Experiment 4:

Deflection of a simply supported beam for different material.

Objective:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.

To observe that the deflection depends on different material, thickness and length.
To prove that the beam thickness is proportional to stiffness.
To plot deflection vs load curve.
To plot thickness vs stiffness curve.
To compare theoretical and experimental data.

Apparatus:

Two load cells

One digital indicator
One weight hanger
Set of weights
All of the beams

Theory:
The theory of pure (elastic) bending of a beam shows that when a beam is loaded in such a way that it
bends only in the plane of the applied moment, the theory of pure bending shows that the stress
distribution and curvature of the beam are related by:
M
I

E
R

The curvature of the beam 1/R is given, to a close approximation, by the second derivative of the
deflection. If y is the deflection of the beam at a distance x from a chosen origin then:
d2 y
dx 2

1
R

M
EI

You can use this equation to show that the deflection of a beam subjected to a point load can often be
expressed in the form:
y= k

W l3
EI

Second Moment of Area of a Beam (I):

The second moment of area for a regular cross section beam is:
I=

b d3
12

Stiffness:
A stiffer beam will bend less for a given beam than a less stiff beam. This is similar to Youngs
modulus of elastic strain, except that Youngs modulus is a property of the material but depends on the
beams material and its dimensions. While the beam bends within its elastic region, its stiffness(S) is
simply a ratio of the applied load and the deflection:
S=

W
y

(N/m)

Figure 1: Force Diagram for Variation of Deflection Experiment

Figure 2: Set up for the Variation of Deflection Experiment

Procedure:
1. Create three blank result tables (one for steel, brass and aluminum each). If you use VDAS
the software will do this automatically for you.
2. Measure the overall length of the beam(L) and use a pencil to mark it at mid span and equal
distances (1/2) from the mid point (for example: 350mm either side of the mid-point). Measure
the thickness and width of the beam.
3. If you are to use VDAS, select Experiment 2 and enter dimensions (l) and beam thickness (d).
4. Choose a suitable reading near to the middle of the upper scale of the apparatus to match to the
mid span of the beam.
5. Set up the beam and two load cells so that the load cells are at your pencil marks that are equal
distance from the mid point of the beam. The mid span of the beam must be directly under the
scale reading you chose in step 4.
6. Make sure the load cells have their locking pins fitted.
7. The beam will now have an overhang each end.
8. Hang one weight hanger at the mid point of the beam(the cursor may press lightly against the
scale).

9. Put a digital indicator on the upper cross member so that its contact rests directly above the
weight hanger. Check that the stem is vertical and there is enough travel in the downward
direction. Zero the indicator.
10. Apply loads to the hanger gradually. Each time you add a load, tap the apparatus very gently
and take readings of the deflection. If you are to use VDAS, enter the value of the loads and
record reading each time you change the load.
11. Repeat for each of the beams.

Result: Compare the deflection of the beams at different point from experimental result with the
theoretical result.

Data Table:

Material 1:

Observation
Number

Load
W (N)

Thickness 1:

Deflection
y (mm)
Thickness 2:

Thickness 3:

Data Table:
Material 2:

Observation
Number

Load
W (N)

Thickness 1:

Deflection
y (mm)
Thickness 2:

Thickness 3:

Data Table:
Material 3:

Observation
Number

Load
W (N)

Deflection
y (mm)
Thickness 1:

Thickness 2:

Thickness 3: