ME 340 Lab # 9: MEASUREMENT OF STRESS AND STRAIN

Figure 9.1 Experimental setup

OBJECTIVE:
To measure stress and strain in a cantilever beam, using resistance strain gages.

APPARATUS:
1 beam specimens (test piece), strain gage, calipers, ruler, weights.

THEORY:
The schematic diagram of the beam is shown in Figure 9.1.The force F is applied vertical to the
longitudinal axis and at the end of the beam where L is the distance between the force and the
measurement device.

Figure 9.2 Cantilever beam

Within the elastic region, the relationship between uniaxial stress and strain is given by the
Hooke’s law given by,
𝜎𝑎 = 𝐸𝑚 𝜀𝑎 (1)
where, 𝐸𝑚 is the modulus of elasticity
The stress is given by,
𝑀𝑦
𝜎= (2)
𝐼
where, I is the moment of inertia, y is the distance from the neutral axis and M is the moment.
The moment of inertia for a rectangular cross section of Figure 9.2 is given by,
𝑏ℎ3
𝐼= (3)
12
where, b is the base and h is the height of the beam.
The moment is given by,
𝑀 = 𝐹𝐿 (4)
From (2), (3) and (4) the stress at the surface is given by,
6𝐹𝐿
𝜎= (5)
𝑏ℎ2
Using (5) and (1) the axial strain can be calculated. Further, the lateral strain can be evaluated
using the Poisson’s ratio given by,
𝜀𝐿
𝜈= (6)
𝜀𝑎

where, 𝜈 is a material property.

PROCEDURE:
1. Measure the dimensions of the test piece accurately, using the calipers and the ruler.
2. Connect one of the strain gages to the "Reference Gage" and the other to the "Active Gage"
on the bridge. (order is not important).
3. Power on the bridge.
4. Zero up the bridge by adjusting the "Initial Adjustment" so that the null indicator reads zero.
Note: These dials are very sensitive; a small fraction of a turn will send the needle off the
scale.
 Figure 9.3 Strain measurement instrument
5. Load the test piece according to the steps given below and set the bridge to zero, this time by
adjusting the graduated 10-turn potentiometer marked "Strain Balance." The strain is read
directly off of the potentiometer in micro-strain.
6. PART A:
Constant force with varying lengths
a. Zero the bridge using ‘Initial adjustment’ knobs
b. Select a load
c. Place the load at 5 cm from the strain gauge
d. Zero the bridge using the potentiometer and record the strain
e. Repeat (c) and (d) for loading distances 10, 15, 20, 25 and 30 cm
f. Go backwards from 30 to 5 cm
7. PART B:
Constant length with varying force
a. Zero the bridge using ‘Initial adjustment’ knobs
b. Set a length in the middle of the beam and apply a load of 2.5 N
c. Zero the bridge using the potentiometer and record the strain
d. Repeat (c) for loads 3, 3.5, 4 and 4.5 N
e. Go backwards from 4.5 to 2.5 N
8. Plot the experimental strain versus the expected (theoretical) strain values, and comment on
your results
REFERENCE: Figliola, R. S., & Beasley, D. E. (2006). Theory and design for mechanical
measurements (4th ed.). Hoboken, N.J.: John Wiley.