Received by:……………….

MBB 2043 Solid Mechanics Experiment:………………..

January 2011 Date & Time:……………….

ATTENDANCE FORM

EXPERIMENT SML4: BEAM DEFLECTION GROUP ID:

DATE: LOCATION: 18-02-07

NAME ID TIME IN SIGN

To be filled by lab personnel

Attendance Form & Pre-Lab
ON TIME / LATE
Received:
Lab Report Received: ON TIME / LATE
Remarks

PRE-LAB ASSIGNMENT (2 points)

1. Draw the shear and moment diagrams for a simply supported beam with a central point load. Derive the slope
and deflection equations for this case.

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2. Draw the shear and moment diagrams for a cantilever beam with an end point load. Derive the slope and
deflection equations for this case.

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 SML4: Beam Deflection

Introduction

The experiments on simply supported and cantilever beams are carried out on the beam deflection apparatus. The
beam deflection is indicated by a dial gauge displacement indicator. The apparatus can be used to investigate the
relationship between the deflections and the applied loads, and also to determine the effects of variations in length
and moment of inertia (cross sectional dimensions) on the beam deflection.

Fig. 4.1: Beam Deflection Apparatus

Theory
P
Simply Supported Beam with Central Point Load
For this arrangement with the point load P, the deflection at the
location where P is applied is:
Pab 2 wt 3
l b2 a2 where I a b
6 EI l 12
l
and w, t are width and thickness of beam, respectively.

Cantilever Beam With End Point Load

P For this arrangement, it can be shown that the maximum
deflection at the end point under the load P is:

Pl 3 wt 3
where I
3EI 12
l

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Procedure

Experiment 4.1: Simply Supported Beam with Central Point Load

a b
l

Using two appropriate loads, carry out load-deflection tests for beams of the same material, but with two different
length (l2 > l1), two different widths (w2 > w1), and two different thicknesses (t2 > t1). Note: a = b = l/2.

Test 1: l1, w1, t1 Test 2: l2, w1, t1

Test 3: l1, w1, t2 Test 4: l1, w2, t2

For the effect of increasing l, compare tests 1 and 2. For the effect of increasing w, compare tests 3 and 4. For the
effect of increasing t, compare tests 1 and 3.

Experiment 4.2: Cantilever Beam With End Point Load

Using two appropriate loads, carry out load-deflection tests for beams of the same material, but with two different
lengths (l2 > l1), two different widths (w2 > w1), and two different thicknesses (t2 > t1). (Note: Lengths l1, l2 should
not exceed 200 mm).

Test 1: l1, w1, t1 Test 2: l2, w1, t1

Test 3: l1, w1, t2 Test 4: l1, w2, t2

For the effect of increasing l, compare tests 1 and 2. For the effect of increasing w, compare tests 3 and 4. For the
effect of increasing t, compare tests 1 and 3.

Data and Results (16 points)

1. Experiment 4.1: Simply Supported Beam with Central Point Load

Load, P Length, l Width, w Thickness, t Deflection, (mm) Error

Test
(N) (mm) (mm) (mm) Experiment Theoretical %

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2. Experiment 4.2: Cantilever Beam with End Point Load

Load, P Length, l Width, w Thickness, t Deflection, (mm) Error

Test
(N) (mm) (mm) (mm) Experiment Theoretical %

3. For both experiments, plot the following graphs for both experimental and theoretical values:

i. Deflection against Load for different lengths

ii. Deflection against Load for different widths
iii. Deflection against Load for different thicknesses

Represent the theoretical values as a line and superimpose the experimental results as points on the same graph.

Discussions (5 points)

1. Compare the experimental and theoretical values. Discuss any discrepancies.

2. From the results obtained, discuss how the data can be used in engineering design.

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