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Mechanics of Materials Laboratory

Beam Deflection Test



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Abstract
If a beam is supported at two points, and a load is applied anywhere on the beam,
the resulting deformation can be mathematically estimated. Due to improper experimental
setup, the actual results experienced varied substantially when compared against the
theoretical values. The following procedure explains how the theoretical and actual values
were determined, as well as suggestions for improving upon the experiment. The percent
error remained relatively small, around 10%, for locations close to supports. As much as
30% error was experienced when analyzing positions closer to the center of the beam.
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Table of Contents
1. Introduction & Background ...................................................................... 5
1.1. General Background ......................................................................... 5
1.2. Determination of Curvature ............................................................... 5
1.3. Central Loading ................................................................................ 5
1.4. Overhanging Loads ........................................................................... 7
1.5. Experiment Setup .............................................................................. 8
1.6. Overhanging Loads ........................................................................... 8
2. Data, Analysis & Calculations .................................................................. 9
2.1. Central Loading ................................................................................. 9
3. Conclusions ........................................................................................... 11
4. References ............................................................................................. 11
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1. Introduction & Background
1.1. General Background
If a beam is supported at two points, and a load is applied anywhere on the beam,
deformation will occur. When these loads are applied either longitudinally outside or inside
of the supports, this elastic bending can be mathematically predicted based on material
properties and geometry.
1.2. Determination of Curvature
Curvature at any point on the beam is calculated from the moment of loading (M),
the stiffness of the material (E), and the first moment of inertia (I.) The following
expression defines the curvature in these parameters as 1/, where is the radius of
curvature.
I E
M

1
1
Equation 1 does not account for shearing stresses.
Curvature can also be found using calculus. Defining y as the deflection and x as
the position along the longitudinal axis, the expression becomes
2
3
2
2
2
1
1
1
1
]
1

,
_

dx
dy
dx
y d

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1.3. Central Loading
Central loading on a beam can be thought of as a simple beam with two supports as
shown below.
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Figure 1
Applying equilibrium to the free body equivalent of Figure 1, several expressions
can be derived to mathematically explain central loading.
2
0
2 2
0
0
P
R R P R F
P
R L R
L P
M
R F
ay c ay y
C C A
ax x
+ +
+
+

Equation 3, 4, and 5
Figure 2 and 3 act as free body diagrams for the section between AB and BC
respectively.
Figure 2
Figure 3
Solving the reactions between AB and BC, equation 1 can be expressed as
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L x
L L P x P
dx
y d
I E
L
x
x P
dx
y d
I E
+

2 2 2
2
0
2
2
2
2
2
6, 7
Integrating twice, Equation 6 becomes
L x
L
C x C
x L P x P
y I E
L
x C x C
x P
y I E
+ + +
+ +
2 4 12
2
0
12
4 3
2 3
2 1
3
8, 9
To determine the constants, conditions at certain positions on the beam can be
applied. Knowing the deflection at each of the supports, as well as the slope at the top of
the curve is zero, the constants can be derived to
48 16
3
0
16
3
4
2
3 2
2
1
L P
C L P C C
L P
C
Equation 10, 11, 12, and 13
Combining Equations 8 and 9 with 10 through 13, the expressions for deflection
can be expressed as
L x
L L P x L P x L P x P
y I E
L
x
x L P x P
y I E
+ +

2 48 16
3
4 12
2
0
16 12
3 2 2 3
2 3
14, 15
1.4. Overhanging Loads
Overhanging loading on a beam is similar to that of central loading. In overhanging
loading, a simple beam is supported with two supports and two loads as shown below.
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Figure 4
Using similar methods used previously for central loading, the equation for
determination of deflection as a function of position, load, length, stiffness, and geometry
can be derived as
( ) ( ) L x x b a
L P x a P
b a
L
x P
y I E + + 0 2
6 2 6
2 3
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1.5. Experiment Setup
Set the knife supports at determined positions along the frame and mount the beam
to be tested. The material, width, thickness, and length between supports should be
measured and recorded for later use.
1.6. Overhanging Loads
Dial gages were placed along lengths of the test area and set to read zero with no
applied load. Adding a hook and hanger on each ends extending outside the knife supports,
record the new readings on each of the gages. In discrete intervals, add weights to both
ends of the beam with the hooks applied previously. Record the new deflections read by the
dial gages after each new loading.
Figure 5
Gage 1 Gage 2 Gage 3
L
o
a
d
L
o
a
d
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2. Data, Analysis & Calculations
2.1. Central Loading
Table 1 and 2 catalog the dimensions of the beam, as well as the position of the
gages as measured from one of the two fixed supports.
1325.000
19.000
6.500
Test Length
Width
Thickness
Beam Dimensions (mm)
Table 1
Table 2 returns the results from six different load configurations.
load,N Gage ,mm Load,N Gage,mm load,N Gage,mm
4.9 12 4.9 24.5 4.9 37
9.81 24 9.81 52 9.81 76.5
14.7 37.5 14.7 78 14.7 117
19.6 50 19.6 104
24.5 62.5 24.5 131
29.4 75 29.4 138
34.3 87
steel brass Aluminum
Table 2
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3. Conclusions
When an load is applied to a beam, either centrally over at another point, the
deflection can be mathematically estimated. Due to the error that occurred in this exercise,
it is clear that margins in safety factors, as well as thorough testing, is needed when
utilizing beam design. It is also important to ensure the scope of the testing closely models
real-world practicality and Samples of different metals observed the relationship between
modulus of elasticity and deflection (deflection decrease with increase modulus of
elasticity) .
4. References
Gilbert, J. A and C. L. Carmen. "Chapter 11 Beam Deflection Test." MAE/CE 370
Mechanics of Materials Laboratory Manual. June 2000.
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