Structural Mechanics 202H DEFLECTION OF A CANTILEVER BEAM

Experiment No. 1

DEFLECTION OF A CANTILEVER BEAM

INTRODUCTION

In this experiment, we will examine the deflection of a cantilever subjected to an

increasing point load. We will repeat this for three different materials to see if their
deflection properties vary.

THEORY

For a cantilever subjected to a concentrated load, the deflection δ of the cantilever at the
loading point is given by the equation:

WL3
=
3EI
where:
W = Load (N);
L = Distance from support to position of loading (m or mm);
E = Young’s modulus for cantilever material (N/m2 or N/mm2);
I = Second moment of area of the cantilever (m4 or mm4).

APPARATUS (STR4)

The experimental apparatus consists of

a backboard with a digital indicator
(See Figure 1).
The digital dial test indicator is on a
sliding bracket which allows it to
traverse accurately to any position
along the test beam. A rigid clamp
mounted on the backboard can hold
the beam in position. A knife-edge
support also fastens anywhere along
the beam. Scales printed on the
backboard allow quick and accurate
positioning of the digital dial test
indicator, knife-edges and loads.
Look at the reference information on Figure 1
the backboard. It is useful and you may Deflection in a
need it to complete the experiment. Beam Apparatus

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Structural Mechanics 202H DEFLECTION OF A CANTILEVER BEAM

PROCEDURE

1. Using a vernier callipers, measure the width and depth of the aluminium, brass and
steel test beams.
2. Record the values next to the results table for each material and use them to
calculate the second moment of area, I.
3. Set up one of the cantilever beam as shown in Figure 2 and lock it in position using
the thumb nut screws.

Figure 2
Cantilever Beam Setup

4. Slide the digital dial test indicator into position on the beam and lock it using the
thumbnut at the rear. Slide a knife-edge hanger to the position shown.
5. Tap the frame lightly and zero the digital dial test indicator using the ‘origin’ button.
6. Apply masses to the knife-edge hanger in the increments shown in Table 1. Tap the
frame lightly each time and record the digital dial test indicator reading for each
increment of mass.
7. Repeat the procedure for the other two materials and fill in Tables 2 and 3.

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Structural Mechanics 202H DEFLECTION OF A CANTILEVER BEAM

Table 1: Results for Beam 1.

Table 2: Results for Beam 2.

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Structural Mechanics 202H DEFLECTION OF A CANTILEVER BEAM

Table 3: Results for Beam 3

On the same axis, plot a graph of Deflection versus Mass for all three beams. Comment on
the relationship between the mass and the beam deflection.

Calculate the theoretical deflection for each beam and add the results to your table and the
graph. Does the equation accurately predict the behaviour of the beam?