Engineering Design & Analysis 2 (M2H721926)

Engineering Design & Analysis 2 (M2H721926)

Deflection of Beams Experiment

Aim: To investigate the deflection in a simply-supported beam.

Introduction to Theory:

If we consider a beam simply-supported on a span L carrying a vertical point load W at mid-span,

the central deflection is given by:

Where,E = Young’s modulus of elasticity of beam material (steel) = 208 GN/m​2

And I = 2​nd​ moment of area of beam cross-section (m​4​)

In this experiment, the graph of deflection to a base of span is not a straight line, i.e. if we keep the
parameters W, I and E constant, it is apparent that y α L​b​ where b ≠ 1.

To determine the value of the index b in such a case, a graph of log y to a base of log L is plotted
and a straight line is produced. The slope of this graph = log y/log L = b and from the theory of
logarithms it is easily shown that y = kL​b​ where k = constant. Hence the slope of the graph plotted
on a logarithmic scale gives the value of the index b.

Equipment:

The equipment consists of a Universal Beam Rig (as shown in the photograph in Figure 1) and 4
beams made from steel each with different cross-sectional dimensions as shown in Figure 2.

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A vertical load is applied by a hanger at mid-span and a dial gauge reading to a scale of 0.01mm is
used to measure the central deflection.

Figure 1:​ Universal Beam Rig

Figure 2:​ Beam Deflection Schematic

Figure 3:​ Beam Cross-Sections

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Procedure:

Test 1: Adjust the knife edge supports so that the distance between them is 400 mm. Select beam
No.1 and place it on the knife edge supports so that the shorter cross-section dimension (depth) is
vertical. Place the load hanger at mid-span and adjust the dial gauge to read zero. Apply a vertical
load of 0.1 kg at mid-span and note the dial gauge reading. Increase the load in increments of 0.1
kg up to a maximum of 0.5 kg noting the corresponding dial gauge reading for each load increment.

Test 2: With beam No.1 still on the knife edge supports, note the central deflection for a load of 0.5
kg (obtained in Test 1). Adjust the knife edge supports so that the distance between them is 550
mm and apply a vertical load of 0.5 kg and obtain the central deflection from the dial gauge.
Repeat this procedure, decreasing the span by 50 mm increments down to a minimum span of 200
mm.

Test 3: Remove the knife-edge supports and, using one of the clamps provided, set up beam No.1
as a cantilever. Place the load hanger at a distance of 200mm from the clamp. Note the central
deflection for a load of 0.1 kg. Increase the load in increments of 0.1 kg up to a maximum of 0.5
kg noting the corresponding dial gauge reading for each load increment.

Results:

For the tests carried out, plot the following graphs:

1. Deflection to a base of load (simply-supported beam)

2. Deflection to a base of span

3. Log deflection to a base of log span

From these graphs show that: y = k W​a ​L​b and obtain the values of the indices a and b. The results
should be recorded in tabular form (in the tables provided).

Also plot

4. Deflection to a base of load (cantilever)

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Deflection of a Simply-Supported Beam: Results Tables

TEST 1:

Load Central Deflection (mm)

kg N

0.1

0.2

0.3

0.4

0.5

TEST 2:

Central Load = 0.5 kg

Span L (mm) Central Deflection y (mm) Log L Log y

200

250

300

350

400

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450

500

550

TEST 3:

Load Central Deflection (mm)

kg N

0.1

0.2

0.3

0.4

0.5

Discussion

Comment on the relation between the central deflection, load, and span.

Select any result from each of the tests carried out. Now compare the experimental values of the
central deflection to the value given by the expression for ​y​max​ in the Introduction.

Report Structure/Layout/Content

Summarising, your report should be structured as follows:

1. Summary of Aims/Objectives

2. Deflection of Beams (from class notes/textbooks in your own words/style)

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3. Apparatus/Labelled Diagram (photos, sketches etc)

4. Test Procedure (past tense, step-by-step)

5. Results/Calculations:

● Completed tables

● Graphs

● Calculate a and b

● Compare results

6. Discussion of results – reasons for any discrepancies etc.

7. Conclusions

Marks will be awarded for the content of each section outlined above, and for overall quality of
presentation.