MENG 302L

Lab 5: Principal Strains and Stresses

Introduction1:
The purpose of this experiment is to measure the strains along three different axes
surrounding a point on a cantilever beam, calculate the principal strains and then the principal
stresses from these strains, and compare the result with the stress calculated from the flexure formula
for such a beam. Strains from two orthogonal axes will then be used to create a Mohrs Circle plot of
the tensile and shear stresses.
In a general biaxial stress or strain field, three strains along different axes at the same point
must be measured to determine the principal strains and
stresses with strain gages. While the stress field on the
surface of a symmetrically loaded cantilever beam is
uniaxial (except near the clamped end, and near the loading
point), the stress at any point nevertheless varies with angle
around that point. The strain field (which, in this case, is
biaxial because of the Poisson strain) varies similarly. The
accompanying sketch (Figure 1) shows a polar plot of the
normal stress and strain at a point in a uniaxial stress field.
The three axes along which strains are to be
measured can be arbitrarily oriented about the point of
interest. For computational convenience, however, it is
preferable to space the measurement axes apart by
submultiples of , such as /3 (60) or /4 (45). An
integral array of strain gages intended for simultaneous
multiple strain measurements about a point is known as a
rosette. Three gage strain rosettes are commercially
available in two principal forms corresponding to the above
Figure 1: Uniaxial Stress Field Strains

angles. These are known as the delta or equiangular

rosette and the 45 rectangular rosette, respectively. The

two rosette configurations are shown in Figure 2. The
delta rosette is so-named because arrangement of the
strain-sensitive elements in the form of an equilateral
triangle is equivalent to the configuration shown, as is an
arrangement of two gages symmetrically disposed 60
either side of a third gage.
Figure 2: Rosette Configurations

This lab is based on E-103 PRINCIPAL STRAINS AND STRESSES FLEXURE, Vishay Measurements Group,
Inc., 1982, printed March 2002. Portions of this text were taken verbatim from that document.

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Lab 5: Principal Strains and Stresses

For the delta rosette, the principal strains can be calculated from the three measured strains
with the following relationship:

, 

 
 






  
 
 

 

(1)

The corresponding relationship for the rectangular rosette is:

, 

 







 
  
 


(2)

where:
p,q = algebraically maximum and minimum principal strains, respectively, in/in (m/m)
1, 2, 3  strains measured along corresponding axes of rosette elements, in/in (m/m)

For a good explanation of where these equations come from, check out:
http://soliton.ae.gatech.edu/people/jcraig/classes/ae3145/Lab2/strain-gage-rosette-theory.pdf
The algebraically maximum and minimum principal strains correspond to the plus and minus
alternatives, respectively, in Eqs. (1) and (2). The algebraically minimum principal strain may be
numerically larger than the algebraically maximum, if negative.
The principal stresses can be calculated by substituting the principal strains from Eqs. (1) and
(2) into the biaxial expressions for Hookes Law:

% 

&
'(

)
  (
 *

% 

&
'(

)
  (
 *

(3)

where:
p,q = algebraically maximum and minimum principal stresses, respectively, psi (N/m2)
 Poissons Ratio
E  modulus of elasticity, psi (N/m2)

Equipment and Supplies:

- Vishay Flexor cantilever flexure frame
- High-strength aluminum alloy beam, 1/8 x 1 x 12 (3.2 x 25 x 318 mm), outfitted with a
strain gage rosette
- Vishay P3 Strain Indicator
- Micrometer or caliper
- Accurate drafting or machinists scale
- Protractor

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Lab 5: Principal Strains and Stresses

Pre-Lab:
The Flexor loading micrometer will be used to load the beam. Calculate the deflection
required to bend the beam to the desired strain.
Deflection in a cantilever beam b inches wide by t inches thick is:

2  345 8
&67

(4)

where:
y = deflection (in), P = force, lbs, L = distance from clamp to loading micrometer (10.0 in), E =
Youngs modulus for aluminum (10.4E6 psi).
Stress at the rosette is given by:

 9:8;  <4=867

(5)

where:
x = the distance from the loading micrometer to the rosette centerline (9.0 in), and P, b and t are
as defined above.
Using equations (4) and (5) above, determine the deflection required to impose a 15 Kpsi
stress in the beam at the gage rosette centerline. What force will be applied by the loading
micrometer at 15Kpsi? Do your work in the space below.

Micrometer deflection required for 15 Kpsi: _______________ (in)

Force applied by loading micrometer: _______________ (lbs)

Procedure:
In this experiment, the principal strains and principal stresses in a cantilever beam first will
be determined with a strain gage rosette. Then, from the dimensions of the beam and the magnitude
of the load, the longitudinal bending stresses will be calculated directly from the flexure formula.
Since, in this case, the principal axes for stress and strain are known to coincide with the geometric
axes of the beam, the maximum principal stress obtained from the rosette data should correspond
closely to the calculated longitudinal bending stress. Similarly, the minimum principal stress
obtained from the rosette data should be approximately zero, since the transverse beam stress is zero.
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Lab 5: Principal Strains and Stresses

It is evident that for the simple beam configuration and mode of loading used in this
experiment, a strain gage rosette is not necessary to determine the principal stresses. However, by
intentionally bonding the rosette to the beam in an orientation such that no gage axis coincides with
an axis of the beam, the generalized problem of a biaxial stress field (normally requiring the use of a
rosette) can be simulated completely. The person who successfully performs this experiment is then
prepared to determine the principal stress in any stress field for which strain gages are the appropriate
measuring tool.

Data acquisition:
1)
Record G, resistance, and Kt for all three gages, and rosette configuration:
Gage
G

Kt (%)
1
step 1

2
3
Rosette configuration (rectangular or delta):

step 2

2)
3)

4)
5)
6)
7)
8)
9)
10)
11)
12)
13)
14)
15)
16)
17)
18)
19)

Beam
Width b:

step 3

in Beam
Thickness t:
Rosette angle r:

in
deg

step 6

Micrometer to rosette distance x:

in

Measure and record beam width and thickness using a micrometer.

Use a protractor to measure the angle between the rosette and the beam:
Being careful not to damage the rosette, determine the CCW angle from gage 1 on the rosette
to the longitudinal beam axis. (See appendix on pg 6.) Record above and in the table on pg. 9.
Install the beam in the flexor with gages facing up on the clamp end.
Back the micrometer clear of the beam.
Measure and record the distance between the micrometer and rosette centerlines.
Connect the gage leads to the Flexor and the Flexor leads to the P3 strain indicator as shown in
the Appendix.
Turn on the P3 and set it for Channel 1 active, Channels 2-4 inactive, quarter bridge.
Set the gage factor to that for gage 1.
Balance the gage and save settings.
Record the initial reading for gage 1 (0 ) on the worksheet.
Connect gage 2 in place of gage 1. (Swap leads 3 and 4, leaving 1 and 2 alone.)
Record the gage 2 initial reading on the worksheet.
Connect gage 3 in place of gage 2. (Swap leads 4 and 5, leaving 1 and 2 alone.)
Record the gage 3 initial reading on the worksheet.
Turn the loading micrometer clockwise until the strain indication just begins to change.
Record the micrometer reading here: ___________
Add the Micrometer deflection required for 15 Kpsi determined in the pre-lab to the value
recorded in the preceding step, and record the value here: ___________
Turn the loading micrometer clockwise to the value recorded in the previous step.
Record the gage 3 final reading on the worksheet and backtrack steps 14 through 11 to get final
readings for gages 2 and 1.

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MENG 302L
20)

Lab 5: Principal Strains and Stresses

Back the loading micrometer clear of the beam. The gage 1 strain indication should return
within a few of the initial reading. Record the reading here: ___________
The pregaged beams used in this experiment have been tested for gage stability at the time of
manufacture, and should perform in a highly repeatable manner unless one or more of the gages has
been damaged. If the zero-beam-deflection readings of the strain indicator fail to repeat well, the
binding post connections may not have been snug enough to avoid small contact resistance changes.
Binding post connections should be snug enough to allow a wiggle test of the leadwires without a
zero balance shift.

Analysis and Presentation of Data:

The strain sensed by each of the three gage elements is now obtained by subtracting the initial
reading from the final reading. If the initial reading is larger than the final reading, a negative
(compressive) strain is indicated, and the sign should be retained to signify this. The quantities just
calculated are to be entered in the strain column of the data table. The three strains can now be
substituted into equation (1) or (2) to obtain the principal strains p and q.
Because the stress field on the surface of the cantilever beam is uniaxial, with the principal axes
known to be along and perpendicular to the beam axis, the absolute value of q/p is Poissons Ratio of
the beam material.

(  > 8
 >

(6)

This number should be recorded on the worksheet and then substituted into Eqs. (3), along
with p and q and a value for the modulus of elasticity, E (assume E = 10.4 x 106 psi), to
calculate the principal stresses p and q.
The actual lateral beam stress is, of course, zero; and the p calculated above should be very
small. Calculate the longitudinal stress, L, by substituting the exact load and the beam
dimensions into Eq. (4). Enter all these values in the table on the worksheet for convenient
comparison.
The principal strains and stresses have been calculated above without correcting the original
strain data for the transverse sensitivity of the strain gage elements in the rosette. As a result of
the finite width of the grid lines in the gages, and the presence of end loops connecting the grid
lines, strain gages are generally sensitive not only to the strain parallel to the grid direction, but
also (to a much lesser degree) to the strain perpendicular to the grid direction. This property of
strain gages is referred to as transverse sensitivity.
Strain gages are customarily calibrated for gage factor in a uniaxial stress field, on a steel
beam with = 0.285, with the gage (or gage elements, in the case of a rosette) aligned along the
applied stress axis. When the gage is used in an environment with any different ratio of
transverse to axial strain, there is an error, and a correction for transverse sensitivity may be
necessary (Refer to the Poissons Ratio lab).
For the Vishay rosette used in this experiment, the error in the maximum principal strain is
negligible. The minimum principal strain can be corrected for transverse sensitivity by
multiplying q by 1.025.
Finally, use the strain readings from gages 1 and 3 to determine stresses 90 apart. Plot these
stresses on Mohrs Circle. Determine the slope of a line drawn between the points, and from this
the angle of the rosette with respect to the beam.

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Lab 5: Principal Strains and Stresses

Write-up: (Worksheet)
- The Executive Summary should include a table showing:
Principal stresses determined from rosette analysis and the flexure formula.
Rosette angle relative to the beam axis as measured with the protractor and as determined by
rosette analysis and Mohrs circle.
- The Results consist of the completed handout.
- In the discussion, compare the rosette angles from the worksheet and Mohrs Circle to what
you measured. Does the diagonal line on your Mohrs circle pass through the center? Why
not? Compare your value for Poissons Ratio (? to that obtained in Lab 4, Poissons Ratio.
Mention anything else you deem worthwhile.
- For the Conclusion, recap everything in 50 words or less.

Appendix: Wiring Diagram and Rosette Angle

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Lab 5: Principal Strains and Stresses

Worksheet:
Data Table
Date:
Team Members:
Gage
1

Initial Reading
0

Final Reading

Strain ()

 

 



3
Computation of Principal Strains and Rosette angles:

(Select the equations appropriate to the rosette used. Enter the results in the Summary Table, pg 9, under
Rosette Analysis. Remember that tan-1(x) represents two angles 180 apart.)

DELTA ROSETTE:

@

 
 

A



 
 ) 
 
) 

 )

pr = A + B

B?,? 
pr=

A=

qr = (A B)*1.025




 )
7CD'


 
 

qr=

B=

pr=

deg

qr=

deg

or

 



RECTANGULAR ROSETTE:

@

pr = A + B

B?,? 

A=
B=

pr=

A


 
 ) 
 
)

qr = (A B)*1.025


 
 


7CD'


 

qr=

pr=

deg

qr=

deg

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MENG 302L

Lab 5: Principal Strains and Stresses

Computation of Poissons Ratio:

(?  E

?
8
? E

__________

(Enter the result in the Summary Table, pg 9, under Rosette Analysis.)

Computation of Principal Stresses:

%? 

&

'(?

)
?  (?
? *

pr =

%? 

&

'(? 

kpsi qr =

)
?  (?
? *
kpsi

(Enter the results in the Summary Table, pg 9, under Rosette Analysis.)

Computation of Maximum Principal Stresses and Strains from Flexure Formula:

(Use your measured values for x, b and t, your pre-lab value for P, and the published value of
Poissons Ratio for aluminum, al = 0.330, below.)
%G
'(CL %G

G  & J<
)

G  & J<
)
%G  <4=8  HI)
67

pf =

kpsi

pf =

qf =

(Enter the results in the Summary Table, pg 9, under Flexure Formula.)

Mohrs Circle:
Use the strain readings from Gage 1 and Gage 3 to calculate orthogonal stresses:
First, correct the strain readings for transverse sensitivity Kt:

= 

'(J M7
'M7

  M7
)

2 

'(J M7
'M7 

 M7
 )

x and y are the true orthogonal strains,
 and
are the strains from the data table, and
0 = 0.285.

x =

y =

Next, use the true orthogonal strains to compute the orthogonal stresses:
&
&
)
=  (?
2 *
)
 (?
= *
%= 
%2 

  (?
  (?  2

x =

kpsi

y =

kpsi

On the Mohrs circle diagram, draw a circle centered on (x+ y)/2,0 with its left edge passing
through 0,0. Draw a line vertically up from x,0 to intersect the circle. Draw a line vertically
down from y,0 to intersect the circle. Draw a line between these two points. Determine the
slope of this line w.r.t the horizontal axis, and from that the orientation of the rosette on the
beam. (Remember that angles on Mohrs Circle are double the corresponding angle on the actual
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Lab 5: Principal Strains and Stresses

piece, so your plotted points should be separated by 180 and the angle of the line will be double
the rosette angle.)
(Enter these results in the Summary Table under Mohrs Circle.)

Figure 3: Mohr's Circle Diagram

Summary:
Note: Enter principal strains and stresses for Rosette Analysis and Flexure Formula.
Enter orthogonal strains and stresses for Mohrs Circle.
ROSETTE ANALYSIS
FLEXURE FORMULA
MOHRs CIRCLE
()
pr=
pf =
x =

(

qr=

(? 

(kpsi)

pr =

(kpsi)

qr =

p ()

pr=

qf =

y =

al = 0.330
pf =

x =
qf = 0

r=

y =
Mohr =

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Lab 5: Principal Strains and Stresses

Notes:

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