Faculty of Science, Technology and Environment

School of Engineering and Physics

MM103 Engineering Mechanics

Lab Manual

Semester 2, 2012
 Contents

Laboratory Health and Safety Manual ................................................................................... 1

Lab Report Template and Marking Guide ............................................................................. 5

Laboratory Book Cover Sheet ............................................................................................... 6

Hardware Setup for Lab 1 and Lab 2 ..................................................................................... 7

Lab 1: Support Reaction of a Simply Supported Beam and a Continuous Beam.............. 10

Lab 2: Reactions and Fixing Moments of a Fixed Beam and a Propped Cantilever ......... 14

Hardware Setup for Lab 3 and Lab 4 ................................................................................... 17

Lab 3: Shear Force Variation with an Increasing Point Load........................................... 20

Lab 4: Shear Force Variation for Various Loading Conditions........................................ 21

Hardware Setup for Lab 5 and Lab 6 ................................................................................... 23

Lab 5: Bending Moment Variation at the Point of Loading ............................................. 26

Lab 6: Bending Moment Variation away from the Point of Loading ............................... 27

Lab 7: Coefficient of Friction ......................................................................................... 29

Lab 8: Frictional Effects of the Inclined Plane ................................................................ 30

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 Laboratory Health and Safety Manual

Contacts, Regulations and Guidelines for Undergraduate students

EMERGENCY SITUATIONS – TELEPHONE NUMBERS

FIRE, AMBULANCE & POLICE 911

LAB TECHNICIAN 31996

COURSE TUTOR/LAB DEMONSTRATOR 32036

COURSE COORDINATOR 32065

SECURITY GATE 32211

SEP OHS REPRESENTATIVE 32510

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 ACCIDENTS

In case of an accident, follow these instructions:

1. SMALL INJURIES can be handled within each lab which is equipped with a First Aid
Kit. Any situation requiring more care than a First Aid Kit can provide should be referred
to the Lab Technician, Lab Demonstrator or the Course Coordinator.

The contacts of the staff are given on the cover page.

2. SEVERE INJURY cases should be handled by asking the Lab Technician, Lab
Demonstrator or the Course Coordinator to dial 911.

3. If you are in any doubt, you should seek advice from the Lab Personnel or school OHS
officer.

4. In case of acid or alkali burns, get to the sink or wash basin immediately.

A sink is in the metal workshop and one in E Block

A wash basin is in the washrooms.

5. ALL accidents, no matter how small must be reported within 24 hours to the Lab
Personnel or the Engineering Department OHS officer.

FIRES
If you discover a fire:

1. Actuate the nearest wall mounted fire alarm.

2. Do not attempt to extinguish the fire.

3. Close the window(s) if possible.

4. If possible, shout down the experiment or turn off associated services.

5. Do not waste time gathering papers or personnel belongings.

6. Vacate the area and close door(s).

7. Leave the building. WALK, DO NOT RUN.

8. Report to the FIRE DEPARTMENT if anyone is suspected of still being in the building
after general evacuation.

NOTE: It is the responsibility of the Lab Technician to coordinate the evacuation of

persons associated with activities under his/ her direction.

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 SAFETY PRACTICES IN THE LABORATORY

Safety is a mutual responsibility and requires full cooperation of everyone in the laboratory.
This cooperation means that each student and instructor will observe safety precautions
and procedures.

The practice of safety in the laboratory requires:

 The desire on the part of the individual to protect themselves and their associates.

 The need to follow a set of rules.

The following rules must be rigidly and impartially enforced. Non-compliance may result in
dismissal or suspension from the laboratory.

1. Students must not enter laboratories until permission is given by either the instructor or
the Chief Technician.

2. The beginning of safe operations is an understanding of what is to be done and how the
equipment operates. It is your responsibility to familiarize yourself with the experiments,
recording facilities, etc before beginning the actual work, so that you are not forced into
panic situations. Seek advice from the Technicians, Lab Demonstrators or the Course
Coordinator. The Technician, Lab Demonstrators and Course Coordinator have the full
authority to stop any work which in their judgment is considered unsafe.

3. Never operate equipment alone; make certain that others present know how to react in
emergency. This is especially important when working in the evening or in the night.
Always warn others on possible hazards and do not engage in horseplay.

4. Some equipment (machine tools, presses and furnaces) present special hazards. Consider
the consequence of every move before you make it. Remove all tools, specimens, etc that
may fall in the way or fly off rotating and moving parts. A common example is the key to
tighten the chuck of the drill or lathe.

5. If something goes wrong, do not panic. Think, take your time and then act. You must
know how to stop a machine in emergency mode. Never try to retrieve a situation by
reaching between moving parts or by grabbing hot, corrosive, etc, surfaces.

6. Safety glasses must be worn during any cutting, grinding, chipping or sawing operations
on all materials. In addition, splash goggles must be worn and face guards must be worn
if there is a possibility of a liquid jet erupting or solid debris flying or intense heat
radiation. Safety glasses are available in the metal workshop store room.

7. Special glasses such as welding goggles are required in the case of welding.

8. Clothing and Protective Footwear

 Protective footwear must be worn in all labs.

 If carrying out welding, any exposed skin must be covered to prevent burns from
radiation. A dust coat should be used.

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  Safety hats must be worn when there is a chance of objects falling and bruising
your head.
 Appropriate gloves must be worn when working with corrosive fluids, hot
furnaces, sharp objects etc.
 Ear protection must be worn in high noise areas.
 Respirator masks must be used in areas where noxious fumes are possible.
 When working around equipment with moving parts, it is imperative that long hair
be tied, no ties or long necklace are worn, loose clothing tied back and jewellery is
removed.

9. Use tongs, grips, holders etc for placing specimens and workpieces into hot or potentially
dangerous equipment.

10. Maintain an orderly work area at all times. If you spill something, clean it up
immediately.

11. Deliberate dropping of items which make noise or causing any useless noise is prohibited.

12. Unless otherwise instructed, return all tools and equipment and unused specimens to the
designated area or person. Switch off all machines.

13. Report all equipment faults, breakage or unsafe conditions to the technicians
immediately.

14. Smoking and consumption of alcohol, eating and drinking is forbidden in the workshop
premises. The use of mobile phones is also not permitted.

In addition to the above stated safety rules, familiarize yourself with the location of the First
Aid Kits.

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 Lab Report Template and Marking Guide
This sheet is meant to guide you in writing your lab report. Please adhere to this format as
much as possible. It is necessary for you to do some pre-lab readings before each experiment.
Mark
2 Pre-lab Questions
0.5 Title of Experiment
Lab No.

0.5 Date: - -/- -/10

0.5 Lab Partners: Names and ID Numbers (do not write down the name of an absent
lab partner)

1 Aim

Write the aim of the experiment from your point of view in your own words. Not
more than 2 aims.

3 Introduction

Present a background of the topic in terms of theory. This must reflect readings
you would have done before the lab. Questions such as its need in engineering and
derivations must be included. References must be used and included appropriately
in the references section at the end of the report.

3 Results

Present results in the required format. Where needed, show a sample calculation.
(Restrict yourself to using single column entries)

3.5 Solution to Questions

Provide solution to questions in the lab manual.

3 Analysis and Discussion

Analyze the results and interpret them in your own words. Compare results with
information you may have from pre-lab readings.

2 Conclusion

Summarize your findings here. Link it closely to the aims of the experiment and
the introduction. Do not forget to mention what you learnt from the experiment.

1 References

_____ Use Harvard Referencing method to list all references used.

20

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 FACULTY OF SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENT
SCHOOL OF ENGINEERING AND PHYSICS
MM103: ENGINEERING MECHANICS

Laboratory Book Cover Sheet

Name:
ID No.:
Lab Time/Day:

Date Lab No. Title Marks (Out of 20)

Total Marks

To be displayed on the inside cover of lab book

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 Hardware Setup for Lab 1 and Lab 2

Introduction
This guide describes how to set up and perform experiments related to various beam
problems, including statically determinate beams, beam deflections, continuous and
indeterminate beams. The equipment clearly demonstrates the principles involved and gives
practical support to your studies.
Description
The above figure shows the Continuous and Indeterminate Beams experiment. The
equipment consists of a backboard with a dial indicator for measuring deflections and a
mechanism that measures beam end fixing moments. Three load cell piers measure vertical
beam reactions. Two of the load cells have variable height knife-edges (which allow for
sinking supports). The third has either a fixed height knife-edge or a clamp to simulate an
encastre beam condition.
How to Set Up the Equipment
The Continuous and Indeterminate Beams experiment fits into a Test Frame. The figure
below shows the Continuous and Indeterminate Beams experiment in the Frame with a load
cell to bend the beams and a force display to measure the force applied.
Before setting up and using the equipment, always:

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  Visually inspect all parts, including electrical leads, for damage or wear.
 Check electrical connections are correct and secure.
 Check all components are secure and fastenings are sufficiently tight.
 Position the Test Frame safely. Make sure it is on a solid, level surface, is steady, and
easily accessible.
 Never apply excessive loads to any part of the equipment

The following instructions may already have been completed for you.
1. Place an assembled Test Frame on a workbench. Make sure the ‘window’ of the Test
Frame is easily accessible.
2. There are two securing nuts in each of the side members of the frame (on the inner track).
Move them to the rear of the frame in the inner groove and then slide all four nuts to
about the positions shown in the figure below.
3. Slide two nuts into position for one of the load cell supports.
4. Lift the backboard unit into position, secure with the longer screws provided, level the
ends of the unit with the frame. Fit a rigid and sinking knife-edge support at the position

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 shown using two screws in the front only. Ensure the knife-edge on the support is at its
highest position.
5. Undo the moment arm clamp screw on the backboard unit so the moment chuck can turn.
Attach the thin, more flexible beam using an M6 screw. Allow the opposite end of the
beam to rest on the support knife-edge.
6. Fine adjust the position of the backboard unit so the beam is visibly horizontal. This
ensures the backboard and supports are in the correct relative position. The experiments
involve adding and removing supports as required and each experiment has further set up
instructions.

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 Lab 1: Support Reaction of a Simply Supported Beam and a Continuous Beam
Aim
To verify the basic beam equilibrium equation RA + RB = W and the principle of moments for
finding beam reactions.
To investigate the reactions of a two-span continuous beam with three supports.
Experiment 1
Description
In this experiment, you will verify the basic beam equilibrium equation RA + RB = W and the
principle of moments for finding beam reactions:
Where:
W = Load on the beam (N)
RA = Support reaction at position A on the beam (N)
RB = Support reaction at position B on the beam (N)

Figure 1: A Simply supported beam

Equipment
You will need the following equipment to perform this experiment:
The backboard unit set up in the test frame
Two rigid and sinking load cell supports with screws
A Digital Forcemeter with leads
The thick “rigid” beam
The thin “flexible” beam
A set of weights, weight hanger and a knife-edge hanger
Method
1. Take the two load cell supports and slide one on to the frame in the 550 mm position (on
the scale on the backplate). Reverse the second support so the zero control is facing away
and slide to the 150 mm position. Secure them with two screws and captive nuts in each
support. Place the rigid beam on the knife-edges with an equal overhang at each end.
2. Connect the left-hand support to the digital forcemeter input 1 and the right-hand support
to input 2. With the beam still in position select the appropriate input on the digital
forcemeter and zero the readings using the front panel control on the relevant load cell
support.

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3. Slide the knife-edge onto the beam 40 mm from the left support. Apply a mass of 490 g.
The knife-edge has a mass of approximately 10 g so the total mass on the beam is 500 g.
4. Record the readings for each load cell support in Table 1. Carefully move the knife-edge
along to 80 mm from the support and repeat the readings. Continue to move the knife-
edge in 40 mm increments to complete Table 1.
Table 1: Results for Experiment 1
Distance A
Load W (N) RA (N) RB (N) RA + RB (N)
(mm)
40 4.9
80 4.9
120 4.9
160 4.9
200 4.9
240 4.9
280 4.9
320 4.9
360 4.9
5. Use the principle of static equilibrium and take moments to establish theoretical values of
RA and RB. Enter the values into Table 2.
Table 2: Theoretical Values for Experiment 1
Distance A
Load W (N) RA (N) RB (N) RA + RB (N)
(mm)
40 4.9
80 4.9
120 4.9
160 4.9
200 4.9
240 4.9
280 4.9
320 4.9
360 4.9
Questions
Plot a graph of RA and RB versus distance along the beam. From your results, comment on the
shape of the resulting plot. Superimpose the theoretical results on the same axis and comment
on the accuracy of the results taken and any sources of error. Does static equilibrium predict
the value of the support reactions?

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Experiment 2
Description
In this experiment, you will use the equipment to investigate the reactions of a two-span
continuous beam with three supports. This type of beam is governed by the following
equations:
1  W1 x1 x2 W yy 
m   x  x1   2 1 2  y  y2  
2  x  y  x y 
W1 x2  m
RA 
x
W x  m W2 y2  m
RB  1 1 
x y
W2 y1  m
RC 
y

Figure 2: Beam arrangement for Experiment 2

Equipment
You will need the following equipment to perform this experiment:
The backboard unit set up in the test frame
The knife-edge and encastre fixing, load cell support
Two rigid and sinking load cell supports
A Digital Forcemeter with leads
The thin “flexible’ beam
A set of weights, two weight hangers and two knife-edge hangers
Method
1. Put load cell supports onto the test frame and slide them to the 200 mm, 350 mm and 500
mm positions. Use a rigid and sinking support in the centre position. Fix them securely
with two screws on the front only.
2. Connect the left-hand load cell to the digital force display input 1, the middle one to input
2 and the one on the right to input 3.
3. Place the beam across all three supports ensuring that it is touching all 3 knife-edges. If
not adjust the height of either one of the two knife-edges until all three knife-edges
contact the beam. Select each reading in turn and use the relevant control to zero the
readings on the digital force display.

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4. Apply various masses to the beam at different positions on each span (that is, vary W1
and W2, x1 and x2, y1 and y2). Record the beam reactions RA, RB and RC.
5. Using the equations given at the beginning of the experiment calculate the theoretical
values of RA, RB and RC for your values of W1 and W2, x1 and x2, and y1 and y2. Try
another two arrangements calculating the theoretical results each time.
Questions
Do your experimental results agree with the calculated values? The formulae given rely on
the premise that the supports are rigid (that is, do not sink under the loads on the beam). What
would happen to the reactions RA and RC if the centre support were to sink? Try out your
prediction by loading the beam and winding down the centre support knife-edge. How does
this affect the equations for the beam? Imagine the continuous beam used in the experiment
was a bridge. What sort of ground would be most suitable to build the footings on? Why is
this not always possible?

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 Lab 2: Reactions and Fixing Moments of a Fixed Beam and a Propped Cantilever
Aim
To investigate the beam arrangements of fixed beams and propped cantilever.
Description
In this experiment, you will use the equipment to investigate two beam arrangements, shown
in Figure 1.

Figure 1: Beam arrangements for this experiment

Equipment
You will need the following equipment to perform this experiment:
The backboard unit set up in the Test Frame
The knife-edge and encastre fixing, load cell support
A Digital Forcemeter with leads
The thin “flexible” beam
A set of weights, weight hanger and a knife-edge hanger.
Method
Experiment 1
1. Put the load cell support onto the test frame and slide it to the 400 mm position. Fix it
securely with two screws on the front only. Remove the top clamp plate from the load cell
leaving the bottom plate in position.
2. Leaving the screw loose, using the hole at one end secure the beam to the moment chuck
on the backboard. Undo the moment arm locking screw to allow the beam to rest fully on
the load cell. Clamp the beam in the load cell evenly and squarely with the two screws
and the clamping plate. Tighten the chuck screw and finally the moment arm locking
screw.
3. Connect the moment arm to input 1 and the load cell to input 2 on the digital force
display. Select each reading in turn and use the relevant control to zero the readings on
the digital force display.
4. The equipment is now set up as a fixed beam. The left-hand end is set to measure the
fixing moment and the right-hand end is set to measure the support reaction.

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5. Apply a mass of 500 g to the beam 40 mm from the left-hand end. Take readings of the
moment arm force and support reaction force. Record the values in Table 1 and repeat in
40 mm increments across the span of the beam. Calculate the moment MA from the
moment arm force. The moment arm length is printed on the backboard.
Table 1: Results for Experiment 1 – Fixed Beam
Distance A Moment Arm
Load W (N) MA (N) RB (N)
(mm) Force (N)
40 4.9
80 4.9
120 4.9
160 4.9
200 4.9
240 4.9
280 4.9
320 4.9
360 4.9
Experiment 2
1. Release the moment arm clamp screw and undo the clamp screws on the load cell
support. Remove both clamp plates from the load cell support to expose the knife-edge.
Rest the beam back onto the knife-edge and tighten the moment arm clamp screw. Rezero
both the moment arm and the load cell support using the set zero control. The equipment
is now set as a propped cantilever.
2. Repeat the experimental procedure used on the fixed beam for propped cantilever. Record
the results in Table 2. For both sets of results, plot fixing moment and vertical reaction
versus position along the beam. Calculate theoretical values of all the moments and
reactions using the equations in Figure 1.
Table 2: Results for Experiment 2 – Propped Cantilever
Distance A Moment Arm
Load W (N) MA (N) RB (N)
(mm) Force (N)
40 4.9
80 4.9
120 4.9
160 4.9
200 4.9
240 4.9
280 4.9
320 4.9
360 4.9

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Questions
Comment on the accuracy of your results. Are the equations that describe the support
reactions derived from static equilibrium? If not, why? Find a method to derive the equations
for the beam. Compare the fixing moments and support reactions for the propped cantilever
and the fixed beams. Give advantages and disadvantages for using a fixed beam or a propped
cantilever for a simple bridge.

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 Hardware Setup for Lab 3 and Lab 4

Introduction
This guide describes how to set up and perform Shear Force in a Beam experiments. It clearly
demonstrates the principles involved and gives practical support to your studies.
Description
The above figure shows the Shear Force in a Beam experiment. It consists of a beam which is
‘cut’. To stop the beam collapsing, a mechanism, (which allows movement in the shear
direction only) bridges the cut on to a load cell thus reacting (and measuring) the shear force.
A digital display shows the force from the load cell.
A diagram on the left-hand support of the beam shows the beam geometry and hanger
positions. Hanger supports are 20 mm apart and have a central groove which positions the
hangers.
How to Set Up the Equipment
The Shear Force in a Beam experiment fits into a Test Frame. The figure below shows the
Shear Force of a Beam experiment assembled in the Frame.
Before setting up and using the equipment, always:
 Visually inspect all parts, including electrical leads, for damage or wear.
 Check electrical connections are correct and secure.
 Check all components are secured correctly and fastenings are sufficiently tight.

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  Position the Test Frame safely. Make sure it is mounted on a solid, level surface, is
steady, and easily accessible.
Never apply excessive loads to any part of the equipment.

Steps 1 to 4 of the following instructions may already have been completed for you.
1. Place an assembled Test Frame on a workbench. Make sure the ‘window’ of the Test
Frame is easily accessible.
2. There are four securing nuts in the top member of the frame. Slide them to approximately
the positions shown in the above figure.
3. With the right-hand end of the experiment resting on the bottom member of the Test
Frame, fit the left- hand support to the top member of the frame. Push the support on to
the frame to ensure that the internal bars are sitting on the frame squarely. Tighten the
support in position by screwing two of the thumbscrews provided into the securing nuts
(on the front of the support only).
4. Lift the right-hand support into position and locate the two remaining thumbscrews into
the securing nuts. Push the support on to the frame to ensure the internal bars are sitting

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 on the frame squarely. Position the support horizontally so that the rolling pivot is in the
middle of its travel. Tighten the thumbscrews.
5. Make sure the Digital Force Display is ‘on’. Connect the mini DIN lead from ‘Force
Input 1’ on the Digital Force Display to the socket marked ‘Force Output’ on the left-
hand support of the experiment. Ensure the lead does not touch the beam.
6. Carefully zero the force meter using the dial on the left-hand beam of the experiment.
Gently apply a small load with a finger to the centre of the beam and release. Zero the
meter again if necessary. Repeat to ensure the meter returns to zero.
Note: If the meter is only ±0.1 N, lightly tap the frame (there may be a little ‘stiction’ and this
should overcome it).

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 Lab 3: Shear Force Variation with an Increasing Point Load
Aim
To examine how shear force varies with an increasing point load.
Description
This experiment examines how shear force varies with an increasing point load. Figure 1
shows the force diagram for the beam.

Figure 1: Force diagram

The equation you will use in this experiment is:
W .a
Shear force at cut, Sc 
l
where a is the distance to the load (not the cut). Distance a = 260 mm.
Method
1. Check that the Digital Force Display meter reads zero with no load.
2. Place a hanger with a 100 g mass to the left of the ‘cut’ (40 mm away). Record the Digital
Force Display reading in a table as in Table 1. Repeat using masses of 200 g, 300 g, 400 g
and 500 g. Convert the mass into a load (in N). Remember,
Shear force at the cut = Displayed force
3. Calculate the theoretical shear force at the cut and complete Table 1.
Table 1: Results
Experimental Shear Theoretical Shear
Mass (g) Load (N)
Force (N) Force (N)
0
100
200
300
400
500
Questions
Plot a graph which compares your experimental results to those you calculated using the
theory.
Comment on the shape of the graph. What does it tell you about how shear force varies due to
an increased load? Does the equation you used accurately predict the behavior of the beam?

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 Lab 4: Shear Force Variation for Various Loading Conditions
Aim
To examine how shear force varies at the cut position of the beam for various loading
conditions.
Description
This experiment examines how shear force varies at the cut position of the beam for various
loading conditions. Figure 1, Figure 2 and Figure 3 show the force diagrams.

Figure 1: Force diagram

Figure 2: Force diagram

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 Figure 3: Force diagram
You will use the statement:
“The Shear force at the ‘cut’ is equal to the algebraic sum of the forces acting to the left or
right of the cut.”
Method
1. Check that the Digital Force Display meter reads zero with no load.
2. Carefully load the beam with the hangers in the positions shown in Figure 1, using the
loads indicated in Table 1.
3. Record the Digital Force Display reading as in Table 1. Remember,
Shear force at the cut (N) = Displayed force
4. Calculate the support reactions (RA and RB) and calculate the theoretical shear force at the
cut.
5. Repeat the procedure with the beam loaded as in Figure 2 and Figure 3.
Table 1: Results
Experimental Theoretical
Figure W1 (N) W2 (N) RA (N) RB (N)
Shear Force (N) Shear Force (N)
1 3.92
2 1.96 3.92
3 4.91 3.92
Questions
Comment on how the results of the experiments compare with those calculated using theory.

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 Hardware Setup for Lab 5 and Lab 6

Introduction
This guide describes how to set up and perform Bending Moment in a Beam experiments. It
clearly demonstrates the principles involved and gives practical support to your studies.
Description
The above figure shows the Bending Moment in a Beam experiment. It consists of a beam
which is ‘cut’ by a pivot. To stop the beam collapsing a moment arm bridges the cut onto a
load cell thus reacting (and measuring) the bending moment force. A digital display shows
the force from the load cell.
A diagram on the left-hand support of the beam shows the beam geometry and hanger
positions. Hanger supports are 20 mm apart, and have a centre slot which positions the
hangers. The moment arm is 125 mm long.
How to Set Up the Equipment
The Bending Moment in a Beam experiment fits into a Test Frame. The figure below shows
the Bending Moment of a Beam experiment assembled in the Frame.
Before setting up and using the equipment, always:
 Visually inspect all parts, including electrical leads, for damage or wear.
 Check electrical connections are correct and secure.
 Check all components are secured correctly and fastenings are sufficiently tight.

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  Position the Test Frame safely. Make sure it is mounted on a solid, level surface, is
steady, and easily accessible.
Never apply excessive loads to any part of the equipment.

Steps 1 to 4 of the following instructions may already have been completed for you.
1. Place an assembled Test Frame on a workbench. Make sure the ‘window’ of the Test
Frame is easily accessible.
2. There are four securing nuts in the top member of the frame. Slide them to approximately
the positions shown in the above figure.
3. With the right-hand end of the experiment resting on the bottom member of the Test
Frame, fit the left-hand support to the top member of the frame. Push the support on to
the frame to ensure that the internal bars are sitting on the frame squarely. Tighten the
support in position by screwing two of the thumbscrews provided into the securing nuts
(on the front of the support only).
4. Lift the right-hand support into position and locate the two remaining thumbscrews into
the securing nuts. Push the support on to the frame to ensure the internal bars are sitting

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 on the frame squarely. Position the support horizontally so the rolling pivot is in the
middle of its travel. Tighten the thumbscrews.
5. Make sure the Digital Force Display is ‘on’. Connect the mini DIN lead from ‘Force
Input 1’ on the Digital Force Display to the socket marked ‘Force Output’ on the left-
hand support of the experiment. Ensure the lead does not touch the beam.
6. Carefully zero the force meter using the dial on the left-hand beam of the experiment.
Gently apply a small load with a finger to the centre of the beam and release. Zero the
meter again if necessary. Repeat to ensure the meter returns to zero.
Note: If the meter is only ±0.1 N, lightly tap the frame (there may be a little ‘stiction’ and this
should overcome it).

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 Lab 5: Bending Moment Variation at the Point of Loading
Aim
To examine how the bending moment varies at the point of loading.
Description
This experiment examines how the bending moment varies at the point of loading. Figure 1
shows the force diagram for the beam.

Figure 1: Force diagram

The equation you will use in this experiment is:

BM (at cut)  Wa
l  a
l
Method
1. Check that the Digital Force Display meter reads zero with no load.
2. Place a hanger with a 100 g mass at the ‘cut’. Record the Digital Force Display reading in
a table as in Table 1. Repeat using masses of 200 g, 300 g, 400 g and 500 g.
3. Convert the mass into a load (in N) and the force reading into a bending moment (Nm).
Remember;
Bending moment at the cut (in Nm) = Displayed force x 0.125
4. Calculate the theoretical bending moment at the cut and complete Table 1.
Table 1: Results
Load Force Experimental Bending Theoretical Bending
Mass (g)
(N) (N) Moment (Nm) Force (Nm)
0
100
200
300
400
500
Questions
Plot a graph which compares your experimental results to those you calculated using theory.
Comment on the shape of the graph. What does it tell you about how bending moment varies
at the point of loading? Does the equation you used accurately predict the behavior of the
beam?

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 Lab 6: Bending Moment Variation away from the Point of Loading
Aim
To examine how bending moment varies at the cut position of the beam for various loading
conditions.
Description
This experiment examines how bending moment varies at the cut position of the beam for
various loading conditions. Figure 1, Figure 2 and Figure 3 show the force diagrams.

Figure 1: Force diagram

Figure 2: Force diagram

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 Figure 3: Force diagram
You will use the statement:
“The Bending Moment at the ‘cut’ is equal to the algebraic sum of the moments caused by
the forces acting to the left or right of the cut.”
Method
1. Check that the Digital Force Display meter reads zero with no load.
2. Carefully load the beam with the hangers in the positions shown in Figure 1, using the
loads indicated in Table 1. Record the Digital Force Display reading in a table as in Table
1.
3. Convert the force reading into a bending moment (in Nm). Remember;
Bending moment at the cut (in Nm) = Displayed force x 0. 125
4. Calculate the support reactions (RA and RB) and calculate the theoretical bending moment
at the cut.
5. Repeat the procedure with the beam loaded as in Figure 2 and Figure 3.
Table 1: Results
Experimental Theoretical
Force
Figure W1 (N) W2 (N) Bending Moment RA (N) RB (N) Bending Moment
(N)
(Nm) (Nm)
1 3.92
2 1.96 3.92
3 4.91 3.92
Questions
Comment on how the results of the experiments compare with those calculated using the
theory.

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 Lab 7: Coefficient of Friction
Aim
To measure the coefficient of friction.
Equipment
1 universal stand
1 set of 10g masses and hangers
1 inclined plane
Twine
Method
1. Set up the inclined plane so that it is horizontal as shown in Figure 1. Make the weight of
the trolley 2 N by hanging a 200 g mass from the trolley and provide a horizontal force on
it by hanging 10 g on the end of the twine. Add more 10 g masses to find the maximum
force this can be before the trolley just starts to move.

10 g

200 g

Figure 1
2. Increase the weight of the trolley to 4 N and again find the maximum horizontal force
before the trolley will just move. Repeat the experiment for other values of trolley weight
up to say 20 N and tabulate your results.

Questions
Plot a graph of the trolley weight against the horizontal force i.e. the friction. Use the graph to
answer the following questions. Does the graph show that friction increases with weight?
Explain. Does the graph show that frictional force increases with weight? Explain. If the
weight were 0, what would the friction be? Explain.

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 Lab 8: Frictional Effects of the Inclined Plane
Aim
To determine the frictional effects on an inclined plane.
Equipment
1 inclined plane
3 specimens (glass, wood, and steel)
1 set of 100g masses and hanger
1 set of 10g masses
Twine

Method
1. Set up the equipment as shown Figure 1. Set the angle of the plane, , equal to 10º and W
equal to 10 N or a mass of 1 kg.

Pulley

P lane
ined
Incl
W

 P

2. By changing the amount of mass on the hanger, find the force P (N) that is needed to just
stop the trolley sliding up or down the plane.
3. Repeat the experiment with increments of 5º till 40º.
4. Tabulate your results and plot a graph of P (y-axis) against  (x-axis). What is the
relationship between the angle of the plane and the force required to keep the trolley up?
5. Draw a graph of P against sin. What is the relationship between the angle of the plane
and the force required to keep the trolley up?
6. Repeat the experiment with two other materials.

Questions
For any fixed angle, compare the frictional force for different materials. How does the
frictional force differ with  for different materials? Discuss the applications of this
experiment in real life engineering.

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