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To determine the value of flexural strength ( ), maximum flexural strain ( ) and flexural
modulus (Ef) of materials.
INTRODUCTION
This mechanical testing method measures the behaviour of materials subjected to simple
bending loads. Like tensile modulus, flexural modulus (stiffness) is calculated from the slope
of the bending load vs. deflection curve. Flexural testing involves the bending of a material,
rather than pushing or pulling, to determine the relationship between bending stress and
deflection. Flexural testing is commonly used on brittle materials such as ceramics, stone,
masonry and glasses. It can also be used to examine the behaviour of materials which are
intended to bend during their useful life, such as wire insulation and other elastomeric
products
The three point bending flexural test provides values for the modulus of elasticity in
bending , flexural stress , flexural strain and the flexural stress-strain response of the
material. The main advantage of a three point flexural test is the ease of the specimen
preparation and testing. However, this method has also some disadvantages: the results of the
testing method are sensitive to specimen and loading geometry and strain rate.
Flexural stress ( ) can be calculated on any point on the load deflection curve by using
following equation 1.
- (1)
where;
- (2)
where;
- (3)
where;
: flexural strain
D : maximum deflection of the centre of the beam (mm)
L: the length of the support span (mm)
d: thickness of the specimen (mm)
Modulus of Elasticity (MOE) is the ratio, within the elastic limit, of stress to corresponding
strain. Equation 4 is used to calculate the value of Modulus of Elasticity (MOE).
- (4)
where;
PROCEDURES
1) The thickness and width of the beam are measured.
2) The loading block is gripped and test jig in the upper and lower gripping head,
respectively.
3) The specimen is located so that the upper surface is to the side and centered in loading
assembly.
4) The machine is operated until the loading block was bought into contact with the upper
surfaces of the specimen. Full contact between the load (and supporting) surfaces and the
specimen is ensured to secure.
5) The required parameters are set on the control panel.
6) The load recorder is adjusted on the front panel controller to zero, to read load applied.
7) Start button is pressed to start the flexural test.
8) The specimen is observed, as the load was gradually applied.
9) The maximum load is recorded and loading is continued until complete failure.
Results
1. Show all the measurements of beams.
Beam working
Beam length L Beam width Beam thickness
length
[mm]
Steel
For Aluminium
Experimental Theory
Flexural strength 13.688 613.636
Maximum flexural strain
0.169 8.074
For Steel
Experimental Theory
Flexural strength 9.469 451.963
Maximum flexural strain
0.169 0.458
Calculation
DISCUSSIONS
C
B D
C
D
B
2. What is the percentage error (%) between experiment results with the theory?
Why? For aluminium the percentage was at 65 % to 70 % For steel the percentage was
at 60 % to 75 %
It is because the graph it makes from the parallel line and the theory we use the calculations
Flexural testing is also widely used to evaluate materials that can be difficult to test in
tensile mode. This technique requires specialised fixtures and precision displacement
measurement coupled with advanced flexural testing software. Test metric offer a
comprehensive range of 3 and 4 point bend fixtures, displacement systems and dedicated
software to suit all applicable materials.
Conclusions
The system functions by using metal bending bars of varying thickness and stiffness to
deform the test specimen. The force applied is measured by use of a built-in calibration and
calculation system. Due to the large margin of error from the measured and calculated results,
the experimental results are not acceptable for practical application. At maximum deflection,
the percentage of error of the experimental result for aluminium is 65% - 70%. One cause for
this error occurs because the equations used are a c c u r a t e i n s m a l l d e f l e c t i o n s a
ndloadseasilyhandledbythematerialtested.Thepercentageerr
o r f o r s t e e l i s 60 % to 75 %. A l s o , Hooke's law is only valid for a portion of the elastic
range for some materials, including aluminium.
References
MAE/CE 370
Gilbert, J. A and C. L. Carmen. "Chapter 8 Flexure Test."
Mechanics of Materials Laboratory Manual. June 2000
Dowling, N.E., Mechanical behaviour of materials: Engineering methods for
deformation, fracture and fatigue, 2nd edition, 1999, Prentice Hall, ISBN-0-
13-010989-4.
Mechanics of Materials, SI second edition, 2005, Prentice Hall, ISBN 0-13-
Hibbleler, R.C.,
186-638-9.
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