72 cm and 96 cm
M(96)=0+0×240=0Nmm.

DEFLECTION DIAGRAMS

Figure 8: Deflection Diagram

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Figure 9: Theoretical Results of Deflection

Figure 9: Theoretical Results of Deflection

Figure 11: Theoretical Results of Deflection

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COMPARISON AND VALIDATION

Point of Application Experimental Values Theoretical Values Errors

12cm from fixed end 0.13 0.144 9.72%
36cm from fixed end 0.84 0.93 9.67%
60cm from fixed end 1.88 1.70 10.58%

The comparison between theoretical and experimental values shows a strong correlation, with
errors remaining within a reasonable range of approximately 9-11%. At 12 cm, the experimental
value closely approaches the theoretical prediction with minimal deviation. Similarly, at 36 cm
and 60 cm, the experimental results align well with theoretical expectations, demonstrating the
reliability of the experimental setup and methodology. These small errors can be attributed to
minor experimental limitations, such as measurement precision and slight material imperfections.
Overall, the close agreement validates the accuracy of the experiment and its ability to model
theoretical predictions effectively.

FEA VALIDATION

Figure 10: Mesh Analysis

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Figure 12: Material Selection for FEA Analysis

Figure 11: Deflection Results in FEA Analysis

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Figure 14: Deflection Results in FEA Analysis

Figure 13: Deflection Results in FEA Analysis

VALIDATION OF RESULTS
Point of Application FEA Analysis Values Theoretical Values Errors
12cm from fixed end 0.1315 0.144 8.6%
36cm from fixed end 0.9308 0.93 0.08%
60cm from fixed end 1.7 1.70 0%

The comparison between the theoretical and FEA analysis values demonstrates an excellent
agreement, with errors being exceptionally low. At 12 cm, the FEA value is very close to the
theoretical prediction, with only an 8.6% deviation. At 36 cm and 60 cm, the FEA results almost
perfectly match the theoretical values, with errors of 0.08% and 0%, respectively. This near-
perfect alignment highlights the accuracy and reliability of the FEA model in replicating
theoretical expectations, confirming its effectiveness as a validation tool for structural analysis.

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Figure 16: Shear Force Diagram from FEA

Figure 15: Moment Diagram from FEA

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Figure 17: Deflection from FEA

DISCUSSION
The experiment demonstrated a comprehensive analysis of a cantilever beam's deflection, shear
force, and bending moment under applied loads. The comparison of experimental and theoretical
results revealed minimal discrepancies, with errors in the range of 9-11%. These minor
deviations are attributed to practical limitations such as material imperfections, setup precision,
and minor inaccuracies in measurement. The experimental setup proved reliable and closely
aligned with theoretical predictions, showcasing the effectiveness of the apparatus and
methodology used.
The FEA validation further confirmed the accuracy of the theoretical results, with errors as low
as 0.08% and 0% for some points. The FEA model's results were exceptionally close to
theoretical values, demonstrating the robustness of simulation tools in accurately predicting
beam behavior under various loading conditions. This alignment underscores the utility of FEA
in validating experimental and theoretical findings, making it an indispensable tool in structural
analysis.
The shear force and bending moment diagrams illustrated the beam's response under loading,
with expected patterns of linear and abrupt changes at load application points. These visual
representations provided critical insights into the beam's performance, emphasizing the
significance of load distribution and boundary conditions in structural analysis.

CONCLUSION
The experiment successfully analyzed an aluminum cantilever beam under concentrated loads,
with strong agreement between experimental, theoretical, and FEA results. The shear force and

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bending moment diagrams validated theoretical concepts, and minor deviations were attributed
to practical limitations. Overall, the study demonstrated the reliability of the methods used and
highlighted the effectiveness of FEA as a validation tool.

References
[1] Brain Duniya, https://brainduniya.com/types-of-beam/.

[2] "MechaniCalc," [Online]. Available: https://mechanicalc.com/calculators/materials/.

[3] R. Hibbler, Mechanics of Materials.

[4] "ClearCalcs," [Online]. Available: https://app.clearcalcs.com/freetools/beam-analysis/au.

[5] "BeamGuru," [Online]. Available: https://beamguru.com/online/beam-calculator/#.

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