[SEGi University]

Mechanical Engineering
Laboratory Investigation I
Hand Book

SEGi University

TABLE OF CONTENTS
1.0

Introduction (Flow Chart)

2.0

Safety

3.0

Laboratory Report
3.1

Writing Skill

3.2

Template

4.0

Marking Scheme

5.0

Penalties
5.1

Punctuality

5.2

Late Submission Penalty

6.0

List of Experiments

7.0

Lab manuals

8.0

Hand book for Student

Prepared by TF Go

Prepared by TF Go

Prepared by TF Go

The objective of this manual is to introduce the basic

principles and methods of experimental engineering to the lecturer who is allocated to teach Lab
Investigation I in Mechanical Engineering Department.
This section consists of three flow charts that indicate the procedures to conduct lab
investigations.
Figure 1.1shows the sequence of proceduresto betaken if a lecturer is assigned to teach
Lab Investigations I.
Figure 1.2shows the organisation chart in Mechanical Engineering Department which
will assist the assigned lecturer to acquire relevant theory and lab skills according to their
disciplines.
Figure 1.3indicates the activities which are needed to be performedin the first lesson of
Lab Investigations. As an introductory class, regulation of lab, list of experiment/syllabus,
report writing skill and template, marking schemeandlate submission penalty has to be clearly
explained to students.
Figure 1.4explains the procedures of activities during experiment. Lecturer has to ensure
the students are wellprepared and have satisfactory knowledge of the expected task in the
laboratory.

Prepared by TF Go

GSCT A e t o e lus ln t ot d t c rya ua c tn t e

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enrc e oxt l t np el i a ode v b nur a i scn t t i
mdn ig s ea c ni t i tup s al i n e
l
Figure 1.1 Actions Taken if Allocated to Teach Lab Investigation I

Prepared by TF Go

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Prepared by TF Go

Figure 1.2 Organisation Chart in Mechanical Engineering

IDShown itsr tor ducti bt uth e ei ol lnia sbt r ofe por t

REI n xplevif o r aemiwn s lmt ahu baredentrpenalke iporns g t ott y buyf o r bei n g l a t e l a t e t o
(expermf ro eanualr fme rati tmo (enttr e f e(r r etfoe irn t o
wslclac bahemistcoati n andge s((krreie lffporee (rr tetoof le aMr t etro.s u bm i s i o n ( r e f e r t o
SectSectadvanceii oo nn 8)6)7)3)about h e
SectTeSecto h)ii oo nn 4)5)
next l a b
Figure 1.3 Activities in First Lesson of Lab Investigations I
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TCSDIB
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ecers
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n

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Figure 1.4 Activities during Conducting Experiment

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Prepared by TF Go

Safety is of the most importance in the laboratory. Students will be working with hydraulic machinery
powerful enough to pull apart thick steel rod, at temperatures high enough to melt metallic alloys, at
voltages large enough to induce dielectric breakdown in insulators, and frequently with hazardous
chemicals dangerous enough to suffocate and/or burn human body instantly. If students have any
doubts and questions about safety, immediately stop any experiments and consult Teaching
Assistants/Coordinators. In order to avoid or at least minimize the risk of an accident the followings
are requested. Students not complying with these simple rules will be asked to leave the session.
(1) Know where the fire extinguisher is located in the laboratory.
(2) Must wear shoes.
(3) Do not wear loose clothing.
(4) Long hair should be tied behind the head.
(5) Safety goggles must be worn around testing equipment, rotating machinery,and chemicals.
(6) Do not consume food or drink in the laboratory.
(7) All experiment must be performed within the allocated time. Students are not allowed to
work in the laboratory without proper supervision.

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Prepared by TF Go

3.1

Writing Skill

Each student is required to prepare a written report at the conclusion of every experiment. The
reports must always be brief, but yet provide sufficient information to convey to the reader that
the student understood the principles and techniques involved. The reports for this course should
never exceed 5-10 equivalent typed pages. Note that the largest percent of the students final
grade will be determined by the report of each laboratory experiment.
A plagiarized report (whether in part or in full) including copying from other sources,
from reports prepared by other groups, including another student in particular, will not be
allowed and will result in a zero grade. All reports MUST be handed in to the Teaching Assistant
in charge by the days of the week following the experiments. These reports should conform to
acceptable standards of report writing. The type of informationin reports will vary from one
experiment to another, but the reporting style should always state the purpose, background,
technique, and results as clearly as possible. The reports should always contain a cover page,
short abstract, brief introduction, main body, and summary/conclusions.
(1) Cover sheet
(2) Abstract
(3) Objective
(4) Introduction
(5) Apparatus
(6) Experiment procedure
(7) Results
(8) Discussion
(9) Conclusions
(10) References
(11) Appendices
All reports should be written up in the way used in scientific literature. A good lab report
does more than present data; it demonstrates the writer's comprehension of the concepts behind
the data. Merely recording the expected and observed results is not sufficient; studentsshould
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also identify how and why differences occurred, explain how they
affected the experiment, and shows their understanding of the principles the experiment was
designed to examine. Bear in mind that a format, however helpful, cannot replace clear thinking
and organized writing. Students still need to organize their ideas carefully and express them
coherently.
A typical format for laboratory reports is given below:
1. The Title Page
The experimental title needs to contain the name of the experiment, the names of lab
partners/group, and the date of submission, name of marker, name of college and the institution.
Titles should be straightforward, informative, and less than ten words.
2. The Abstract/ Summary
A well written abstract summarizes four essential aspects of the report: the purpose of the
experiment (sometimes expressed as the purpose of the report), key findings, significance and
major conclusions. The abstract often also includes a brief reference to theory or methodology.
The information should clearly enable readers to decide whether they need to read your whole
report. The abstract should be one paragraph of 100-200 words.
3. Objective
Note that this is brief but clear and unambiguous. State the objective of the report clearly and
concisely, in one or two sentences.
4. The Introduction/ Theoretical Background
This is to place the work in the perspective of prior work including key literature survey. It states
the objective of the experiment and provides the reader with background to the experiment. A
good introduction also provides whatever background theory, previous research, or formulas the
reader needs to know. Usually, an instructor does not want you to repeat the lab manual, but to
show your own comprehension of the problem.
5. Apparatus

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List down the experimental materials or equipment.

6. Experimental Methods and Materials (or Equipment)
It is a record of how experiment was carried out. Use past tense and it should be impersonal.It
can usually be a simple list, but make sure it is accurate and complete. In some cases, you can
simply direct the reader to a lab manual or standard procedure. Do not copy from the handbook,
which, in any case, is not an account of the method, but a set of instructions.
7. Results and Analysis
This should include a complete listing of your experimental readings, any data manipulation,
required graphs, etc. Calculations, tables and figures usually dominate results. An important
strategy for making your results effective is to draw the reader's attention to them with a sentence
or two, so the reader has a focus when reading the graph.
Tables:
All significant results have to be stated explicitly. All columns and axes should be labeled with
the parameter name and its units.
Sample Calculation
It allows the reader to find out what is going on. The sample calculation will be followed by a
table of calculated results.More calculations can be included in report such as the slope of the
graph.
Graphs
Graphics need to be clear, easily read, and well labeled. Each has a title. The x and y axes are
clearly defined and labeled.
8. Discussion
This is the most important and crucial part of your report, because here, you show that you
understand the experiment beyond the simple level of completing it. Explain. Analyze. Interpret.
Some people like to think of this as the "subjective" part of the report. By that, they mean this is
what is not readily observable. You should not confined yourself just to these points, but consider
other aspects of the experiment.Discuss possible error and improvements. Should I have

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discussed the measurement technique? How does my experimental

result compare to the theoretical one? Does my result have any meaning in real life problems? If
you make a statement, you must be able to justify it in the rest of the report.

9. Conclusions
It is a brief statement to conclude your work. Your conclusion should briefly answer the
objective. Do not introduce any new material here; any conclusions must refer to material that
already discussed in the earlier report.

10. References
Any reference used must be mentioned in the main report and as part of a complete list at the end
of the reports. The reference list should give the author, the title of the publication and the date of
publication.

11. Appendix
Contains information necessary to the report but not important enough to include in the main
body; examples may include sample calculations, mathematical derivations and lemmas, error
analysis and data tabulation. Your suggestions on how the experiment might be modified to
improve the clarity of illustration of principles, the functionality of the experiments are always
welcome. You may include your feedback in the Appendices part of the report.

3.2

Report Template

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This section consists of report writing template. A softcopy of report

template should be provided to students.
Font format for the lab report:
Font type: Times New Roman
Font size: 12
Font colour: Black
Spacing: Line spacing 1.5, before and after 0 pt

[SEGi University]

[Mechanical Engineering Laboratory #]

EXPERIMENT
TITLE
SEGi University
Candidates Name:
Student ID:
Group Members Name:

Lecturer/ Supervisor:
Date of Experiment:

Prepared by TF Go

Date of Submission:

1. Abstract
2. Objective(s)
3. Introduction/ Theoretical Background
3.1. ABCDEF
Abc.
3.2. ABCDEFG
Xyz
3.3. ..
4. Apparatus
5. Experimental Method
5.1. Cautions
5.2. Method/steps
6. Results and Analysis
6.1. Pressure versus flow rate graph
6.2. Flow rates versus coefficient
6.3. .
7. Discussion
7.1. .
7.2. ..
8. Conclusion
Xxx
9. References ( Following Havard Referencing)
1. Long, PE (ed.) 1991, A collection of current views on nuclear safety, Penguin, Harmondsworth.
2. Baron, D. P., 2008. Business and the organisation. Chester: Pearson.
3. Allouche, J. ed., 2006. Corporate social resposibility, Volume 1: concepts,
accountability and reporting. Basingstoke: Palgrave Macmillan.

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Prepared by TF Go

This section prepares the marking scheme for students report, oral presentation performance and
their lab practical performance.
Students lab report is evaluated by using Rubric 1; students oral presentation is
evaluated by using Rubric 2; students lab practical performance is evaluated by using Rubric 3.
Remember to inform your students about the plagiarism will cause a 0% grade for their report.

Rubric 1: Lab Report Marking Scheme

No

Evaluated
Items

General
Layout

Title

Abstract/
Summary
Introduction
/
Background

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Weight
Factor

Mark
0

10

0.05

Does not
follow
guidelines.

Follows
guidelines
poorly.

Follows
guidelines
satisfactorily

Follows
guidelines
well

Follows
guidelin
extreme
well

0.05

Does not
follow
guidelines.

Topic is
indicated
poorly.

Topic is
indicated
satisfactorily

Topic is
indicated
well.

Topic is
indicate
extreme
well.

Satisfactorily
summation.

Good
Very go
summation. summa

Purpose and
scope are
defined
satisfactorily.
Provide
background

Purpose
and scope
are defined
well.
Provide
adequate

Not
indicated.

No
summation
0.1
is
provided.
0.2 Neither
purpose
nor scope
is
provided.

Summation
Poor
is
summation.
incomplete.
Purpose
and scope
are
incomplete.

Purpose
and scope
are defined
poorly.
Backgroun
d

Purpose
scope a
defined
extreme
well.
Thorou

Experiment
al Procedure

Results:
Figures,
graphs,
tables, etc

Discussion

Conclusion

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information
without
provided is
context.
irrelevant.

background
backgro
and
and con
context.

No
procedure
0.1
has been
provided.

Not written
in past
tense. Steps
are
illogical

Not written
in past
tense.
Missing
key steps.

Written in
past tense.
Missing key
steps.

Written in
past tense.
Missing
minor
steps.

Written
past ten
Experim
details a
compre
e.

No Results
0.2 have been
provided.

Disorganis
ed
presentatio
n of data.
Missing
essential
support
data.

Disorganise
d
presentatio
n of data.
Missing
essential
support
data.

Data is
organised
well. Missing
some major
support data.

Data is
organised
well.
Missing
some
minor
support
data.

Exempl
present
of supp
data. N
format

No
informatio
0.2
n is
provided.

Information
lacks clear
direction.
No relevant Information
information does not
is provided relate to
topic. No
Sources of
error

Conclusion
s are
No
Conclusion
illogical.
0.05 conclusions s are
Topic is
are drawn. incomplete.
summed up
poorly.

Paragraphs
Paragraphs
are relevant
have direction and support
but are too
purpose.
broad for the Ideas are
scope of the
not fully
paper. Some
developed.
sources of
Good
error.
sources of
error.

Paragra
are rele
and sup
purpose
Ideas ar
fully
develop
Exempl
sources
error.

Conclusion
s are
logical.
Topic is
summed up
well.

Conclu
are logi
Topic is
summe
extreme
well.

Conclusions
are logical.
Topic is
summed up
satisfactorily.

References

0.05

References
No
References are
reference is are
provided in
provided.
incomplete. wrong
format

Referen
are prov
in prope
format

Comments:____________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
____________
Important Notes:
Plagiarism Plagiarism is a form of cheating. Do not use someone elses ideas or words and
submit them as your own. 0% grade for plagiarising (even copying your friends work)

Rubric 2: Lab Practical Marking Scheme

No

Evaluated
Items

Attendance
and
promptness

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Weight
Factor

Mark
0

Late for 21
mins and
0.1 above or
absent
w/o reason.

Late for 20 mins

Late for 10 mins

Punctual

Carry out
experiments
by
following
steps given
in the
instruction
sheets.

0.2
Does not
bring lab
manual
during the
experiment.

Do bring lab
manual but do not
use it during the
experiment.

Do bring lab man

Do bring lab manual have read it
and use it during the beforehand and u
experiment.
fully during the
experiment.

Comply
with safety
procedures
in
workshops
and
laboratories.

Not comply
with safety
procedure at
0.2
all. Does not
dress proper
for lab.

Do not dress proper

for lab but often
comply with the
other safety
procedures.

Dressed proper for

lab and follow
safety procedures
most of the time.

Dress proper for l

and is fully comp
with safe procedu
in laboratories or
workshop.

Ability to
work in
group

Extremely
0.2 difficult to
work with.

Often hindered
group progress but
occasionally
promoted progress.

Sometimes hindered
group progress.

Always had a
cooperative attitu

Analysis of
data

All data
collected are
wrong due to
the
0.3
misunderstan
ding of
experimental
method.

Data collecting
method is correct
and data are mostly
accurate.

Able to use the

correct method to
collect data, recog
human error or
technical error (if
any) and correcte
them on the spot.
Data collected are
mostly or all corr

Data collecting
method is not
completely accurate
and there are a
number if error in
the data.

Comments:____________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
____________

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Rubric 3: Lab PresentationEvaluation Form

No

Evaluated
Items

Title &
Objectives

Abstract/
Summary

Weight
Factor

Introduction
/
Background

Experimenta
l Procedure

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Mark
0

8
Purpose and
scope are
defined well.
Topic is
indicated well.

10

0.05

Neither
purpose nor
scope is
provided.

Purpose and
scope are
incomplete.

Purpose and
scope are
defined
poorly.

Topic is
indicated
satisfactorily.
Purpose and
scope are defined
satisfactorily.

0.05

No
summation is
provided.

Summation is
incomplete.

Poor
summation.

Satisfactorily
summation.

Good
summation.

Very g
summa

0.1

No
background
information is
provided.

Provided
background
information
without
context is
irrelevant.

Background
information
provided is
irrelevant.

Provide
background
without context.

Provide
adequate
background
and context.

Thoro
backgrou
conte

0.1

No procedure
has been
provided.

Not written in
past tense.
Steps are
illogical

Not written in
past tense.
Missing key
steps.

Written in past
tense. Missing
minor steps.

Written in
tense.
Experimen
details are
comprehe

Written in past
tense. Missing
key steps.

Purpose a
are de
extremel
Topic is in
extremel

Results:
Figures,
graphs,
tables, etc

Discussion

Conclusion

0.125

No Results
have been
provided.

Data is organized
& expressed in a
table & graph (if
appropriate).
Missing some
major support
data. No relevant
calculation is
shown

Data is
organised well
in table and
graphs.
Missing some
minor support
data. Relevant
calculations
are shown,
including
units.

Exemp
presenta
supportin
Relev
calculati
shown in
units wi
good expl

Paragraphs have
direction but are
too broad for the
scope of the
paper. Some
sources of error
are discussed but
no suggestions
are made to
avoid, reduce or
adjust for such
error.

Good
qualitative
data
(observations)
is mentioned.
Good sources
of error are
discussed and
some
suggestions
are made to
avoid, reduce
or adjust for
such error.

Paragrap
relevan
support p
Very g
qualitati
(observat
mentio
Exemp
sources o
are discus
some sug
are made
reduce o
for such

Conclusions are
logical. Topic is
summed up
satisfactorily.

Conclusions
are logical.
Topic is
summed up
well.

Conclusi
logical. T
summe
extremel

Able to answer
a question
confidently
and provide a
good solution.

Able to a
quest
confiden
provide
good so

Slides are
crisp,
sequential,
easily legible,

Slides ar
sequentia
legible
contain r
data
informa

0.125

No
information is
provided.

No relevant
information is
provided

Information
lacks clear
direction.
Information
does not
relate to
topic. No
Sources of
error

0.05

No
conclusions
are drawn.

Conclusions
are
incomplete.

Conclusions
are illogical.
Topic is
summed up
poorly.

No response
to examiner's
question

Slow response
to examiner's
question and
unsatisfactory
answers.

Unable to
answer a
question
confidently
and the
solution is
incomplete.

Able to answer a
question
confidently and
the solution is
satisfactorily.

No
presentation
slide is
provided.

Poor
presentation of
slides
provided.

Slides are
containing
relevant data
&
information
as well as key

Slides are crisp,

sequential, easily
legible, and
contain relevant
data &
information as

Q&A

0.15

Presentation
Style: visual

0.1

Prepared by TF Go

Disorganised
presentation of
data. Missing
essential
support data.
No relevant
calculation is
shown.

Disorganised
presentation
of data.
Missing
essential
support data.
No relevant
calculation is
shown

concepts.
Data, graphs
and pictures
are not
presented.

10

11

Presentation
Style:
auditory

Time
management

0.1

well as key
concepts. Data,
graphs and
pictures are
organized.

and contain
relevant data
& information
as well as key
concepts.
Data, graphs
and pictures
are organized.
Animation is
provided to
reinforce the
lab concept.

Very bad
presentation.
No
preparation is
made.

Student
presents badly,
simply reading
from the
screen. Very
little
preparation is
made.

Student
presents
poorly,
simply
reading from
the screen.
Poor
preparation.

Student presents
clearly, at an
appropriate pace
and is not simply
reading from the
screen.
Satisfactorily
preparation.

Student
presents
clearly, at an
appropriate
pace and is not
simply reading
from the
screen.
Evidence of
preparation is
made clear
through the
presentation.

Late less than

10 minutes.

Late less than

5 minutes.

Attend
presentation
punctually.

Attend
presentation
punctually.

Attend
presentation
punctually.

Atte
presen
punctu

Presentation
time 5 min

Presentation
time 4 min

Presentation
time 3 min

Presentation time
2 min

Presentation
time 1 min

Presentat
0m

0.05

Comments:____________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
____________
Prepared by TF Go

well a
concepts
graphs
picture
organize
well. Anim
provid
reinforce
conc

Student p
clearly
attractiv
appropria
and are no
reading f
screen. E
of prepar
made
throug
present

Prepared by TF Go

5.1

Punctuality

Punctuality is evaluated in Rubric 2. However, the student who late more than 20 minutes is
considered absent for the lesson and cannot submit lab report.
5.2

Late Submission Penalty

All the report should be submitted 2 weeks after the date of the experiment. (By 5 pm). Student
must submit a hardcopy version only.
Lab report is evaluated by using Rubric 1. However, the following penalties will be applied for
reports submitted after the deadline.

On time

No penalty

1 day late

25%penalty

2 day late

50%penalty

3 day late

75%penalty

4+ day late

100%penalty

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Prepared by TF Go

Prepared by TF Go

Year 1 Semester 1: Lab Investigation 1

Related Subject

Title

Objective

Engineering
Mechanics/Static

Experiment 1:
Truss Structure

To determine forces on each joint of the Truss structure apparatus

truss structure.

Engineering
Mechanics/Static

Experiment 2:
Deflection of
Simply
Supported
Beam

The objective of these experiments is to A steel channel base with two simple supports
establish
relationship
between
deflection and applied load.

Engineering
Mechanics/Static

Experiment 3:
Efficiency of a
Single Thread
Worm Gear

To determine the efficiency of a single Single Thread Worm Gear apparatus

thread worm gear

Engineering
Mechanics/Static

Experiment 4:
Friction on an
Inclined Plane

To determine angle of friction and

coefficient of static and dynamic
friction for various materials.

An inclined plane with a pulley over the top edge

Design I/Basic
Skills

Experiment 5:
Welding

To join two metal together permanently

Arc welding

Design I/Basic
Skills

Experiment 6:
Corrosion Test

To measure the corrosion rate of steel

Engineering
Material

Experiment 7:
Hardness Test

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in different environment
To determine the hardness of four
materials using Brinell testing

Equipment & Apparatus

A Brinell desktop device

- Steel and other material balls
- Measurement apparatus (ruler, caliper, and

Engineering
Material

Experiment 8:
Impact Test

Engineering
Material/ Solid
Liquid Gases

Experiment 9:
Tensile Test I

Solid Liquid
Gases

Experiment 10:
Marcet Boiler

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divider)
Charpy Impact Test apparatus

To investigate how the energy absorbed

during deformation and fracture
of material during impact test in
various temperatures.
To calculate the elastic, plastic and Tensile and compression machine
ultimate load for the given material and - Specimen (steel, copper, aluminium, and brass)
draw the stress strain diagram.
- Measurement apparatus (ruler, caliper, and
divider)
To demonstrate the relationship
A stainless steel pressure vessel fitted with high
between the pressure and temperature
pressure immersion electrical heater, safety relief
of saturated steam in equilibrium
valve, temperature and pressure measuring devices.
To demonstrate of the vapour pressure
curve

Prepared by TF Go

FACULTY OF ENGINEERING & BUILT ENVIRONMENT

SUBJECT: EME3401 LABORATORY INVESTIGATIONS 1
EXPERIMENT 1: TRUSS STRUCTURE
1.0 OBJECTIVE
To establish relationship between each truss member and applied load
2.0 THEORY/INTRODUCTION
A truss is a structure composed of slender members joined together at their end points. Joint
connections are formed by bolting or welding the ends of the members to a common plate, called
a gusset plate, or by simply passing a large bolt or pin through each of the members. Two
important assumptions are necessary to design both the members and the connections of a truss:
i.

All loadings are applied at the joint

ii.

The members are joined together by smooth pins

Because of these two assumptions

Each truss member acts as a two force member

The forces at the ends must be directed along the axis of the member

If the force tends to elongate the member, it is a tensile force

If the force tends to shorten the member, it is a compressive force (refer to Figure 1)

Prepared by TF Go

Figure 1 Nature of the force in a truss

3.0 APPARATUS
i.

A modular truss kit.

ii.

A set of weight for applying load to the truss.

iii.

A 16 channels data acquisition system.

4.0 PROCEDURES
1. Switch on the data acquisition module. For stability of readings, the data acquisition
must be switched on 10 minutes before taking readings.
2. Use the truss configuration below:

Figure 2 Modular Truss Apparatus

3. Check the truss according to the selected configuration.
4. One end of the plane truss on the roller support and the other on the pin support (please
ensure that the centre of the joint is located on the knife edge and at the centre of the
roller).
5. Ensure that the pinned support is properly secured to the frame.
6. Attached the weight hook to the joint to be loaded.
7. Empty the weight hook so that the truss is free from applied load.
8. Connect the wire from the load cell to the data acquisition module, each load cell
occupying once channel of the module.
9. On the module(s) that is attached to the load cell by clicking the On button on the
Module on/off dialog box.
10. For the selected module(s) on the channels that is connected to the truss members and
Prepared by TF Go

the loading jack.

11. Some figures will be displayed in the boxes of the chosen channels. These figures are
the loads in the members measured in Newtons.
12. Record the initial readings (0 Newtons in Channel 6) and other 5 channels.
13. Start put on the weight to the hook to apply loads in the downward direction and
observe the readings for the 6 channels.
14. Repeat step 13 for more load increments.
15. At the end of the experiment, export the data to the excel spreadsheet and carry out the
necessary analysis.
5.0 RESULTS
Table 1 Measured Forces in Member of Truss
Members
Load / Jack

Initial Readings
0 Newton

10

Final Reading in Members

20
30
40
50

60

Member 1
Member 2
Member 3
Member 4
Member 5
Member 6
i.

Draw the truss and indicate the loaded joint.

ii.

Calculate the average force in each member for each load increment. Remember to
subtract the initial reading from the data acquired for each load increment.

iii.

Fill the results in Table 1.

iv.

Plot the graph of forces in the members verses the applied load for the experimental and
theoretical case.

v.

Determine the percentage error by calculating the slope of each graph.

Percentage Error=

6.0 DISCUSSION
Prepared by TF Go

T h eoretical SlopeExperimental Slope

100
T h eoretical Slope

i.

From the plotted graph, compare the experimental and theoretical case.

ii.

State the relationship between the applied load and the force in the members.

iii.

State the possible source of errors. Comment on the accuracy of the experiment and ways
of improving it.

7.0 REFERENCES
i.

J.L. Meriam & E. Kraige. 2006. Engineering Mechanics Vol 1. Statics, 6th Ed. Wiley.

ii.

R.C. Hibbeler. 2007. Engineering Static, 11th Ed. Prentice Hall.

FACULTY OF ENGINEERING & BUILT ENVIRONMENT

SUBJECT: EME3401 LABORATORY INVESTIGATIONS 1
EXPERIMENT 2: DEFLECTION OF SIMPLY SUPPORTED BEAM
1.0 OBJECTIVE
To compare the theoretical and experimental values of the deflection in the simply supported
beam
Prepared by TF Go

2.0 THEORY/INTRODUCTION
The maximum deflection for a simply supported beam with a single concentrated load applied at
the mid span of the beam is:
=

W L3
48 EI

Given,
W = applied load, N
L = Length of the beam
E = Youngs Modulus of elasticity of the beam, N/m2 (200 GPa for steel)
I = second moment of inertia, m4
3.0 APPARATUS
A steel channel base with two simple supports, a set of weight with load hanger, dial gauge and
measurement apparatus (ruler, calliper, divider, etc)
4.0 PROCEDURES
1. Measure the dimensions of the mild steel beam and note down the reading accordingly.
2. Position the C hook at the mid span of the beam.
3. Place the beam on top the supports.
4. Record the beam span between two supports.
5. Set the dial gauge at the mid span of the beam.
6. Adjust the dial gauge to get zero reading.
7. Load the beam with the load hanger together with the weight provided and note down
the corresponding deflection.
8. Repeat step 6 to get the average value of the deflection under such load.
9. Repeat step 5 7 to get 5 readings.
5.0 RESULTS
i.

Tabulate the results obtained and plot the deflection against the load.

Prepared by TF Go

ii.

Using the deflection equation, calculate and plot theoretical values of deflection on the
same graph.

6.0 DISCUSSION
i.

Compare and comment on the difference between the experimental and theoretical
values.

ii.

Comment on the accuracy of the experiment and ways of improving it.

7.0 REFERENCES
i.

G.E. Dieter, Mechanical Metallurgy, McGraw-Hill Inc., New York, 1986.

ii.

F.A. McClintock and A.S. Argon, Mechanical Behavior of Materials, Addison-Wesley

Inc., Reading, Mass., 1966.

FACULTY OF ENGINEERING & BUILT ENVIRONMENT

SUBJECT: EME3401 LABORATORY INVESTIGATIONS 1
EXPERIMENT 5: WELDING
1.0 OBJECTIVE

Prepared by TF Go

To demonstrate welding process to join two work pieces

2.0 THEORY/INTRODUCTION
Welding is a fabrication process that joints two or more materials together, usually metals or
thermoplastics. This is often done by melting the works pieces and adding a filler material to
form a pool of molten material that cools to become a strong joint. Many different energy
sources can be used for welding, including a gas frame, an electric arc, a lase, an electron beam,
friction, ultrasound.
Shielded metal arc welding (SMAW) is one of the most common types of arc welding as
shown in Figure B. Its electric current is used to strike an arc between the base material and
consumable electrode rod, which is made of steel and covered with flux that protects the weld
area form oxidation and contamination by producing CO2 gas during the welding processes.

Figure 1 Shielded metal arc welding (SMAW)

3.0 APPARATUS
iv.

Welding machine

v.

Safety goggles

vi.

2 Machining plates

Prepared by TF Go

4.0 PROCEDURES
4.1 Operation Required
10. Welding
11. Finishing
12. Inspection
4.2 Lab Procedures
1. Wear gloves and screen
2. Make both of the machining plates same parallel to get proper butt position with 3 mm
space between the edges.
3. Wear long sleeve jackets and gloves. Prepare welding helmets with dark face plates and
make sure its plastic screen is clear to see through.
4. Start welding gently in the directional fashion from one end. Then, weld on another side
reversely.
5. After completing the weld, chip out the oxidized layer and clean with a wire brush.
Note: After operation, return tools and clean machine.
5

RESULTS

Figure 1 Expected Result

6

DISCUSSION

Prepared by TF Go

i.

Place your specimen on an A4 paper and dimension it out with suitable marker pen. Take
a photo of it and insert the photo into your lab assignment. Analyze the welding result
and describe possible aspects influence its quality.

ii.

Discuss on safety issue of workshop

iii.

Comment on the accuracy of the experiment and ways of improving it

iv.

Comment on any discrepancy and sources of error of the experiment.

REFERENCES
i.

Larry Jeffus 1983, Welding Principles and Application, 5th Edition, Thomson Learning,
Inc, USA.

ii.

B. H. Amstead, Philip F. Ostwald, Myron Louis Begeman 1987, Manufacturing

Processes, 8th Edition, John Wiley & Sons Inc, USA

FACULTY OF ENGINEERING & BUILT ENVIRONMENT

SUBJECT: EME3401 LABORATORY INVESTIGATIONS 1
EXPERIMENT 6: CORROSION TEST
1.0 OBJECTIVE
To measure the corrosion rate of steel in different environment
2.0 THEORY/INTRODUCTION
Corrosion as the gradual chemical or electrochemical attack on a metal by its surroundings such
as the metal is converted into an oxide, salt or some other compound which results to loss of
strength, hardness, toughness and other desirable mechanical properties [1].

Prepared by TF Go

The method of weight loss test can be used in the detection of the corrosion due to corrosive
media. The weight loss was determined as difference between the initial and final weight losses
after removal of the corrosive product [2].
Corrosion Rate=

87.6 w
AT

Where:
w=weight loss (g)
=density of copper (g/cm3)
A=area (cm2)
T=time (min)
3.0 APPARATUS
250 cm3 beaker flask, brush and cleaning materials, mettler electronic weigh balance machine,
HCl solution (concentration 1 M), NaCl salt + rain water to form a solution (concentration 1 M),
10 specimens of 2.5 cm length, 2.2 cm width, 0.1cm height steel sheet
4.0 PROCEDURES
1. Measure the initial weight of 5 specimens using mettler electronic weigh balance
machine.
2. Immerse the specimens to HCl acid solution in separate flask.
3. Refine the specimens in HCl acid solution for 5 different observation times.
4. Remove the specimens from HCl acid solution.
5. Clean the surface of the specimens with a brush and distilled water carefully.
6. Dry and reweight the specimens.
7. Repeat step 1 to 6 replacing HCl acid solution with NaCl salt + rain water solution.
5.0 RESULTS
Table 1 Specimens in HCl acid (concentration 1 M)
Specimen

Initial weight (g)

Prepared by TF Go

Final weight (g)

Exposure time

Corrosion rate

no

(cm2/min)

(min)

1
2
3
4
5
Table 2 NaCl salt + rain water to form a solution (concentration 1 M)
Specimen

Initial weight (g)

no

Final weight (g)

Exposure time

Corrosion rate

(min)

(cm2/min)

1
2
3
4
5
i.

Prepare a graph with weight loss (g) vs. Exposed time (min) for the specimen in two
media.
Prepare a graph with corrosion rate (cm2/min) vs. Exposed time (min) for the specimen in

ii.

two media.
6.0 DISCUSSION
i.

From the plotted graphs, discuss the effect of corrosive media to the weight loss of
copper

ii.

From the plotted graphs, discuss on the corrosion rate (cm2/min) of copper in two media.

iii.

Name contributing factors to corrosion in metal and preventive methods.

iv.

Comment on the accuracy of the experiment and ways of improving it

7.0 REFERENCES
i.

R.U. Evan, An Introduction to Metallic Corrosion, Edward Arnold Publisher, London,

1963.

ii.

S. Abdulmaruf and D.D. Dajab, Corrosion Behaviour of Copper Immersed in Different

Environment, Materials Society of Nigeria (MSN), Zaria, 3rd edition, 2007.

Prepared by TF Go

FACULTY OF ENGINEERING & BUILT ENVIRONMENT

SUBJECT: EME3401 LABORATORY INVESTIGATIONS 1
EXPERIMENT 7: BRINELL HARDNESS TEST
1.0 OBJECTIVE
To determine the hardness of materials using Brinell hardness test
2.0 THEORY/INTRODUCTION
The Brinell hardness test was one of the most widely used hardness tests with a fixed load that its
indentation is proportional to the materials hardness. Hardness is a measure of a materials
resistance to localized plastic deformation. By varying the test force and ball size, nearly all
metals can be tested. Brinell harness values are considered test force independent as long as the
ball size/test force relationship is the same.
The Brinell number normally ranges from HB 50 to HB 750 for metals. The depth or size of
the resulting indention is measured, which in turn is related to a hardness number; the softer the

Prepared by TF Go

material, the larger and deeper is the indention, and the lower the hardness index number.
Hardness test is performed more frequently than other mechanical test because it is simple,
inexpensive and most important, its non-destructive test. The BHN is calculated according to the
following formula:
HB

where, HB

P
D Depth

2F

D( D D 2 d 2 )

= Brinell hardness number

= Imposed load (kg)

= Diameter of the spherical indenter (mm)

= Diameter of resulting indenter impression (mm)

From Brinell hardness test, other mechanical properties of material will be obtained, which is
tensile strength,
Tensile strength = (3.45 x HB) MPa
or
Tensile strength = (500 x HB) psi
3.0 APPARATUS
A Brinell desktop device, steel and other material balls, measurement apparatus (ruler, caliper,
divider, etc)
4.0 PROCEDURES
1. Wind up pressure in the pressure cylinder until the screw rises about 5 cm.
2. Replace this pressure plate with Brinell test unit (10 mm steel ball).
3. Screw the lower pressure plate in position.
4. Position the steel test piece on the lower pressure plate, so that the center of the steel
ball is at least 20 mm from the edge.
5. Slowly wind up the pressure to 10kN.
Prepared by TF Go

6. Hold this load pressure for about 15 seconds.

7. Measure the diameter of the indentation using the magnifying lens.
8. Repeat the experiment using the other test pieces.
9. Calculate the tensile strength of the specimens.
5.0 RESULTS
Table 1 Brinell hardness test
Material

Diameter of Indentation,

Brinell Hardness

Tensile strength of the

d (mm)

number, HB (N/mm2)

material (MPa)

Prepare a graph with Brinell Hardness number, HB against tensile strength of the material.
6.0 DISCUSSION
i.

A 10 mm diameter Brinell hardness indenter produced an indentation 2.50 mm diameter

in a steel alloy when a load of 1000 kg was used. Compute the HB of this material.

ii.

What will be the diameter of an indentation to yield a hardness of 300 HB when 500 kg
load is used?

iii.

Compare the graph plotted from experiment data to that of the calculated data with
explanation.

iv.

Comment on another appropriate hardness tests for the specimens.

v.

Comment on the accuracy of the experiment and ways of improving it.

Prepared by TF Go

RESULT SAMPLE
Material

Diameter of Indentation,

Brinell Hardness

Tensile strength of the

d (mm)

number, HB (N/mm2)

material (MPa)

Prepared by TF Go

FACULTY OF ENGINEERING & BUILT ENVIRONMENT

SUBJECT: EME3401 LABORATORY INVESTIGATIONS 1
EXPERIMENT 8: IMPACT TEST
1.0 OBJECTIVE
To investigate how the energy absorbed during deformation and fracture of material during
impact test in various temperatures.
2.0 THEORY/INTRODUCTION
The Charpy impact test continues to be used nowadays as an economical quality control method
to assess the notch sensitivity and impact toughness of materials. It is usually used to test the
toughness of metals. Similar tests can be used for polymers, ceramics and composites.

Prepared by TF Go

Figure 1 Charpy V-notch specimen and impact test device

The Charpy impact test usually measures the energy absorbed by the high strain rate fracture of a
standard notched specimen. The specimen is broken by the impact of a heavy pendulum hammer,
falling through a fixed distance (constant potential energy) to strike the specimen at a fixed
velocity (constant kinetic energy). Tough materials absorb a lot of energy when fractured and
brittle materials absorb very little energy. A scale on the Charpy impact test device will record
the amount of energy (joules) associated with this deformation and fracture of the specimen.
3.0 APPARATUS
i.

A Charpy impact test device.

ii.

Steel material Charpy U-notch specimen (4 specimens)

iii.

Dry ice

iv.

Burner

v.

Measurement apparatus (ruler, caliper, divider, thermometer, etc)

4.0 PROCEDURES
1. Turn the pointer to the SET position.
2. Grab the specimen with tongs and get ready to place the specimen into the Charpy
impact test device.
3. Be sure nobody is in the area where they could be injuring by the swinging pendulum.
Lift the pendulum and latch it into the high position.
Prepared by TF Go

4. Place the specimen into the device with the U-notch facing away from the pendulum.
5. Step back behind the guard rail and release the pendulum by punching the lever with
the black knob at the top of the Charpy device.
6. Press and hold the brake button as soon as the pendulum completes one full swing.
7. Record the impact energy during deformation and fracture of your specimen.
8. Repeat the experiment with specimens that have different temperature.
5.0 RESULTS
Material

: _____________
Table 1 Impact Test Result

No
1
2
3
4

Temperature (OC)

Impact Energy (Joules)

Prepare a graph with temperature against impact energy.

6.0 DISCUSSION
i.

Discuss the toughness of material in the different temperatures.

ii.

Establish the relationship between impact energy and toughness of the specimens with
temperatures.

Prepared by TF Go

FACULTY OF ENGINEERING & BUILT ENVIRONMENT

SUBJECT: EME3401 LABORATORY INVESTIGATIONS 1
EXPERIMENT 9: TENSILE TEST 1
1.0 OBJECTIVE
To determine the yield strength, ultimate strength, Young Modulus (Elastic Modulus), and
behavior of a given material when subjected to uniaxial loading and plot the graph of stress
versus strain.
2.0 THEORY/INTRODUCTION
Axial loading is produced by two or more collinear forces acting along the axis of a long slender
member, such as mild steel bar shown in Figure A. this type of loading occurs in many
engineering elements, including individual members that make up machine, bridge and building
trusses. When a structure member or machine component is subjected to the external forces

Prepared by TF Go

(applied loads and support reactions), internal resisting forces will develop within the member or
component to balance the external forces.
In the simplest qualitative terms, stress is the intensity of internal force on the cross-sectional
area of a body. In this test, the distribution of internal force has a resultant force that is normal to
exposed cross-sectional area of a simple bar. Thus,

Stress( )

Force( F )
Area ( A)

When the axial loading is applied to the body, individual points of the body generally move
with the direction of the external force. This movement of points is generally known as
displacement (vector quantity) that will involve a translation and/or rotation of the body as a
whole and neither the size nor the shape of the body is changed. The change in any dimension
associated with these displacements is known as deformation.
A normal strain is the quantity used to measure the change in size (elongation) during
deformation. The strain may be result of a stress, of a change in temperature, or of other physical
phenomena (grain growth or shrinkage). In this test, only strain resulting from changes in stress
is considered. The change in length of a simple bar under an axial loading is:

Strain ( )

Elongation ( )
Original Length( L0 }

It is often necessary to relate loads and temperature changes on a structure to the

deformations produced by the loads. Experience has shown that the deformations caused by
loads are essentially independent of each other. Thus, a ratio of stress to strain that measure the
stiffness of a body is called Youngs Modulus (Elastic Modulus). It is always the constant of
proportionality between stress, and strain at stresses below the proportional limit:

Prepared by TF Go

Elastic Modulus ( E )

Stress ( )
Strain ( )

This relationship between loads and deformation in a structure or machine components can
be obtained by plotting a stress-strain diagram. It also depends on the dimension of the members
as well as type of material they are made.
By analyzing the stress-strain curve of a body, a number of mechanical properties of the
material can be determined. Yield strength is defined as the stress required to produce a specified
amount of plastic deformation or permanent set in the body. The yield strength is always a
practical measure of the limit of elastic action of a material:

Yield Strength

Load at the lim it proportion ality

Area

The maximum stress on the original cross-sectional area that develops in the body before
fracture is called ultimate strength or ultimate tensile and the term can be modified as
compressive or shearing strength:
Ultimate Strength

Maximum load
Area

When the ultimate strength of the body is reached, the cross-sectional area of the body will
start to decrease or neck down as Figure 2 and the resultant force that can be carried by the
specimen decreases until rupture.

Prepared by TF Go

Figure 1 Gauge marks for uniaxial loading

In this test, a specimen as shown in Figure 1, will be prepared and held rigidly between a
fixed beam and a moving beam (crosshead). A dial is used to measure the stress that built up in
the material as its length is increased by moving the crosshead.

Figure 2 Neck down until rupture

3.0 APPARATUS
i.

Tensile test machine

ii.

Specimen (Steel, copper, aluminum, and brass)

iii.

Measurement apparatus (ruler, caliper, divider, etc)

4.0 PROCEDURES
1. Measure the diameter of the specimen at various places and get the average.
2. Mark the specimen at 10 mm interval along its length.
3. Punch 2 marks on the specimen using the provided puncher.
4. Fix the specimen to the machine by pushing the top grip upwards and inserting the
Prepared by TF Go

specimen into bottom grip. Lower the top grip so that the specimen top of the specimen
is in the grip.
5. Fix the extensometer to the specimen. Make sure that the screw pins are resting in the 2
marks.
6. Record the dial gauge readings into Table A.
7. Power on the machine using power switch.
8. Press the motor switch to position A.
9. When the reading is about 0.5 1 kN, stop the machine. This is the preload to take up
all the loose fittings in the machine.
10. Create zero readings of the dial gauge and the load indicator.
11. Turn the motor switch to position A.
12. Record the readings of the load cell, the extensometer and the dial gauge.
13. When the extensometer reading starts to increase at a fast rate, remove the extensometer
and continue the experiment using the dial gauge only. Continue recording until the
specimen breaks.
14. Switch off the motor by pressing the motor switch position to O.
15. Remove the specimen from the grips and join back the specimen.
16. Measure the final length (distance between 5 markings with the break at the center
mark) and diameter at the broken section.
17. Press the motor switch to position M to return the crosshead to the original position.
5.0 RESULTS
Specimen diameter

mm

Cross-sectional area

mm2

Gauge length

mm

Table 1 Tensile Test

Load, F (N)

Dial Gauge

Calculated Stress,

Calculated

Calculated

Reading (mm)

= F/A (N/mm2)

Length L (mm)

Strain,
= L/L0

Prepared by TF Go

(mm./mm)

i.

Prepare a graph with Stress vs. Strain curve for the specimen and point out its elastic

ii.

modulus, yield Strength and ultimate tensile strength.

Determine the following for the specimen: reduction in area, percentage of elongation,
yield strength and ultimate strength.

6.0 DISCUSSION
i.

From the plotted graph, establish the relationship between stress and strain with
explanation

ii.

Comment on the accuracy of the experiment and ways of improving it.

7.0 REFERENCES
iii.

G.E. Dieter, Mechanical Metallurgy, McGraw-Hill Inc., New York, 1986.

iv.

F.A. McClintock and A.S. Argon, Mechanical Behavior of Materials, Addison-Wesley

Inc., Reading, Mass., 1966.

Prepared by TF Go

FACULTY OF ENGINEERING & BUILT ENVIRONMENT

SUBJECT: EME3401 LABORATORY INVESTIGATIONS 1
EXPERIMENT 10: MARCET BOILER
1.0 OBJECTIVE
i.

To demonstrate the relationship between the pressure and temperature of saturated steam
in equilibrium with water

ii.

To determine the vapour pressure curve.

2.0 THEORY/INTRODUCTION
An ideal gas obeys the equation of state that relates the pressure, specific volume or density, and
absolute temperature with mass of molecule and the gas constant, R.

Prepared by TF Go

mRT
M

PV
Where,
P= Absolute pressure
V= Volume
n= Amount of substance (moles)
R= Ideal gas constant
T= Absolute temperature (K)

However, real gas does not absolutely obey the equation of state. A few changes on the ideal
gas equation of state allow its application in the properties of real gas.
When energy increases within water, the increasing of activities among the molecules
enables the increase in the number of molecule escape from the surface until an equilibrium state
is reached. The state of equilibrium depends on the pressure between the water surface and
steam. At lower pressure, the molecules become easier leaving the water surface while less
energy required in achieving the state of equilibrium (boiling point). The temperature where
equilibrium occurs at a given pressure level is called saturated temperature.
The Marcet Boiler is used to investigate the relationship between the pressure and
temperature of saturated steam in equilibrium with water at all temperature levels between the
atmospheric pressure and 10 bars. The experimental slope (dT/dP)SAT obtained is compared to the
theoretical value determined through calculation from the steam table. Clausius-Clapeyron
states:

dT

dP
dT

dP
Where,

Prepared by TF Go

SAT

SAT

Tv fg
h fg

T (v f v g )
h f hg

h f +hfg =hg
h fg =hg h f

dT

dP

T (v f v g )

SAT

h fg

Tv g
h fg
as vg >> vf

In which,
vf = specific volume of saturated liquid
vg = specific volume of saturated vapor
hf = enthalpy of saturated liquid
hg = enthalpy of saturated vapor
hfg = latent heat of vaporization
3.0 APPARATUS
i.

HE169 Marcet boiler which shown in Figure 1

a.

Pressure transducer

b.

Temperature controller/Indicator

c.

Pressure indicator

d.

Control panel

e.

Bench

f.

Bourdon tube pressure gauge

g.

Temperature sensor

h.

Pressure relief valve

i.

Water inlet port & valve

j.

Heater

Prepared by TF Go

Figure 1: HE169 Marcet boiler

4.0 PROCEDURES
1. Turn on the power supply switch.
2. If the boiler is initially filled with water, open the valves at the level side tube to check
the water level. Pour in additional distilled water if necessary. Then, close the valves.
3. Set the temperature controller to 185C, which is slightly above the expected boiling
point of the water at 10 bar (abs).
4. Open the valve at feed port and turn on the heater.
Important: Always make sure that the valves at the level sight tube are closed before
turning on the heater as the sight tube is not designed to withstand high pressure and
temperature.
5. Observe the steam temperature rising as the water boils.
6. Allow steam to come out from the valve for about 30 seconds, and then close the valve.
This step is important to remove air from the boiler as the accuracy of the experimental
results will be significantly affected when air is present.
7. Record the steam temperature and pressure when the boiler is heated until the steam
pressure reaches 10 bar (abs).
Warning: Never open the valves when the boiler is heated as pressurized steam can
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cause severe injury.

8. Then, turn off the heater and the steam temperature and pressure will begin to drop.
Allow boiler cool down to room temperature.
9. Record the steam temperatures at different pressure readings when the boiler is heated
and cooled.
10. Switch off the heater and allow the boiler temperature to drop.
Note: Do not open the valve at the water inlet port as it is highly pressurized at high
temperature.
5.0 RESULTS
Atmospheric pressure

: _____________ bar

Atmospheric temperature

: _____________ (0C)

Table 1 Data Collected and Calculated Results

Pressure, P

Temperature, T

(bar)
absolu

Gauge

te

Increase

Decreas

Average

Average

(0C)

Tavc (0C)

Tavc (K)

(0C)
1.0
1.5
2.0
2.5
3.0
3.5
4.0
4.5
5.0
5.5
6.0
6.5
Prepared by TF Go

Measur

Calculate

ed

Slope,

Slope,

dT/dP

Tvg/hfg

7.0
7.5
8.0
i.

Prepare a graph with temperature, T against absolute pressure, P.

ii.

Measure/calculate the slope of the graph using certain points.

iii.

Plot

dT

dP

Tv fg
h fg

SAT

versus P and

versus P on a same graph.

6.0 DISCUSSION
i.

Give the reason why it is necessary to remove air from the boiler at the beginning of the
experiment.

ii.

Compare the graph plotted from experiment data to that of the calculated data with
explanation.

iii.

Comment on any discrepancy and sources of error of the experiment.

iv.

Discuss the liquid and vapor behavior observed through the experiment and list some
examples of its industrial applications.

RESULT SAMPLE (2013 JAN SEMESTER)

Table 1.
Pressure, P

Temperature, T

Measured

Calculated

Percentag

Slope

Slope,

e error, %

( dTdP )

SAT

Prepared by TF Go

T vg
h fg

Gauge
0
0.4
0.9
1.5
2.0
2.5
3.0
3.5
4.0
4.5
5.0
5.5
6.0
6.5
7.0

Absolute
1
1.5
2.0
2.5
3.0
3.5
4.0
4.5
5.0
5.5
6.0
6.5
7.0
7.5
8.0

()
99.5
111.2
120.2
127.4
133.6
139.0
143.9
148.3
152.2
155.9
159.2
162.3
165.2
168.0
170.6

(K)
372.5
384.2
393.2
400.4
406.6
412.0
416.9
421.3
425.2
428.9
432.2
435.3
438.2
441.0
443.6

Sample Calculations:
To convert bar (abs) to abs.
1
100 kPa = 100 kPa

1bar X

To convert Temperature, T to Temperature, K

T (K) = T () + 273
= 99.5 + 273
= 372.5 K
To calculate measured slope,

( dTdP )

SAT

( 384.2372.5 ) K
( 150100 ) kPa

= 0.234
To calculate calculated slope,
T vg
h fg =

( 372.5 K ) ( 1.6941 m )
kg
2257.5 kJ /kg

= 0.2795
Prepared by TF Go

0.234
0.180
0.144
0.124
0.108
0.098
0.088
0.078
0.074
0.066
0.062
0.058
0.056
0.052

0.2795
0.2001
0.1582
0.1319
0.1139
0.1006
0.09036
0.08225
0.07566
0.07009
0.06540
0.06137
0.05786
0.05480
0.05207

14.49
12.11
8.40
8.15
6.85
7.80
6.25
9.93
5.28
0.91
1.02
0.24
2.14
0.13

To calculate the percentage error, %

Measured SlopeCalculated Slope
Measured Slope

X 100%=

0.2340.2001
X 100%
0.234

= 14.49%

Absolute Temperature, T against Absolute Pressure, P

460.0
440.0
420.0
400.0
Absolute Temperature, T

380.0
360.0
340.0
320.0
0.0 1.0 2.0 3.0 4.0 5.0 6.0 7.0 8.0 9.0
Absolute Pressure, P

Figure 1: Absolute Temperature versus Absolute Pressure

Prepared by TF Go

Change of Temperature, against Absolute Pressure, P

0.30

0.25

0.20
Measured Slope against
Absolute Pressure

Slope 0.15

Calculated Slope against

Absolute Pressure

0.10

0.05

0.00
0.0 1.0 2.0 3.0 4.0 5.0 6.0 7.0 8.0 9.0
Absolute Pressure

Figure 2: The Change of Temperature against Absolute Pressure

Prepared by TF Go

Prepared by TF Go

[SEGi University]

Mechanical Engineering
Laboratory Investigation I
Hand Book

SEGi University

Prepared by TF Go

Subject Info

Subject

Laboratory Investigations 1

Course

BME

Subject Code

EME3401

Subject Status

Major

Semester

Assessment

Lab report 70%;

Presentation 20%
Practical 10%

Lecturer Details

Lecturer

Mr/Ms..

HP/Tel

3047, SEGi UC extension

E-mail Address

xxxx@segi.edu.my

Learning Objectives

To introduce students to experimental methods and technical lab report writing

To reinforce basic mechanical engineering concepts and safety procedures through

exposure to laboratory experimental.

To develop students fundamental practical skills in operating engineering laboratory and

workshop equipment.

Learning Outcomes

Explain the basic concepts involved in engineering statics and materials via experimental.

Explain the basic concepts involved in solids, liquids and gases via experimental.

Work effectively in a team and develop soft skills such as communication

Generate good report writing skill

Prepared by TF Go

Introduction
This laboratory manual available to all students at the beginning of the semester contains the
detailed information about the experiment objectives with each having a brief introduction, a
short description of the facility, suggestions for summary and a few references. Students must
prepare themselves for the next scheduled experiment following the appropriate hand-out.
If you are unable to attend a practical class for a valid reason, please inform the lecturer
before the class. Unexplained absences from laboratory classes may results in a mark of zero for
that experiment. You cannot submit a report if you have not attended the practical class.
Your report should be submitted 2 weeks after the date of the experiment. (By 5 pm).
You must submit a hardcopy version only. Late submission will be subjected to a penalty.
Important Notes:
Plagiarism Plagiarism is a form of cheating. Do not use someone elses ideas or words and
submit them as your own. You will get a 0% grade for plagiarising (even copying your friends
work)

Prepared by TF Go

Lecture Schedule and Suggested Private Study Schedules

Week
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
Note:
EM
MT
FM
WS

Day/Date
11/01/13
14/01/13
21/01/13
28/01/13
04/02/13
12/02/13
18/02/13
25/02/13
04/03/13
11/03/13
18/03/13
25/03/13
01/04/13
08/04/13
15/04/13
=
=
=
=

Engineering Mechanics Lab

Material Testing Lab
Fluid Mechanics Lab
Workshop

Ms Go Tze Fong
January 2013

Prepared by TF Go

Lecture Topic/Name of Experiment

Introduction + Overview
Lab 1 Gear Train
Lab 2 Shear Force
Public Holiday
Lab 3 Bernoullis Principle
CNY Break
Lab 4 Friction Loss
Lab 5 Impact Jet
Lab 6 Free Vibration 1
Lab 7 Free Vibration 2
Lab 8 Turning
Lab 9 Tensile Test
Lab 10 Bending
Revision
Presentation

Venue
EM
EM
FM
FM
FM
EM
EM/MT
WS
WS
WS