Here is a practical note on a beam experiment:
Title: Determination of Young's Modulus of a Material using a Simply Supported Beam
Aim: To determine the Young's Modulus (E) of the material of a given beam by measuring its central deflection under varying loads when simply supported at its ends.
Apparatus:
- Test beam (e.g., steel, aluminum, wood)
- Two knife-edge supports
- Loading arrangement (e.g., hanger with slotted weights)
- Dial gauge or micrometer screw gauge for measuring deflection
- Measuring tape or ruler
- Vernier caliper or micrometer screw gauge for measuring beam dimensions (width and depth)
Theory:
When a beam is simply supported at its ends and subjected to a central point load, it undergoes deflection. For a simply supported beam of length L with a central point load W, the maximum deflection (δ) at the center is given by the formula:
δ=48EIWL3
Where:
- W is the applied central load (in Newtons, N)
- L is the effective length of the beam between the supports (in meters, m)
- E is the Young's Modulus of the beam material (in Pascals, Pa or N/m2)
- I is the moment of inertia of the beam's cross-section (in m4)
For a rectangular cross-section beam with width b and depth d:
I=12bd3
Substituting I into the deflection formula, we get:
δ=48E(12bd3)WL3=4Ebd3WL3
From this, Young's Modulus E can be calculated as:
E=4δbd3WL3
By plotting a graph of load (W) versus deflection (δ), a straight line should be obtained. The slope of this W−δ graph is δW. Therefore, E can also be determined from the slope (m) as:
E=4bd3L3×m
where m=ΔδΔW.
Procedure:
- Measure the width (b) and depth (d) of the beam's cross-section using a Vernier caliper or micrometer screw gauge at several points and record the average values.
- Place the beam on the two knife-edge supports, ensuring they are at the same level.
- Measure the effective length (L) between the knife-edge supports.
- Position the loading hanger exactly at the center of the beam.
- Place the dial gauge (or micrometer screw gauge) directly under the center of the beam, ensuring its stem touches the beam. Adjust the dial gauge to read zero or a convenient initial reading.
- Apply a small initial load (e.g., 0.5kg) to ensure the beam is in contact with the supports and the dial gauge. Record this initial load and the corresponding deflection reading.
- Incrementally add weights to the hanger (e.g., 0.5kg or 1kg at a time). For each added load, record the total load (W) and the corresponding deflection (δ) from the dial gauge.
- Continue adding weights until the maximum safe load for the beam is reached or a significant deflection is observed.
- After reaching the maximum load, incrementally remove the weights and record the deflection readings for decreasing loads. This helps check for hysteresis and permanent deformation.
- Plot a graph of total load (W) versus central deflection (δ).
Calculation:
- Calculate the average width (b) and depth (d) of the beam.
- Calculate the moment of inertia (I=12bd3) for the beam's cross-section.
- From the W−δ graph, determine the slope (m=ΔδΔW) of the linear portion.
- Calculate Young's Modulus (E) using the formula:
E=4bd3L3×m
Alternatively, for each load-deflection pair, calculate E=4δbd3WL3 and then find the average E.
Table:
| S.No. | Load (W) (N) | Dial Gauge Reading (mm) | Deflection (δ) (mm) | Deflection (δ) (m) |
| :---- | :----------- | :---------------------- | :------------------------ | :------------------------ |
| 1 | Initial Load | | | |
| 2 | W1 | | δ1 | δ1/1000 |
| 3 | W2 | | δ2 | δ2/1000 |
| ... | ... | ... | ... | ... |
| n | Wn | | δn | δn/1000 |
Beam Dimensions:
- Length (L) = ...m
- Width (b) = ...m
- Depth (d) = ...m
Precautions:
- Ensure the knife-edge supports are perfectly level and parallel to each other to prevent twisting of the beam.
- The load should be applied gradually and centrally to avoid eccentric loading.
- The dial gauge should be placed directly under the point of load application to measure maximum deflection accurately.
- Avoid exceeding the elastic limit of the beam material to prevent permanent deformation.
- Take readings carefully, ensuring the dial gauge stem is perpendicular to the beam surface.
- Measure the beam dimensions (b, d, L) accurately using appropriate measuring instruments.
- Ensure there is no slack in the loading arrangement before taking initial readings.
3 done, 2 left today. You're making progress.