Experiment No.

03
To Determine the Deflection of Cantilever Beam
Subjected to Uniformly Distributed Load.
Objective: 1
Analysis of deflection in structural members is of great importance in structural
design. Knowledge on theory of deflection in beams is used in analyzing for
magnitudes of deflection resulting from a given loads. Deflections resulting from
different loading situation on a given beam are analyzed for using different
techniques. In order to appreciate and verify this theory, students are required to
perform experiments on different beams under different loading where they
experimentally measure the deflections then compare with those predicted by theory.
And this is the objective of this practical.

Theory: 2

A. Beams:
Beam may be defined as member whose length is large in comparison
with its thickness and is loaded with transverse loads or couples that produce
significant bending effects. In engineering structures members that are oriented such
that their lengths are horizontal are considered beams. On the manner in which they
are supported, the beams may readily be classified as cantilevers, simply supported,
overhanging, continuous and fix-ended beam. Beams can be further classified
according to the type of load they are carrying, for example, a cantilever beam
carrying a uniformly distributed load may be classified as a uniformly loaded
cantilever beam.

1. Cantilever Beam with Uniformly Distributed Load:

A beam which is fixed at one end and free at other end is known as
Cantilever Beam.

1
Deflection of Beams RIG
Author EYSIMGOBANAY K. J
2
Deflection of Beams RIG
Author EYSIMGOBANAY K. J

1 Muhammad Saleem Noor

16-CE-31
 B. Deflection: 3
The word deflection generally refers to the deformed shape and
position of a member subjected to bending loads. In deformed condition the neutral
axis which is initially a straight longitudinal line assumes some particular shape
which is called deflection curve. The deviation of this curve from its initial position
at any point is called deflection at that point. In developing the theory determining
deflection of a beam, it is assumed that shear strain do not significantly influence the
deformation. The deflection equation is given as:

𝑳 𝑴𝒎
∆ = ∫𝟎
𝑬𝑰
Where,
M = Moment due to real load
Mv = m = Moment due to vertical load
E = Modulus of Elasticity
I = Moment of Inertia

There are various methods of determining beam deflections common amongst

these are:

i) Deflection by (Double) direct integration

ii) Deflection by moment-area method
iii) Strain- Energy or Catigliano’s method
iv) Method of superposition

C. Formulas:

1. Deflection at Free End:

∆max = -wL4 / 8EI

3
Deflection of Beams RIG
Author EYSIMGOBANAY K. J

2 Muhammad Saleem Noor

16-CE-31
 2. Deflection at Any Point:

−𝑾
∆= (x4 - 4Lx3 + 6L2x2)
𝟐𝟒𝑬𝑰

Apparatus:

1. Beam Apparatus
2. Uniformly Distributed Load
3. Meter Rod / Scale
4. Dial Gauge

Uniformly Distributed Load Beam Apparatus

Meter Rod Dial Gauge

3 Muhammad Saleem Noor

16-CE-31
 Procedure:
 Set the apparatus to make it cantilever beam.
 First of all find the full length of beam by using meter rod and record
it as L.
 Mark the points where you find the deflection in beam and note their
values as x1, x2 and so on.
 Note the weight of each UDL and then find intensity and note it as w.
 Apply different loads at all the points one by one and record them as
w1, w2, w3 and so on.
 Attach the dial gauge with beam at the point where you want to find
deflection.
 Press on key and note the value on dial gauge.
 Record these values as experimental deflection.
Now find the theoretical values by using formulas given below:
∆max = -wL4 / 8EI
−𝑾
∆= (x4 - 4Lx3 + 6L2x2)
𝟐𝟒𝑬𝑰

4 Muhammad Saleem Noor

16-CE-31
  Now compare both the values and find error.

Adjusting Dial
Gauge at Free End

Measuring Length of Measuring

Beam (L) Deflection at Free
End

Adjusting Dial Gauge at Measuring Deflection

Free End at Free End

5 Muhammad Saleem Noor

16-CE-31
 Calculations:
A. Data:
Sr. Description Values
No.
1 Full length of beam = L = 50 cm = 0.5 m
2 Position of 1st point = x1 = 25 cm = 0.25 m
3 Position of 2nd point = x2 = 50 cm = 0.5 m
4 Weight of 1st UDL = w1 = 24.72 N/m
5 Weight of 1st UDL = w2 = 49.44 N/m
6 Weight of 1st UDL = w3 = 74.16 N/m
7 Weight of 1st UDL = w4 = 98.88 N/m
8 Weight of 1st UDL = w5 = 123.6 N/m
9 Moment of inertia = I = 4.5 × 10-10 m4
10 Modulus of elasticity = E = 200 × 109 Nm-2

B. Deflection at Point x1:

Put all the loads one by one in the equation given below,
−𝑾
∆= (x4 - 4Lx3 + 6L2x2)
𝟐𝟒𝑬𝑰

Sr. Load (W) Deflection (∆) Deflection (∆) % error

No. Experimental Theoretical 𝑬𝒙𝒑 – 𝑻𝒉
( ) × 100
𝑬𝒙𝒑
1 24.72 N/m 0.79 mm 0.76 mm 3.79
2 49.44 N/m 1.61 mm 1.52 mm 5.59
3 74.16 N/m 2.41 mm 2.28 mm 5.39
4 98.88 N/m 3.25 mm 3.03 mm 6.77
5 123.6 N/m 4.08 mm 3.79 mm 7.11

6 Muhammad Saleem Noor

16-CE-31
 C. Deflection at Free End:
Put all the loads one by one in the equation given below,
∆max = -wL4 / 8EI
Sr. Load (W) Deflection (∆) Deflection (∆) % error

No. Experimental Theoretical 𝑬𝒙𝒑 – 𝑻𝒉

( ) × 100
𝑬𝒙𝒑

1 24.72 N/m 1.76 mm 2.14 mm 21.59

2 49.44 N/m 3.78 mm 4.29 mm 13.49

3 74.16 N/m 5.74 mm 6.43 mm 12.02

4 98.88 N/m 7.78 mm 8.58 mm 10.28

5 123.6 N/m 9.93 mm 10.73 mm 8.06

Precautions:
 While taking the experiment we have to take care of measurements and the
locations where we have to take the readings.
 The beam should be stable.
 It should be statistically determinant.

Remarks:
Deflection is going to increase as we move from fixed end to free end.

7 Muhammad Saleem Noor

16-CE-31