MEC 3766 INSTRUMENTATION AND AVIONICS

ASSIGNMENT #1

A cantilever beam deflects downward when a mass is attached to its free end. The
deflection, (m), is a function of the beam stiffness, K (N/m), the applied mass, M (kg),
and the gravitational body force, g = 9.807 m/s;
K=Mg
To determine the stiffness of a small cantilevered steel beam, a student places various
masses on the end of the beam and measures the corresponding deflections. The
deflections are measured using a scale marked in 0.1-mm increments. Each mass is
measured in a balance. The results are as follow:

Mass
(g)

Deflection
(mm)

0.00
50.20
100.10
149.90
199.80
250.15
299.90
350.10
399.95

0.00
1.01
2.04
3.02
4.01
4.99
6.01
7.04
8.03

Estimate the stiffness of the beam, and its uncertainty.

(Hint: Use a same solution for Example 3.16 of Textbook of page 111)

Use handwriting to write the solution, and using of MATLAB is allowed.

Due date

: October 20, 2014 ( 05.00 pm )

Late submission

: deduction 5% (of maximum mark) on each late-day