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Laboratory
Beam Deflection Test
Date Performed: 2/28/11
Richard Dyar
Group B:
Yazmin Ince
Richard Dyar
Abstract
If a beam is supported at two points, and a load is applied
anywhere on the beam, the resulting deformation can be
mathematically estimated. Due to improper experimental setup, the
actual results experienced varied substantially when compared against
the theoretical values. The following procedure explains how the
theoretical and actual values were determined, as well as suggestions
for improving upon the experiment. The percent error remained
relatively small, around 11%, for locations close to supports. Error was
experienced when analyzing positions closer to the beam, with the
exception of odd values on gage 4.
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Background
If a beam is supported at two points, and a load is applied
anywhere on the beam, deformation will occur. When these loads are
applied either longitudinally outside or inside of the supports, this
elastic bending can be mathematically predicted based on material
properties and geometry.
1 M
=
ρ E ⋅I
Equation 1
d2y
1 dx 2
=
ρ 3
dy
2 2
1 +
dx
Equation 2
3
Central Loading
Figure 1
+ → Fx = 0 = Rax
PL P
∑ M A = 0 = − 2 + RC ⋅ L ⇒ RC = 2
P
+ ↑ Fy = 0 = Ray − P + Rc ⇒ Ray =
2
Equation 3, 4, and 5
Figure 2 and 3 act as free body diagrams for the section between
AB and BC respectively.
Figure 2
4
Figure 3
d2y P x L
EI 2 = 0≤ x≤
dx 2 2
2
d y Px PL L
EI 2 =− + ≤ x≤ L
dx 2 2 2
Equation 6, 7
P x3 L
EI y= + C1 x + C2 0≤ x≤
12 2
P x3 P L x 2 L
E I y=− + + C3 x + C4 ≤x≤L
12 4 2
Equation 8, 9
P L2 3 P L3
C1 = − C2 = 0 C3 = − P L2 C4 =
16 16 48
5
P x 3 P L2 x L
EI y= − 0≤x≤
12 16 2
P x 3 P L x 2 3 P L2 x P L3 L
E I y=− + − + ≤x≤L
12 4 16 48 2
Equation 14, 15
Overhanging Loads
Figure 4
P x3 2
EI y= ( a − b ) − P a x + P L ( 2a + b ) x 0≤x ≤L
6L 2 6
Equation 16
Procedure
See lab manual section 11
6
Central Loading
Load
Gage 1 Gage 2 Gage 3 Gage 4
Overhanging Loads
Load
Load
Gage 1 Gage 2 Gage 3
Central Loading
Table 1 and 2 catalog the dimensions of the beam, as well as the
position of the gages as measured from one of the two fixed supports.
Table 1
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Position of Gages (inches)
x1 4.000
x2 10.000
x3 20.000
x4 26.000
Table 2
Table 3
Overhanging Loads
Beam Dimensions
Test Length 484.000
Width 0.998
Thickness 0.260
Distance from left support to edge 8.000
Distance from right support to edge 6.000
Table 4
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Position of gages
x1 6
x2 25
x3 43
Table 5
Table 6
Results
The theoretical results were not as expected or experienced.
There was significant error between the actual results and theoretical
value, especially as the distance studied approached the midpoint of
the beam.
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allowing one degree of freedom, a second support allowing two
degrees of freedom, and a central load.
Figure 5
Figure 6
Since both ends are under-constrained, the analysis for the experiment
with the above theory is not accurate.
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Conclusions
When a load is applied to a beam, either centrally over at
another point, the deflection can be mathematically estimated. Due to
the error that occurred in this exercise, it is clear that margins in safety
factors, as well as thorough testing, is needed when utilizing beam
design. It is also important to ensure the scope of the testing closely
models real-world practicality.
References
Gilbert, J. A and C. L. Carmen. "Chapter 11 – Beam Deflection Test."
MAE/CE 370 – Mechanics of Materials Laboratory Manual. June
2000.
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