LAB 2

To Determine the Shear Force and Bending

Moment for Three (3) Beams
For
Mr. Deochan Maharaj,
Instructor, Engineering Mechanics (MENG 1002),
The University of Trinidad and Tobago,
San Fernando Campus

By:
Mr. Jason Ramsaran, ID Number: 74062

Department of Mechanical Engineering

Part Time
San Fernando Campus
Conducted: 10th October, 2016
Submitted: 02nd November, 2016

1.0 AIM
The determination of the shear force and bending moment for three (3) beams.

2.0 APPRATUS AND MATERIALS

One (1) Rule 100cm, one (1) Rule 50 cm, one (1) 200 gram weight, two (2) 100 gram
weight, two (2) 0 to 2.5N Spring Balance, one (1) retort stand, four (4) paper clips.

Retort Stand
100cm g

Spring Balance

R1

R2

Paper Clips
50cm Rule

F1
F2

100 g Weight

3.0 METHOD
1.

The 100cm rule was clamped firmly to the retort stand at exactly 50cm at the center of

2.

the rule.
The two (2) spring balance were hooked on the 100cm rule place at an interval of

3.

20cm on the 40cm and 60cm mark respectively.

The 50cm rule was attached with (2) two paper clips at 20cm apart on the 15cm and
35cm mark respectively. The paper clips were opened out and twisted to be attached to

4.

the spring balance and suspending the 50cm rule.

The (2) 100 gram weighs were attached with the twisted paper clips and the top end
attached to the 50cm rule at 48 cm apart. The weights were suspended 14cm on both

5.

ends from the spring balance.

The measurement on the spring balance was recorded.

4.0 RESULTS
Force

Reactions --Newton

R1

1.3N

R2

1.3N

F1

100g x10-3 x 9.81= .981 N

F2

100g x10-3 x 9.81= .981 N

5.0 CALCULATIONS
F1
.14m

F2
.2m

.14m

R1

R2

F1= 100g to Newton= 100 x 10-3 x 9.81 = 0.981 N

F2= 100g to Newton= 100 x 10-3 x 9.81 = 0.981 N
Taking Moments of R1=
[.981 x .34] [.14 x 9.81] = .2 x R2
0.33354 - 0.13734
= .2 x R2
.1962/.2
= R2
R2
= .981N
Therefore R1 + R2 = 1.962N
R1 + 0.981N = 1.962N
R1 =1.96N-.981N= 0.981N

Calculation of Shear Force and Bending Moments:

F1 --.981N
.14m

F2- .981N
.2m

.14m

x
R1 1.3N

At X=0 m
S.F= -0.981
Downward Force= -0.981 N

At X= 0.14m
S.F = -0.981
Upward for of 1.3N
S.F = 1.3 0.981
Upward Force = 0.319 N

R2 1.3N

At X= 0.25m
S.F= 1.3- 0.981
Upward Force = 0.319 N
At X= 0.34m
S.F = 1.3 N Upward
S.F = 1.3 + 0.319= 1.619
Upward Force = 1.619 N
At X= 0.48m
S.F = .981 Downward
S.F = 1.619 N - .981N
Upward Force = .638 N
Bending Moments Calculation:
When x=0, B.M=0
When x= 0.14m, B.M= (-0.981x .14) = -0.13734 Nm
When x= 0.34m, B.M= (-0.981x.34) + (1.3 x .2) = -0.33354 + .26 = -0.07354
Nm
When x= 0.48m, B.M= (-0.981x.48) + (1.3 x .34) + (1.3 x .14)
= -0.47008 + 0.442
+
0.182
= .1532 Nm

6.0 SOURCES OF ERROR

The experiment was carried out in a controlled environment which reduced the
possibility of sources of error and much care was taken when conducting
measurements as to acquire correct readings. The experiment itself was carried out

successfully as the aim was achieved. However, errors in the readings may have
occurred due to the following:
1. Human error in reading the spring balance at eye level.
2. Approximation of distances when measuring the length to place the weights
and spring balances.
3. The calculation for the reactions are usually assumed that there is no weight on
the beam. However, in the experiment the weight of the 50cm rule and paper
clips lead to variation in the calculations and experiment results.
4. The spring balances may be off calibration and can lead to incorrect readings.