MANUAL LAB

DBT 210 STRENGTH OF MATERIALS

CONTENT Page

EXPERIMENT 1: SHEAR FORCE 1

EXPERIMENT 2: SHEAR FORCE AND BENDING MOMENT TEST 4
EXPERIMENT 3: BEAM TEST 12
EXPERIMENT 4: CANTILEVER BEAM 15
DBT 210 Strength of Materials

EXPERIMENT 1
SHEAR FORCE

1.0 OBJECTIVES

1.1 To measure the shear force along a simply supported beam.

1.2 To plot the shear force diagram for a simply supported beam under a point load.
1.3 To compare the shear force value obtained from experiment with theoretical
calculations.

2.0 INTRODUCTION

The shear force lies in the plane of the area and is developed when the external load
tends to cause the two segment of the body to slide over one another. This experiment
examines how shear force varies with an increasing point load. Figure 1.1 shows the
force diagram for the beam. A bar subject to forces or couples that lie in a plane
containing the longitudinal axis of the bar is called a beam. The forces are understood
to act perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the beam. If the beam were to be ’cut’
up, a force couple of equal magnitude but opposite directions would act on each side
of the cut section. This force couple is known as shear force. Before we proceed to
determine the shear force in various types of beams, let’s take a brief review on the
different types of beam supports.

Cut

RA l RB

Figure 1.1 Force diagram

The equation we will use in this experiment is:

Wa
Shear force at cut, Sc =
l

Where a is the distance of the load (not the cut).

2.0 EQUIPMENTS

2.1 LS-13003 Shear Force Apparatus

2.2 Weight hanger and set of weights x 1

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DBT 210 Strength of Materials

3.0 PROCEDURES

3.1 Tighten the compensating spring (E) below the beam so that the beam is
horizontal.
3.2 Place a weight hanger to the load point (D) which is 100mm away from the pin
support (F) of the beam.
3.3 Record down the initial reading of the weighing spring scale (B). (Note: There is
reading on the scale due to the self weight of the beam).
3.4 Attach the 6N weight hanger 100mm away from the pin support of the beam. Take
down the force reading on the spring scale.
3.5 Repeat the experiment by applying 8N of weight to the load point which is 150mm
away from the pin support.
3.6 Repeat the experiment by applying 14N of weight to the load point which is
200mm away from the pin support
3.7 Repeat the experiment three times to take the average reading.
3.8 Tabulate the results in the table below.
3.9 Calculate the shear force at the center using theory, and compare it with theoretical
calculations.

4.0 RESULT

Initial spring scale reading (N) = ______________

Table 3.1 Conversion table

Position Weight Force Force Average

Force
from pin applied, Reading 2 Reading 3 Reading
Reading 1 (N)
support P (N) (N) (N) (N)

100 6

150 8

200 14

Position Average
Actual Experimental Theoretical
from pin Reading
Reading (N) Reading (N) Reading (N)
support (N)
100 6

150 8

200 14

Actual reading = Average reading - initial spring reading

Experimental reading = Actual reading * 13.00

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DBT 210 Strength of Materials

Use the sum of moments at A to get the theoretical

shear
force V:

ΣMA = 0
P(x1) + V(x2) = 0

5.0 DISCUSSIONS

5.1 Does the equation we used accurately predict the behavior of the beam?
5.2 Discuss the possibly factors that may lead to inaccurate reading

7.0 CONCLUSION

7.1 Conclude what you have derived from the shear force.

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DBT 210 Strength of Materials

EXPERIMENT 2
SHEAR FORCE & BENDING MOMENT FOR SINGLE POINT LOAD

1.0 OBJECTIVES

1.1 To measure the shear force and bending moment along a simply supported beam.
1.2 To plot the shear force and bending moment diagram for a simply supported beam
under a point load.
1.3 To compare the shear force and bending moment value obtained from experiment
with theoretical calculations.

2.0 INTRODUCTION

A bar subject to forces or couples that lie in a plane containing the longitudinal
axis of the bar is called a beam. The forces are understood to act perpendicular to the
longitudinal axis. When a force is applied at a distance away from the supports of the
beam, a moment is generated, and the beam undergoes bending. Thus, the beam is
deemed to be experiencing ‘bending moment’. Before we proceed to determine the
bending moment in various types of beams, let’s take a brief review on the different
types of beam supports.

CANTILEVER BEAMS

If a beam is supported at only one end and in such a manner that the axis of the
beam cannot rotate at that point, it is called a cantilever beam. This type of beam is
illustrated in Fig. 2.1. The left end of the bar is free to deflect but the right end is rigidly
clamped. The right end is usually said to be” restrained." The reaction of the supporting
wall at the right upon the beam consists of a vertical force together with a couple acting
in the plane of the applied loads shown.

Figure 2.1

SIMPLY BEAMS

A beam that is freely supported at both ends is called a simply supported beam
(or simple beam). The term "freely supported" implies that the end supports are capable
of exerting only forces upon the bar and are not capable of exerting any moments. Thus
there is no restraint offered to the angular rotation of the ends of the bar at the supports
as the bar deflects under the loads. Two simple beams are sketched in Fig. 2.2

It is to be observed that at least one of the supports must be capable of

undergoing horizontal movements that no force will exist in the direction of the axis of

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DBT 210 Strength of Materials

the beam. It neither ends were free to move horizontally, then some axial force would
arise in the beam as it deforms under load.

The beam of Fig. 2.3 (a) is said to be subject to a concentrated force; that of Fig. 2.3
(b) is loaded by a uniformly distributed load as well as a couple.

OVERHANGING BEAMS

A beam freely supported at two points and having one or both ends extending beyond
these supports is termed an overhanging beam. Two examples are given in Fig. 4.3.

Figure 2.2

STATICALLY DETERMINATE BEAMS

All the beams considered above, the cantilevers, simple beams, and overhanging
beams, are one in which the reactions of the supports may be determined by use of the
equations of static equilibrium.
The values of these reactions are independent of the deformations of the beam. Such
beams are said to be statically determinate.

STATICALLY INDETERMINATE BEAMS

If the number of reactions exerted upon the beam exceeds the number of equations of
static equilibrium, then the static equations must be supplemented by equations based
upon the deformations of the beam. In this case the beam is said to be statically
indeterminate. Examples are shown in Fig.4.4.

Figure 2.3

TYPES OF LOADING

Loads commonly applied to a beam may consist of concentrated forces (applied at a

point), uniformly distributed loads, in which case the magnitude is expressed as a

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DBT 210 Strength of Materials

certain number of pounds per foot or Newtons per meter of length of the beam, or
uniformly varying loads. This last type of load is exemplified in Fig. 4.5.

Figure 2.4

INTERNAL FORCES AND MOMENTS IN BEAMS

When a beam is loaded by forces and couples, internal stresses arise in the bar. In
general, both normal and shearing stresses will occur. In order to determine the
magnitude of these stresses at any section of the beam, it is necessary to know the
resultant force and moment acting at that section. These may be found by applying the
equations of static equilibrium.

RESISTING MOMENT

The couple M shown in Fig. 4.6(b) is called the resisting moment at section D. The
magnitude of M may be found by use of a static equation which states that the sum of
the moments of all forces about an axis through D and perpendicular to the plane of the
page is zero. Thus,

Σ M0 = M - R1x + P1(x - a) + P2(x - b) = 0 or M = R1x - P1(x - a) - P2(x- b)

Thus the resisting moment M is the moment at point D created by the moments of the
reaction at A and the applied forces P1 and P2. The resisting moment M is the resultant
couple due to stresses that are distributed over the vertical section at D. These stresses
act in a horizontal direction and are tensile or certain portion of the cross section and
compressive in others.

RESISTING SHEAR

The vertical force V shown in Fig. 4.6(b) is called the resisting shear at section D. For
equilibrium of forces in the vertical direction,

Σ Fv = R1 - P1 - P2 - V = 0 or V = R1 - P1 - P2

This force V is actually the resultant of shearing stresses distributed over the vertical
section at D.

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DBT 210 Strength of Materials

BENDING MOMENT

The algebraic sum of the moments of the external forces to one side of the section D
about an axis through D is called the bending moment at D. This is represented by
R1x - P1(x - a) - P2(x - b)

for the loading considered above. Thus the bending moment is opposite in direction to
the resisting moment but is of the same magnitude. It is usually denoted by M also.
Ordinarily the bending moment rather than the resisting moment is used in calculations
because it can be represented directly in terms of the external loads.

SHEARING FORCE

The algebraic sum of all the vertical forces to one side, say the left side, of section D
is called the shearing force at that section. This is represented by R1 - P1 - P2 for the
above loading. The shearing force is opposite in direction to the resisting shear but of
the same magnitude. Usually it is denoted by V. It is ordinarily used in calculations,
rather than the resisting shear.

SIGN CONVENTIONS

The customary sign conventions for shearing force and bending moment are
represented in Fig. 2.5. Thus a force that tends to bend the beam so that it is concave
upward is said to produce a positive bending moment.

A force that tends to shear the left portion of the beam upward with respect to the right
portion is said to produce a positive shearing force.

Figure 2.5

An easier method for determining the algebraic sign of the bending moment at any
section is to say that upward external forces produce positive bending moments,
downward forces yield negative bending moments.

SHEAR AND MOMENT EQUATIONS

Usually it is convenient to introduce a coordinate system along the beam, with the
origin at one end of the beam. It will be desirable to know the shearing force and
bending moment at all sections along the beam and for this purpose two equations are

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DBT 210 Strength of Materials

written, one specifying the shearing force V as a function of the distance, say x, from
one end of the beam, the other giving the bending moment M as a function of x.

SHEARING FORCE AND BENDING MOMENT DIAGRAMS

The plots of these equations for V and M are known as shearing force and bending
moment diagrams, respectively. In these plots the abscissas (horizontals) indicate the
position of the section along the beam and the ordinates (verticals) represent the values
of the shearing force and bending moment, respectively. Thus these diagrams represent
graphically the variation of shearing force and bending moment at any section along
the length of the bar. From these plots it is quite easy to determine the maximum value
of each of these quantities.

RELATIONS BETWEEN LOAD INTENSITY, SHEARING FORCE, AND

BENDING MOMENT

A simple beam with a varying load indicated by w(x) is sketched in Fig. 2.6. The
coordinate system with origin at the left end A is established and distances to various
sections in the beam are denoted by the variable x.

Figure 2.6

For any value of x the relationship between the load w(x) and the shearing force V is

w = dV
dx

and the relationship between shearing force and bending moment M is

V = dM
dx

From these relationships, it can be seen that the load, shear force and bending moment
of a beam are closely related. By differentiating the bending moment equation with
respect to longitudinal position x, the shear force and load acting on the beam can be
determined.

3.0 EQUIPMENTS

3.1 LS-13006 Shear Force and Bending Moment Apparatus

3.2 Weight hanger and set of weights x 1

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DBT 210 Strength of Materials

4.0 PROCEDURES

4.1 Place a weight hanger to the load point (E) which is 50mm away from the pin
support (F) of the beam.
4.2 Record down the initial reading of the weighing spring scale (C, D). (Note: There
is reading on the scale due to the self weight of the beam).
4.3 Attach the 6N to weight hanger 50mm away from the pin support of the beam.
Take down the force reading on the spring scales C, D.
4.4 Repeat the experiment by applying 8N of weight to the load point which is
100mm away from the pin support.
4.5 Repeat the experiment by applying 10N of weight to the load point which is
150mm away from the pin support.
4.6 Repeat the experiment by applying 10N of weight to the load point which is
150mm away from the pin support.
4.7 Repeat the experiment three times to take the average reading.
4.8 Tabulate the results in the table below.
4.9 Calculate the shear force at the center using theory, and compare it with
theoretical calculations.

5.0 RESULTS

SHEAR FORCE CALCULATION

Table 4.1: Theoretical Shear Force

Initial Spring scale reading (N) = _______________

Position
Weight Force Force Force Average
from
applied, Reading 1 Reading 2 Reading 3 Reading
pin
P(N) (N) (N) (N) (N)
support
50 mm 6
100 mm 8
150 mm 10
200 mm 14

Average reading = ( force 1 + force 2 + force 3 )/3

Theoretical
Position from Average Actual Reading Experiment
reading
pin support reading (N) (N) reading (N)
(N)
50 mm
100 mm
150 mm
200 mm

Actual reading = average reading – initial spring reading

Experimental reading = actual reading x 13.00

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DBT 210 Strength of Materials

BENDING MOMENT CALCULATION

Table 2.1: Theoretical Bending Moment

Initial Spring scale reading (N) = _______________

Position
Weight Force Force Force Average
from
applied, Reading 1 Reading 2 Reading 3 Reading
pin
P(N) (N) (N) (N) (N)
support
50 mm 6
100 mm 8
150 mm 10
200 mm 14

Average reading = ( force 1 + force 2 + force 3 )/3

Theoretical
Position from Average Actual Reading Experiment
reading
pin support reading (N) (N) reading (N)
(N)
50 mm
100 mm
150 mm
200 mm

Actual reading = average reading – initial spring reading

Experimental reading = actual reading x 0.75

THEORETICAL CALCULATION

SHEAR FORCE

Use the sum of moment at A to get the shear force

;
∑MA = 0
P(x1) + V(x2) =0

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DBT 210 Strength of Materials

BENDING MOMENT FORCE

Find the reaction for VA and VB

Use the sum of moments at cut to get the
theoretical shear force V

∑Mcut = 0

M1 + VA (X2) = P(X1)

6.0 DISCUSSIONS

6.1 Comment on the shape of the graph. What does it tell us about how bending
moment varies at the point of loading?
6.2 Does the equation we used accurately predict the behavior of the beam?

6.0 CONCLUSION

Conclude how bending moment varies at the point of loading

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DBT 210 Strength of Materials

EXPERIMENT 3
BEAM TEST

1.0 OBJECTIVE

1.1 To find variation of deflection of a simply supported beam with load, beam
thickness and material
1.2 To investigate the correlation between deflection and other variables

2.0 INTRODUCTION

The theory of pure bending of a beam shows that when a beam is loaded in such a way
that it bends only in the plane of the applied moment. The stress distribution and
curvature of the beam are related by:

M  E
  (1)
I y R

where;
M = Bending moment;
I = Second moment of area of the beam section (moment of inertia);
E = Modulus of Elasticity;
R = Radius of curvature;
 = Bending stress at distance from the neutral axis;
y = Distance from the neutral axis.

The curvature of a beam 1/R is given, to a close approximation, by the second

derivative of the deflection. If z is the deflection of the beam at distance x from a chosen
origin then:

d 2z 1 M
  (2)
dx 2 R EI

You can use Equation (2) to show that the deflection of a beam subjected to direct
loading can always be expressed in the form:

WL3
za (3)
EI

where; z = Deflection;
a = ( 1/48 ) Constant whose value depends upon the type of loading
and supports;
W = Load acting on the beam;
L = Span;

E and I are defined above. This is the relationship investigated in this experiment.

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DBT 210 Strength of Materials

3.0 EQUIPMENTS

3.1 Two load cells,

3.2 One dial gauge,
3.3 One hanger,
3.4 set of weights,
3.5 All of the beams.

4.0 PROCEDURES

4.1 Choose a suitable reading on the upper scale of the apparatus for the mid-span of
the beam (one of the 10 cm markers is most convenient).
4.2 Set up one of the load cells so that it is 1/4-span to the left of the marker chosen in
Step 1 (do not forget to take account of any offset in the position cursor).
4.3 Set up the second load cell 1/4-span to the right of the mid-span reading. Lock the
knife-edge.
4.4 Place the beam in position with 1/4-span overhang at either end.
4.5 Place the hanger at mid-span so that the loading point is on the centre-line of the
beam.
4.6 Place a dial gauge in position on the upper cross member so that the ball end rests
on the centre-line of the beam immediately above the left-hand support. Check that
the stem is vertical and the bottom 0-ring has been moved down the stem.
4.7 Place the dial gauge at mid-span so that the ball end of the plunger rests on the
centre of the setscrew. Adjust the dial to read zero and lock the bezel.
4.8 Apply a load to the hanger and record the beam deflection on the dial gauge.
Note: The scale dimensions on the dial gauge are 0.1 mm i.e. 10m.
4.9 Increase the load and record the new dial gauge reading (deflection). Do this at
least five times.
4.10Decrease the load by the same values as Step 4.9 and record the beam deflection
at each step.
4.11Repeat the experiment for each of the beams.

5.0 RESULTS

Table 3.1 Steel and Brass Beam

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DBT 210 Strength of Materials

Table 3.2 Aluminium Beam

6.0 DISCUSSIONS

6.1 For each beam plot a graph of deflection against load. Determine the gradient of
each graph. What could you say about the gradients derived from each graph?
6.2 For the three steel beams plot a graph of the gradient against l/d3 (d is the thickness
of the beam).
6.3 Use the values for the 6 mm thick beams to plot a graph of the gradient (Step 12)
against 1/E.

7.0 CONCLUSION

Conclude the variation of deflection and the correlation between deflection and other
variables

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DBT 210 Strength of Materials

EXPERIMENT 4
CANTILEVER BEAM

1.0 OBJECTIVE
1.1 To determine the shear force acting on a cantilever beam due to point load at the
free end of the cantilever beam.

2.0 INTRODUCTION

When a load (pressure) is applied to a structure, internal forces would be induced and
acting on the structure. The examples of the internal forces are the shear force and
bending moment. These internal forces would tend to cause failure on the structure.
Shear force is an internal force on the slip plan produced by external loads tending to
slide adjacent planes with respect to each other in the direction parallel to the planes.
In the other word, shear force is a force that tends to cause an object to slide (figure
4.1). Normally the shear force is denoting by V.

Figure 4.1 – Shear Force on a structure.

Bending moment is a moments created by the external force. This force acts in such a
way that it may cause an object to bend. The bending moments is calculated by taking
the force multiplied by the perpendicular distance to the axis about which the bending
could take place. Normally the bending moment is denotes by M.

3.0 EQUIPMENTS

3.1 LS-13004-SFA Cantilever Shear Force Apparatus

3.2 Set of weights with weight hanger.

4.0 PROCEDURES

4.1 Place the LS-13004-SFA Cantilever Shear Force Apparatus on a level table.
4.2 Place the weight hanger to the right hand side of the ‘cut’ cantilever beam.
4.3 Adjust the nut at the top and bottom of the right hand side ‘cut’ cantilever beam
to ensure the level is higher than the left hand side.
4.4 Record down the initial reading of the weighing spring scale. (Note: There is
reading on the scale due to the self weight of the cantilever).
4.5 Slowly place a 2N (200g) weight on the weight hanger. Take the reading from
the spring weighing scale and record the reading.
4.6 Repeat step 5 until the weight reached 6N.

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DBT 210 Strength of Materials

4.7 Compare the experimental results with theoretical results.

4.8 Discuss the finding from the results.
4.9 Plot the bending moment diagram and shear force diagram for the respective
load.

Figure 4.2 Cantilever set-up and schematic.

5.0 RESULTS

Initial reading (N) = __________

Weighing Spring Scale Actual reading

Weight Applied
reading (N)
(N)
(N)

Actual reading = weighing spring scale reading - initial reading

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DBT 210 Strength of Materials

Experimental
Weight Theoretical result Percentage error
result
Applied (N) (N) (%)
(N)

6.0 Theoretical Calculation

Step 1 – Calculate the reaction force at the fixed end.

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DBT 210 Strength of Materials

 Fy  0,   ve

 M fixed  0, ccw  ve

Step 2 – Apply method of section on the beam and find the shear force along the beam.

At cut 1,
 Fy  0,   ve
 M cut1  0, ccw  ve

At x= 150mm, M =
At x= 300mm, M =

Step 3 – Compute the Shear force and bending moment diagram.

7.0 DISCUSSION

7.1 Compare the experimental result and theoretical result.

7.2 What is the value of bending moment at distance 150mm from support and 300mm
from support? Give in detail calculation.
7.3 Give 3 example of cantilever structure.

8.0 CONCLUSION

Concluded the deflection of a cantilever when subjected to increasing point load.

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