SIMPLY SUPPORTED BEAM

Elastic beam apparatus

AIM:  to study the behavior of simply supported beam with applied moments.

APPARATUS: bending moment equipment, end support with clamping fixtures, hanger clamp, hanger link, thicker steel beam, dial indicator, standard loads.

DIAGRAM:

PROCEDURE

Part 1

Set up simply supported beam with a span 500mm overhanging ends so that load can be applied at 200mm lever and as shown in the above diagram.

Now start with a dial gauge measuring the central deflection as shown. Adding equal weights of 1N to both load hangers simultaneously; make series of deflection readings as the load is increased up to, say 6N or 8N.

Repeat with a dial guage in two other positions plot a graph of deflections against load.

Part 2

Increase the simply supported span to 1m and at the centre attach the moment application fixture; arrange a dial guage  to measure the deflection at quarter span as shown below: then applied moment by adding a pair of 2N weight to the load hangers simultaneously, and read the dial gauges on the moment application fixures. Repeat this up to total of 10N on each hanger. If time permits take further gauge readings as the load is decreased  in 2N step back to zero.

On a graph plot against load the beam deflection at the end locations and the difference between  the two gauge reading on a moment application fixture.

Results/calculation

In each case, draw the best fit straight line through the plotted points. The central deflection in part one can be checked against the theoretical value. 

Where M is the end moment = load * 200 mm

Observation :

Precaution:

Conclution: