ELEMENTS OF MECHANICAL ENGINEERING

1. EXPERIMENT
MEASUREMENT OF LENGTHS, HEIGHTS, DIAMETERS,
VERNIER CALIPER

AIM:- To determine the length, height and diameter of the given work piece using
vernier caliper.

APPARATUS REQUIRED:-

1) VERNIER CALIPER,

THEORY AND DESCRIPTION:

VERNIER CALIPER: The principle of vernier is that when two scales or divisions
slightly different in size are used, the difference between them can be utilized to
enhance the accuracy of measurement. The Vernier Caliper essentially consists of
two steel rules and these can slide along each other. The details are shown in below
fig.

1. Outside jaws: used to measure external diameter or width of an object

2. Inside jaws: used to measure internal diameter of an object
3. Depth probe: used to measure depths of an object or a hole
4. Main scale: gives measurements of up to one decimal place (in cm).
5. Main scale: gives measurements in fraction (in inch)
1
DEPARTMENT OF MECHANICAL ENGG., CMR College of Engineering& Technology
 ELEMENTS OF MECHANICAL ENGINEERING
6. Vernier scale gives measurements up to two decimal places (in cm)
7. Vernier scale gives measurements in fraction (in inch)
8. Fine adjustment clamp gives clamping of vernier scale.

To find the least count (L.C):-

Least count is the minimum distance, which can be measured accurately by the instrument.
L.C = (Value of the smallest division on the main Scale) – (Value of the smallest division on
Vernier Scale)
( OR )

L.C = (Value of the smallest division on the main Scale) / (number of divisions on the vernier scale)

Procedure to find out the final measurement:

i) Note the number of division on the main scale that is coincident with the zero on the
vernier scale.

ii) Find the division of the vernier scale that coincides with the division of the main scale.
This figure must be multiplied with the least count.

iii) Obtain the final measurement by adding the main scale reading to the product of the
vernier scale reading and least count value.

Final Measurement = MSR (Main Scale Reading) + VSR (Vernier Scale Reading) x L.C.
By above formula given specimen final measurement can find out.

2
DEPARTMENT OF MECHANICAL ENGG., CMR College of Engineering& Technology
 ELEMENTS OF MECHANICAL ENGINEERING

EXAMPLE 1:- To measure a value of 13.42mm ( Least count = 0.02mm )

EXAMPLE 2:- To measure a value of 19.64mm ( Least count = 0.02mm )

PROCEDURE:

For Vernier Calliper:-

1. When two measuring tip surfaces are in contact with each other, check for zero
error. Also check if the surfaces are not unduly worn out or bent or any dirt
collected on them.

2. The object must be held as close to the main scale bar as possible to avoid
errors due to deflection of tips. The axis of vernier should be perpendicular to
the axis of the object. This ensures the correct dimension of the part to be
measured.

3
DEPARTMENT OF MECHANICAL ENGG., CMR College of Engineering& Technology
 ELEMENTS OF MECHANICAL ENGINEERING

3. Do not apply too much pressure while measuring. First make the measuring
jaws to lightly contact the surfaces of the work piece. Then slightly retract the
left jaw and clamp the support bracket at its place.

4. Now rotate the micro adjustment i.e. knurled knob to advance the left jaw to
contact the work piece surface.

5. Read the measurements as above mentioned and find out the required values.

PRECAUTIONS:

1. While measuring an outside diameter, be sure that the caliper bar and the plane
of caliper jaws are truly perpendicular to the work piece’s longitudinal center line.

2. With vernier calipers always use the stationary caliper jaw on the reference point
and obtain the measured point by advancing or withdrawing the sliding jaw. For
this purpose, all vernier calipers are equipped with a fine adjustment attachment as
apart of sliding jaw.

3. Grip the vernier calipers near as opposite the jaws, one hand for stationary jaw and
the other hand generally supporting the sliding jaw.

4. Don't use vernier calipers as wrench or hammer. It should be set down gently and
not dropped or tossed aside.

5. Vernier caliper must be kept wiped free from grit, chips and oil.

4
DEPARTMENT OF MECHANICAL ENGG., CMR College of Engineering& Technology
 ELEMENTS OF MECHANICAL ENGINEERING

OBSERVATION TABLE:

For Vernier Caliper:- { Range ( 0- 250 mm) & Least count = 0.02 mm }

Main Scale Vernier Scale Final Measurement =

S.NO. Reading(MSR) in mm Reading(VSR) in mm MSR + (VSR X Least count ) in mm

RESULTS:- The length, height and diameter of the given work piece using vernier
caliper.

5
DEPARTMENT OF MECHANICAL ENGG., CMR College of Engineering& Technology
 ELEMENTS OF MECHANICAL ENGINEERING

2. EXPERIMENT
MEASURE A GIVEN WIRE AND SPHERE DIAMETERS,
THICKNESSOF A GIVEN SHEET AND VALUME OF
IRREGULAR LAMINA USING MICROMETER SCREW GAUGE
AIM:- to determine the a given wire and sphere diameters, thicknessof a given
sheet and valume of irregular lamina using micrometer screw gauge.

APPARATUS REQUIRED:-

MICROMETER SCREW GAUGE

MICROMETER:
Micrometer is one of the most common and most popular forms of measuring
instrument for precise measurement with 0.01mm accuracy. Micrometers with
0.001mm accuracy are also available.
The micrometer essentially consists of U shaped frame. The component to be
measured is held between fixed anvil and movable spindle. The spindle can be moved
with the help of thimble. There are two scales on micrometer, a main scale (sleeve)
and a circular scale (Thimble). The sleeve (barrel) is graduated in unit of 0.5 mm
whereas thimble has got 50 divisions around its periphery. One revolution of thimble
moves 0.5 mm which is the lead of the screw and also the pitch.

6
DEPARTMENT OF MECHANICAL ENGG., CMR College of Engineering& Technology
 ELEMENTS OF MECHANICAL ENGINEERING

The main parts of an outside micrometer are explained below.

1)U shaped steel frame: It is made up of cast steel, malleable cast iron. It holds all
the micrometer parts together.

2) Anvil & spindle: It has fixed and movable anvils. The movable anvil is provided on
the front of the spindle. The anvils are lapped with tungsten carbide faces.

7
DEPARTMENT OF MECHANICAL ENGG., CMR College of Engineering& Technology
 ELEMENTS OF MECHANICAL ENGINEERING

3) Lock nut (Locking knob): It is provided on the spindle to lock when micrometer is
at its correct reading.

4) Sleeve or Barrel: The sleeved is accurately divided and clearly marked in 0. 5 mm.
divisions along the length which serves as a main scale.

5) Thimble: The thimble can be rotated over the sleeve (barrel). It has 50 equal
divisions and each division is 0. 01 mm.

6) Ratchet : It is used to assure accurate measurement and to prevent too much

pressure being applied to the micrometer.

To find the least count (L.C):-

Least Count is the minimum distance which can be measured accurately
by the instrument. The micrometer has a screw of 0.5 mm pitch, with a thimble
graduated in 50 divisions to provide a direct reading of (pitch/n)=0.5/50=0.01mm.
Least Count of a micrometer is thus, the value of one division on a thimble, which is
connected to the screw.

L.C = (Pitch of the screw )/ (Number of divisions on micrometer thimble)

where, Pitch is the distance travelled by thimble on linear scale in one rotation.

8
DEPARTMENT OF MECHANICAL ENGG., CMR College of Engineering& Technology
 ELEMENTS OF MECHANICAL ENGINEERING

PROCEDURE:
For Micrometer:-

1. Select the correct range of micrometer which will be good enough to measure
the dimension.
2. Check for zero error by bringing the anvil and spindle into contact, after wiping
both flat surfaces clean. i.e. anvil surface & spindle surface.
3. Retract the spindle to create a gap between the fixed anvil and the spindle tip
so that the micrometer can be easily applied to the work piece dimension.
4. The work piece is placed between the anvil and spindle; ensure that the
dimension to be measured is along the axis of the spindle. Let the spindle make
contact with the work piece. Use only the ratchet and not the thimble.
5. When the spindle is brought into contact with the work piece at the correct
measuring pressure (by rotation of ratchet) lock the spindle using the locknut
(locking knob).
6. Now the reading on the sleeve (barrel) is noted down which corresponds to the
main scale reading that is just cleared by the edge of the thimble.
7. Consider value on the thimble scale(pitch scale) which is coinciding with the datum
line (reference line) on the sleeve(barrel).
8. Then the final reading is calculated using the {(main scale reading) + (pitch scale
reading ×least count of the micrometer)}
9. Take the readings at number of positions to ensure that the measurement is
made with sufficient confidence and then tabulate them.

PRECAUTIONS:

1. First clean the micrometer by wiping of oil dirt, dust and grit etc.

2. Clean the measuring faces of the anvil and spindle with a clean piece of paper
or cloth.

3. Set the zero reading of the instrument before measuring.

9
DEPARTMENT OF MECHANICAL ENGG., CMR College of Engineering& Technology
 ELEMENTS OF MECHANICAL ENGINEERING
4. Hold the part whose dimension is to be measured and micrometer properly. Then
turn the thimble with forefinger and thumb till the measuring tip just touches the part
and fine adjustment should be made by ratchet so that uniform measuring pressure is
applied.

5. While measuring dimensions of circular parts, the micrometer must be moved

carefully over representative arc so as to note maximum dimension only.

OBSERVATION TABLE:
For Micrometer:- { Range (0-25 mm) & least count = 0.01mm}

Main Scale Pitch Scale Final Measurement =

S.No. Reading(MSR) in Reading(PSR) in MSR + (PSR X Least Count) in mm
mm mm

RESULT: THE GIVEN WIRE AND SPHERE DIAMETERS, THICKNESSOF A GIVEN

SHEET AND VALUME OF IRREGULAR LAMINA USING MICROMETER
SCREW GAUGE.

10
DEPARTMENT OF MECHANICAL ENGG., CMR College of Engineering& Technology