MEC424 Applied Mechanics Lab – Strength

FACULTY OF MECHANICAL ENGINEERING

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Programme : Bachelor of Engineering (Hons) Mechanical (EM220/EM221)

Course : Applied Mechanics Lab
Code : MEC 424
Laboratory : Material Strength Lab
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Experiment : 1

Title : Pure Bending in Beam

1.0 Introduction

Bending characterises the behavior of a slender structural element subjected to external load applied
perpendicularly to a longitudinal axis of the element. In this experiment, the beam is subjected to pure
bending at the central section i.e. the bending moment is constant and shear force is zero. The
maximum deflection y at the mid span of the beam will be measured. The elastic modulus of the beams
material will be determined from the flexure formula E = M R / I

1.1 Theory

d L d L/2 L/2
W W
M=Wd
M=Wd y

R=W R=W R R
R-y

Due to pure bending, the beam deflects into the shape of an arc of a circle of radius R;
2
L
R2= ( R− y ) +
2
()
2
Simplifying and ignoring the small terms;
L2
R=
8y
The radius of curvature R of the beam is given as;
EI EI
R= =
M Wd
where, E is the beam’s elastic modulus and I is the moment of inertia about neutral axis.

In terms of the measured quantities, therefore;

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 MEC424 Applied Mechanics Lab – Strength

W d L2
E= ( )( )
y 8I
Another approach by using differential equations of the deflection curve:

y
section
M=Wd
M=Wd
x
O
L

Bending moment at a cut section x to the right of support O is −M, a constant where M=Wd
The differential equations:
d2 y
EI =−M
d x2
dy
EI =−M x +C1
dx
−M 2
EI y= x +C1 x+ C2
2

The boundary conditions at both supports,

BC1: x = 0, y = 0 hence C2 = 0
BC2: x = L, y = 0 hence C1 = ML/2

−M 2 M L
The deflection curve then is EIy= x+ x
2 2

Maximum deflection measured using the dial gauge at x = L/2 therefore:

M L2 Wd L2
EIy= =
8 8
Hence:
W dL2
E= ( )( )
y 8I

2.0 Objectives

Upon completion of this experiment, students should be able to;

1. Determine the elastic modulus (E) of beam specimen by method of deflection of Mild Steel,
Aluminum and Brass.
2. Validate the data between experimental and theoretical values

3.0Apparatus

1. Mild Steel, Aluminum, and Brass beams

2. The cantilever beam setup
3. Vernier caliper, dial gauge, and 1-m steel ruler
4. Load hangers
5. Loads/Weights to be hung on the beam.

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MEC424 Applied Mechanics Lab – Strength

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 MEC424 Applied Mechanics Lab – Strength

4.0 Experimental Procedure

1. Measure and record the span L between the supports.

2. Measure and record the length d, the position of the weight from the nearest support
3. Place the support at the midpoint between the support
4. Hang a weight (W) on the weight-hanger starting from lowest 2 N, and then increasing by
increments of 2N.
5. Record W and measure the deflection y at every increment.

5.0 Results and Discussion

1. Compare the values of E obtained using this 4-point bending with their theoretical values.
2. Calculate errors between the experimental data and theoretical value
3. Comment on the result.
4. State other methods to determine E of the materials.

Load, W Beam’s maximum deflection, y (mm)

(N) Mild Steel Aluminum Brass
2
4
6
8
10
12
14
…

For aluminum, W must not exceed 20N

6.0 Conclusion

Conclude the findings from the experimental data

7.0 References

List all the references