UNIVERSITY OF THE SOUTH

PACIFIC

CV211
Lab Report 2

Calculate forces in a simple cantilever

Aim:
To gain knowledge on modulus of elasticity and strain gauges and Force calculation.

Introduction:
A cantilever is a rigid structural element that extends horizontally and is supported at only
one end. Typically it extends from a flat vertical surface such as a wall, to which it must be
firmly attached. Like other structural elements, a cantilever can be formed as a beam,
plate, truss, or slab. When subjected to a structural load at its far, unsupported end, the
cantilever carries the load to the support where it applies a shear stress and a bending
moment [1].
F
σ=
A
Where σ = stress
F = Force [Newton’s or lbs]
A = Cross-sectional area [m2 or in2]
Modulus of Elasticity, also known as Elastic Modulus or simply Modulus, is the measurement
of a material's elasticity. Elastic modulus quantifies a material's resistance to non-
permanent, or elastic, deformation [2]. When under stress, materials will first exhibit elastic
properties: the stress causes them to deform, but the material will return to its previous state
after the stress is removed. After passing through the elastic region and through their yield
point, materials enter a plastic region, where they exhibit permanent deformation even after
the tensile stress is removed.

Method:
Before setting up the equipment preventive measures were taken into account such as all
parts were inspected, all components were checked if they were secured and the test frames
was checked if it was positioned correctly. Excessive loads was never applied to any part of
the equipment. After following the instructions. Test frames were assembled following the
instructions which was provided. The test frame was easily accessible. The screws were
loosened for fine adjustments. The supports were fixed and the cells were loaded into
positions as it was shown in the figure. The frames were built using the members and joint
bosses. The joint halves were matched. Using the pin as a support the frames were fitted,
they passed through both sides. It was ensured that roller support was in the middle of its
travel, the support positions were adjusted. The supports were tightened using 6mm A/F
Allen key. The fork was secured using a pin. The position of the load cell was adjusted until
the hole in the fork reached its hole of the loading position. It was made sure that angular
position was correct. The load cell was tightened using the 6mm A/F Allen key. The fork was
secured using a pin. The Digital Force Display was activated. The mini Din lead was
connected from Force Input I. The Digital Force Display was connected to the socket as
marked. The reading was set to zero using the control on the front cell. The Digital Strain
Display was activated. The strain gauges was connected to the strain display matching the
number on the lead with the number on the socket. The gauge was left idle for 5 minutes to
warm up and reached a steady state. A preload of 100N was applied and the load cell was
set to zero. A load of 500N was carefully applied and the frame was checked if it was stable
and secured. The load was returned to zero.

Results / Discussion

Load(N) Strain reading for Strain reading for Strain reading for
member AB(µE) member AC(µE) member AD(µE)

0 0 0 0

100 -006 021 -015

200 -013 047 -032

300 -020 070 -048

400 -028 095 -065

500 -035 119 -081

+↑ ∑ Fy−0=−W + F AC Sin 45⁰

+↑ ∑ Fy−0=−500+ F AC Sin 45⁰

500
+↑ ∑ Fy=−W + F AC =
sin 45⁰

+↑ ∑ Fy−0=−W + F AC Sin 45⁰

+↑ ∑ Fy=F AC =707.12N

+→ ∑ Fx=0=−F AD - 707.12 Sin 45⁰

+→ ∑ Fx=F AD = 707.12 Sin 45⁰

+↑ ∑ Fy=0=−W + F AB - FAC Sin 45⁰

+↑ ∑ Fy=0=−500+ F AB - (-500)

+↑ ∑ Fy=0=F AB
Calculation for Experimental Forces

π d2
A=
4
π (5.95 x 10−3)2
A=
4
A=2.78 x 10−5
Member AB
σ
E=
ε
σ =Eε
9 −6
σ =(210 x 10 )(−35 x 10 )
6
σ =−7.35 x 10

F
σ=
A
F=σA
F=(−7.35 x 106 )¿)
σ =−204.33 N

Member AC
σ
E=
ε
σ =Eε
9
σ =( 210 x 10 ) ¿)
6
σ =−24.99 x 10
 F
σ=
A
F=σA
6
F=(24.99 x 10 )¿)
σ =694. .72 N
Member AD

σ
E=
ε
σ =Eε
σ =( 210 x 109) ¿)
6
σ =−17.01 x 10

F
σ=
A
F=σA
6
F=(−17.01 x 10 ) ¿)
σ =−472.88 N

Table 2: Comparison of experimental and theoretical forces.

Member Experimental force(N) Theoretical force (N)

AB -204.33 0

AC 694.71 707.12

AD -472.88 -500
 Graph of Load against Strains
150

100

50

0
0 100 200 300 400 500

-50

-100

Member AC Member AD

It can be said that member AB which had a theoretical force of zero which simply means that
the member was neither compressed nor in tension however member AC was in positive
direction since it was in tension and was undergoing tensile force. Member AD was in
negative direction due to being compressed. For member AD and AC the theoretical and
experimental force were almost close. There were some errors such as systematic and
human errors which might have hindered the result in some terms. Furthermore it can be
said that in order to maintain stability member AB may act as a support to the other
members if either fails.

Conclusion
To conclude, it can be said that in order to determine the loading situations the modulus of
elasticity and strain gauge are an important factor which contributes to determine the type of
material it is. The theoretical and experimented values were found to be close enough but
might have hindered due to errors associated.

References

[1] 27 March 2021. [Online]. Available:

[2] K. K, Marc.(2014). "Mc-Graw Hill Series in Mechanical Engineering (10th Edition ed)," Mc-Graw
Hill Series.