Cantilever Flexure Test

Conducted: February 7, 2011

Submitted: February 14, 2011
Richard Dyar
Lab Partners:
Yazmin Ince
Richard Dyar 2/7/2011

Abstract

The purpose of this experiment is to perform analysis on a cantilever beam. Using a flexor

frame and loading screw, the applied load and shear force will be calculated from strain

measurements. The shear force and moment relationships are found using two stress

determinations, and using this information the linearity of the strain along the longitudinal

axis of the beam is found. Using these techniques, strain at points spaced at 1, 4, and 7

inches along the beam was measured to be 1736, 1111, and 581 microstrain respectively.

Calculated strain was found to be 2004.64, 1336.43, and 668.31 with an average error of

16%.

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Background

Cantilever beams are commonly designated as a structure supported or fixed at only one

end, while a load is applied at some point

along the beams axis, or along the beam

itself. Even though this is a simple

representation of such a structure, it can be

used to design much more complex

cantilevers using basic but necessary

principles. Forces such as shear, bending moments, and reaction, can all be found using

simple problems to represent more complicated structures. From these shear and moment

diagrams, as well as shear stress calculations can be found in order to find the weakest

points in the structure which would need reinforcement.

σx =6P(L-x)bt2 (1)

Where σ, is stress along the beams axis, P is the load applied to the beam at length L. The

denominator is represented as b and t, or width and thickness of the member in question

respectively. Equation 1 indicates that normal stress on the surface of the beam is tensile;

because of this the surface does not experience shear stress. This allows the use of Hooke’s

Law, equation 2, because of uniaxial stress. Again σ is stress, E being modulus of elasticity,

and ε is strain.

σx =Eεx (2)

Equation 3 is the centroid of the beam, usually given or found through tables. Where I

represents the centroid, b and t hold values of width and thickness.

I=bt312 (3)

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Using these equations and some algebra, equation 4 is found. Values hold the same with the

addition of δend which is found using the initial and final deflections found during the

experiment.

δend =δfinal-δinitial

P=3EIδend L3 (4)

Procedure

*See lab manual for detailed instructions and diagrams.

Data and Final Calculations

Beam Dimensions
The beam has a gage factor of 2.085 and a
Width(b) 1 inch
transverse sensitivity of -+1, these values are
Thickness(t) .25
inches used to set the strain indicator.

Length from fixed point to 10

load(L) inches

Fixed point to strain gage 1 inch Load Estimate 1, using equation 1 solved
1(x1) for P:
Fixed point to strain gage 4 inches
2(x2) P1,2=-Ebt26*ε1-ε2x1-x2=-10.4*106

Fixed point to strain gage 7 inches *1*.2526*748*10-6-3=27.01

3(x3)

P2,3=-Ebt26*ε2-ε3x2-x3=-10.4*106

*1*.2526*600*10-6-3=21.66

P=P1,2+P2,32=24.34 lb

Individual Strains:

ε=εinitial-εfinal

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ε1=0--1736=1736

ε2=-1614--2574=960

ε3=-1789--2370=581

Strain Gradient:

The graph shows the gradient of the strain across the surface of the member used

in the experiment. By plotting the points and taking the slope of the trend line the

gradient is found to be: -192.5 με/in

Load Estimate 2:

P=-Ebt26*-192.5*10-6=-10.4*106 *1*.2526*-192.5*10-6=20.854 lb

Load Estimate 3:

δend =.7511-.157=.549

I=1*.25312=.00130 (3)

P=3*10.4*106*.00130*.549103=24.13 lb

Stress Estimate 1, for gage 1 using load estimate 1:

σx =6P(L-x)bt2=6*24.34*91*.252=21029.76 psi

Stress Estimate 2, using Hooke’s Law:

σ1 =Eε1=10.4*106* 1736=18054.4 psi

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Strain Calculation for gage 1 using load estimate 3:

σ1 =Eε=6P(L-x)bt2

ε1=6P(L-x)Ebt2=6*24.13*(10-1)10.4*106 *1*.252=2004.64

Measured strain for gage 1: 1736

%error =εcalc-εmeasuredεmeasured*100=2004.64-17361736*100=15%

Results

Load Load Load

Estimate 1 Estimate 2 Estimate 3

24.34 lb 20.854 lb 24.13 lb

Stress Estimate 1

Gage Using Load Using Load

Estimate 1 Estimate 3

1 21029.76 psi 20848.34 psi

2 14079.84 psi 13898.88 psi

3 7009.92 psi 6949.44 psi

Stress Estimate

Gag

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1 18054.4

psi

2 11554.4

psi

3 6042.4 psi

Stress Comparisons

Stress Gage 1 Gage 2 Gage 3

Estimate

Load Estimate 21029.76 psi 14019.84 psi 7009.92

1 psi

Load estimate 20848.34 psi 13898.88 psi 6949.44

2 psi

Hooke’s Law 18054.4 psi 11554.4 psi 6042.4 psi

Strain Calculations

Gage 1 Gage 2 Gage 3

Calculated 2004.64 1336.43 668.21

Measured 1736 1111 581

% Error 15% 20% 13%

Conclusion

The values calculated were found to be consistent in each estimate, and close to the

measured values. The margins of error are fairly large due to the strain indicator’s loose

connections, and it is most likely not getting an accurate reading of strain. There is also

slight operator error in this experiment within micrometer measurement as well as other

recorded values and calculations. Other than those errors the calculations show that

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multiple ways of finding stresses and strains can be found given a few different values, and

each will yield similar results.

References

*Gilbert, J. A and C. L. Carmen. "Chapter 7 – Poisson's Ratio Flexure Test." MAE/CE 370

– Mechanics of Materials Laboratory Manual. June 2000