MCT-215L MECHANICS OF MATERIALS

2021

Name: _________________________________

Registration No: _________________________

 MCT-215L MECHANICS OF MATERIALS

EXPERIMENT: 1
To draw the load-extension curve of a metallic wire and hence determine the modulus of elasticity of the
material of the wire.

Apparatus:

Young’s modulus of elasticity apparatus; Hanger and Weights; Meter Rod;

Micrometer

The apparatus consists of a wire attached to a fixed support. The lower end
of the wire is attached to the hanger with the help of a metallic plate. The
extension of the wire on loading can be measured from the scale present
on the metallic plate.

Theory:

 Normal Stress 𝜎 in a solid body is the internal resistance force per unit
area against the applied load or external force. This stress can be
tensile or compressive. Fig. 1: Young's Modulus of Elasticity
Apparatus

Stress = Force/Area (1)

Units of stress: Newton per square meter (𝑁/𝑚 ) = Pascal (Pa) or pounds per square inch (𝑝𝑠𝑖).

 Normal Strain 𝜖 in a solid body is the change in length per original length.

Normal Strain = Change in length/Original length (2)

Strain is measure as 𝑖𝑛𝑐ℎ/𝑖𝑛𝑐ℎ or 𝑚/𝑚.

 By Hook’s law, we know that stress is directly proportional to the strain, whenever a material is loaded
within its proportionality limit. It is denoted by 𝑬.

Stress ∝ Strain (𝑤𝑖𝑡ℎ𝑖𝑛 𝑝𝑟𝑜𝑝𝑜𝑟𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛𝑎𝑙𝑖𝑡𝑦 𝑙𝑖𝑚𝑖𝑡) (3)

Units of 𝑬 are same as stress.

Consider a wire subjected to a tensile stress as shown in the Fig. 1. Let,

𝑃 = Load or force acting on the body

𝐿 = Length of the body
𝐴 = Cross − sectional area of the body
𝜎 = Stress induced in the body
𝐸 = Modulus of elasticity for the material of the body
𝜖 = Strain produced in the body
𝛿𝐿 = Deformatuon of the body
From Eqs. 1, 2 and 3 𝜎 ∝ 𝜖 ⇒ 𝜎 = 𝐸 × 𝜖 or 𝐸= Fig. 2: Load-Extension Curve

𝐸 = (𝑃/𝛿𝐿)(𝐿/𝐴)

Prepared by the Department of Mechatronics and Control Engineering, 2021

 MCT-215L MECHANICS OF MATERIALS

Procedure:

1. Put the initial load of 2 lb to remove wrinkles in wire.

2. Measure length of wire using meter rod.
3. Measure diameter of the wire using micrometer.
4. Adjust main scale so that zeros of two scales coincide with each other.
5. Put a load of 5 lb in the hander and measure extension.
6. Take a set of at least five readings of increasing value of load and then take readings on unloading.
7. Check the zeros at no load.
8. Calculate the Young’s modulus of elasticity 𝑬 of the material of the wire.

Observations and Calculations:

Least Count of the scale of apparatus = ____________________ in

Least Count of micrometer = ____________________ in
Least Count of meter rod = ____________________ in
Length of wire (𝐿) = ____________________ in
Diameter of wire (𝑑) = ____________________ in
Initial Load = ____________________ lb
Cross-sectional area of wire (𝐴 = 𝜋𝑑 /4) = ____________________ in2

𝑷/𝜹𝑳 Modulus of Relative

No. Effective Extension – 𝜹𝑳 (in)
(lb/in) Elasticity 𝑬 (psi) Error in
of Load 𝑷
From From Using Using 𝑬 (%)
Obs. (lb) *LD UNLD AVG
Readings Graph Readings Graph
1
2

3
4
5

6
7

*LD  Loading; UNLD  Unloading; AVG  Average.

What you must show at the end of experiment?

 Plot the curve between load 𝑃 (y-axis) and extension 𝛿𝐿 (x-axis) and calculate the slope of the
graph. Attach it here.
 Hand calculations.

Prepared by the Department of Mechatronics and Control Engineering, 2021

 MCT-215L MECHANICS OF MATERIALS

 Your observations and comments regarding the experiment and results.

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Prepared by the Department of Mechatronics and Control Engineering, 2021

 MCT-215L MECHANICS OF MATERIALS

EXPERIMENT: 2

To investigate the relationship between shear stress and shear strain for rubber and to determine the
modulus of rigidity of the material.

Apparatus:

Modulus of rigidity of rubber apparatus; Hangers and

Weights; Steel rule; Dial Indicator

A rubber block 12 x 4 x 1 inch is bonded to two aluminum

alloy plates. One plate is screwed to a wall, whilst the
other has a shear load applied by a loaded weight
hanger. A dial gauge measures the deflection of the
block as can be seen in Fig. 3.

Theory:

The force which tends to cut off or parts off one portion of the Fig. 3: Modulus of Rigidity of Rubber Apparatus
component from the other is called shear force. Stresses
produced on the area under shear, due to shearing forces, are called shearing stresses. Shear stress is
denoted by τ.

Shearing Stress = Shearing Force/Area under shear (1)

Units of shear stress: Newton per square meter (𝑁/𝑚 ) = Pascal (Pa) or pounds per square inch (𝑝𝑠𝑖).

Shearing strain is the angle of distortion. It can be represented by 𝛾.

The constant of proportionality relating shear stress and shear strain is modulus of rigidity. It is
represented by 𝐺.

𝐺 = Shear stress/Shear strain (2)

Units of 𝐺 are same as stress.

Let us consider the deformation of a rectangular block where the forces acting
on the block are known to be shearing stress as shown in the Fig. 4. The
change of angle at the corner of an originally rectangular element is defined
as the shear strain. Let,

Ps = Shearing load or force acting on the body

𝑙 = Length of the body
A = Area under shear = 𝑙 × 𝑡
𝜏 = Shear stress induced in the body
𝐺 = Modulus of rigidity for the material of the body
γ = Shear strain produced
δs = Deformation of the body
From Fig. 4, cC=Dd= δs = Shear Deformation
Fig. 4: Distortion of a rectangular block
𝑡𝑎𝑛 𝛾 = 𝛾 = Shear Strain = 𝛿 /𝑤

Prepared by the Department of Mechatronics and Control Engineering, 2021

 MCT-215L MECHANICS OF MATERIALS

From Eqs. 1 and 2,

𝐺 = 𝜏/γ
or
𝐺 = (P ⁄𝛿 )(𝑤 ⁄𝑙. 𝑡)
Fig. 5: Shear stress vs Shear strain
Procedure:
1. Set the dial indicator so that its anvil rests on the top of the loading plate.
2. Set the dial indicator at zero.
3. With the hanger in position apply a load to the hanger and read the vertical
displacement (𝛿 ) of the loading plate relative to the fixing plate from the dial
indicator.
4. Repeat the experiment for increasing load and record the vertical displacement
of the loading plate in each case.
5. Unload and note the corresponding readings with the load decreasing.
6. Calculate the modulus of rigidity, 𝐺 of the rubber material.
Observations and Calculations:
Length of rubber block (𝑙) = ________________________________ in
Width of rubber block (w) = ________________________________ in
Thickness of rubber block (t) = ________________________________ in
Least count of dial indicator = ________________________________ in

Shear Modulus of Rigidity

No. Load Deflection 𝜹𝐬 (in) Stress Shear 𝑮 (psi) %age
of Ps Strain
𝛕 = 𝐏𝐬 /(𝒍. 𝒕) Error
Obs. (lbs) 𝝉/𝛄
*LD UNLD AVG 𝛄 = 𝜹𝐬 /𝒘 From graph
(psi)
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.

*LD  Loading; UNLD  Unloading; AVG  Average.

What you must show at the end of experiment?

 Plot the curve between shear stress 𝜏 (y-axis) and shear strain γ (x-axis) and calculate the slope of
the graph. Attach it here.
 Hand calculations.

Prepared by the Department of Mechatronics and Control Engineering, 2021

 MCT-215L MECHANICS OF MATERIALS

 Your observations and comments regarding the factors affecting the results of the experiment.

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Prepared by the Department of Mechatronics and Control Engineering, 2021

 MCT-215L MECHANICS OF MATERIALS

EXPERIMENT: 3
To determine the modulus of rigidity of the given material of circular shaft.

Apparatus:

Torsion of shaft apparatus, Hangers and Weights, Vernier Caliper,

Micrometer, Steel rule.

Torsion of shaft apparatus includes a shaft of circular section, two

measuring scales and a pully with a frame.

The main purpose of the pulley with hanger is to apply some load on
the circular shaft to create torque. The two scales attached to the
frame, one at the front and other at the back, are used to measure the
angle of twist 𝜃 of the shaft which can be further used to measure the Fig. 6: Torsion of Shaft Apparatus
torsion in the circular shaft. The front end of the portion of shaft is near to the pulley while the back end
is near the back support of the frame.

When the shaft of length 𝐿 is subjected to torque 𝑇, the twisting causes shearing stresses in the shaft. The
resistance to the twisting deformation in shaft can be obtained by calculating the polar moment of inertia
𝐽 of shaft. By relating these, modulus of rigidity of the material of shaft can be calculated.

From the theory of torsion of shaft, we have

already derived the expression for modulus of
rigidity 𝐺 as,

𝐺 = 𝑇𝐿/𝐽𝜃
The torsion formula above describes the
relation of applied torque with the angle of
twist and stresses produced in the shafts.

Procedure:

1. Place the apparatus on a smooth

horizontal surface.
2. Measure the effective length of the shaft using steel rule.
3. Measure the diameter of the shaft using micrometer.
4. Adjust the zeros at 1st and 2nd measuring arms.
5. Put a load of one pound (1 lb) in the hanger.
6. Measure the 1st and 2nd angle of twist of the shaft.
7. Take a set of six readings of increasing value of load and then take readings on unloading.
8. Calculate the modulus of rigidity 𝐺, of the material of the shaft.

Observations and Calculations:

Effective length of shaft (𝐿) = ________________________________ in
Diameter of shaft (𝑑) = ________________________________ in
Diameter of torque pulley (𝐷) = ________________________________ in

Prepared by the Department of Mechatronics and Control Engineering, 2021

 MCT-215L MECHANICS OF MATERIALS

Radius of torque pulley (𝑅 = 𝐷/2) = ________________________________ in

Polar moment of inertia of the shaft (𝐽 = 𝜋𝑑 /32) = ________________________________ in4

Angle of twist at 1st Angle of twist at 2nd Angle of

Modulus
measuring arm measuring arm twist for
No. Load Torque of Rigidity
𝜃 (rad) 𝜃 (rad) effective
of 𝑾 𝑾. 𝑹 𝐺
length
Obs (lbs) (lb.in) = 𝑇𝐿/𝐽𝜃
LD UNLD AVG LD UNLD AVG 𝜃 =𝜃 −𝜃
(psi)
(rad)
1.
2.
3.
4.

5.

6.

What you must show at the end of experiment?

 Hand calculations showing all results in step 8 under procedure above.

 A discussion of factors affecting the results of the experiment.

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Prepared by the Department of Mechatronics and Control Engineering, 2021

 MCT-215L MECHANICS OF MATERIALS

EXPERIMENT: 4
To determine the central deflection of a simply supported beam loaded by a concentrated load at mid-
point and hence determine the modulus of elasticity of the material of the beam.

Apparatus:

Deflection of beam apparatus, Hanger and

weights, Meter rod, Dial indicator, Vernier
Caliper.

Deflection of beam apparatus contains a

metal beam, and two knife-edge supports
upon which the beam is supported for this
experiment.

Summary of Theory:

Beams are structural members supporting loads applied at various points along the members. A beam
undergoes bending by the loads applied perpendicular to their axis of the structure.

Consider a simply supported beam AB of length L and

carrying a point load W at the center of the beam at
point C as shown in Fig. 7. The maximum deflection
for simply supported beam will occur at half the 𝜹
distance from either support (mid-point). Let, 𝑳 𝑳
𝟐 𝟐
𝛿 = Deflection of beam at any point along the length
of the beam Fig. 7: Simply Supported Beam Loaded at Mid-Point
𝛿 = Central deflection of beam
𝑥 = Variable distance from end B
From the symmetry of the beam and loading conditions, the reactions at A and B are same

𝑅 = 𝑅 = 𝑊/2
The maximum deflection 𝛿 at 𝑥 = 𝐿/2 is given by,

𝛿 = 𝑊𝐿 /48𝐸𝐼
Or

𝑊𝐿 𝑊 𝐿
𝐸= =
48𝛿 𝐼 𝛿 48𝐼 Fig. 8: Load-Deflection Curve

Where, 𝐸 is the modulus of elasticity for the material of beam and I is the moment of inertia of the beam.

Procedure:

1. Set the apparatus on a horizontal surface.

2. Set the dial indicator to zero.
3. Apply a load of 0.5 lb and measure the deflection using dial indicator.

Prepared by the Department of Mechatronics and Control Engineering, 2021

 MCT-215L MECHANICS OF MATERIALS

4. Take a set of at least five readings of increasing value of load and then take readings on unloading.
5. Calculate the Modulus of Elasticity of the material 𝐸 of the beam from the slope of the graph and
from each reading as well.

Observations and Calculations:

Least count of dial indicator = ________________________________ in

Least count of vernier caliper = ________________________________ in
Effective length of beam (𝐿) = ________________________________ in
Breadth of the beam (𝑏) = ________________________________ in
Height of the beam (ℎ) = ________________________________ in
Moment of inertia of the beam (𝐼 = 𝑏ℎ /12) = ________________________________ in4

Central Deflection 𝜹𝑪 𝑾
Effective Modulus of Elasticity, 𝑬
No. (in)
Load 𝑾 𝜹𝑪 Error
of 𝑾 𝑳𝟑
(From 𝑬= (%)
Obs. (lbs) From 𝜹𝑪 𝟒𝟖𝑰
LD UNLD AVG Graph) Graph (psi)
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.

What you must show at the end of experiment?

 Derive the expression for central deflection of beam with the given boundary condition.
 Plot of curve between load and deflection. Calculate the slope of the graph.
 Hand calculations showing all results in step 5 under procedure above.
 A discussion of factors affecting the results of the experiment.

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Prepared by the Department of Mechatronics and Control Engineering, 2021

 MCT-215L MECHANICS OF MATERIALS

EXPERIMENT: 5
To determine the central deflection of a fixed-ended beam loaded by a concentrated load at mid-point
and compare it with the theoretical value of deflection.

Apparatus:

Deflection of beam apparatus with clamps,

hanger and weights, meter rod, dial indicator,
vernier caliper.

Deflection of beam apparatus contains a metal

beam, and two knife-edge supports upon which
the beam is supported for this experiment. With
the help of clamps arrangement at ends it can be
made fixed type of beam.

Summary of Theory:

A fixed ended beam is supported by fixed

𝑳 𝑳
supports at both ends as shown in Fig. 9. Consider
𝟐 𝟐
a beam AB of length L fixed at A and B and carrying
Fig. 9: Fixed-Fixed Beam Loaded at Mid-Point
a point load W as shown in Fig. 9. The maximum
deflection for this fixed beam will occur at the center of the beam (mid-point). Let,

𝛿 = Actual deflection of beam at any point along the length of the beam
𝛿 = Actual Central deflection of beam
𝑦 = Theoretical central deflection of beam

The maximum theoretical deflection 𝑦 at 𝑥 = 𝐿/2 is given by:

𝑊𝐿
𝑦 =
192𝐸𝐼
Where, 𝐸 is the modulus of elasticity for the material of beam and I is the moment of inertia of the beam.

Procedure:

1. Set the apparatus on a horizontal surface.

2. Set the dial indicator to zero.
3. Apply a load of 0.5 lb and measure the deflection using dial indicator.
4. Take a set of at least five readings of increasing value of load and then take readings on unloading.
5. Calculate the,
a. The ‘Theoretical value of deflection (𝑦 ) of beam at mid-span.
b. The %age error between theoretical and experimental values of central deflections.

Observations and Calculations:

Least count of dial indicator = ________________________________ in

Effective length of beam (𝐿) = ________________________________ in

Prepared by the Department of Mechatronics and Control Engineering, 2021

 MCT-215L MECHANICS OF MATERIALS

Breadth of the beam (𝑏) = ________________________________ in

Height of the beam (ℎ) = ________________________________ in
Modulus of elasticity of material of the beam = ________________________________ psi
Moment of inertia of the beam (𝐼 = 𝑏ℎ /12) = ________________________________ in4

Theoretical
Effective Actual Central Deflection 𝜹𝑪 (in)
No. of
Deflection
Load 𝑾 𝑾𝑳𝟑 Error (%)
Obs. 𝒚𝒄 =
(lbs) LD UNLD AVG 𝟏𝟗𝟐𝑬𝑰
(in)
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.

What you must show at the end of experiment?

 Derive the expression for central deflection of beam with the given boundary condition.
 Hand calculations showing all results.
 A discussion of factors affecting the results of the experiment.

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Prepared by the Department of Mechatronics and Control Engineering, 2021

 MCT-215L MECHANICS OF MATERIALS

EXPERIMENT: 6
To determine the load point deflection of a cantilever beam subjected to a concentrated load at the free-
end and compare it with the theoretical value of deflection.

Apparatus:

Deflection of beam apparatus, hanger, weights, meter rod, vernier caliper, dial gauge.

Summary of Theory:

A cantilever beam is supported by a fixed support at

its right end as shown in Fig. 10. Consider a beam AB
of length L fixed at point B and carrying a point load
W at point A, as shown in Fig. 10. The maximum
deflection for this beam will occur at the free-end of
the beam. Let,

𝛿 = Actual deflection of beam at any point along the

length of the beam
𝛿 = Actual deflection of beam at the loading point
𝑦 = Theoretical deflection of beam at the loading point

The maximum theoretical deflection 𝑦 at 𝑥 = 0 is given by:

𝑊𝐿
𝑦 =
3𝐸𝐼
Where, 𝐸 is the modulus of elasticity for the material of beam
and I is the moment of inertia of the beam.
Fig. 10: Cantilever Beam Loaded at Free-end
Procedure:

1. Set the apparatus on a horizontal surface.

2. Set the dial indicator to zero.
3. Apply a load of 0.5 lb. and measure the deflection using dial indicator.
4. Take a set of at least five readings of increasing value of load and then take readings on unloading.
5. Measure the length, width and height of the beam using meter rod and vernier caliper and
calculate the theoretical value of deflection using the given formula.
6. Compare the experimental & theoretical values of deflection.

Observations and Calculations:

Least count of dial indicator = ________________________________ in

Effective length of beam (𝐿) = ________________________________ in
Breadth of the beam (𝑏) = ________________________________ in
Height of the beam (ℎ) = ________________________________ in
Modulus of elasticity of material of the beam = ________________________________ psi

Prepared by the Department of Mechatronics and Control Engineering, 2021

 MCT-215L MECHANICS OF MATERIALS

Moment of inertia of the beam (𝐼 = 𝑏ℎ /12) = ________________________________ in4

Theoretical
Effective Actual Central Deflection 𝜹𝑨 (in)
No. of
Deflection
Load 𝑾 𝑾𝑳𝟑 Error (%)
Obs. 𝒚𝑨 =
(lbs) LD UNLD AVG 𝟑𝑬𝑰
(in)
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.

What you must show at the end of experiment?

 Derive the expression for the deflection of the cantilever beam with load at the free-end.
 Hand calculations showing all results.
 A discussion of factors affecting the results of the experiment.

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Prepared by the Department of Mechatronics and Control Engineering, 2021