Structural Mechanics

Experiment 6
STATEMENT
To study the bending of Z-section.

6.1 PURPOSE
To confirm the theory that “Loading the beam along principle axis always
produces symmetrical bending.”

6.2 APPARATUS
• Cantilever beam (Z-section) with a rotating arrangement
• Dial gauges (two in no. having L.C=.001”)
• Loading pan and weights
• Vernier Calipers
• Steel tape

6.3 RELATED THEORY

1. Axis of Symmetry:-
If an axis divides a section in two parts in such a manner that the
parts are the mirror images of each other such an axis is called axis of symmetry.

2. Symmetrical Section:-
A section such that it has at least one axis of symmetry is called
a symmetrical section. e.g. W-section and T-section.

Rectangular
Section W- Section T- Section

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3. Unsymmetrical Section:-
Such sections which do not have any axis of symmetry is
called unsymmetrical section. e.g. Z-section and L-section.

Z- Section L- Section

4. Principle Axes:-
Principle axes are the set of rectangular axis such that the moments of
inertia are maxima or minima but the product moment of inertia is zero at the same
axes.
Axes of symmetry are always principle axes, but converse is not necessarily true.

5. Orientation of Principle Axes:-

In case of a symmetrical section the axes of
symmetry are the principle axes but in case of unsymmetrical sections we have
determine their position.

6. Symmetrical Bending:-
When loading and deflection are parallel or along the
principle axes, the bending is sail to be symmetrical axes.

7. Unsymmetrical Bending:-
When deflection occurs in more than one plane the bending is
termed as unsymmetrical bending.
Unsymmetrical bending may occur in symmetrical and unsymmetrical sections.

Symmetrical Bending in Unsymmetrical Bending

Symmetrical Section in Symmetrical Section

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Principle Axis

Unsymmetrical Bending Symmetrical Bending in

in Unsymmetrical Unsymmetrical Section

Assumptions of Flexural Formula:-

i. The plane section of the beam remains plane.
ii. The material in the beam is homogeneous and obeys Hook’s law.
iii. The moduli of elasticity for tension and compression are equal.
iv. The beam is initially straight and of constant cross section.
v. The plane of loading must contain a principle axis of the beam cross section
and the loads must be perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the beam.
Plane of loading y

Therefore it can be concluded that flexural formula may be applied only when the
bending loads act in a longitudinal plane parallel to or containing one of the
principle axis of the section. These are the principle planes of bending. Deflections
are in one direction only.

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Unsymmetrical Bending in Symmetrical Sections:-

P PCosθ
y θ y
y
_ _ + _

z
z = z + PSinθ
α

N.A _
+ + +

MZ × y MY × z
σ= +
IZ Iy
Orientation of N.A:

IZ
tan α = × tan θ
Iy

5.4 PROCEDURE

1. Measure the dimensions (length, depth, thickness of flanges and web) of the
cantilever Z section using steel tape and Vernier Calipers.

y
z

x
V
H

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2. Calculate the area, centroid and M.O.I. about horizontal and vertical axes i.e.
Izz , Iyy
3. Determine the inclination of principle axes. i.e. α and also determine the
M.O.I. about principle axes i.e. Iz1z1 and Iy1y1
4. Take the horizontal and vertical DGR from the deflection gauges attached to
the section at 0 load.
5. Apply 20N, 40N and 60N loads respectively and note down DGR from
horizontal and vertical deflection gauges.
6. Unload the section and take DGR against 40N, 20N & 0 and take the mean
value of DGR for loading and unloading conditions.
7. For setting-2 set the angle α to make the loading plane along the principal
plane to make sure unidirectional bending
8. Repeat the same procedure for setting-2 as that of setting –1.

y y1 y
y1

z
α z
α

z1

P z1
P
Central Fold Vertical
Load Normal to Principle Axis

Setting-I Setting-II

6.4 OBSERVATIONS AND CALCULATIONS

See separate calculation handout for details

6.5 COMMENTS: