LAB MANUAL

ME2112-L1
BEAM BENDING STRESSES AND DEFLECTION

VENUE: EA-02-21

Semester 1, AY2017/2018

Department of Mechanical Engineering

National University of Singapore

NOTE: Wear proper attire in the laboratory. No sandals, slippers or any open-toed
shoes are allowed.

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1. INTRODUCTION

Beams are one of the commonest components encountered in products and structures. In most
cases, they are transversely loaded and thus undergo bending. Bending induces stresses in a
beam and causes it to deflect. In the design and analysis of beam-like structures, the stresses
and deflections generated must be examined to ascertain that they are within acceptable
limits. Simple beam theory provides expressions for the calculation of these quantities. This
experiment demonstrates how beam theory can be applied in practice.

2. OBJECTIVE AND SCOPE

To study the application of beam theory in practice, by subjecting a cantilever to various

point loads, and examining the resulting stresses and deflection. From these values, to also
determine the Youngs modulus and Poissons ratio of the beam material. The magnitudes
and signs of the strains and stresses at two locations along the beam are determined in terms
of their relationship to each other and in accordance with beam theory.

3. THEORY

Figure 1 shows a cantilever of cross-section b x h, subjected to a downward point load P at a

distance L from the built-in-end.

Fig. 1 Cantilever subjected to a point load

The bending moment M xz at a point x from the built-in-end is given by:

M xz P( L x ) (1)

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The longitudinal normal stress xx in the cross-section at x is related to the bending moment
by:

M xz
xx y (2)
Iz

where the y-coordinate of the point in the cross-section is with respect to the mid-plane of the
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beam (i.e. the neutral surface or centroidal axis). I z bh 3 is the second moment of area of
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the beam cross-section about the z-axis.

For example, at the lower surface, y h / 2 ; hence the longitudinal stress there is:

M xz h
xx y h / 2
(3)
Iz 2

Normal strain is related to normal stress by Hookes law:

1
xx ( xx yy zz ) (4a)
E
1
zz ( zz xx yy ) (4b)
E

where E is Youngs modulus and is Poissons ratio.

For a transversely-loaded cantilever, yy zz 0 . Hence, the stress-strain relationship

reduces to:

xx
xx or xx E xx (5)
E

xx
and zz xx (6)
E

The vertical deflection v of the point at x = L where the load P is applied is given by:

PL3
vL (7)
3EI z

4. EXPERIMENTAL EQUIPMENT

With reference to Fig. 1, the experimental equipment comprises:

1. A steel cantilever beam (b =25.4 mm, h =12.7 mm) with a load-carrying hanger at a
distance L =250 mm from the built-in-end.

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 2. 4 5 kg weights to act as transverse loads on the beam.
3. A dial-gauge to measure the vertical deflection of the loading point at x = L.
4. Two sets of strain gauges mounted on: (1) the upper surface of the beam at a distance
d1 50 mm from the clamped end; (2) the underside of the beam at a distance
d 2 150 mm from the clamped end. At each location, there are two strain gauges, one
aligned longitudinally in the x-direction and the other in the horizontal transverse z-
direction.
5. A switching box to which wires from the four strain gauges are connected to four of
its channels. This switching box facilities selection of the gauge which a reading is to
be taken from.
6. A strain meter connected to the switching box. This gives the value of the strain
measured by the strain gauge selected.
7. A gripper.

5. EXPERIMENTAL PROCEDURE

Part I

1.1 Identify the strain quantity (i.e. xx1 , zz1 , xx 2 , or zz 2 ) measured by each gauge and the
channel to which it is connected on the switching box.
1.2 With no load on the hanger, set the dial gauge reading to zero.
1.3 Select a channel on the switching box for the first set of strain gauge readings and zero
the strain meter.
1.4 Load the beam in four steps at 5 kg weight increments, and record the corresponding
deflection of the load point and the reading of the strain gauge selected [note whether
the strain readings are positive (tensile) or negative (compressive)]. Record the
deflection and strain readings upon unloading as a check.
1.5 Select the other channels in turn, zero the dial gauge if necessary and repeat the
loading/unloading process, together with recording of the deflection and strain
readings.
1.6 Tabulate all the readings and plot the following:
Graph 1: Load P against vertical deflection v . From the slope of this graph and Eq.
(7), calculate the Youngs modulus E of the beam material.
Graph 2: zz1 against xx1 and zz 2 against xx 2 . From the slope of the lines, calculate
Poissons ratio using Eq. (6).
Graph 3: Load P against xx1 . Calculate the slope of this graph.
Graph 4: Determine, using Eq. (1), the bending moment magnitudes at the two strain
gauge locations, x d1 and x d 2 , for each of the four applied loads.
Then, use Eq. (2) or Eq. (3) to calculate the theoretical magnitude of the
longitudinal stresses ( xx1 and xx 2 ) at the beam surface (y = h/2) for the
four loads. Use these four pairs of stress values to plot four lines showing

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 the theoretical variation of the maximum longitudinal stress with location
along the beam (i.e. xx against x).
From the magnitudes of the longitudinal strain readings ( xx1 and xx 2 )
corresponding to the four values of the applied load, calculate the
corresponding experimental stress magnitudes (xx1 and xx2) using the
value of E derived from Graph 1 and Eqn. (5). Plot these experimental
points on the same graph with the four lines showing the theoretical
variation of maximum stress with beam location.

Part II

Attach the hand-grip to the end of the beam (Fig. 2) and grip it as tightly as possible.
** DO NOT PULL DOWN ON THE CANTILEVER.

Record the highest reading xx1 recorded by the strain meter, and evaluate your handgrip
force.

Fig. 2

6. DISCUSSION

1. Comment on the signs of the strains ( xx1 , zz1 , xx 2 , and zz 2 ) with respect to the
location and orientation of the strain gauges and how the beam is loaded.
2. With reference to Graph 4, comment on the slopes of the four theoretical lines and
also on how the stress varies with beam location.
3. Comment on the accuracy of your handgrip force.