Lab 1 : Material lab

PROGRAM KEJURUTERAAN MEKANIKAL

FAKULTI INDUSTRI KEJURUTERAAN
LAB SHEET

EXPERIMENT 8: AREA MOMENT METHOD

1.INTRODUCTION
The area-moment theorems are an interpretation of the basic theory of the elastic bending
of a beam. They can be stated as follows:1st theorem the area of the M/EI diagram between points A and B on a beam is equal to
the change in slope from A to B (that is, the angle between the tangents to the beam at A
and B).
2nd theorem the moment about A of the area of the M/EI diagram between A and B on a
beam is equal to the deflection of A from the tangent at B.
Mathematically these theorems are a numerical analysis method for evaluating the
integral which arise in solving the differential equation for beam bending. Their

application to single span beams and cantilevers frequently provides great simplification
of the calculations. It also enables digital computers to be employed.
A further use of these theorems is in the solution of redundant forces and also deflections
in propped cantilevers and fixed beams, which cannot be dealt with by considerations of
equilibrium alone.
Hence it is important to know how to apply these theorems, and to be confident about
their use. This apparatus has been designed with that in mind.
2.APPARATUS

An elastic steel beam 25 x 3 mm nominal cross section is provided with two

special supports.

One end support has a pivoted bearing to which the beam or cantilever is
clamped; the other end support is similar except that the beam clamp permits the
beam free longitudinal travel.

On both a moment arm from the underside allows tangential force to be applied at
a radius of 150 mm and rotation to be measured at 100 mm by the dial gauge
attached.

The tangential force is provided in either direction by horizontal cords passing

over pulleys to vertical load hangers.

To counterbalance the arm and the dial gauge an ochre coloured load hanger
heavier than the standard hangers must always be used on the same side as the
dial gauge.

A steel rod can be inserted to lock the moment arm vertically.

To provide an upward load or reaction a double pulley bracket and a cord

assembly is used.

The base clamp of one end support has a long holding down screw which enables
up to three 12.7 mm thick vertical displacement spacers to be interposed.

3.OBJECTIVE

To verify the application of the area-moment theorems to a propped cantilever

and a fixed beam.

4.PROCEDURES
Part 1: Propped Cantilever

C
360

120

1. The end support with the clamping fixture and moment arm locking rod were
used to set up a cantilever as shown above.
2. A loading hanger was attached at C, while at B the cord assembly and double
pulley bracket was used to provide the prop reaction.
3. Dial gauge was fixed to permit the maximum downwards deflections to be
measured at B and C.
4. With load hangers attached at C and B this was treated as the No Load datum
and the dial gauges reading was recorded.
5. A 5 N load was applied at C in increments of 1 N and the dial gauge readings at C
and B were recorded using Table 1. (The gauge at B was checked if it is still free
when the 5 N of load is on.)
Table 1
Propped Cantilever
Load
(N)

Point C
Point C
Dial
Deflection Theory Load
Dial
Deflection
Reading
Reading
(0.01 mm)
(mm)
(mm)
(N) (0.01 mm)
(mm)

Theory

Point C
Rotation

(mm)

(Rad.)

Part 2: Cantilever beam reactions

Table 2
Reactions for a 500 mm cantilever
End Load (P)
(N)

Reaction Balance
Reading
(kg)
(N)

Spring Balance
Reading
(N)

Distance Between
Balances
(mm)

1. The position of the spring balance was changed by moving it closer (say by 200
mm) to the reaction balance.
2. The stirrup and load hanger was repositioned so that it is the same distance of 500
mm from the reaction balance as above.
3. The balance was set to zero.
4. A succession of 10 N loads was added on the hanger.
5. The cantilever was re-levelled and the balance readings for each load were
recorded.
5.RESULTS

Tabulated the readings of Part 1 and drive the displacements at C and B for each
loading.
Plot these on a graph against the load and draw the best fit straight line through
each set of points.

Read off from the lines the displacements for a load of 5N and derive the change
in slope at C due to the 5N.

Using the area-moment formula, calculate the deflection and slope at C due to a
load at C.

From the experimental results derive an average value for the load at B to cancel
the displacement at B due to the 5N load.

Compare the load with the theoretical value.

Draw the bending moment diagram for the propped cantilever with the 5N at C
and the experimental prop reaction at B.

Use this diagram together with the second area-moment Theorem to calculate the
Deflection at C and to check that the deflection at B is zero.

Compare the experimental results with each other and also with theoretical
calculations for the deflection at C.

6.OBSERVATIONS
1. How well did theory and experiment agree?
2. Were the area moment theorems verified?

Department of Mechanical Engineering, University Industri Selangor

Revised AUG:2005