Noel Le

Arevik Sargsyan
Sasha Kornilova
Cesar Flores

CE 221L
Date assigned: October 1st
Date completed: October 9th
Weekly Progress Report #2

Objective
The purpose of this weeks lab was to determine an unknown specimens material
properties by putting the specimen through series of loading and unloading conditions,
and obtaining the specimens strain at the applied stress.
Preparation: measurements
At the start of the experiment, we measured the diameter, height and perpendicular
cross sectional area of the cylinder in order to be able to observe the changes once
force was applied. The measurements were taken using a caliper device, as shown in
Figure 4. The measurements were taken three times, as shown in Table 1, to ensure
accuracy. In Table 2 we calculated the average diameter at 2.87 in, height of 5.68 in,
and a cross sectional area of 6.46 in^2. Standard deviation was used to compare the
accuracy of the measurements.
Preparation: set up
In order to prepare the specimen for loading we placed it onto a rubber plate prior to
loading it into the device. This diminished the specimens bottom surface irregularities
and ensured that the applied vertical force applied evenly onto the cylindrical surface.
We moved the specimen upwards until it touched the metal plate, as shown in Figure 5.
The meter read 2 lbs. force being applied onto the object. We labeled that as our initial
loading, zeroed the displacement, and began Trial 1.

Trial 1.
We gradually increased the force applied and read the vertical displacement with a
meter and measured the diameter at the center of the block. Once the specimen was
approximately half its original volume, we began to decrease the loading. It is important
to note that the viscosity of the object may have affected the discrepancy in the resulting
diameters. The initial diameter measurement was always the outlier in comparison to
the other two measurements. The professor adjusted the specimen during its unloading
stage because it was no longer centered. Once the loading reached 10 lbs., the cylinder
lost contact with the metal plate, and we took our final reading of deformation. There
were total of 7 readings in Trial 1, and it served as a testing trial due to so many errors.
Trial 2.
Trial 2 was performed similarly to Trial 1 and because of the students experience in the
previous trial, Trial 2 produced higher accuracy results. Similarly to the first trial, we
zeroed the machine at 2 lbs. force as an initial reading. We gradually increased the
force to 20 lbs. We then unloaded the specimen without losing contact, reaching 0 lbs.
Calculation
After organizing the data in a spreadsheet in Table 4, we calculated stress and strain.
Stress was calculated using given loading force divided by the calculated cross
sectional area. The strain was calculated by dividing the vertical deformation by the
original height.
Analysis
Figure 1 illustrates the stress vs. strain relationship of Trial 1 during loading and
unloading. The graph was manipulated to connect the lines from the initial to the final,

however, it is important to note that because the cylinder lost contact at 10 lbs., the
representation is not fully indicative of the materials behavior, and as mentioned
previously must serve as a testing trial.
Figure 2 shows the stress vs. strain curve in Trial 2 during loading and unloading
conditions. Due to lack in errors, the data produced much clearer results, and was used
for analysis of the material. The specimen returned to its original shape once unloaded,
and did not experience any permanent deformation. Therefore the specimen is elastic.
The specimen deformed at a varying rate under the increasing and decreasing stress
and therefore it is nonlinear. For comparisons between the two trials, Figure 3 was
generated, but it is important to note that Trial 2 was used for the analysis.
Sources of Error
1. Error: The change in temperature affected the loading device and caused variation in
the loading.
Solution: to reduce temperature changes within the room by reducing the amount of
entrance and exits in and out of the room, and warm up the machinery 30 minutes prior
to use.
2. Error: poor alignment of the machinery caused uneven vertical force distribution and
contributed to error in Trial 1.
Solution: check for alignment prior to beginning the experiment and ensure the security
of the specimen in the rubber.
3. Error: inaccurate diameter measurements due to unknown viscosity of the specimen,
and the inconsistent readings.

Solution: to mark the spot on the cylinder with a pen where the measurements should
be taken, to assign measurement reading to one group member rather than trading
within the group to gain experience. In order to reduce the effect of viscosity, the group
member must wait a full minute after the force has been applied before they take a
measurement
4. Error: the cylinder was pressed against the edge of the rubber plate, which may
cause a resistance of bulging in that area.
Solution: similarly to solution to error number 3, if the specimen has a marking of the
spot in which the group member must take the measurement it will prevent unclear
readings.
Conclusion
The purpose of this weeks lab was to determine the properties of an unknown
specimen by subjecting it to loading and unloading conditions and observing the
materials reaction through stress vs. strain curves. We found that the material exerted a
higher viscosity property due to the changing diameter readings from earlier to a later
time. The specimen deformed at a varying rate under the increasing stress and
therefore it is a nonlinear material. Because there was no permanent deformation after
the specimen has undergone loading and unloading conditions, the specimen is an
elastic material. Besides the experience of gathering data, this week taught our group
about the value of experience to produce better results, as illustrated by the difference
in Trial 1 and 2.