University of Bahrain

Department of Mechanical Engineering

MENG 163
Sem. II, 2015/16

Lab Report # 3
Principle of Moments

Section: 04
Submitted to: Dr. Maher Mahmood

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Objective: To apply principle of moments for determination of reactions in a simply
supported beam.

Introduction: The Principle of Moments states that the moment of any force is equal to
the algebraic sum of the moments of the components of that force. It is a very important

principle that is often used in order to solve systems of forces that are acting upon and/or

within a structure. In this experiment we will set up our apparatus to calculate the moment of

force by using spring balance, loads and a beam.

Apparatus and Procedure:

1. Set up the apparatus so that the spring balance are truly vertical.

2. Support the beams on the balances and record R1 and R2, the spring balance

readings (i.e. weight of the beam WB, which is considered to act at the centre

of the beam.

3. Apply loads W1 and W2 at distances L1 and L2

4. Measure R1 and R2 again as R1’ and R2,

5. Now calculate R1’ and R2’ from your readings.

6. Calculate the error.

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Readings:

The tensions R1 and R2 have initial values of 180 g and 185 g respectively. When we add

weights to the beam the values of R1 and R2 are increased.

LB= 90 cm R1=180 g R2= 185 g

WB= R1 + R2= 365 g = 0.365 kg

L1= 20 cm= 0.2 m L2= 50 cm= 0.5 m L3= 20 cm= 0.2 m

W1= 500 g = 0.5 kg W2= 500 g = 0.5 kg

R1’ (Exp.) = 660 g R2’ (Exp.) = 685 g

Calculations:

We will now calculate the values of R1’ and R2’ theoretically. The theoretical

values of R1’ and R2’ can be calculated by finding the moments about point A and point B

∑ MA= -W1 (L1) - WB (LB/2) - W2 (L2+L1) + R2’ (LB) = 0

∑ MA= - 4.905 N (0.2 m) – 3.6297 N (0.45 m) – 4.905 N (0.7 m) + R2’ (0.9) = 0

By solving the equation,

R2’= 6.72 N= 0.685 kg= 685 g.

∑ MB= W2 (L3) + WB (LB/2) + W1 (L2+L3) - R1’ (LB) = 0

∑ MB = 4.905 N (0.2 m) + 3.6297 N (0.45 m) + 4.905 N (0.7 m) - R2’ (0.9) = 0

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 By solving the equation,

R1’ = 6.72 N= 0.685 kg= 685 g

Results: The theoretical value of the R1 and R2 i.e. R1’ and R2’ comes out to be 685 g
and 685 g respectively. On comparing them with the experimental values the error comes out

to be 3.6% and 0% respectively. Since the error is small we can say that our readings were

very accurate in case of R2, however, in case of R1 more accurate results could be obtained

if experiment was performed more carefully.

Conclusion: This method of finding the forces by principle of moments is used in

several places. It is a very important rule to state the equilibrium condition of a system as

well as to determine the values of unknown forces acting on the system.