Experiment for the study of beam defl ection under diff erent loads and fi xing conditions, and the demonstration of Young’s modulus. Mounts on the Structures platform and connects to the Structures automatic data acquisition unit and software (VDAS® Onboard).
Key Features
• One of a range of experiment modules that teach structures principles
• Fits to the Structures platform (STS1) for ergonomic use and space-saving storage
• Selectable beam fi xing conditions, with fully adjustable load and defl ection measuring positions for increased experiment range
• Includes beams of diff erent material and cross-section for comparison of elastic (Young’s) modulus and Second Moment of Area (‘I’ value)
• High-resolution digital defl ection indicator for maximum measurement accuracy
• Includes Vernier caliper for cross-section measurement
• Supplied with a storage tray to keep smaller items safe
• Works with user-friendly software (VDAS®)
Description
One of a range of experiment modules that fi t to the Structures platform (STS1, available separately), this product helps students to understand the elastic properties of beams and cantilevers. Students choose from a selection of test beams and fi t them to supports.
They may choose to fi t the beams to one support only, forming a cantilever. They may also fi t them between two supports with diff erent fi xing methods, forming simply supported and fixed or ‘encastre’ beams. Each support includes pointers that work with the scale on the platform for accurate positioning.
Students apply loads to any position along the beam and measure the resulting defl ection, also at any point along the beam. They use textbook beam equations to predict the deflection for any given load and compare the calculated results with the measured results.
This helps confirm the reliability of the textbook equations and the accuracy of the experiment results. This product includes a set of beam ‘specimens’ of diff erent metals and cross-section for comparison of the elastic properties and ‘I’ value. It also allows the student to vary the eff ective length of the beam to see how this affects the magnitude of deflection for any given load.
The deflection indicator has its own display, but it can connect to the USB interface hub of the Structures platform for computer display and data acquisition (VDAS® Onboard).
Learning outcomes
• Beam bending formula and structural ‘stiffness’
• Defl ectiondue to point loads and UDLs (uniformly distributed loads)
• How beam fi xings aff ect defl ection of:
• Simply supported beams
• Fixed or ‘encastre’ beams
• Cantilever beams
• Propped cantilever
• Shape of a deflected beam
• Beam length and deflection
• Beam material and deflection — the elastic (Young’s) modulus
• Beam cross-section and defl ection — the Second Moment of Area (‘I’ value)
• Pure bending of a beam
• Reciprocal theorem (Maxwell-Betti)
Essential Ancillary
• Structures Platform (STS1)
