Lab 2: Fundamental

Concepts

Beam Bending

1
Goals
 Understand the principles of Stress-Strain

 To make measurements for cantilever

beam bending and compute the deflection
of different materials and shapes.

 To understand how engineers compare

different materials.

 To understand why cross-sectional shape

is important in design

2
Characterization of Stiffness and
Strength of Materials P

∆L
The tension test:
∆L L
Strain: ε =
L

Stress: σ = P
P

A
P
Units of stress: A

lb N
2
( psi ) or 2
( Pa )
in m

3
 Stress-Strain Curve
Ceramic
Yield Stress
+
+ Steel

+
Stress σ

Yield Stress Aluminum

Plastic

Elastic

Strain ε

In the elastic (linear) portion of the stress-strain curve:

σ=E ε (Hooke’s Law)
Modulus of Elasticity (slope of σ - ε ) curve)
(Material Stiffness) 4
 Stress-Strain
Yield Stress is the limit of the elastic
region. Materials that are loaded within
the elastic region will return to their
original dimensions upon unloading
Typical values:
Steel Aluminum Copper Titanium

Modulus of Elasticity 29x106 10.1x106 17x106 16.5x106

(psi)

Yield Stress 36,000 - 14,000 - 10,000- 25,000-

(psi) 100,000 73,000 53,000 120,000

5
Stress-Strain
Structural components are designed to
deform (change dimensions) when used.
For Example:
The top floor
of the Sears
tower in
Chicago can
sway 6
inches due to
the force
applied by
the wind
6
Stress-Strain

The tip of the wings of a Boeing 747

Jumbo jet deflect up 14 feet as the aircraft
take off.

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 Stress-Strain
Stress –Strain Experienced in bridges.

ou will get information regarding this in your bridge competit

8
Bending of a Cantilever
Beam
F

Experimental setup:
L

Dial indicator
s

Weights

9
Bending of a Cantilever Beam

The deflection of the beam depends on:

• The load F. More deflection with larger load.

• The length of the beam. The deflection of the

end increases with the length.

• Material stiffness. Higher stiffness produces

less deflection.

• The geometry of the cross section. Higher

moment of inertia (defined in the next slide),
results in less deflection.

10
Bending of a Cantilever
Beam
Theoretically, the deflection of the beam at
the location of the dial indicator is given by
2
Fs
δ= (3 L − s)
6E I

Where E is the modulus of elasticity of

the beam’s material, and I is the moment
of inertial of the cross section.

11
Moment of Inertia of a Cross
Section
Rectangular Box

h h2 h1

b
b2

b1
1
I rect = b h3 1 1
12 I box = b1 h1 −
3
b2 h23
12 12
In the lab we will set up three cantilever beams and we will
compare their deflection. Two of the beams have the same
cross section geometry (rectangle), but one is made of steel
and the other is made of aluminum. The third beam is made
up of aluminum with a smaller cross sectional area than the
first two beams, but with a box cross section.
12
In Lab
For each of the three beams (steel
rectangular, aluminum rectangular,
aluminum box):

1. Clamp the beam and position the dial

indicator such that:
L = 12.5 in. and s = 11.5 in.
Refer to setup shown on the next slide
2. Load (by placing 2.5 lb weights in the
bucket) incrementally (5 increments) up
to: 13
 Clamps:
Clamp the L-shaped
Beam and the
In Lab Cantilever beam to
the edge of the
Setup table

Make sure Dial

magnet is Indicator:
turned ON Make sure
indicator
is in an uprigh
position
Bucket:Pla
ce weights in
the bucket
14
 Clamps
In Lab
Setup

L=12.5 in

Dial

s= 1
Indicator:

1. 5
Make sure

in
indicator
is in an upright
position

15
In Lab

3. Record the deflection δ for each load .

4. Measure the beam’s cross section

dimensions and calculate moment of inertia I.

5. Record all measurements and calculations in

Worksheet A.

16
NOTE:
The deflection measured in the lab is greater
than theory predicts. This is mainly due to
how the beams are clamped. The clamped
end is not a true ‘fixed’ end as assumed by
theory, and the beam is not perpendicular to
the side of the table.

ASSUMED BEAM ACTUAL BEAM

17
 Worksheet A
(located in procedure)

E, Modulus Wall I, Moment

Width, b Height, h
of Elasticity Thickness of Inertia
(in.) (in.)
(psi) (in.) (in4)

Steel Beam 29x106 N.A

Aluminum 10.1x106
Beam N.A
Aluminum 10.1x106
Box

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Worksheet A - Example

Steel rectangular:

Load F (lbs)            

Deflection          
Theoretical, δ
(in)

Deflection            
Experimental,
δ (in)

19
Lab Reporting
Requirements
Write an individual lab memo
See procedure for discussion questions and
review grading guidelines for point
distribution.
Due in Lab 3.
Note: Pay special attention to memo
requirements. If you receive less than a 90%
on this memo, you will be required to rewrite
the memo and resubmit it in Lab 5.

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Important: Memo Grading
Guidelines Sample Grading Guide

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