Engineering Mechanics-Lab Manual

Experiment No. 1

To determine the surface area and volume of various shapes and objects in various system of
units.

Apparatus:
 Steel cabinet
 Steel tape
 Wooden cube, wooden beam
 Concrete cube/cylinder
 Brick
 In addition to above samples students are asked to measure the Geo tech
lab and play ground of NICE

Purpose:
To understand the concept of area, volume and different conversion factors.

Related Theory:
 Surface Area:-
Surface area is the area of contact surface with atmosphere or load
 Volume:-
The space occupied by a body is called volume.
 System of Units:-
Unit is a system which is used for measurement of various physical quantities.
There are different system of units e.g. SI System, FPS System, MKS and CGS System.

Quantity Dimensions SI System FPS System

Mass M Kilogram(kg) Slug
Length L Meter(m) Foot(ft)
Time T Second(s) Second(s)
Force F Newton(N) Pound(lb)

Conversion Factors:
1. Length:
1 m=3.281ft
1 yard=3 ft
1 mile = 1760 yds = 1.6 km
2. Area:
1 m2=10.764ft2
1 hector =100*100m=10,000m2 = 2.47 acre
1 acre=8 kanals = 43560ft2(220*198)
1 marla =272.25ft2 or 272ft2
1 marla =225 ft2 (Residential Plot)
1 marla = 9 sersae
Engineering Mechanics-Lab Manual

3. Volume:
1 m3= 1.3079 Yd3 = 35.311ft3
1 m3 of water = 219.97 gallons (Uk)=264.170 gallons (US)
1 liter=1 dm3
4. Mass:
1 ton =1000kg
1 ton(UK)=1061kg=2240 lbs
1 ton(US)=908.1kg=2000lbs
1 kg=2.204 lbs
5. Force:
1 kg=9.807N=2.204 lbf
1 lb=4.448N
6. Pressure or Stress:
1 MPa=145.04 Psi
1 m of H2O=3.281ft of H2O
=73.424 mm of Hg
= 1.420 Psi
= 9.789 k Pa
1 bar= 100 k Pa
=75.060mm of Hg
=14.504 Psi
7. Prefixes:
Prefix Factor Remarks
Tetra(T) 1012
Giga(G) 109
Mega(M) 106 Recommended in SI System
3
Kilo(K) 10
Hecto(H) 102 Not Recommended in SI
Deca(da) 10 System of units
Deci(d) 10-1
Centi(c) 10-2
milli(m) 10-3
Micro(u) 10-6 Recommended in SI system
-9
Nano(n) 10

Procedure:
Place the specimen over a table and measure the dimensions i.e. length, width and height with the help of
measuring tape. Note down these readings. Likewise measure the dimensions of each specimen i.e, concrete cube
concrete cylinder, brick, wooden cabinet, wooden cube and wooden beam. Note down all these readings and then
calculate the surface area of each side of these objects and then calculate the volume of these objects. Convert
these values into various systems of units
Measure the size of your lab and play ground with the help of cloth tape and calculate their respective areas.
Engineering Mechanics-Lab Manual

Convert these areas into various systems of units.

Tabulate all your calculations in a convenient way.

Tabulation Of Data
Quantity Wooden Cabinet Cube/Cylinder/Brick
L= cm,W= ,H= L= cm, W= cm,H=

CGS SI FPS CGS SI FPS

Area of face A
(L*H)
Area of face B
(H*W)
Area of face C
(L*W)
Surface Area
2(A+B+C)
Volume
(L*W*H)

Note: Only one table has been shown here for students guidance, students should prepare the tables according to the no of specimen provided.

Area of Lab and Play Ground:

Size of Car Park: Length =------------------, Width= -------------------------

Size of Play Ground: Length =-------------------, Width =-------------------

Size of Shed: Length = -------------------, Width = ----------------------------

Area cm2 m2 ft2 Marla Kanal Acre Hector

Car Park

Play Ground

Shed
Engineering Mechanics-Lab Manual

Comments:
The students may add any observation or opinion here.
Engineering Mechanics-Lab Manual

EXPERIMENT NO 2

Statement:
To determine tension in various points of a hanging rope loaded at different
Points.
Purpose:
To compare the experimental and theoretical results of flexible rope system
Apparatus:
 Flexible Hanging Rope
 Spring Balances
 Weights and-Hangers.
 Meter rod and Measuring Tapes
Related Theory:
Force:
"Action of one body on another is called force."
Units: -
SI units of force are Newton (N).
FPS units of force are pound (lbs).
Equilibrium:
A body is said to be in equilibrium if all the forces and moments applied on it are
In balanced -Condition.
Conditions of Equilibrium:
There are three conditions of Static equilibrium.
Ʃ Fx = 0, Ʃ Fy = 0, ƩM=0
Concurrent force System:
"A system of forces in which all these forces are passing ‘through same point is called .
concurrent force system."

Flexible. Rope Structure:

In design of these structures it is important to know the relation involving 'tension, span, sag,
and length of cables.
These are determined by considering the cable as a body in equilibrium. In analysis of flexible
cables it is assumed that any resistance offered to bending is negligible. This assumption
means that the force in the cable will be along the length of the cable i.e. only tensile force
Engineering Mechanics-Lab Manual

Behavior of flexible Cable:

Procedure:

(1)Note down the initial reading of two spring balances, as zero error
(2)Add weight (W) to the hanger and note the readings on both spring balances
(3)Value of T1 and T 2 may be deduced by subtracting zero error from the second
reading
(4)Repeat the experiment at least four times by changing weight and take
corresponding readings
(5)Calculate the analytical results with the help of two conditions of equilibrium:
a. Ʃ Fx = 0,
T Cosθ – T Cos θ =
T = T Cosθ /Cos θ ------------------------------- (1)
b. Ʃ Fy = 0,
T Sin θ + T Sin θ = W
T Sin θ + T Sin θ Cos θ / Cos θ = W
T Sin θ + Tan θ Cosθ = W
T = W/ Sinθ + Tanθ Cos θ ----------------------- (2)
 Engineering Mechanics-Lab Manual

Observations and Calculations

Height W L1 L2 Θ Θ T 1 (lb/N) T 2 (lb/N)

(in) (in)
(in) Zero Error = Zero Error =

N lb Exp Anal % Diff Exp Anal %

Diff
Engineering Mechanics-Lab Manual

Note:

The difference between experimental and analytical values of tension should not be
more than 10%, if so that reading may be discarded

One reading of the spring balance = 0.2 N

Precautions

(a)All the distances should be measured properly.

(b)Both pulleys should be frictionless.
(c)While noting down the reading, spring balances should not be firmly gripped in the
hands.

Comments:
Engineering Mechanics-Lab Manual

Experiment No. 3
Statement:
Determine center of gravity (centroid) of various objects by analytical solution and experimental
observations.
Purpose:
To determine the centroids of various shapes/objects by experimental exercise and compare the
same with analytical results.
Apparatus:
 Objects of various shapes
 Plumb bob
 Graph papers
 Cutter
 Meter rod etc.
Related Theory:
Centre of gravity:
“Centre of gravity is a point from which the line of action of resultant of all the gravitational
forces passes.”
OR
“It is the point around which the moment of all the gravitational forces completely cancels out
each other.”
Centre of mass:
It is the specific point where entire mass of the body is thought to be concentrated.
Centroid:
The geometric centre of the body is called centroid.
Significance of Centroid:
1. Total resultant gravitational force acts at this point.
2. Entire mass is supposed to be concentrated at this point.
3. It is the point at which the body can be supported or stabilized without overturning.
Thus centre of gravity, centre of mass and the centroid, all are physically the same but
theoretically different.
Engineering Mechanics-Lab Manual

Centroids of various geometric shapes:-

Centroid of Rectangle:
Y

h G(x1, y1)

y1
X
x1
b
A= b.h , x1= b/2 , y1=h/2

Centroid of Triangle:

Y Y

h h

y1 y1

X
X

x1 x1

b
b

A= 1/2 b.h , x1= 2b/3 , y1= h/3 A= 1/2 b.h , x1= b/3 ,

y1 =h/3
Engineering Mechanics-Lab Manual

Centroid of Circle or Semi-circle:

Y Y

X
X A= (π.R2)/2 , x1=0 ,
y1=4R/3π

A= π.R2 , x1=0 , y1=0

Centroid of Quarter Circle and Sector of Circle:

y1

X
x1

A= (π.R2)/4 , x1= 4R/3π , y1= 4R/3π

Engineering Mechanics-Lab Manual

A= .R/2 , x1= (3Rsin )/2

Engineering Mechanics-Lab Manual

ANALYTICAL CALCULATIONS:-

PROBLEM NO.1

(251.5mm) (216mm)

(304 mm)

Portion Area X(mm) Y(mm) A.X A.Y

1.

2.

X= Y=
Engineering Mechanics-Lab Manual

PROBLEM NO. 2

(477.5mm) D=150mm
(297mm

(299mm)

Portion Area X(mm) Y(mm) A.X A.Y

1.

2.

3.

X= Y=
Engineering Mechanics-Lab Manual

PROBLEM NO. 3

(180.5mm)

(75mm)

(477.5mm)

(150mm)

(75mm)

(300mm)

Portion Area X(mm) Y(mm) A.X A.Y

1.

2.

3.

X= Y=
Engineering Mechanics-Lab Manual

PROBLEM NO. 4

(179mm)

(539mm)

(360mm)

(180mm)

(299mm)

Portion Area X(mm) Y(mm) A.X A.Y

1.

2.

3.

X= Y=
Engineering Mechanics-Lab Manual

CENTRE OF GRAVITY

SHAPES
EXPERIMENTAL ANALYTICAL

X Y X Y

Precautions:

1. Allow the body to become static.

2. Measure all dimensions precisely.
Engineering Mechanics-Lab Manual

Experiment No. 4

Objectives:
To verify the principle of moments
Purpose:
To prove that the body is in equilibrium when sum of all clockwise moments is equal to the sum
of all counter clockwise moments
∑CWM = ∑CCWM
Apparatus:
 Moment Apparatus
 Weights
 Weigh Hangers
 Graph Paper
 Vernier Caliper/ Measuring Scale
Related Theory:
Moment:
The moment of a force is a measure of its tendency to cause a body to rotate about a specific
point or axis. This is different from the tendency of a body to move or translate in the direction
of force. In order for a moment to develop, the force must act upon the body in such a manner
that the body would again be twist. This occurs every time a force is applied so that it does not
pass through the centroid of the body. A moment is due to a force not having an equal and
opposite force directly along its line of action.
Imagine two people pushing on a door at the door knob from opposite sides. If both of them are
pushing with an equal force then there is a state of equilibrium. If one of them would suddenly
jump back from the door, the push of the other person will in no longer have an opposition and
the door would swing away. The person who was still pushing on the door created a moment.
The magnitude of the moment of force acting about a point or axis is directly proportional to the
distance of the force from the point or axis. It is defined as the product of force and the moment
arm (d). The moment arm or the lever arm is the perpendicular distance between the line of
action of the force and the centre of moments. The centre of moments may be the actual point
about which the force causes rotation. It may also be a reference point or axis about which the
force may be considered causing rotation. It does not matter as long as the specific point is
always taken as the reference point. The latter case is much more common situation in structure
design problems. A moment is expressed in pound-foot, kip- feet, Newton- meters or kilo
Newton- meter. The most common way to express a moment is :
Moment = Force x Distance
M=Fxd

Principles of Moments OR Varignon’s Theorem:

This theorem states that:
“The moment of any force is equal to the algebraic sum of the moments of the components of
that force.”
It is very important principle that is often used in order to solve system of forces that are acting
at/or within a structure.
Engineering Mechanics-Lab Manual

Experiment
The equipment consists of a circular plate mounted on a wooden frame. It is provided with five
screws to support a load each. These screws are numbered as A, B, C, D,and E. The loads are
hanged through strings which pass over frictionless pulleys. Loads are placed on each screw with
the help of a load hanger. After placing of the loads, the alignment of the string is marked on
graph paper. The perpendicular distance of each string is measured from centre point of the plate,
which represents as moment arm of that particular load. Each load is multiplied by its distance
from the center point to calculate moment. Then moments are summed as clockwise and counter
clockwise. Their sum should be same. Maximum of 20 N load should be placed on a string.

Procedure:
1. Put weights in hangers.
2. Wait for a while, until equilibrium is produced.
3. Now calculate the perpendicular distances of the string to the centre of circular
plate.
4. Now calculate the CW and CCW moments.
5. CW and CCW moments should be equal.
Engineering Mechanics-Lab Manual

Calculations and Observations:

Clock wise Moment Anticlock wise Moment % Difference
F(N) d M=Fd F(N) d M=Fd

Ʃ Ʃ

Ʃ Ʃ

Precautions:
1. The centre of moments should be correctly established.
2. The distance should be perpendicular to the line of action of force.
3. The sense of rotation should be noted properly.

Comments:
An error may be generated if the moment arm measurement is faulty i.e it is not
perpendicular. The pulleys should be frictionless.

Results:
S.No F(N) ∑CW ∑CCW %Error
Engineering Mechanics-Lab Manual

Experiment No.5

Objective:
To verify the laws of friction between various surfaces and to find out the coefficient of friction

Purpose:
1. Experimental verification of laws of friction.
2. Experimental determination of coefficient of friction.

Apparatus:
 Adjustable wooden slide board with slide pulley
 Weight Hangers
 Weights
 Wooden Slider box
 Rope

Related Theory:
Friction:
When surfaces of two bodies are in contact there will be limited amount of resistance to sliding
between them which is called friction.

Types of Friction:
Dry Friction:
Dry friction is encountered when the surfaces of the two solids are in contact under the condition
of sliding or tendency to slide. A friction force tangent to the surface of contact is developed both
during the interval leading up to impending slippage and while slippage takes place. The
direction of force always opposes the motion. This kind of friction is also called “Coulomb
Friction”.
Fluid Friction:
Fluid friction occurs when adjacent layers in a fluid are moving with different velocities. This
motion causes frictional force between fluid elements and those forces depend upon the relative
velocity between the layers. When there is no relative velocity there is no fluid friction. It also
depends upon the viscosity of the fluid which is the measure of its resistance to shearing action
between fluid layers.
Internal Friction:
Internal friction occurs in all solid materials which are subjected to cylindrical loading. For
highly elastic materials the recovery from deformation occurs with very little loss of energy due
to internal friction. For materials which have low limits of elasticity and which undergo
appreciable plastic deformation during loading, a considerable amount of friction may
accompany this deformation.
Engineering Mechanics-Lab Manual

Laws of Friction:-
1. The total friction that can be developed is independent of the area of contact. This law is
called Coulomb’s Law.

The areas of surfaces in contact are different for the above two cases but the friction between
them is same.
2. Friction is directly proportional to the normal force.
3. At low velocity the friction is independent of the velocity.
Mechanism of Dry Friction
Consider a solid block of mass m rting on a horizontal surface. Apply a force P on the block,
which has continuously increases from zero to a value sufficient to move the block. The contact
surface exerts a force F in the opposite direction to P thus resisting the motion, which is called
friction force. There is also a normal force N which is equal to mg, and the total force exerted on
the block R is resultant of N and F.

Maximum value of static friction Fmax is proportional to the normal force N and we may say

Fmax = ṵsN
Engineering Mechanics-Lab Manual

Procedure:
1. Note the initial weight of the hanger and the box.
2. Put some weight in the hanger as applied load (P) and also in the box to increase the
normal.
3. Keep on increasing the weight both in the hanger and in the box till the box starts to
move and note down these values.
4. Note down both the weights each time before increasing them.
5. Plot a graph between P and N and find the coefficient of friction graphically.
6. Repeat the process for iron and brass boxes and find their coefficient of friction.
Engineering Mechanics-Lab Manual

OBSERVATIONS AND CALCULATIONS:

Between Wood and Wood

Ser No P W N = W Cosθ F=P-W Sinθ ṵ = F/N Average

Between Wood and Iron

Ser No P W N = W Cosθ F=P-W Sinθ ṵ = F/N Average

Between Wood and Brass

Ser No P W N = W Cosθ F=P-W Sinθ ṵ = F/N Average
Engineering Mechanics-Lab Manual

Graph;
Student should draw the graph between N and F

30

25

20 Series 1
F = Wsinθ
15

10

0
9.9 14.86 19.81 24.16

N = Wcosθ

Precautions:
1. Increase the loads slowly.
2. Do not put heavy loads at start.
3. For determining the angle “θ” take dimensions precisely.
Engineering Mechanics-Lab Manual

Experiment No 6

Statement:

To determine the reactions of a simply supported beam by following methods:

a. Experimental observations (Using spring balances)

b. Analytical solution (Using conditions of equilibrium)

Purpose:

To understand different methods of reaction calculations

Apparatus:

 Simply supported beam model

 Weights
 Hangers
 Spring balances
 Meter rod

Related Theory:

Beam :

Beam is a structural member subjected to shear force and bending moment under the
influence of lateral or transverse load.

Reaction:

Part of the load which is transferred to a support is called reaction

Types of Supports:

1. Roller Support:
It is the support that transmits the compressive force normal to the supporting surface.
2. Hinge Support:
It is capable of transmitting both the horizontal and vertical force.
3. Fix Support:
It can provide support to the structure against any type of force (vertical, horizontal and
rotation)
Engineering Mechanics-Lab Manual

Types of Beam:

Simply Supported Beam: a beam in which support is provided at the two ends of the
beam is called simply supported beam. Three reactions (two vertical and one horizontal)
are the minimum requirement for the stability.

Cantilever Beam: Beam of which end is fixed and other is free.

Engineering Mechanics-Lab Manual

Overhanging Beam:

Types of Loads:

1. Point Concentrated Load: Generally called as point load, it is applied over a

concentrated point or a small area as compared to total area.
2. Uniformly Distributed Load (UDL): it is uniformly distributed over the area of an object.
Self weight of a member is always UDL.
3. Varying Distributed Load(VDL): it is distributed load whose intensity keeps changing
over the area.
Engineering Mechanics-Lab Manual

Conditions of Equilibrium:

1st Condition: Sum of all the forces exerted on a body is equal to zero,

Ʃ Fx = 0, Ʃ Fy = 0, & ƩFz=0

2nd Condition: the sum of all moments acting on a body must be equal to zero

ƩM=0

Procedure:

The reaction apparatus consists of a frame; two spring balances are attached at ends which
represent end supports. A steel beam is hung with these spring balances. The length of the
beam is 155 cm; whereas the distance between the two supports is 117 cm (span length).
This arrangement represents a simply supported beam. Weights are hung with the help of
hangers at various locations and readings of the spring balances are noted which give the
value of reactions.

Set the apparatus, make sure beam is exactly horizontal (note down the weight of the
beam). Note the initial readings on the spring balances and record them as zero error. Hang
two equal weights W1 and W2 with the beam at equal distances from the ends, with the
help of hangers. Now note down the readings on the spring balances. Subtract the initial
readings from the noted value; the difference will give you the reactions at supports.
Repeat the experiment many times by varying the weights and distances.

Observations and Calculations:

No Span Weight Weight A B Reaction Reaction

of
W1 W2 (in) (in) R1 R2
Obsn
N lb N lb exp anal error exp anal error
Engineering Mechanics-Lab Manual

Note: Distances A and B are noted from left support

Analytical Calculations: Students should calculate the reactions analytically and draw the
diagrams for each loading and verify the results of practical and find out error

Observation 1:

Observation 2

Observation 3:

Observation 4:
Engineering Mechanics-Lab Manual

Experiment No 7

Statement:

To determine tension and compression in the members of a jib crane

Apparatus:

Jib crane

Weights

Measuring scale

Weight hangers

Theory:

Cranes are used to lift heavy weights. Cranes form an important part of the civil engineering
projects. Different kinds of cranes are utilized depending upon weight to be lifted and available
area for movement. One such type is the jib crane.

A jib crane is a type of crane that utilizes a mounted arm in lifting, moving and lowering
materials. The fundamental idea of a crane stems from the mechanical advantage concept (The
ratio of the loads’ weight to the applied force is equal to the ratio of the lengths of the longer
arm and the shorter arm). Mechanical advantage refers to the principle that a machine, like a
pulley is capable of multiplying the force exerted on it by a given factor. Jib crane could be free
standing, wall mounted or wall bracket.
Engineering Mechanics-Lab Manual

The jib crane in our lab consists of a vertical post fixed with the wall, a tie arm and a jib arm.
Spring balances are attached with the tie member and jib arm. The equipment is considered to
be frictionless. A load W is suspended from the toe of the jib. When load W is suspended, the
tie member gets elongated and hence it is in tension, while jib arm gets compressed and hence
it is in tension. Point A is in equilibrium. Now utilizing the geometrical properties, we can
calculate the forces in tie and jib member.

a. Measure the length of the post, tie member and jib

b. Length of the jib is variable, so measure it in two portions (fixed and variable)
c. Let us assume that forces in tie arm and jib are T and C respectively and note them
down from the spring balances
d. Hang a weight W at the toe of jib, and is assumed to be correct whereas T and C may
not be correct.
e. Let us assume that T’ and C’ are the correct values of forces in tie and jib arm
respectively
f. Make a triangle abc as shown below in the diagram and calculate correct values of
forces in the tie arm and jib

a c
A C

C W

b
B
Engineering Mechanics-Lab Manual

Since the triangle abc and ABC are similar (all angles same)

Therefore,

T’/AC = C’/AB = W/BC

It can be assumed that lengths are measured correctly

Compare the value of T’ and C’ with T and C and apply correction

% Error = (T-T’/T’)100

Take five sets of reading by changing weight W and tabulate the results

Tabulation of Data:

Ser Weight Tie Jib Arm Tension Compression

no W Arm Length
T T’ Error C C’ Error
Length