I.

Background information

Bending of beams under load is a normal occurrence in everyday life, and it's an important

thing to keep in mind when designing a structure or part.

The goals of this experiment are to demonstrate that – stiffness and beam thickness are

proportional, and that the relationship between modulus of elasticity, stiffness, and beam

dimensions is proportional. Finally, different materials and thicknesses of beams have

different stiffness values. There are a variety of experimental methods available, and this

experiment uses a simple assisted beam arrangement.

The deflections exhibited by beams of various materials and thicknesses are the subject of

this experiment. For all of the beams measured, plotting graphs for deflection (z) and load

(W) shows that the graphs are straight lines. This demonstrates that the beams deformed in

their linear, elastic field, and that ‘z' is proportional to ‘W.'

Furthermore, with the same thickness of beams made of various materials (Steel, Bronze,

and Aluminum), the steel beam has the highest stiffness value, followed by aluminium,

and finally bronze. This demonstrates that the stiffness of a material can be determined by

its material property (Young's Modulus).

The calculation for Simply-supported beam deflection is WL^3/48EI.

● Deflection of beam equal load (W)

● Multiply length of beam power 3(L^3),

 ● Then division 48 multiply Young’s Modulus (E)

● Times Moment of inertia of beam (I).

II.Discussion
1. From this experiment what is the relationship between the applied load and the
resulting displacement/deflection.

I understand the relationship between the applied load and the subsequent mid span deflection
from the graph above. The resulting deflection in the mid span is proportional to the applied
load. The deflection of the beam specimen increases as the applied load increases.

2. What does the slope of the graph represents and how does it varies in relation to
the load position.

The deflection of the beam will increase as more loads are applied. The deflection decreases
as the load approaches the support. This is due to the fact that the load can easily be moved to
support.

3. How do the experimental results differ with the theoretical results in terms of
accuracy? Briefly explain the probable cause of errors and how can it be
Overcome.

The experimental and theoretical findings from this experiment are not the same. This is
because a lot of things are influenced by things like air pressure, and this experiment must
always be performed in a consistent location. Furthermore, since the dial gauge is difficult to
read and the needle is moving too rapidly, we must read carefully to get the correct results when
reading the accurate number on the dial gauge.

Conclusion

Steel beams have the highest deflection, followed by aluminium beams, and bronze beams have
the smallest deflection. The deflection of a beam is proportional to the mass applied to it. The
smaller the gradient of the line for each graph, the higher the modulus of content. The equation
predicted the linear relationship of the beam's behaviour. The real deflection is often less than
the theoretical deflection. Deflection of a purely assisted beam is greater than that of a cantilever.
Beam deflection is proportional to the mass applied to the beam. With rising distance from the
support to the loading position, the deflection of the beam increased exponentially.

Reference

Course Hero, relationship between the applied load and resulting deflection, viewed
November 11, 2019
<https://www.coursehero.com/file/p5oitlo/Applied-Load-W-N-Graph-1-Applied-Load-N-Vs-
Deflection-mm-From-the-graph-above-I/>

Course Hero, information of deflection of beam, viewed November 11, 2019

<https://www.coursehero.com/file/8739893/Lab-2/>

Background Information

A beam is a bar subjected to loads applied laterally or transversely to its axis (Ansel C. Ugural,
2007). The span of beam refers to the distance between two adjacent supports, or in the case of
cantilever refers to the length of the cantilever. When the load is acting at one point on the beam,
the beam will start to bend.
In structural engineering terms, deflection refers to the movement of a beam or node from its
original position due to the force and load applied to the member (Rohan Naik, 2020). Deflection
also called displacement may be caused by an externally applied load or the weight of the
structure itself and the gravity that applies the load (SkyCiv, 2021). It can appear in beams,
trusses, frames, and any other structure.

From the figure below shows a simply supported beam which is supported at both ends. When
the load or force is applied on the beam, the beam will start to bend to U shaped. The distance
between the original beam and deflected beam is called deflection.

Figure 1: Deflection of simply supported beam (Dr. Minas E. Lemonis, PhD, 2020)

There are usually 4 main variables to determine the amount of deflection of the beam which
depends on how much the loading and forces are on the structure. When there is the heavier load
applied to the structure, the deflection will increase. Second, depends on the length of the
unsupported member which mean when there is a longer span of beam, the deflection of beam
will increase. Third, depends on the material of the structure, specifically the young’s modulus.
Lastly, Depends on the cross-section size, specifically the moment of inertia. (Rohan Naik, 2020)

There are many factors that can be based on to calculate the deflection of the beam, which
includes the material, the moment of inertia of the section, the force or load applied, and the
distance from the support. From the figures below shows some examples of the equations to
calculate the deflection of the beam on a simply supported beam with different types of load.

Figure 2: Simply supported equation with point load (Sravanthi, 2015)

 Figure 3: Simply supported equation with Uniform Distribution Load (SkyCiv, 2021)

The unit of deflection or displacement is the unit of length, usually expressed in mm (for the
metric system) and in (for the imperial system). This number defines how far the beam deviates
from its original position.

The deflection is important for calculating the deflection of the beam because the deflection of
the beam can cause corrosion and reduce the stability of the structure. Deflection can also be
used for the analysis of statically indeterminate beams (Civil Engineering, n.d.).

Discussion

1. From this experiment what is the relationship between the applied load and the
resulting displacement/deflection.

This experiment shows a linear relationship between the applied load and the resulting
displacement or deflection. When there is a load applied to the beam, the deflection occurs.
The beam will bend and deflect from its original position. Therefore, as the applied load
increases, the deflection increases.
 2. What does the slope of the graph represent and how does it varies in relation to the load
position?

When there is a load applied to a simply supported beam, the deflection of the beam will
occur. However, the slope of the curve represents the modulus elasticity, which is the
resistance to deformation of the object when a force is applied. The deflection of a beam at
any point is its vertical displacement from the stress-free position. When the load approaches
the support, the deflection will decrease because the load can be transferred to the support
more easily.

3. How do the experimental results differ with the theoretical results in terms of accuracy?
Briefly explain the probable cause of errors and how can it be overcome.

The experimental results differ from the theoretical results due to the environmental changes.
The accuracy of the results might be some lower. Some errors can happen that cause the
difference in the results. The main source of the errors is human errors and equipment errors.
First, human error included the calculation of the result and observation of the readings with
the wrong method. Apparatus error can be referred to as the horizontality of the simply
supported beam and the accuracy of the dial gauge.

The human error can be found out that the students use the wrong method to observe the
reading from the dial gauge. The reading should be taken when the load hanger is stopped
swinging. The load hanger is swinging when the load is applied to the load hanger. This will
affect the accuracy of the results when the readings are taken while the load hanger is
swinging. Besides. The apparatus error can find out by using the apparatus in different
experiments to check the accuracy of the apparatus. If all experiments show incorrect values,
it means that the apparatus has a certain error. It can be removed by calibrating it with a good
standard instrument.

Conclusion

The purpose of the experiment was to establish the relationship between deflection and applied
load. It is found from experiments that the relationship between deflection and applied load
increases linearly. As the experimental deflection increases, the load will increase steadily. The
experimental and theoretical results are different in terms of accuracy due to several errors that
occur during the experiment which are apparatus errors and human errors on observing the
readings with the wrong method. Environmental changes such as wind passing by the beam and
cause the load hanger to be swinging. This will cause the accuracy of the readings when the
reading is taken while the load hanger is swinging. In short, the relationship between deflection
and applied load is that when the applied load increases, the experimental deflection increases.
This shows that the applied load is proportional to the experimental deflection. When the applied
load increases, the moment also increases.

References
1. Ansel C. Ugural, 2007, Mechanics of Material, viewed on 11 March 2021.
<https://books.google.com.my/books?id=XVhyDwAAQBAJ&redir_esc=y>
2. Civil Engineering, n.d., Beam Deflection , viewed on 11 March 2021.
<https://civiltoday.com/structural-engineering/197-beam-deflection>
3. Dr. Minas E. Lemonis, PhD, 2020, Deflection of simply supported beam image, viewed
on 11 March 2021.
<https://cdn.calcresource.com/images/statics-simple-def.rev.fb9c383bef.png>
4. Rohan Naik, 2020, What is Deflection, viewed on 11 March 2021
<https://www.quora.com/What-is-Deflection>
5. Sravanthi, 2015, Simply Supported Equation with Point Load image, viewed on 11
March 2021
<http://www.careerride.com/images/Mechanical/Beam-Undergoing-Deflection-2.png>
6. SkyCiv, 2021, What is Deflection, viewed on 11 March 2021
<https://skyciv.com/docs/tutorials/beam-tutorials/what-is-deflection/>
7. SkyCiv, 2021, Simply Supported Equation with Uniform Distribution Load image,
viewed on 11 March 2021
<https://skyciv.com/wp-content/uploads/images/bm_eqns/beam-bending-moment-equations-
5.png>

Background information
The vertical displacement of a point loaded beam is known as deflection of beam.

(gradeup,2020) There are various sources which cause the deflection of beams such as

loads, temperature, construction error, and settlements.

To determine the deflection of a beam, there are several methods and formulas to
3
𝑤𝑙
determine the deflection of a beam. For a cantilever beam deflection, its formula is 48 𝐸𝑖

where W is the force at the endpoint, L is the length of the cantilever beam, E = Young’s

Modulus, and I = Moment of Inertia. As for the simply supported beam deflection, the
4
5𝑤𝐿
formula for it is 384𝐸𝑖
. (SkyCiv, 2020)

Discussion

1. From this experiment what is the relationship between the applied load and the

resulting displacement/deflection.

The relationship between the applied load and resulting displacement/deflection is the

more load applied the resulting deflection/ displacement increases.

2. What does the slope of the graph represents and how does it varies in relation to the

load position.

The slope of the graph represents the increase of the applied load. The loads where it is

placed in the centre to prevent the different deflection value.

3. How do the experimental results differ with the theoretical results in terms of

accuracy? Briefly explain the probable cause of errors and how can it be Overcome.

The results will differ with the theoretical results because of mostly human errors. The

method of observing the readings. The reading should be taken when the load hanger stopped

swinging. Secondly, calculations is another cause as it will differ the results. There is also

environmental factors like winds which will cause the load to move. In order to overcome

this problem, the experiment must be conducted in a place which is closed air.
 Conclusion

Throughout this experiment, we can identify the different values of deflection with the types

of loads like bronze, aluminium and steel. Different materials give different readings. As the

applied load increases, the average deflection. In short, the relationship between the applied

load and the deflection is when the load applied increases the deflection increases.

References

Skyciv, What is reflection?, 13 March 2021

<https://skyciv.com/docs/tutorials/beam-tutorials/what-is-deflection/>

Gradeup, Deflection of beam, 13 March 2021

<https://gradeup.co/deflection-of-beams-i-ae206f65-bea5-11e5-b01a-53c804be557a>

I. Background Information

A deflection occurs when a load is applied to an element of structure, causing it to change from
its original shape. (DesigningBuildings, 2020) The changes due to deflection can be varied by
the distance from load, load intensity, shape of the structure, and the material of the element of
the respective structure.

In terms of structural engineering terms, a deflection is defined as the movement of a beam or

node from its original position due to the forces and loads being applied to the member. (Skyciv ,
2021) When there are external loads acting upon the surface, then displacement will take place.
Deflection can occur in any structural element like beam, trusses, frames and more. It is also
known as the deformation of a beam or the elastic curve of the beam. In this case, deflection can
be easily measured from the original surface of the beam to the surface of the deformed beam.
Next, the curve of the deflected beam is then measured using slope which is the angle between
the tangent of the elastic curve to the beam.

To determine the amount of deflection in a beam, we need to consider several variables. Firstly,
we need to find the length of the structural member then the cross-sectional shape of that
member is determined later on. The material of the structure should also be taken into account
since different types of materials provide different strengths. The location where the force is
applied or loads acting against the structure will be noted and the types of support of the beam
will be considered.

When all the factors are listed down, then several types of calculation methods will be done to
determine the deflection of the beam so that engineers are able to avoid any structural failure in
the future. The unit used for the result will be in millimeters. Different types of beams have their
own formula to obtain the deflection of a beam. For example, the deflection in a simply
supported beam which is supported at both ends with a uniformly distributed loads is calculated
4
5𝑤𝐿
using the formula 384𝐸𝐼
. In this formula, the W stands for the force at the endpoint. The L
represents the length of the beam, E for the Young’s Modulus and I as the moment of inertia.
While the deflection in a cantilever beam which is fixed at one end and free on the other will be
3
𝑤𝐿
calculated using another similar formula which is 3𝐸𝐼
. Using these formulas, the maximum
deflection can be obtained easily.

Other methods to find out the beam deflections include the double-integration method, area-
moment method, strain-energy method, conjugate- beam method,and method of superposition.
These different methods are also used to determine the deflections and even slope for even better
understanding of the beams.

In general, the deflection of beams is important in designing or constructing a building. This is

because the structural members need to be designed in such a way that it is able to resist the
force applied to support the building. This is to prevent structural failure which will become a
risk to the human’s lives which are using the building. When the accurate values of beam
deflection is obtained, the engineers may increase the rigidity or stiffness of the beam by
strengthening the section to reduce the amount of deflection. Another way is to determine the
best choice of materials that can be used to construct a building.

II. Discussions
 1. From this experiment what is the relationship between the applied load and the resulting
displacement/deflection.

For this experiment, a graph is plotted to find out the relationship between the load and
the experimental deflection. The graph shows that when the amount of load increases, the
value of deflection increases. In this case, I understood that the load is directly
proportional to the value of deflection.

2. What does the slope of the graph represent and how does it varies in relation to the load
position.

The slope of the graph represents the elasticity of the beam. When the load applied
increases, the deflection of the beam increases. From this experiment, the loads are
located at the middle of the span to avoid different values of deflection. This is because
when the load is placed nearer to the supports of the beam, the deflection value will be
smaller.

3. How do the experimental results differ with the theoretical results in terms of accuracy?
Briefly explain the probable cause of errors and how can it be overcome.

From the experiment, if we are to compare the experimental results and theoretical
results. We can see there is a slight difference between both results. The difference is
known as errors. The errors are possibly caused by humans or the environment. This is
because we may have made a mistake while taking the final reading of the equipment. So
we need to be very careful while taking the actual readings. Another possible cause may
be the environment, disruption like strong winds may differ the end readings of the
experiment. In this case, we must ensure that the windows and doors are closed and the
fans are switched off to avoid any disturbance.

III. Conclusion
 We can conclude that from this experiment, we are able to identify the different values of
beam deflection depending on the different types of materials and different loads. From
the graph we can see that the most suitable material that is best used as a structural
member of a building is steel. The modulus of elasticity of steel is better than aluminium
and bronze. So steel components are widely recommended to be used in buildings.

IV. References

Designing Buildings Wiki, 2020, Deflection, viewed 13 March 2021

<https://www.designingbuildings.co.uk/wiki/Deflection>

Skyciv, 2021, What is Deflection? , viewed 13 March 2021,

<https://skyciv.com/docs/tutorials/beam-tutorials/what-is-deflection/> .

Burnette.C, 2016, Metal Strength and Stiffness :What’s the difference? , viewed 13 March 2021
<https://www.thermofisher.com/blog/metals/metal-strength-and-stiffness-whats-the-difference/#:
~:text=A%20material%20can%20have%20high,can%20deflect%20a%20high%20load.&text=B
ecause%20Young's%20Modulus%20for%20steel,a%20similarly%20loaded%20steel%20part.> .

I.Background information

In today’s society, various complex mathematical formulas are used to construct buildings.

Simply supported beam means that the beam is placed separately on the support, the support

only restricts the vertical displacement of the beam, and the end of the beam can rotate freely.

In order to prevent the entire beam from moving horizontally, a horizontal constraint is added

at one end. The simply supported beam at this point is a pair of supports that only provide

vertical constraints, but not corner constraints.The beams with only two ends supported on the
pillars mainly bear positive bending moments and are generally statically determinate

structures. System temperature change, concrete shrinkage and creep, tension prestress, support

movement, etc. will not generate additional internal force in the beam, the force is simple, and

the simply supported beam is a simplified mechanical model.Simply supported beams are just

one of the simplified models of beams, as well as cantilever beams.The cantilever beam is

fixed at one end and unconstrained at the other end.The simply supported beam body is

lengthened and crosses the fulcrum to become an overhanging beam.The hinged connection of

the support of the simply supported beam may be a fixed hinge support or a sliding hinge

support.(SkyCiv Engineering.)

Deflection is the linear displacement of the rod axis in the direction perpendicular to the axis

or the linear displacement of the plate and shell midplane in the direction perpendicular to the

midplane when the force is changed or the non-uniform temperature changes.The deflection of

a relative object such as a beam or a column refers to the displacement of each point on the

deformation within the normal plane at that point when it is deformed. The displacement on the

normal of the midplane. The law that the deflection of each point on an object changes with

position and time is called the deflection function of the displacement function. Calculating

strain and stress by finding the deflection function is one of the research methods of solid

mechanics.(CALCRESOURCE)
The calculation for Simply-supported beam deflection isWL^3/48EI . Deflection of beam

equal load(W) multiply length of beam power 3(L^3),then division 48 multiply Young's

Modulus(E) times Moment of inertia of beam(I).（Omni Calculator）

II.Discussion:

1. From this experiment what is the relationship between the applied load and the
resulting displacement/deflection.

=According to the data table and graph,I can know when The deflection of the beam specimen
increases as the applied load increases.

2. What does the slope of the graph represents and how does it varies in relation to
the load position.

=Slope of the graph represents its applied load increase,the deflection also increases.
When the load is close to the support ,the deflection will decrease because load can easily
transfer to support.

3. How do the experimental results differ with the theoretical results in terms of
accuracy? Briefly explain the probable cause of errors and how can it be
Overcome.
 =The experimental results and theoretical results are different. This is because the environment
will change. The accuracy of the results is lower. The most cause of errors is because of human
error and the apparatus error. apparatus error is apparatus did not balance on horizontal surface
or beam is already deformed .Human error is observation and calculation with the wrong
method or lack of experience in experimentation. The solution is to find an experienced person
to check out the results, and repeat the experiment to find out the error.

III.Conclusion

In conclusion, the Following table data as we know about when the load from 1 N to 5 N, the
theoretical deflection will improve. but when different types of materials for beam the result
were different, for example, steel, bronze and aluminium. On page 14, the graph already shows
it but for aluminium when applied load to 4n the maximum deflection is 4.29 because 5n is
also the same as 4n.

IV.Reference
Dr.minas.E.Lemonis,PHD,Deflection and slope of simply supported Beam,23 June 2020,View
on 12 march 2021.
<https://calcresource.com/statics-simple-beam-deflections.html>

Nicholas Swanson and Kenneth Alambra,21 November ,2020,calculation for Simply-supported

beam deflection .View on 12 March 2021
<https://www.omnicalcu lator.com/construction/beam-deflection>

SKYCIV Engineering 2015-2021,what is deflection,view 12 march 2021

<https://skyciv.com/docs/tutorials/beam-tutorials/what-is-deflection/>