Beam Bending Experiment 1

Introduction: An aluminum beam of fixed length L is mounted between two points. A point load is attached at the center of the beam. Task: Compare the experimental and theoretical (calculated) deflection of the beam for varying loads P. Neglect the weight of the beam. Theory: a) Find the theoretical elastic curve v(x) for this problem. Make assumptions as done in class (length L does not change significantly, dv/dx is small, etc.). b) Express the maximum deflection in terms of P, L, E, and I.

Beam Bending Experiment 1

Setup and notes: Use string to attach two hangers at the center of the beam (the hangers have mass!). Vary the mass as instructed. Don't overdo it! Treat the deflection as a positive quantity (it is technically negative, we'll use the magnitude) Measure, look up and calculate the following physical properties of your beam: Original Height of beam above ground: Length of beam: L Modulus of Elasticity: E beam width: b (use caliper) beam height: h (use caliper) Moment of Inertia: I = bh^3/12 cm cm GPa cm mm m^4 0 0 0 0 0 0 m m Pa m m m^4

Keep length L fixed, vary the mass from 250g to about 1500g in 250g increments. Calculate the load P. Measure the new height of the center of the beam and determine the experimental deflection. Calculate the theoretical deflection. Load mass (kg) Load weight (N) Measured height above ground (cm) Experimental deflection (cm) Calculated deflection (cm) Plot both deflection values vs. load 0.250 0.500 0.750 1.000 1.250 1.500

Beam Bending Experiment 1 - AutoCalc

Measure, look up and calculate the following physical properties of your beam: Original Height of beam above ground: Length of beam: L Modulus of Elasticity: E beam width: b beam height: h Moment of Inertia: I = bh^3/12 cm cm GPa cm mm m^4 0 0 0 0 0 0 m m Pa m m m^4

For the fixed length L, vary the mass from 250g to about 1500g in 250g increments. Calculate the load P. Measure the new height of the center of the beam and determine the experimental deflection. Calculate the theoretical deflection. Load mass (kg) Load weight (N) Measured height above ground (cm) Experimental deflection (cm) Calculated deflection (cm) Plot both deflection values vs. load
1.00 0.90 0.80 0.70 0.60 0.50 0.40 0.30 0.20 0.10 0.00 0

0.250 2.45

0.500 4.9

0.750 7.35

1.000 9.8

1.250 12.25

1.500 14.7

0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 #DIV/0! #DIV/0! #DIV/0! #DIV/0! #DIV/0! #DIV/0!

Experimental and Calculated Deflection, Experiment 1

Deflection (cm)

Experimental deflection (cm) Calculated deflection (cm)

10 Load P (N)

15

20

Note: most cells (including the plot) are protected from unauthorized input. To change this, click the review tab, then 'unprotect sheet' (password: mom) Input allowed in: B4 to B9, rows 12 and 14, columns B to G