TITLE: DEFLECTION OF BEAMS AND CANTILEVER APPARATUS

(EXPERIMENT NO 2)

1.0 OBJECTIVE

Determination of the Relationship Between Applied Load and Deflection for a beam
made of various materials.

2.0 THEORY

A beam is a structural feature that can sustain load mainly by resisting bending. A
bending moment is the bending force caused in the material of the beam as a result of
external loads, own weight, distance, and external reactions to these loads. Beams are
distinguished by their profile (cross-sectional shape), weight, and content. Beams are
typically used to describe construction or civil engineering structural components, but
beam designs may also be found in smaller structures such as vehicle or vehicle frames,
computer frames, and other mechanical or structural systems.

 Under the influence of applied forces, the axis of a beam deflects from its original
position. In certain functional scenarios, accurate values for these beam deflections are
sought: Machine components must be robust enough to avoid misalignment and ensure
dimensional accuracy under load. Floor beams in buildings must not deflect unnecessarily
to stop the unfavourable psychological impact of flexible floors on inhabitants and to
mitigate or eliminate discomfort in brittle-finish materials; similarly, knowledge on
deformation properties of members is critical in the analysis of system movements as well
as stationery and flight frameworks.

TYPE OF BEAMS

  Simply Supported - a beam assisted at the ends by free-rotating ends with no

moment resistance.

 Fixed - a beam that is supported on both ends and is not free to rotate
  Overhanging - a simple beam extending beyond its support on one end.

 Double overhanging - a simple beam with both ends extending beyond its supports
on both ends.

 Continuous - a beam extending over more than two supports.

3.0 APPARATUS

1. The experimental set-up consists of Aluminium section structure. 

2. Specimen beam (Choose one of the following materials: Aluminium, Brass or
Stainless steel) 
3. Dial Gauge 
4. Weights with hanger 
5. Magnetic stand 
6. Support
 (GAMBAR)

4.0 PROCEDURE

1. Place the framework on a levelled, fair, and rigid surface.

2. Connect the aluminium structure’s support.

3. Ensure the frame and foundations are securely fastened together.

4. Double-check all ties and fittings to ensure there are no movements around joints
5. For simply supported beams, place the beam on the support, and drive bolts into the
holes given on the beam and support for fixed beams (bolts are provided only to
maintain the position of Beam on support)
6. Apply a load to the beam at a certain distance and use a dial gauge to measure the
deflection of the beam at that point.
7. Record readings in the observation bench.
8. Repeat the process with a beam that is simply supported.
5.0 OBSERVATION TABLE
Type of Beam Material of Point of Load Deflection
Beam application of (in kg) (mm)
load (m)
Simply Stainless Steel Center 1.0 1.628
supported 1.5 2.511
beam 2.0 3.344
2.5 4.351
3.0 5.201
3.5 6.637
4.0 9.621
Aluminium Center 1.0 4.114
1.5 6.035
Brass Center 1.0 3.075
1.5 4.579
2.0 6.327
6.0 RESULT
Plot a graph of Load vs Deflection for each material of beam from Table 1. Make a
comparison for deflection between simple support and fixed support.
CONCLUSION

Conclusion in deflection of a cantilever, aluminium beam have the greatest deflection,

followed by brass beams and stainless steel beams have the smallest deflection. The
deflection of a beam is proportional to the mass applied to it. With the distance from the
support to the loading spot, the deflection ofvthe beam increased exponentially. It can be
concluded by these experiments that deflection in a beam under a constant force depends on
its form, shape, material and force point. The experimental elastic modulus from the same
material can also be inferred in each case that is different and depends on the form, shape and
loading position of the beam.