Mechanics lab manual

Lab manual
Table Content for Experiments

Experiments Page Number

1. Mechanics Lab Layout 02 to 05

2. System of units 05 to 09

3. Calculate the area and volume in SI and FPS units 10 to 13

4. Measurement of the forces in the tie and jib from the

Jib crane model experimentally, analytically and graphically. 14 to 18

5. To determine various points at hanging by loading different

Weights at various points by experimentally analytically and 18 to 22
graphically.
6.

7.

8.

9.

10.

11.

12.

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Experiment no 1

Mechanics Lab Lay Out

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Legends

• CUP BOARD
• FRICTION APPARATUS
• PRINCIPLE OF MOMENT APPARATUS
• PRINCIPLE OF MOMENTS APPARATUS
• SIMPLY SUPPORTED BEAM APPARATUS
• GEOMETRIC NON LINNEEARITY APPARATUS
• WASH BASIN
• STEEL SECTION
• SIMPLE JIB CRANE APPARATUS
• CENTER OF GRAVITY APPARATUS
• LOADED HANGING ROPE APPARATUS
• TABLE & CHAIR (STAFF AREA)
• DICE

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Experiment no 1
Mechanics Lab Layout
1.1: Scope and Significance:
As mechanics deals with the resolution of forces, equilibrium to parts of structure and analysis to
multi-forces on bodies so after performing experiments in this lab, students will better get the
concepts of engineering mechanics and their use in civil engineering. For this we have to make
layout to know about a little about our lab experiment.

1.2: Friction apparatus:

An apparatus is described in which the sliding friction between a small rider and a flat surface was
accomplished. Normal load was applied to the rider without mechanical contact by an
electromagnetic loading system. The apparatus may be used widely to study the dynamic motion
of sliding bodies under miscellaneous frictional conditions. This is used to verify the laws of
friction between wood upon wood, brass upon wood.

Fig.Friction apparatus
1.3: Simply loaded beam apparatus:
It consists of a steel beam attached with the help of spring balances to a steel frame and hangers
are used for the application of load The Beam Apparatus allows an extensive range of experiments
to cover virtually all course requirements relating to bending of beams. The Beam

Fig.simply loaded beam apparatus

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Apparatus can be used for an almost limitless number of experiments ranging from determination
of the elastic modulus for beams of different materials, through to studies of continuous beams
with any loading.

1.4: Geometric Non-linearity apparatus:

Geometric nonlinearity may not even be explicitly introduced in a fundamental course on structural
mechanics.

Fig.Geometric non-linearity apparatus

1.5: Steel section:

steel sections are suitable for use in a range of sectors and have been used to build tools, vehicles,
walkways, bridges, buildings and more. We’ll provide you with hollow, structural, light and re-
rolled steel sections, as well as a variety of steel processing services.

Fig.Steel sections

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1.6: Principle of moments forces:

It states that “sum of moment of forces acting in clock wise direction is equal to sum of moment
of forces acting in counter clock wise direction. It is used to verify the principle of moments for
bodies in equilibrium.

Fig.Principle of moment forces

1.7: Simple jib crane apparatus:

Simple jib crane is a kind of versatile and all-purpose crane used in wide range of applications, it enables
loads to be lifted and moved quickly and safely, deposited precisely and gently, and at the same time, it
improves efficiency and saves time and energy. Jib crane is a piece of powerful lifting equipment which is
affixed to a wall or a column and features a horizontal jib boom, electric chain or wire rope hoist, and other
accessories.

Fig.Simple jib crane apparatus

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1.8: Center of gravity apparatus:

A simple and economical apparatus for demonstration of geometrical center of gravity of two-
dimensional objects. Center of gravity of a freely suspended two-dimensional object always lies
along the line drawn vertically downward from its point of suspension. Comprises a clear Perspex
rod mounted on a base with a suspension screw at the top and four laminas of clear acrylic.

Fig.Center of gravity apparatus

1.9: Loaded hanging rope apparatus:

It contains two ropes, two supports holding the rope and two spring balances attached to the
rope. It is used to determine the tension developed in the hanging rope when load is applied at
the midpoint of the rope. This tension force is calculated with the help of spring balances. It is
used to elaborate the concept of tension developed in the in hanging cables.

Fig.Loaded hanging apparatus

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Experiment no 2
System of units
2.1: Scope and significance:

• They are common to the people of the entire world, so that people from different
countries can communicate with each other conveniently regarding business and science.
• It makes systematic use of prefixes, making it easy to express very large or very small
numbers.
• It makes calculations very easy.
• The purpose of this job is to understand the various system of units and practical use of
these units along with their conversions.

2.2: Related theory:

In mechanics there are four fundamental quantities (length, mass, time and force) are called
dimensions. The units used to measure these quantities must not be chosen independently
because they must have consistency with newtons second law of motion.

There are two types of system that has been used to describe the units:

❖ System international units (MKS):

➢ The MKS system of units is a physical system of measurement that uses the metre,
kilogram, and second (MKS) as base units
➢ . Adopted in 1889, use of the MKS system of units succeeded the centimeter–gram–
second system of units (CGS) in commerce and engineering. The meter and kilogram
system served as the basis for the development of the International System of Units
(abbreviated SI).
❖ US customary units (FPS):
➢ The foot-pound-second (fps) system of units is a scheme for measuring dimensional and
material quantities. The fundamental units are the foot for length, the pound for weight,
and the second for time.
➢ The fps system has two variants, known as the American version and the Imperial
version. Neither scheme is often used by scientists nowadays; the International System of
Units (SI) is preferred.

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2.3: Unit Conversions:

Unit Conversion Unit Conversion Unit Conversion

Factor Factor Factor
1kg 2.2046lb 1Ton(metric) 1000kg 1Ton (US) 907.18 kg
1Slug 14.594kg 1Ton(UK) 1016kg 1Ton(US) 2000lb
1kg 1000g 1Ton(UK) 2240lb 1g 1000mg

2.4: Units of Length:

The system for measuring length in the United States customary system is based on the inch,
foot, yard, and mile, which are the only four customary length measurements in everyday use.

Unit Divisions SI Unit Divisions SI

Equivalent Equivalent
1 inch (in) - 2.54 cm 1 chain (ch) 4 rd 20.11684 m
1foot (ft) 12 in 0.348 m 1furlong 10 ch 201.1684 m
(fur)
1 yard (yd) 3 ft 0.9144 m
1mile (mi) 1760 yd 1.609344 km 1 fathon 2 yd 1.8288 m
(ftm)
1 rod (rd) 16.5 ft 5.029210 m 1 nautical - 1.852 km
mile (NM)

2.5: Units of Force/ Weight:

Unit Conversion Unit Conversion

Factor Factor
1 kg 9.807 N 1 kg 2.204 lbf
1 lb 4.448 N 1 lb 0.455 kgf

2.6: Units of Area:

The most widely used area unit with a name unrelated to any length unit is acre.

Unit Divisions SI Equivalent Unit Divisions

1 sq ft or ft2 144 in2 0.09290341 m2 1 Acre 8 kanals
1 acre 43560 ft2 4046.873 m2 A kanal 20 marlas
1 marla 272.25 ft2 25.30 m2

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2.7: Units of Volume:

The most widely used units for volume are following:

Unit Conversion Unit Conversion

Factor Factor
1 m3 35.311 ft3 1 gallons (UK) 3.785 liter
1 m3 1000 liters 1 gallons (US) 4.546 liter
1 m3 219.97 gallons (UK) 1 m3 264.17 gallons (US)

2.8: Units of Pressure:

The most widely used units for pressure are following:

Unit Conversion Unit Conversion

Factor Fcator
1 bar 100 kPa 1 m of H2O 3.281 ft of H2O
1 bar 14.503 Psi 1 m of H2O 73.424 mm of Hg
1 bar 75.060 mm of Hg 1 MPa 145.04 Psi

2.9: Pre-fixes in the International System of Units:

System International allows the sizes of units to make bigger or smaller by the use of appropriate
pre-fixes. Some important pre-fixes with their symbols are abbreviated and their multiplying
factors are given on next page.

Pre-fixes Symbol Meaning Example

(using American names of numbers)
tera T 1012 = 1,000 000 000 000 (1 Trillion)
giga G 109 = 1 000 000 000 = (1 billion) Giga joule
mega M 106 = 1 000 000 = (1 million) Mega watt
kilo K 103 = 1 000 = (1 thousand) kilowatt
hecto H 102 = 100 = (1 hundred) hectare
deca Da 101 = 10 = ten
100 = 1 = one
Deci D 10-1 = tenth decibel
cent C 10-2 = .01 =hundredth centimeter
milli M 10-3 = .001 = thousandth milliliter
micro Μ 10-6 = .000 001 = millionth microfarad
Nano N 10-9 = .000 000 001 = billionth nanometer
Pico P 10-12 = .000 000 000 001 = trillionth picofarad

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2.10: Comments:

By performing this job, it is to understand the various system of units and practical use of
these units along with their conversions. Now we feel easy to calculate various conversions.
We studied about two system of units FPS and MKS. By studying these types, we can
communicate whole world peoples easily.

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Experiment no 3
Calculate the area and volume in SI and FPS units
3.1: Significance and scope:
❖ Purpose:
• We calculate the area and volume of the specific object to estimate the amount of the
material used for any object or any constructed unit.
• To understand the concepts about measurements of area and volume and conversion
factors.

3.2: Related theory:

❖ Area:
Area is the quantity that expresses the extent of a two-dimensional figure or shape,
or planar lamina, in the plane. Surface area is its analog on the two-dimensional surface
of a three-dimensional object.
SI units: square meter

❖ Surface area:
The area of the surface that contacts with the atmosphere.
❖ Volume:
Three-dimensional space occupied by a body. The volume occupied having
length L, breadth B and height H is given by;

V = L × W ×H

3.3: Apparatus:
The apparatus used in the job are:

• Measuring tape
• Wooden cube
• Steel cabinet

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3.4: Procedure:
➢ Take the readings of length (L), breadth (B) and height (H) for the mechanics lab and the
given objects such as cupboard, steel, cabinet and blocks.
➢ Take all the measurements for different faces of an object and calculate the mean
dimensions.
➢ Then calculate all the area and volumes by using measuring instrument any type of
measuring tape.

3.5: Observation and calculations:

➢ Cupboard:
The area and volume of the cupboard is given as:

Quantity M ft Location Area Volume

FPS
SI units FPS units SI units units
Length(L) 0.4 m 1.4 ft Face A 0.7 m² 8.05 ft² 0.42 m³ 16.34 ft³
Bridth(B) 1.75 m 5.75 ft Face B 0.24 m² 2.84 ft²
Height(H) 0.6 m 2.03 ft Face C 1.05 m² 11.67 ft²
Total 3.98 m² 45.12 ft² 0.42 m³ 16.34 ft³

➢ Large block:
The area and volume of the block is given as:

Area Volume
FPS FPS
Quantity M ft location SI units units SI units units
0.3936 0.00365
Length(L) 0.12 m ft Face A 0.0144 m² 0.154 ft² 0.000002m³ ft³
0.3936
Bridth(B) 0.12 m ft Face B 0.0144 m² 0.154 ft²
0.3936
Height(H) 0.12 m ft Face C 0.0144 m² 0.154 ft²
0.00365
Total 0.0864 m² 0.924 ft² 0.000002m³ ft³

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➢ Medium block:
The volume and area of block is given as:

Quantity M ft Location Area Volume

FPS
SI units units SI units FPS units
0.0056 0.0605
Length(L) 0.075m 0.246ft Face A m² ft² 0.0004 m³ 0.01488 ft³
0.0056 0.0605
Bridth(B) 0.075 m 0.246 ft Face B m² ft²
0.0056 0.0605
Height(H) 0.075m 0.246 ft Face C m² ft²
0.3631
Total 3.98 m² ft² 0.0004 m³ 0.01488 ft³

➢ Small block:
The volume and area for this is as:

Quantity M ft Location Area Volume

FPS FPS
SI units units SI units units
0.0605 0.0044
Length(L) 0.05m 0.164ft Face A 0.0025 m² ft² 0.000125 m³ ft³
0.0605
Bridth(B) 0.05 m 0.164 ft Face B 0.0025 m² ft²
0.0605
Height(H) 0.05m 0.164 ft Face C 0.0025 m² ft²
0.984
Total 0.015 m² ft² 0.000125m³ 0.0044ft³

➢ For Engineering Mechanics Lab:

Length = 37ft-5inch Width = 18ft-6inch

Quantity Ft2 m2 cm2 Marlas Kanals Acres Hectors

Area 692.08 64.29 642900 2.54 0.127 0.0158 0.00634

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3.6: Comments:
In this experiment, we studied about how to calculate the area and volume of
specific substance by finding height, length and width and then conversion of the readings into
different units.

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Experiment no 4
Measurement of the forces in the tie and jib from the jib crane model by
experimentally, analytically and graphically.

4.1: Scope and significance:

• This method is used to find out the forces
• To make a comparison in experimentally, analytically and graphically.

Application:

Used in Crane.

4.2: Related theory:

Force:
Force is the action that produces or tends to produce explanation. Force is a vector quantity
because it has both magnitude and direction.

F=m×a

The unit of force is newton (N).

➢ Concurrent forces:
Those forces which act at a single point and the body will be in
equilibrium (stable = if all the resultant of forces is equal to zero).

➢ Equilibrium:
When the net forces and momentum acting on a body is zero the body is in
equilibrium.
F=0 Fx =0; Fy =0

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Trigonometric rules:

a2 = b2 + c2 - 2bc cosα

b2 = c2 + a2- 2ac cosβ

c2 = a2 + b2- 2ab cosr

Sine laws:

a/sinα = b/sinβ = c/sinr

Crane
The crane is a machine that are used to lift and lower the materials. The crane is generally,
acquitted with ropes or the chain and jacks.

❖ Types of cranes:
The types of cranes are:
1. Mobile crane:

A mobile crane is a cable-controlled crane mounted on crawlers or rubber-

tired carriers or a hydraulic-powered crane with a telescoping boom mounted on truck-type
carriers or as self-propelled models. It is mainly used for lifting heavy things and transporting
them to other places.

Function:

Mobile cranes can be just a telescopic boom on a platform, or they can be a full-
sized crane. These cranes functions are to lift heavy objects, with the flexibility to access sites
that may be difficult for other types of cranes to access. They are equipped with a wire rope
drum, chains and a control panel.

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2. Telescopic Crane:

Telescopic cranes are another form of heavy cranes employed to transport and maneuver objects
from one place to another. Cranes like the telescopic cranes are often used in day-to-day hauling
operations but it has also to be noted that these heavy cranes are very important when it comes to
carrying out maneuvering operations in ports as well.

3. Tower Crane:

Tower cranes are a common fixture at any major construction site. They're
pretty hard to miss -- they often rise hundreds of feet into the air, and can reach out just as far.
The construction crew uses the tower crane to lift steel, concrete, large tools like acetylene
torches and generators, and a wide variety of other building materials.

4. Truck mounted Crane:

A self-propelled loading, unloading machine mounted on truck

body, with a working section consisting of a rotating cantilevered boom. It is used for the loading
and unloading of motor vehicle rolling stock, for cargoes primarily of a heavy and single item
natured, and also for construction and repair work

5. Rough Terrain Crane:

A rough terrain crane is subclass of a hydraulic crane. As a

self-propelled crane mounted on an undercarriage with four rubber tires, rough terrain cranes are
specifically designed to operate on off-road and rough applications and surfaces

6. Overhead Crane:

An overhead crane, commonly called a bridge crane, is a type of crane found in industrial
environments. An overhead crane consists of parallel runways with a traveling bridge spanning
the gap. A hoist, the lifting component of a crane, travels along the bridge. If the bridge is rigidly
supported on two or more legs running on a fixed rail at ground level, the crane is called a gantry
crane.

Fig.Overhead crane Fig. rough terrain crane Fig.Telescopic crane Fig. Tower crane
Fig, Mobile crane

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APPARATUS:
4.3: Apparatus:
Simple Jib Crane Model Tie
• Simple jib crane model
Weights
• Weights
• Hangers Hangers Hanger
• Measuring
Measuring steel tape Steel Tape Weights

Fig. Jib crane model

4.4: Procedure:
➢ Set the apparatus according to specific conditions.
➢ Note down the zero error of the spring balance.

➢ Apply different weights (5N,10N,15N,20N) on the hook.

➢ Observe spring balance reading and geometrical dimensions of simple jib crane model.
Note down the readings of the spring balance.
➢ Note down the readings again by changing the weight in the hanger.
➢ Determine the forces in the jib crane model by experimentally, analytically and
graphically.

4.5: Observation and calculations:

Sr.NO. Weight Measurements Initial Final Force Analytical

reading reading
A B c Tie Jib Tie Jib Tie Jib
1 0 72 64 67 0.5 - 0.5 - 0 - -
2 5 73.5 65.5 67 1.25 - 0.75 - 31.45 4.8 -5.4
3 10 72 67 67 1.5 - 1 - 16.56 9.9 -10.7
4 15 63.5 68.5 67 2 - 1.5 - 23.67 15.3 14.2
5 20 61 70 67 2.5 - 2 - 28.03 20.8 -18.2

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4.6: Comments:
By performing this experiment, we find the measurements of different forces
by using jib crane model which works on the principle of crane and also studied about the
different types of cranes.

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Experiment no 5
To determine the various points of hanging ropes loaded at various
points by experimentally analytically.

5.1: Scope and significance:

To understand the equilibrium of concurrent force system and to compare the experimental and
theoretical results.
5.2: Related theory:
➢ Force:
Force is the action that produces or tends to produce explanation. Force is a vector
quantity because it has both magnitude and direction.
F=m×a
The unit of force is newton (N).
➢ Concurrent forces:
Those forces which act at a single point and the body will be in equilibrium
(stable = if all the resultant of forces is equal to zero).

➢ Equilibrium:
When the net forces and momentum acting on a body is zero the body is in
equilibrium.
F=0 Fx =0; Fy =0

Conditions for Equilibrium

• The (vector) sum of the external forces on the rigid object must equal zero:

∑F = 0
• When this condition is satisfied, we say that the object is in translational equilibrium.

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• The sum of the external torques on the rigid object must equal zero.
∑M = 0

• When this condition is satisfied, we say that the object is in rotational equilibrium. When
both conditions are satisfied, we say that the object is in static equilibrium.

i.e. ∑Fx = 0 ∑Fy = 0 ∑M= 0

Trigonometric rules:

a2 = b2 + c2 - 2bc cosα

b2 = c2 + a2- 2ac cosβ

c2 = a2 + b2- 2ab cosr

Sine laws:

a/sinα = b/sinβ = c/sinr

Point load and distributed point load:

❖ A point load is an equivalent load applied to a single point, which you can determine by
calculating the total load over the object's surface or length and attributing the entire load
to its center.

Figures of point load

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❖ A uniformly distributed load (UDL) is a load that is distributed or spread across the
whole region of an element such as a beam or slab.

Figures showing UDL

5.3: Apparatus:
❖ Flexible Hanging Rope
❖ Spring Balances
❖ Weights and Hangers
❖ Meter Rod and
Measuring Tapes.

5.4: Procedure:
✓ Set the apparatus according to specific load conditions.
✓ Note down the zero error of spring balance
✓ Apply weights on the hanger.
✓ Observe spring balance reading and geometrical dimensions
of flexible hanging ropes model.
✓ Repeat the above steps by increasing the weight in the
hanger and changing the position of loads.
✓ Calculate the analytical results with the help of conditions of
equilibrium. Calculate the forces in the cables by using graphical
methods.

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5.5: Observation and calculations:

Sr. Load Measurements Initial Final reading Force %
No. (N) reading difference
AD DB AC BC FAC FBC FAC FBC FAC FBC
1 0 147 147 185 185 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
2 5 147 147 192 192 0.25 0.25 2.45 2.45 3.9 3.9 37.1
3 10 147 147 194 194 0.75 0.75 7.35 7.35 7.68 7.68 4.29
4 15 147 147 195 195 1.25 1.25 12.25 12.25 11.45 11.45 -6.98
5 20 147 147 196 196 1.5 1.5 14.7 14.7 15.09 15.09 2.58

5.6: Comments:
By performing this experiment, we calculate the forces in the ropes by loading different weights
observes different angles. We can also find tension the spring while applying load.

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