BTEC HIGHER NATIONALS- STRENGTHS OF MATERIALS - H2

ASSIGNMENT
STRAIN ENERGY

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PASS CRITERIA

Assessment Criteria for a pass Achieved

• analyse two-dimensional stress systems making
Outcome 1 appropriate use of Mohr's stress circle
Investigate engineering
components which are
subjected to complex loading • carry out experimental strain analysis using
systems electrical resistance strain gauges

• apply the appropriate theory of elastic failure to loaded

components to determine operational factors of safety

• determine the support reactions, slope and

OUTCOME 2 deflection of simply supported beams
Investigate the effects of
loading on beams,
columns and struts • determine the distribution of stress in the materials
of reinforced concrete beams
• determine the stress distribution in columns and
walls which are subjected to asymmetrical bending
• determine the appropriate critical load for axially
loaded struts
• carry out tests to validate critical load calculations

• determine the strain energy stored in a member due to

OUTCOME 3
Investigate the behaviour of
loaded structural members
by considering strain energy
direct loading, shear loading, bending and torsion
• determine the elastic deflection of loaded members
making appropriate use of Castigliano's theorem
• carry out tests to validate deflection calculations
• predict the effects of shock loading on struts and ties
 MERIT

Descriptor Achieved
• identify and apply • effective judgments have been made
strategies to find • complex problems with more than one variable have been
appropriate solutions. explored
• an effective approach to study and research has been applied

• select/design and apply • relevant theories and techniques have been applied.
appropriate methods/
techniques • a range of methods and techniques have been applied.
• a range of sources of information has been used.
• the selection of methods and techniques/sources has been
justified
• the design of methods/techniques has been justified
• complex information/data has been synthesized and processed
• appropriate learning methods/techniques have been applied
• present and communicate • the appropriate structure and approach has been used
the appropriate findings • coherent, logical development of principles/concepts for
intended audience
• a range of methods of presentation have been used and
technical language has been accurately used
• communication has taken place in familiar and unfamiliar
contexts
• the communication is appropriate for familiar and unfamiliar
audiences and appropriate media have been used

DISTINCTION

• use critical reflection to • conclusions have been arrived at through synthesis of ideas and
evaluate own work and have been justified
justify valid conclusions • the validity of results has been evaluated using defined criteria
• self-criticism of approach has taken place
• realistic improvements have been proposed against defined
characteristics for success
• take responsibility for • autonomy/independence has been demonstrated
managing and organising • substantial activities, projects or investigations have been
activities planned, managed and organised
• activities have been managed
• the unforeseen has been accommodated
• the importance of interdependence has been recognised and
achieved
• demonstrate • ideas have been generated and decisions taken
convergent/lateral/ • self-evaluation has taken place
creative thinking • convergent and lateral thinking have been applied

• problems have been solved

• innovation and creative thought have been applied
• receptiveness to new ideas is evident
• effective thinking has taken place in unfamiliar contexts
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 CASTIGLIANO'S THEOREM

This assignment has three parts and you should complete all of them. Assessment will be based on the
criteria attached. It is assumed that suitable apparatus is available as described in the text.

INTRODUCTION

Castigliano's theorem enables us to solve the deflection of a range of structures which would be
difficult to do by other methods. In particular it enables us to solve the deflection when several forces
act on the structures.

In order to show the usefulness of Castigliano's theorem, you will examine the deflection of three
structures with only one force applied to them.

For each part you must derive the theoretical ratio of the applied force F to the deflection y in the same
direction. The ratio F/y is constant in each case and it is called the stiffness. For each case you must
compare the theoretical value with that found by taking physical measurements.

Note that in each case you will see that it is difficult to obtain the theoretical formulae by any other
method.

You must write a concise report covering all three cases. Conclude on the accuracy of Castigliano's
method for each part.
PART 1 RECTANGULAR STRUCTURE

• Apply Castigliano's theorem to the rectangular bar shown and derive the theoretical formula
relating F and y in the form F/y = constant. Show all steps and derivations in the theory. It is
not sufficient to just copy down a formula and put numbers into it.

• Measure the dimensions and find the relevant material properties.

• Set up the frame as shown and record the deflection y against load F.

• Plot a graph and find the value of F/y.

• Compare theoretical and measured stiffnesses.

 PART 2 CURVED STRUCTURE

• Apply Castigliano's theorem to the curved frame shown and derive the theoretical formula
relating F and y in the form F/y = constant. Show all steps and derivations in the theory. It is
not sufficient to just copy down a formula and put numbers into it.

• Measure the dimensions and find the relevant material properties.

• Set up the frame as shown and record the deflection y against load F.

• Plot a graph and find the value of F/y.

• Compare theoretical and measured stiffnesses.

 PART 3 HELICAL SPRING

A helical spring is constructed by taking a wire of diameter d and length L and coiling it into a helix of
mean diameter D with n coils. When a force F is applied to the end, causing a deflection y, the whole
length of the wire is put into torsion due to the applied torque T = F D/2. The strain energy is only due
to torsion.

• Starting with U = T2/(2GJ) x L and noting that L = n x circumference show by application of

Castigliano's theorem that the stiffness is given by

F/y = Gd4/8D3n

• Select a spring with close coils and measure all the relevant dimensions. Assume an
appropriate value of G for the spring material.

• Conduct a simple experiment and plot a graph to find the stiffness of the spring and compare
it with the theoretical value.

• Using any method convenient, verify that suddenly applying a load (not dropping it) makes it
deflect twice as much as when resting.