Mechanics of Materials Lab Written By:

Mohammed Abdelqader

student I.D :2110019

Experiment 2- Strain Measurement for Structures

supervised By:
Dr. Samar Jaber
Eng. Hala Amareen
Objective.

The objective of this experiment is to become familiar with the electric resistance strain gauge
techniques and utilize such gauges for the determination of unknown quantities (such as strain and
stress) at prescribed conditions of a cantilever beam.

Introduction.

Experimental stress analysis is an important tool in the design and testing of many products. Several
practical techniques are available including photoelastic, coatings and models, brittle coatings, and
electrical resistance strain gauges. In this experiment the strain gauge will be utilized. There are three
steps in obtaining experimental strain measurements using a strain gage:
1. Selecting a strain gage
2. Mounting the gage on the test structure
3. Measuring strains corresponding to specific loads.

The operation and selection criteria for strain gauges will be discussed in this introduction. In
this experiment, you will mount a strain gauge on a beam and test its accuracy. Measurements
will be made with a strain gage rosette in this experiment to obtain the principal stresses and
strains on a cantilevered beam

Using the theory of bending at the point of attachment of the strain gauge.
M σ E
=
I y R
Where; M: bending moment (N.mm), I: second moment of area of cantilever (mm4), b : Width
of cantilever specimen (mm), d : Thickness of cantilever specimen (mm)

bd3
I=
12
Where; σ: Surface stress (N/mm2), y: half the thickness of the cantilever (mm) = 1 d, E:
2
modulus of elasticity (N/mm2), R: radius of curvature of cantilever due to M (mm)
Strain is defined as change in length per unit length, that is:

dL ydθ y
=
ε==L
Rdθ R

From the theory of bending: 1 /R = M /EI

Hence; y /R = My/ EI = ε

the above formula was used to find theoretical value for strain
Apparatus

1. HDA200 Channels
2. HST35 (strain measurement for structures)
3. strain gauges
4. weights
(10N-40N) 5.clamp
6.cantilever
7.connecter tabs

Procedure

1. Select HDA200 Channel to be HST35c.

2. The thin walled box section cantilever HST35e should be substantially clamped and
provided with load hangers as shown in Figure 3.
3. Channel 1 of the HDA200 will be for the bending strain gauges whilst channel (2) will
be for the torsion strain gauges.
4. The diagonal gauges on the side of the beam also form an active pair when torsion is
applied so by following the same color code clockwise torsion (looking at the loaded end toward
the clamped end) should give a +ve reading.
5. Tare the HDA200 with the two load hangers in position. Record the ‘NO LOAD’
HDA200 readings into table 6 below.
6. Add increments of 20N to each hanger simultaneously up to a maximum of 60N per
hanger. Record the HDA200 strain readings in Table 6.

Results

Table 2.5: HST35b, HST35c and HST35d

1.
Specimen Width (b) =24.9 mm Gauge Factor
Specimen Thickness (d) =3mm
Modulus of Elasticity, E 210,000 70,000 210, 000
(N/mm2)
Hanger Load (N) HST35b HST35c HST35d
0 (N0 Load) 0 0 0
−6 −6
10 120 x 10 383 x 10 -
−6 −6
20 240 x 10 766 x 10 -
−6 −6
30 362 x 10 1143 x 10 -
−6
40 487 x 10 - -
−6
Theoretical Strain at 40N 509 x 10 at 30 −6
1147 x 10
calculation
HST35b: HST35c:

My /EI = ε My /EI = ε

40𝑥100𝑥1.5 30𝑥100𝑥1.5
210,000𝑥56.025 70,000𝑥56.025

−6 −6
= 509𝑥10 = 1147𝑥10

Discussion

Strictly there should be zero torsional readings when the load is half on each arm, but this can
depend on very accurate positioning of the gauges on the neutral axis, the precise symmetry or lack
of it of the extruded section, the cross sensitively of the gauges and the effect of the plane between
the metal and the gauge.

Conclusion

In general the difference between the actual and theoretical value isnot a big of a difference
however, the small difference of value can be caused by any or all of the following:

1. systematic error.
2. Zero error.
3. precision of the equipment.