Experiment for the study of buckling of struts and the relationships between length, end fifi xing conditions and buckling load. 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 for ergonomic use and space-saving storage
• Includes diff erent fifi xings and a selection of diff erent length specimen struts for multiple experiments
• Includes Vernier caliper for measurement of strut cross-section
• 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 fifi t to the Structures platform (STS1, available separately), this product helps students to understand the nature of buckling in slender beams that simulate ‘struts’. Students fifi t one of a choice of struts between the two major parts of the product. One part has a hand-operated control to apply the buckling force. The other part has a load cell to measure the applied load.
Students apply a buckling force to a strut, measuring the load and the point at which the strut collapses or ‘buckles’. Students use textbook equations, including Euler’s theory to predict the buckling loads, comparing them with measured results. This helps confifi rm the reliability of the textbook equations and the accuracy of the experiment results.
This product includes specimen struts of diff erent lengths for comparison of the buckling loads. It also includes diff erent strut end fifi xings for comparisons of how they aff ect the buckling load and shape of the strut as it buckles. A Vernier caliper (included) allows students to measure the cross-section of the struts.
The load cell connects to the USB interface hub of the Structures platform for computer display and data acquisition (VDAS® Onboard).
Standard Features
• Supplied with comprehensive user guide
• Five-year warranty
• Made in accordance with the latest European Union directives
• ISO9001 certififi ed manufacturer
Learning outcomes
• Strut length and the collapse load
• Euler’s critical load
• Slenderness ratio
• Eff ective length
• The collapse load and strut fifi xings, including:
• Pinned-pinned
• Fixed-pinned
• Fixed-fifi xed
Essential Ancillary
• Structures Platform (STS1)
Software
TecQuipment has created data acquisition applications (VDAS® Onboard) for each experiment module, with additional simulated experiments.
The simulated experiments allow students to simulate the hands-on laboratory experiments, verifying their results. They also allow simulation of alternative set-ups, such as struts of diff erent cross-sectional shape and material, extending the learning experience beyond the practical laboratory session.
