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Cantilever Beam Deflection Experiment

The document outlines an experiment to measure the deflection of a cantilever beam under a point load at its free end and compare the results with theoretical predictions. It includes fundamental concepts, theoretical formulas, apparatus required, data collection methods, and results that confirm the accuracy of the experimental measurements. Additionally, it provides oral examination questions and answers related to cantilever beams and their properties.

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sarathkumar sebastin
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10 views5 pages

Cantilever Beam Deflection Experiment

The document outlines an experiment to measure the deflection of a cantilever beam under a point load at its free end and compare the results with theoretical predictions. It includes fundamental concepts, theoretical formulas, apparatus required, data collection methods, and results that confirm the accuracy of the experimental measurements. Additionally, it provides oral examination questions and answers related to cantilever beams and their properties.

Uploaded by

sarathkumar sebastin
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Ex.

Name : Deflection of a Cantilever Beam with a Point Load at the


Free End
Date :

To measure the deflection of a cantilever beam when a point load is


Objective :
applied at the free end and compare it with theoretical values

Fundamental Concepts:
A cantilever beam is a structural element that is fixed at one end and free at the
other. When a point load (P) is applied at the free end, the beam undergoes bending and
deflection.

Theoretical Deflection Formula:


For a cantilever beam with a point load (P) at the free end, the maximum
deflection at the free end is given by:

δ = (P L³) / (3EI)

where:

δ = Deflection at the free end (mm)

P = Applied Load (N)

L = Length of the Beam (mm)

E = Young’s Modulus of the Material (N/mm²)

I = Moment of Inertia (mm⁴)

The moment of inertia (I) for a rectangular beam cross-section is:

I = (b d³) / 12

b = Width of the beam (mm)

d = Thickness of the beam (mm)


Aim and Experimental Procedure:
Aim:
To determine the deflection of a cantilever beam under a point load at the free end
and compare it with theoretical predictions.

Apparatus Required:
- Cantilever beam setup

- Strain indicator with X, Y, Z channels (for strain measurement)

- Dial gauge (for deflection measurement)

- Load set (example weights: 5N, 10N, 15N, etc.)

- Digital caliper (for measuring beam dimensions)

Beam Specifications and Calculations:


Parameter Value Unit

Beam Material -

Young’s Modulus (E) N/mm²

Length of Beam (L) mm

Width of Beam (b) mm

Thickness of Beam (d) mm

Moment of Inertia (I) mm⁴


Data Collection and Experimental Results:

ε_x ε_y ε_z Calculated Theoretical


Load (N) (Longitudinal (Transvers (Thickness Deflection Deflection
strain) e strain) strain) (mm) (mm)
Graph 1: Load vs. Deflection

 X-axis: Load PPP (N)


 Y-axis: Deflection δ (mm)
 Expected to be linear, confirming theoretical predictions.

Graph 2: Percentage Error vs. Load

 X-axis: Load PPP (N)


 Y-axis: Percentage Error (%)
 Expected to be constant and small, showing experimental accuracy.

Results & Inferences:


• The experimentally measured deflections match the theoretical values with reasonable
accuracy.

• The strain indicator readings confirm that strain and deflection are proportional.

• The graph between load and deflection is linear, verifying beam bending theory.

• The experimental results validate that the strain gauge method is effective for deflection
measurement.

Oral Examination Questions with Answers:


1. What is a cantilever beam?
A beam that is fixed at one end and free at the other.

2. Why does a cantilever beam deflect under a load?


Due to bending stress caused by the applied load.

3. What is the relation between strain and deflection?


Strain (ε) is proportional to deflection (δ) through beam bending theory.

4. What is the significance of moment of inertia in bending?


A higher moment of inertia (I) reduces deflection, making the beam stiffer.
5. Why are three strain readings (X, Y, Z) taken?
To capture strain in different directions and validate deflection calculations.

6. How can the deflection of a beam be reduced?


By increasing beam thickness, using higher Young’s modulus materials, or adding
support at the free end.

Deflection increases eightfold (δ ∝ L³).


7. What happens if the beam length is doubled?

8. How does Poisson’s ratio affect strain readings?


It relates transverse strain (ε_y, ε_z) to longitudinal strain (ε_x).

9. What are real-world applications of cantilever beams?


Bridges, aircraft wings, robotic arms, and building balconies.

10. How does strain gauge placement affect results?


Incorrect placement can cause inaccurate strain measurements, affecting
deflection calculations.

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