MECH2005 Stress Analysis

Department of Mechanical Engineering

UNIVERSITY COLLEGE LONDON
BEAM FAILURE MODE WITH PLASTIC HINGE FORMATION
This experiment is aimed at exploring the formation and characteristics of plastic hinges as a beam is
loaded to failure in bending.
APPARATUS
A loading frame is provided with means to simply support a beam at three points A, C and E (see
Figure 1) a distance 3a apart (a = 101.6 mm) and with the capability of applying loads at B, D and at a
point F midway between C and E. Long stroke dial gauges measure the deflection at the loading
points B, D or at F. The central support C is mounted on a 25.4 mm high distance piece which can be
removed to lower the support C. Loadings are applied by dead weights on scale pans; the weight of
the scale pans being 8.90 N each.
P

P
C

B
2a

D
a

F
2a

Figure 1: Schematic of Beam

Two beam loading specimens are provided with the apparatus. These are nominally of 12.7 mm x 3.2
mm rectangular cross-section. One of the specimens is approximately 360 mm in length and is used
for the control test described below. The second beam is of 660 mm length. Both beams are cut
from the same mild steel stock to minimise yield stress and other material variations between the
control and test specimens. Small notched Perspex blocks are fixed to the beams as seating points
for the loading pan knife edges. A micrometer and steel rule are provided
PROCEDURE
Test A (Control Beam): Use the first specimen of 360 mm length as a simply supported beam of
304.8 mm span across supports C and E with mid-span loading at F. Measure the deflection at F for
increasing applied loads until the beam collapses taking care to make measurements for small
increments in load as the beam approaches collapse and fails. Plot a load against deflection curve
and determine the load at which first yield and total collapse occurs.
Test B (Continuous Beam over Level Supports): Use the specimen of 660 mm length across supports
A, C and E with the loading points arranged at B and D. Arrange the dial gauges to measure the
deflections at both B and D. Apply equal load increments at B and D (the loads being applied
simultaneously) and measure the corresponding deflections at B and D, again ensuring small load
increments near collapse. Plot a graph of total load against average deflection and note the position
and order of plastic hinge formation.
REPORT DISCUSSION
In the report the relative results of tests shall be discussed and compared to the analytical solutions.
Test A can be used to determine the required beams physical properties (the determination of the
plastic moment is more precise than the yield moment, which is more difficult to identify) and the
plastic by comparison with theoretical behaviour. Sources of errors in the experimental results shall
be identified and their entity estimated. Please follow the report guidelines provided in Moodle (see:
My home / My courses / MECH2005 / LAB REPORTS / GUDELINES FOR PREPARATION OF
STRESS ANALYSIS LABORY REPORTS). Only electronic submissions will be accepted.
Marks will be taken out for sections copied from this hand-out.