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Elastic Modulus or Youngs Modulus 1. Goal of the Experiment

The goal of this laboratory experiment is to determine the elastic modulus for four different metals. The results of the measurements and calculations are shown with their absolute and relative errors ant the measured values of the elastic modules are compared to values from literature.

2. Definition of Elastic Modulus

A definition of elastic modulus is based on Hookes law. Consider a wire of length l and the wire is fixed from one end and a force F is applied on the other end to stretch the wire, the elongation of wire is l and it is

1 Fl E A

(1)

where F is a force stretching the wire, l is the , A is a cross-sectional area, l is the change in length due to applied force and E is the elastic modulus of the wire. The magnitude of elastic modulus depends on the material of the wire..

If a rod made of e.g. metal is supported from both ends and a force F is exerted on the center point between the supports, the rod is bended by amount of s (Figure 1). The equation for bending if the force is applied on the center point between the supports is

Fl 3 48 EI

(2)

where the cross-sectional area determines the magnitude of the inertia moment I.

Figure 1. Measurement system of the elastic modulus.

The magnitudes of inertia moments I for different cross-sectional areas may be calculated using next equations: rectangle squre
h h

bh 3 12

(3)

h4 12

(4)

circle r
r d

hollow circle

d4 64

r4 4

(5)

(D 4 d 4 ) 64

(R 4 r 4 ) 4

(6)

3. Instructions
Adjust the distance between the two supports as long as possible on the measurement base. Set the rod on the supports and measure the distance between supports (=length of the rod ). Move the base of the dial indicator at a suitable distance from the rod and lock the base tightly using the magnetic lock of the base. Be careful to install the feeler pin of the dial indicator robustly on the center point of the rod. Adjust the dial indicator to zero and be sure that the feeler pin has a good contact to the rod. Use masses ( m = 100 g of a single mass, starting from zero and use at least 5 to 7 masses) to bend the rod. Write the readings of the dial indicator every time you have increased the bending load. Take also the masses of the gage one by one and write the readings on your field book (to check the zero point and also the possible hysteresis of the system). If the dial indicator reading at zero point is not close to zero, check the measurement system and repeat your measurements carefully using the same rod. Repeat your measurements for four different materials.

4. Calculations and Writing Tips

Different materials have also different elastic moduli. Calculate at first the inertia moments of different cross-sections you have used in your measurements using equations (3) (6). Use Matlab-software to determine F / s- ratio and its absolute error (= standard deviation) for different materials. To determine the ratio use linear fitting methods to find the slope of line in s,F-coordinate system. Pre-

pare at least one figure using recommended SI-symbols and units and methods for your report (Figure 2). Remember to mark the slope and its absolute error in a figure. Repeat your calculations for all materials and save figures for later use. Calculate elastic moduli for all materials and estimate the absolute error of the moduli for different cases.

Figure 2. Result of one material shown in s,F-coordinate system. Stars show the measured values and the green line is fitted to meausurement values usin linear fitting methids. Also the slope of a line and its absolute erroro is shown in Figure.

The calculations mentioned before have to be made ready in laboratory and the results must be on your field book. Afer that your exercise is accepted. In your report you explain the basic theory and equations of the elastic modulus. Describe also the principle of the measurement system and the principles of calculations to be made to find the result. Show at least one full example of calculation process of the elastic modulus. Attach one Figure (you prepared ready earlier) in your report Explain and show one example of calculations how you estimate the absolute error of elastic moudulus. Finally write your conclusions of the work done and also of the results you have got.