*Please do not use this sample assignment in any qualification or centre approval application by your

centre.

Sample assignment
Qualification

Unit number and title

Pearson BTEC Level 5 HND Diploma General

Unit 62 Strength of Materials K/601/1409
Engineering
Student name

Assessor name

Date issued

Completion date

16/3/2013

16/4/2013

Assignment title Ass

LO

Complex Loading Systems. Loading on Beams and Columns. (2 of 3)

Learning outcome AC
(LO)

Be able to determine
the behavioural
1.1
characteristics of
engineering
components
1.2
LO1 subjected to
complex loading
systems
1.3
Be able to
determine the
behavioural
characteristics of
loaded beams,
LO2 columns and struts

Submitted on

2.1

2.2

2.3

2.4

In this assessment you will have the

opportunity to present evidence that shows
you are able to:
analyse two-dimensional stress systems making
appropriate use of Mohrs stress circle

Task Evidence
no. (Page no)
1a and
1c

carry out experimental strain analysis using

electrical resistance strain gauges

1b

apply the appropriate theory of elastic failure to

loaded components to determine operational factors
of safety

1c

determine the support reactions, slope and

deflection of simply supported beams

determine the distribution of stress in the materials

of reinforced concrete beams

determine the stress distribution in columns and

walls which are subjected to asymmetrical bending

determine the appropriate critical load for axially

loaded struts

*Please do not use this sample assignment in any qualification or centre approval application by your
centre.

Learner declaration
I certify that the work submitted for this assignment is my own and research sources are fully
acknowledged.
Student signature:

Date:

In addition to the above PASS criteria, this assignment gives you the opportunity to submit evidence in order to achieve the following MERIT
and DISTINCTION grades
Grade Descriptor
M1
Identify and apply strategies to find
appropriate solutions
M2
Select/design and apply appropriate
methods/techniques
M3
Present and communicate appropriate
findings

Indicative characteristic/s
Suitable c
Effective judgements have been made.
An effective approach to study and research
has been applied.

Contextualisation
Consideration has been given to the two types of strut.
Reasoned judgements are made about the factors affecting
the most suitable cross sectional shape. Strategies have
been applied to find the appropriate solution. (Task 5)

Complex information has been used to determine the

Complex information/data has been
deflection at the required position. The data has been used
synthesised and processed.
Appropriate learning methods/techniques have correctly to obtain an accurate solution. Appropriate method
and technique has been demonstrated. (Task 2)
been applied.
The appropriate structure and approach has
been used.
The communication is appropriate for
unfamiliar audiences and appropriate media
have been used.

The information given in the task has been used in an

analytical manner to evaluate the answers arrived at by
Use critical reflection to evaluate own
graphical/drawing means (Mohrs Stress Circle). The results
work and justify valid conclusions
compared are validated. Links and comparisons are made
between drawing and analytical solutions. (Task 1a)
The Gantt Chart is used to show a realistic plan and is
D2
Activities have been planned.
annotated to show progress made. The assignment is
Take responsibility for managing and
Autonomy has been demonstrated.
completed on time. Autonomy has been demonstrated and
organising activities
deadlines met independently. (Task 6)
Ideas have been generated and decisions
The decision on an alternative material is valid and the
D3
taken.
explanation shows a range of ideas to support this choice of
Demonstrate convergent/lateral/creative
Problems have been solved.
different material. The explanation will clearly show creative
thinking
Creative thought has been applied.
ideas about minimising dimensions. (Task 5)
Please note that for unit assignments Assessors should use these or other exemplar indicative characteristics for the individual grade
descriptors from Annexe C of the HN specification or any other relevant indicative characteristics for the particular assignment. The
indicative characteristic should then be contextualised. Only one indicative characteristic per grade descriptor, M2, M2, M3, D1, D2, D3 is
required.
D1

Conclusions have been arrived at through

synthesis of ideas and have been justified.
The validity of results have been evaluated
using defined criteria.

The slides prepared have appropriate structure and approach

to show how a solution can be obtained to the problem posed
by the loaded system in figure 6. The materials prepared
present and communicate the approach to use which a third
party, with limited mechanical systems knowledge, would be
able to follow. (Task 2)

*Please do not use this sample assignment in any qualification or centre approval application by your
centre.

Assignment brief
Unit number and title

Unit 62 Strength of Materials

Qualification

Pearson BTEC Level 5 HND Diploma in General Engineering

Start date

16/3/2013

Deadline/hand-in

16/4/2013

Assessor

Assignment title

Complex Loading Systems. Loading on Beams and Columns.

(2 of 3)

Purpose of this assignment

This assignment will give you the opportunity to show your knowledge of basic engineering problems
involving the strength of materials. You will investigate a number of engineering components of a
structure that are subjected to two dimensional complex loading; the effects of loading (support
reactions, slope and deflection) on beams and the effects of loading on columns and struts.
You have already completed assignment 1 for this unit, a practical assignment. You will need the
outcomes from that assignment for one of the tasks in this assignment.
Scenario
You are going to spend five months of practice as a Mechanical Engineer in First Testing Company,
one of the biggest Machine Elements Laboratories in the United Kingdom. You will be required to
attend an interview and in preparation for this your potential supervisor asks you to solve the following
tasks in order to assess your level of knowledge and understanding. You are given a WiFi equipped
notebook and you can use any information you may need.
Task 1a : (LO 1: 1.1 and D1)
Due to an applied load, an element at a point in a machine shaft is subjected to the state of plane stress
shown in figure 1. Using Mohrs stress circle, analyse this 2D stress system and determine:

Fig 1
1.
2.
3.

The principal stresses and planes.

The absolute maximum shear stress at the point.
The stress components exerted on the element obtained by rotating the given element
counter clockwise through 30o.
(Part of 1.1)

Validate the results for tasks #1 and #3, using analytical methods.

*Please do not use this sample assignment in any qualification or centre approval application by your
centre.

(D1)

Task 1b (LO 1: 1.2)

In assignment 1 you carried out an experiment on strain using strain gauges. You supplied a
report about this and included a Witness Statement about what you did.
Based on the readings obtained from the experimental strain analysis carried out in the
laboratory at First Testing Company in assignment 1 it was agreed that: =40010-6, b=10010-6, c=24010-6, using these values determine:

Fig 2
1.
2.

The in plane principal strains.

The maximum in plane shear strain.

Attach your report and Witness Statement from Assignment 1 to your answers for task 1b.
Task 1c (LO 1: 1.1 and 1.3)
The state of plane stress at a critical point in a steel machine bracket is shown in figure 3. Using Mohrs
stress circle, analyse this 2D stress system and calculate:

Fig 3
1.
2.

The principal stresses and planes.

The absolute maximum shear stress at this point.

If the yield stress for steel is Y=248MPa, apply the appropriate theory of elastic failure to determine
the operational factors of safety.
(Part of 1.1 and 1.3)

*Please do not use this sample assignment in any qualification or centre approval application by your
centre.

Task 2 (LO 2: 2.1, M2 and M3)

For the simply supported beams AB shown in figures 4 and 5, using Macaulays method determine:

Fig 4

Fig 5
1.
2.
3.

The support reactions at A and B.

The slope at end A.
The deflection at point C (figure 4) and the maximum deflection (figure 5)

Consider the flexural rigidity EI of the beam to be known and constant. P, a, b, L and W (uniformly
distributed load per unit length) are known parameters. You will be given values for these parameters
to enable you to use Macaulays method.
(2.1)
The overhanging steel beam ABC, shown in figure 6, carries a concentrated load P at end C.
In no more than 15 slides, present the appropriate approach to the solution of this problem and
compare it with those used in Task #2.1 for ease of use and method applied.

Fig 6
(M3)
Further to and for the beam in Task #2.1, determine the deflection at L/2 given a length, L, of 8m, as a
2-variable function of flexural stiffness x [MPa] and concentrated load z [kN] at position (AC) = L/4.

*Please do not use this sample assignment in any qualification or centre approval application by your
centre.
(M2)

*Please do not use this sample assignment in any qualification or centre approval application by your
centre.

Task 3 (LO 2: 2.2)

A rectangular concrete beam is 30cm wide and 45cm deep to the steel reinforcement, which consists of
two 2.5cm diameter bars. The stresses are limited to 115MPa in the steel and 6.5MPa in the concrete,
and the modular ratio is 15 determine:
1.
2.

The permissible bending moment.

The resulting maximum stresses in the steel and concrete.

The reinforced concrete beam shown in figure 7, is subjected to positive bending moment of 175kNm.
Given that the modulus of elasticity is 25GPa for the concrete and 200GPa for the steel, determine:

Fig 7
3.
4.

The stress in the steel.

The maximum stress in the concrete.

*Please do not use this sample assignment in any qualification or centre approval application by your
centre.

Task 4 (LO 2: 2.3)

The column shown in figure 8 is subjected to asymmetrical load 100k on point K.

Fig 8
1.

Determine the stress distribution on the section.

The wall shown in figure 9 is vertical and subjected to asymmetrical loads P1 = 0.8kN and P2 = 6kN.

Fig 9

2.

If the walls height is 12cm determine the stress distribution on the section HFGL.

*Please do not use this sample assignment in any qualification or centre approval application by your
centre.

Task 5 (LO 2: 2.4, M1 and D3)

Given: E = 200GPa determine:

Fig 10
1.
2.
3.

The critical load for the square strut in figure 10.

The radius of the round strut in figure 10 if it carries the same critical load as the square
strut.
The cross sectional area of the square strut in figure 10 as a percentage of the cross
sectional area of the round strut in figure 10.
(2.4)

Two different struts have been considered. Make effective judgements about the suitability of them,
according to their cross-section surface.
(M1)
Think about two alternative materials, which could be used instead of the given one having E = 200GPa.
Decide and explain which is more suitable, in terms of dimension minimizing.
(D3)

Task 6 (D2)
Provide evidence on how the assignment activities you have solved were planned, managed and
organised, by completing the attached chart found on the last page. You will need to annotate this to
ensure you demonstrate the way you have managed this assignment to meet the deadline.

*Please do not use this sample assignment in any qualification or centre approval application by your
centre.

Evidence
checklist

Tasks 1, 3,
4, 5

Task 2

Task 6

Summary of evidence required by student

A report written in a formal style, including a contents page

indicating the different report chapters and sections.

Attach your Assignment 1 report and witness statement to your

results for Task 1b.

A bibliography with references must be supplied using the Harvard

System of referencing.

An electronic copy of your reports on either a memory stick or CD.

Label the memory stick or CD with your name, unit title and
assignment name.

PowerPoint presentation of no more than 15 slides for Task 2.

Annotated chart for Task 6.

Evidence
presented

Chart for Task 6

Task (Criterion)

16

17

18

19

20

21

March 2013
22 23 24 25

26

27

28

29

30

31

April 2013
8 9 10 11

12

13

14

15

1
(1.1)
1
(D1)
2
(1.2)
3
(1.1)
(1.3)
4
(2.1)
4
(M3)
4
(M2)
5
(2.2)
6
(2.3)
7
(2.4)
7
(M1)
7
(D3)
8
(D2)
Hand-in Date:

16

After
Deadline

*Please do not use this sample assignment in any qualification or centre approval application by your
centre.

Achievement Summary
Qualification
Unit Number and
title

Criteria
Reference
LO 1
1.1

Pearson BTEC HND Diploma in

General Engineering

Assessor name

Unit 62 Strength of Materials

Student name

To achieve the criteria the evidence must show that the

student is able to:
analyse two-dimensional stress systems making appropriate use of
Mohrs stress circle

1.2

carry out experimental strain analysis using electrical resistance

strain gauges

1.3

apply the appropriate theory of elastic failure to loaded components

to determine operational factors of safety

LO 2
2.1

Achieved?
(tick)

determine the support reactions, slope and deflection of simply

supported beams

2.2

determine the distribution of stress in the materials of reinforced

concrete beams

2.3

determine the stress distribution in columns and walls which are

subjected to asymmetrical bending

2.4

determine the appropriate critical load for axially loaded struts

Higher Grade achievements (where applicable)

Grade descriptor

M1: Identify and apply strategies to

find appropriate solutions

Achieved?
(tick)

Grade descriptor

D1: Use critical reflection to

evaluate own work and justify
valid conclusions

M2: Select / design and apply

appropriate methods / techniques

D2: Take responsibility for

managing and organising
activities

M3: Present and communicate

appropriate findings

D3: Demonstrate
convergent/lateral/creative
thinking

Achieved?
(tick)

*Please do not use this sample assignment in any qualification or centre approval application by your
centre.

Assignment Feedback
Formative Feedback: Assessor to Student

Action Plan

Summative feedback

Feedback: Student to Assessor

Assessor signature

Date

Student signature

Date