EXPERIMENT # 5

OBJECTIVE:
To determine the modulus of elasticity of beam material and to find the central
deflection when simply supported.
Apparatus:
Deflection of beam apparatus,dial guage,spirit lever,weights
Theory:
Beam:
 A beam is a structural member which spans horizontally between supports and carries
loads which act at right angles to the length of the beam.[1]
Types of beam:[2]
 Simply Supported Beam
 Overhanging Beam
 Fixed Beam
 Cantilever Beam
 Continuous Beam
Simply Supported Beam:
A beam supported on the ends which are free to rotate and have no moment resistance.

Overhanging Beam:
A simple beam extending beyond its support on one end.

Fixed Beam:
A beam supported on both ends and restrained from rotation.

Cantilever Beam:
A beam fixed only at one end.

Continuous Beam:
A beam extending over more than two supports.
Applications of beams:
Beams are structural members, which are most commonly used in buildings. Beams have
numerous other applications in case of bridges, automobiles or in mechanical systems.
Observations and Calculations:
Length of beam=L=32in
Breath of beam=W=1in
Thickness of beam=t=0.12in
Least count of vernier=0.05in
Least count of dial guage=0.01in
Moment of inertia=I=bt3/12
Formula to find Deflection:
δ=WL3/48EI

Central deflection
No Effective (δc) E=(W/δc)(L3/48I)
load loading Un- Average
loading
(lb)
1 0.5 60 62.5 60.1 12266.7601
2 1 125 126 125.5 11973.53078
3 1.5 188 191 189.5 11894.54971
4 2 252 255 253.5 11878.87836
11878.87836
11878.87836
11878.87836
11878.87836
5 2.5 318 318 318 11813.50718

Comments:
 Veriation in the values is due to the imperfection of the apparatus.
 There may be human error in reading the value of dial guage.
 Weights may not be in the center of the beam.
References:
[1]
[ http://www.tatasteelconstruction.com/en/reference/teaching-resources/architectural-teaching-
resource/elements/design-of-beams-structural-steel/what-is-a-beam,14/11/15,6:52pm]
[2]
[Beam" def. 1. Whitney, William Dwight, and Benjamin E. Smith. The Century dictionary and cyclopedia. vol, 1.
New York: Century Co., 1901. 487. Print.,14/11/15,7:20pm]