Experiment # 10

To determine that the total force is the sum of all

forces acting on body

Objective:
For a simple cantilever beam verify that the shearing force is the algebraic sum of the
forces to the right or left of the section, the bending moment is the sum of the moments
due to the forces to right or left of the section.

Apparatus:

Weights, Hanger for weights, Cantilever Beam.

Diagram:

Figure 10. 1

Theory:
Definition of Beam:
A beam is a structural element that is capable of withstanding load primarily by
resisting against bending. The bending force induced into the material of the beam as a
result of the external loads, own weight, span and external reactions to these loads is
called a bending moment.
Cantilever Beam:
A cantilever is a beam anchored at only one end. The beam carries the. Load to the
support where it is forced against by a moment and shear stress. Cantilever construction
allows for overhanging structures without external bracing.

Figure 10. 2

Shearing Force:

Shearing forces are unaligned forces pushing one part of a body in one direction, and
another part of the body in the opposite direction. When the forces are aligned into each
other, they are called compression forces.

Figure 10. 3

Bending Moment:

A bending moment is the reaction induced in a structural element when an external

force or moment is applied to the element causing the element to bend. The most
common or simplest structural element subjected to bending moments is the beam.
SF and BM diagram:

Figure 10. 4

Procedure:
1) Choose a load and its position on the beam.
2) Calculate the expected bending moment and shearing force.
3) Apply the load to the beam and weights to the bending moment hanger and the
shearing force hanger.
4) When the applied weights are like those calculated you should find:
a) The beam will pivot and the line on the beam and the line on the side-
plate will be parallel.
b) The beam will be in vertical equilibrium.
5) To Verify;
a) Gently tap the beam to overcome any friction and try adding a small
mass to the hanger to see if the beam is moved out of the position.
b) We note that the beam should be in equilibrium.
6) Raise the beam vertically by light finger pressure and it should remain where
you remove your figure.
7) Although the beam is in equilibrium, raising it against gravity requires an
increase in its potential energy, which is supplied by your figure.
Calculations: