I.

INTRODUCTION

Objectives

The purpose of the experiment was to measure strains along a rectangular axis surrounding a point on
a cantilever beam. The principal stress and strain could thus be calculated, where they will be
compared with the stress calculated from the flexure formula for the beam.

Background & Theory

In a general biaxial stress or strain field, three strains along different axes at the same point must be

measured to determine the principal strains and stresses with strain gages. For the purpose of this

experiment, the rectangular axis was only used to demonstrate how the method can be used. The

stress field on the surface of a beam is uniaxial, but the stress and strain at any point varies with an

angle about a determined point. The axes are spaced using multiples of π, i.e. such as π/4 for 45°. An

integral array of strain gages intended for simultaneous multiple strain measurements about a point is

known as a rosette. For the purpose of the experiment, the rectangular rosette was used. The principal

strain in a rectangular rosette can be calculated using the formula:

ε1+ ε3 1 2 2
ε p, q =
2
±
√2 √ ( ε −ε ) +( ε −ε )
1 2 2 3
(1)

where: ϵp,q = algebraically maximum and minimum principal strains, respectively, in/in (cm/cm)

ϵ1, ϵ2, ϵ3 = strains measured along corresponding axes of rosette elements, in/in (cm/cm)

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The principal stresses can be calculated by substituting the principal strains from Eq. (1) into the

biaxial expressions for Hooke’s Law:

E
σ p= ( ε p +v⋅ε q )
1−v 2

E
σ q= ( ε q + v⋅ε p )
1−v 2 (2)

Where: σ p,q = algebraically maximum and minimum principal stresses, respectively, psi (Pa or

N/m2)

v = Poisson’s ratio

E = modulus of elasticity, psi (Pa or N/m 2)

II. EQUIPMENT AND SUPPLIES

 P-3500 Strain Indicator, S/N: 0140432:

Figure 1. P-3500 Strain Indicator

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 Aluminum Alloy Beam:

Figure 2. Aluminum Alloy Beam

 Flexor Machine:

Figure 3. Flexor Machine

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III. PROCEDURE

First the distance from the center line of the rosette to the loading point on the free end of the

beam (L) was measured. Next the width (b) and thickness (t) of the beam were measured using a

micrometer. The load P was then measured using a stress value of σ = 15000 psi. The calibrated

loading screw was backed and inserted into the flexor with the gaged end in the clamp, with the gage

on the top surface. The lead wires from the rosette were connected to the binding posts of the flexor

as shown in Appendix A. One of the leads was connected to from the flexor (#1) to the S-binding post

of the strain indicator. Another lead was connected from the flexor (#2) to the D-120 binding post of

the strain indicator. Finally, the independent lead was connected from the Gage Element 1 (#3) to the

P+ binding post of the strain indicator. Then the strain indicator amplifier was balanced, and the gage

factor was set to the value given on the strain gage.

With the beam unloaded, the instrument was set to RUN. The balance control of the strain

indicator was adjusted until the readout was precisely zero. The first reading for the strain Gage

Element 1 was recorded as 0µϵ. With the strain indicator turned off, the independent Gage Element 1

was (#3) disconnected for the P+ binding post, leaving the other leads connected. Next, the cable lead

from Gage Element 2 (#4) was connected to the P+ binding post and the strain indicator was turned

on. This time the balance controls were not adjusted, and the reading on the indicator display was

noted, equating to the initial reading for Gage 2. With the strain indicator turned off, the independent

Gage Element 2 was (#4) disconnected for the P+ binding post, leaving the other leads connected.

The cable lead from Gage Element 3 (#5) was connected to the P+ binding post and the strain

indicator was turned on. The balance controls were not adjusted, and the reading on the indicator

display was noted, equating to the initial reading for Gage 3. The calculated load P was then applied,

where the weights were hung on the free end of the beam. The exact weight P was noted, as well as

the indicated strain for Gage Element 3. Leaving the load on the beam, the strain indicator was turned

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off, and the Gage Element 3 (#5) was replaced with Gage Element 2 (#4). The strain indicator was

turned on and the indicated strain was recorded. Gage Element 2 (#4) was replaced with Gage

Element 1 (#3), while the strain indicator was off. The strain indicator was then turned on and the

indicated strain was noted. The load was then removed from the beam, and the strain indicator

readout was read, where it was within an acceptable range of the initial reading for the gage. Finally,

the counterclockwise angles between Gage 1 axis and lateral and longitudinal beam axis were

measured using a protractor.

IV. DATA MEASURED & CALCULATED

The beam dimensions were found to be:

Length: 10.32 in

Width: 1.02 in

Thickness 0.122 in

The load P was found to be: 3.67773 lbf, but the actual load was: 3.75 lbf.

For the Strain measurements, using a gage factor of 2.060 for element 1, 2.075 for Element 2, and

2.060 for Element 3, the readings can be found in table 1:

Table 1. Strain Measurements

Gage Initial Reading Final Reading Strain

1 0 968 968
2 -145 1223 1368
3 326 383 57

For the computation of principal strains, the following was determined:

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A = 512.5 µϵ, B = 969.206 µϵ

Thus using the values found for A and B, ϵp and ϵq were found to be:

ϵp = 1481.7 µϵ, ϵq = -456.7 µϵ

Possion’s ratio, v , was found to be 0.30822.

For principal stress, σ p and σ q were calculated and found to be:

σ p = 15408.5 psi

σ q = 0.0169 psi

The maximum principle stress, σ L , was found to be 14968 psi. While θp,q was found to be 30° &

12°.

To summarise, all values calculated can be found in table 2:

Table. 2 Summary

Rosette Analysis Flexure Formula

ϵp = 1481.7 µϵ ( σ L/E) x 106 = 0.0014µϵ
ϵq = -456.7 µϵ ( v σ L/E) x 106 =0.0004 µϵ
v = 0.30822
σ p = 15408.5 psi σ L = 14968 psi
σ q = 0.0169 psi 0
θp,q = 30° & 12°

Note that all calculations, step by step, can be found in Appendix B.

V. CONCLUSION

In conclusion, the values found were in an acceptable range when compared to theoretical values,

thus showing how a rosette is a powerful tool when used to calculate stress in 2-D planes.

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