Experiment that can be used to perform a wide variety of beam experiments, from simple cases to complex problems. Mounts on the Structures test frame 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
• Comprehensive range of experiments in both statically determinate and statically indeterminate beams
• Fits to the Structures platform for ergonomic use and space-saving storage
• Supplied with a storage tray to keep smaller items safe
• Includes additional masses for experiments with a uniformly distributed load (UDL)
• Includes Vernier caliper for beam cross-section measurement
• 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 provides a comprehensive set of experiments for the subject of beams and their support reactions and deflfl ections.
The first experiments use two simple supports and a ‘rigid’ and heavy beam to examine statically determinate systems. Students learn basic principles such as moments, the principle of superposition, uniformly distributed loads (UDLs) and the concept of the inflfl uence line.
The second set of experiments relate to more advanced beam structures that are statically indeterminate, or involve a measureable beam deflfl ection. Students use a light and ‘flflexible’ beam. Using a ‘flflexible’ beam allows students to consider the supports signififi cantly more rigid, so the normal textbook theory becomes valid. Two additional supports help complete the experiments.
One allows measurement of the support fifi xing moment, the other ‘universal support’ works as simple support, a clamped support and a sinking knife edge support. A precision indicator on a slide can be easily positioned to measure beam deflfl ections. All supports and the indicator slide have pointers that work with the scale and the platform for accurate position.
Note: The alternative product, Equilibrium of a Simply Supported Beam (STS22), contains the fifi rst set of this experiment module’sexperiments as a more economical option if you do not need the more advanced areas of study.
Students apply loads to any position along the beams and measure the resulting reactions, deflfl ections and moments. They use textbook beam equations to predict the results for any given load and compare the calculated results with the measured results. This helps confifi rm the reliability of the textbook equations and the accuracy of the experiment results.
The deflflection indicator has its own display but it can connect (with the load cells) 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
• Principle of moments
• Reactions for a point load along a simply supported beam
• Reactions for a uniformly distributed load (UDL) on a simply supported beam
• The principle of superposition • Inflfl uence Lines
• Deflfl ection of a simply supported beam
• Reactions for a continuous beam
• Reactions and moments of a propped cantilever
• Reactions and moments of a fifi xed beam
• The eff ect of a sinking support
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 larger loads and beam spans, extending the learning experience beyond the practical laboratory session.
