Formal report

DEPARTMENT OF MECHANICAL ENGINEERING

COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING
UNIVERSITY TENAGA NASIONAL
Semester 1 2021/2022
Mechanics and Materials Lab
MEMB221/MEMB2031

Title of : Experiment 6: Thin Cylinder

Experiment Turnitin %:
*Leave this table empty

Name and ID : Nicholas Lo Zhan Xin *Criteria CO1 CO5

(ME0106424) A (i)
Group Members
A(ii)
: Muhammad Solehen Bin Ibrahim
(ME0107347) B

: C
Mohammad Abdulhadi
(ME0105493) D
: E

G(i)
Group No : 1 G(ii)

H
Section : 4B
I

J
Day & Date of : 11/11/2021
Experiment K

Date of : Others

Total /90 /10

Overall /100
 submission

Name of : Dr. Abreeza Noorlina binti Abd.

Instructor Manap

1) Nicholas Lo Zhan Xin 3) Mohammad Abdulhadi

2) Muhammad Solehen Bin Ibrahim
1) ME0106424 2) ME0107347 3) ME0105493
04B 01 11/11/2021

To understand the characteristics of the aluminium alloy in an open-end condition and

close-end condition. Also, to know the principle ends for both open and close ends
condition.

The six active gauges cemented onto the cylinder in various position to measure strain
which differs at various angles along the axis. Negative reading equates to compressive
strain, whilst positive reading equates to tensile strain.

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Table of Content
Summary / Abstract
In this experiment, the thin cylinder was the main apparatus of study. Thin cylinder is an apparatus used
to measure and observe biaxial and circumferential stresses within the cylinder itself. The theory of this
experiment involves the complex and two-dimensional stress systems which represents the stress and
strain within the oil of the cylinder.

However, the main objective of this experiment is to identify the principle stress under different
conditions specifically open-ends and closed-ends. These configurations can be set using the handwheel.
The results of strain and pressure readings are obtained through the software of the computer. The
controlling variable is the cylinder pressure, a total of 6 readings were taken starting from 0.5 MN/m 2 to
2.5 MN/m2 of cylinder pressure.

For each reading, the direct hoop pressure, strain values of all active gauges are also being
tabulated and recorded into a table. This is essential for the calculation of Young’s Modulus of the
cylinder, longitudinal strain against Hoop strain, Poisson’s ratio, principal strains and finally both
theoretical and actual Mohr’s Circle values. It can be shown that this experiment clearly illustrates the
difference between open and close ends of the thin cylinder, showcasing the effect axial stress has on a
fluid within a capsuled container.

Objectives
The objectives of this lab experiment include:

- To understand how aluminium alloy 6063 behaves in a thin cylinder that has open-ends and
closed-ends condition.
- To find out the principle strains for both the conditions above.
- To calculate and compare theoretical Mohr’s Circle with the actual Mohr’s Circle value.

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Theory
For our thin cylinder, value for H (hoop stress) and L (longitudinal stress) may be assumed reasonably
constant over the area due to its small ratio of wall thickness to internal diameter. With each equation
shown below:

(1)

(2)

Open-ends condition
The cylinder in this condition has no end constraint and therefore the longitudinal component of stress σ L
will be zero, but there will be some strain in this direction due to Poisson effect. Considering an element
of material:
σH will cause strains of:-

(3)

and (4)

These are the two principal strains. As can be seen from equation (17), in this condition εL will be
negative quantity, i.e. the cylinder in the longitudinal direction will be in compression.

Closed-ends condition
By constraining the ends, a longitudinal as well as circumferential stress will be imposed upon the
cylinder. Considering an element of material:
σH will cause strains of:-

(5)

and (6)

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 σL will cause strains of:-

(7)

and (8)

The principal strains can be calculated as so:-

(9)

and (10)

The principal strains may be evaluated, and a Mohr Strain Circle constructed for each test
condition. From this circle the strain at any position relative to the principal axes may be
determined.

Poisson’ Ratio (Open-Ends Condition)

Dividing equations (3) and (4) gives:-

(11)

Mohr’s Circle
A negative quantity equates to a compressive strain. A positive quantity equates to a tensile strain. The
strains obtained from the equations from open-ends and closed-ends can be used to construct the Mohr’s
Circle.

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 Figure 1: Mohr’s Circle with strains

As shown in figure 1,
- OR is the maximum principal strain.
- OP is the minimum principal strain.
- Q is the center of the strain circle, this is determined by dividing 2 between the maximum and
minimum.

Equipment
For this experiment, the cylinder unit is the main apparatus and another computer linked to it with a
software that allows the thin cylinder to be monitored in the most accurate way possible. The model
name for our thin cylinder is SM1007. The adjustment screw can be used to modify the different end
condition either open-ends or closed-ends. The maximum allowable operating pressure of the pressure
gauge is at 3.5MN/m2. Closing the return valve located at the outlet of the pump will allow pressure to be
increased, whilst the hand pump will increase pressure when being stimulated. By unscrewing the return
valve, the pressure is released.

The actual cylinder unit is located and rested on four dowels within the piston, it is being
supported by the outer frame and is located at an axial position by the locking screw and the hand wheel.
Figure 1 and 2 illustrates the thin cylinder model and the software used on the computer to monitor the
equipment.

Figure 2: SM1007 thin cylinder

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 Figure 3: Software for thin cylinder

Open-Ends Condition
To alter the condition of the cylinder to open-ends, the hand wheel is screw inwards, this causes the
piston distance from the end plate, whilst ensuring full load axially from the frame; this results to the
removal of longitudinal stress from the cylinder. Pure axial load transmission from the cylinder to frame
is ensured by the hardened steel rollers situated at the end of the locking screw and hand wheel. This is
illustrated in Figure 3.

Figure 4: Open-Ends Condition

Closed-Ends Condition
For closed-ends condition, the opposite is being performed. The handwheel is screw outwards, this
causes the piston to push towards the caps at the end plate by the pressurized oil within the cylinder; this
configuration causes a closed-ends condition within the thin cylinder. Hence, longitudinal stress is being
taken by the cylinder wall. This is illustrated in Figure 4.

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 Figure 5: Closed-Ends Condition

Strain gauges
The six active gauges cemented onto the cylinder in various position to measure strain which differs at
various angles along the axis. Negative reading equates to compressive strain, whilst positive reading
equates to tensile strain. The readings are then multiplied with a gauge factor; this factor allows better
consistent result from strain gauges of different manufacturers.

Figure 6: Six active gauges

Thin cylinder technical information

Table 1: Technical Description of SM1007
Components Characteristics
Overall dimensions 370 mm high x 700 mm long x 380 mm front to back
Total mass 30kg
Supply of electricity 85 VAC to 264 VAC 50 Hz to 60Hz
Fuse type 20 mm 6.3 A Type F
Maximum allowable pressure in cylinder 3.5 MNm-2 Set by a pressure relief valve on the hand
pump
Active strain gauges Electrical resistance self-temperature compensation

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 type
Oil within cylinder Shell Tellus 37 (or equivalent)
Total oil volume An approximate of 2 litres
Material of cylinder Aged aluminium alloy 6063
Young’s modulus (E) 69 GN/m2
Poisson’s ratio 0.33

Procedure

1) All appliances are first ensured to be switched on including the computer and the thin cylinder.
Pressure to the thin cylinder is also turned on.
2) Next, the software for the thin cylinder is turned on and time was given for connection of the
equipment to the computer.

Open-ends condition

3) To begin with open-ends condition, the hand wheel is first screwed inwards and the release valve
is unscrewed to release pressure within the cylinder.
4) After pressure is relieved, the release valve is screwed back and the button for calibration is hold
until the strain gauge readings become zero.
5) Furthermore, pressure is increased to 0.5 MN/m2 by using the pumping the handpump. A few
seconds is given to allow stabilization of the pressure and strain readings. After stabilizing,
readings of the strain gauges, cylinder pressure and hoop stress are being recorded.
6) Step 5 is repeated for 1.0 MN/m2, 1.5 MN/m2, 2.0 MN/m2, 2.25 MN/m2 and 2.5 MN/m2.
7) After completion, pressure is relieved with the release valve.

Closed-ends condition

8) For closed-ends condition, the handwheel is screwed outwards and the release valve is also
unscrewed to release the pressure within the cylinder.
9) Steps 4, 5 and 6 is repeated here.
10) Finally, ensure all electrical appliances are switched off and pressure to the thin cylinder is off.

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