Spring

2012
Lab # 03 Shear Strain Measurement Using Strain Gauges
ML312 Instrumentation and Measurement Lab
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Lab # 03 Shear Strain Measurement Using Strain Gauges

Objective: To use strain gauges for measuring the shear strain produced in a torsion bar and to compare the measured shear strain values with the theoretical shear strain. Equipment Required: Strain gages Specimen torsion bar Bar holder/mounting Weight hanger Standard weights (in Newton) Strain Indicator model Equipment set-up:

Introduction: In this experiment, solid cylindrical specimen of aluminum will be subjected to a torsional load. From the applied torque, the student will calculate the shear stresses at the specimen surface. From strain gages mounted on the specimens, the student will calculate the shear strain present at given torque levels. Theory/Background: Torsional loads are created by propellers on aircraft, transmissions in cars, or by highway signs that are twisted by wind. Torque is a couple that results from the product of a force applied at a distance.

The Modulus of Rigidity (or shear modulus), G, is a measure of the stiffness of a material under shear loading. The modulus of rigidity is defined as: G = / Where: is the applied shear stress is the resulting shear strain. In this experiment, a torque, T, is applied to the specimen as shown in Figure 1. Thus, a relationship between the applied torque and the shear stress, , is required. In addition, strain gages, placed at 45o relative to the specimen axis, are used to measure normal strain in this direction (not the shear strain). Thus, a relation between the normal strain at 45o and the shear strain, , is required. To relate the applied torque, T, to the resulting shear stress, , the elastic torsion formula is used. This formula assumes that: 1) The shaft is straight and of constant cross-section. 2) Plane sections remain plane and a diameter line remains straight during twisting. The elastic torsion formula is: = T/J (2) (1)

Where: is the distance from the axis of the shaft to where the stress is acting J is the polar moment of inertia with respect to the longitudinal axis For a solid circular shaft, J = r4/2 Where: r is the radius of the shaft. Next, a relationship between the normal strains and the shearing strain is required. This is a result of the inability of strain gages to measure shear strains. Strain gages can only measure normal strains from gages in the proper orientations. (3)

Since for pure torsion, the maximum tensile stress and the maximum compressive are equal in magnitude to the shear stress, there will be no normal stress on either the longitudinal or transverse plane on which the maximum shearing stress acts. Likewise, there is no shearing stress on the planes at 45 degrees from the maximum normal stresses. Figure 2 illustrates this concept.

For the case where normal strain x and y, and the shear strain, xy, are known, the normal strain, , along a line oriented with respect to the X-axis by and angle (Figure 3) is: (4) For the case where = 45o: cos2 = 0, and sin2 = 1 Therefore, the relationship becomes: (5) Solving for xy: (6) Thus, we have developed a relation between the shear strain, xy, and the normal strains. For the case of pure torsion, a pure shear stress state should exist such that x = y = 0, and therefore x = y = 0 for this case, xy = 245 (7) Similarly, xy = -245 Therefore, the shear strain, xy, may be determined from either two strain readings using equations (7) and (8) xy = 45 - 45
45,

(8) 45 , or as a combination of the (9)

Two strain gages have been bonded onto the torsion bar specimen. These gauges are oriented such that they measure strains at - 450, and +450 with respect to the longitudinal axis of the specimen. Thus by using equation (6), the shear strain may be determined. If the strains in the 00 and 900 directions are zero, (as is expected for the case of pure torsion), then equation (7) may be used.

Procedure: Preliminary calculations: Preliminary calculations are not required. Specimen preparation: The diameters of torsion bar and the distance of applied load from the bar center should be measured. Care should be taken to avoid damage to strain gages mounted on each specimen. Testing procedures:

To measure shear strain through strain gauges 1. Place specimen in mounting and tighten the grips. 2. Connect the strain gages in a configuration of HALF bridge as shown on the inner side of the strain indicators lid 3. Depress the GAGE FACTOR button and set the (initial) gage factor to 2.075. This value is supplied by the strain indicator manufacturer to calibrate strain gages. 4. Suspend the load hanger on the torsional load lever. 5. Select the bridge type as HALF BRIDGE SHEAR on the strain indicator. 6. Depress the BALANCE button so that the display is set to zero. Please NOTE: Strain displayed by the strain indicator is in micro-strain (), i.e. the strain equals display reading times 10-6 . 7. Apply the loads and note down the shear strain indicated (). Take shear strain measurements at increments of approximately 15 N up to 60 N and note down the weights and shear strain. To calculate theoretical shear strain: 1. To calculate theoretical shear strain, use the following relationship. =/G = M / Wp M = Torsion Moment = P * r Wp = Polar Moment of Resistance = d3/16 Where: = Shear Strain = Shear Stress G = Modulus of Rigidity = 26 109 N/m2 for aluminum r = Distance between the applied load and the center of torsion bar d = Dia of torsion bar 2. Calculate the theoretical shear strain values for at least 5 known values of "P". Convert it into micro strain by multiplying it with 106. 3. Compare the theoretical shear strain with measured shear strain (through strain gauges).

Results and Calculations: D=? Measured Shear Strain () E r =? Calculated Shear Strain () T

Sr. No. 1 2 3 4 5

Load P in Newton

Difference T - E

% Error ( )

Plots: Draw a graph between load and shear strain for calculated and measured values from table.

Conclusion: