January 6

MM-LAB
2019
LAB REPORT
 Experiment no. 9
To determine the load point deflection of a fixed ended beam
subjected to an eccentric load.
1. Objectives:
To determine the fixed beam central deflection and with the theoretical value compare it.

2. Apparatus:
i. Beam apparatus of deflection with clamps.
ii. Dial indicator
iii. Vernier Callipers
iv. Meter rod
v. Hangers and weights

3. Theoretical analysis
3.1. Load
Load is produced in a body when external forces act on a body and deformation is
produced in elastic material as a result. (1)
3.2. Beam:
Beam is a designing component that is utilized to bear loads transverse to its pivot. The
beams loading results underway of shear stresses and bending moments (causing diversion).
The pressure and bending moments in the beam relies on the geometry and the sort of the
beams (2)

3.2.1. Types of beams:

Following are the types of beams based on the supports used to balance the beams:

i. Simply supported beam: It has roller support at one end and hinge support at the
other end and there is no restriction of rotation at it ends and also has two support
reactions at their ends. (2). It is shown in the following figure: -

ii. Cantilever beam: This is a type of beam which has fixed one end and the other end
free. It is shown in the figure:
iii. Overhanging beam: It is actually simply supported beam but both ends or may be
one get extended over the ends. (2)

iv. Continuous beam: Having more than two supports . (2)

Fixed beam: Ends are firmly fixed in supports and are used where less deflection is required.
3.3. Stress
Loads are those which cause external force on a body. Loads deform elastic material and
cause internal resistance. This load per unit area is called stress. (3)

3.3.1. Types of stress

There are two types of stress:

i. Normal stress: When stressed area gets load that is perpendicular to that stressed
surface then it is called normal stress.
ii. Shear stress: When Load is applied that is parallel to stressed surface then it is called
shear stress.

3.4. Strain
Strain is the deformation measurement. Strain is the ratio of change in length over
original length. (3)
3.4.1. Types of strain:
There are two types of strain:

i. Normal strain: When change in length gets divided by its original length then the
strain is called normal strain .
ii. Shear strain: It is the deformation caused by shear force per unit length and height.
(4)

3.5. Modulus of Elasticity

Stress required to produce unit strain within the elastic limit of the body. It is also called as
a young’s modulus . When material has higher elastic modulus it has higher stiffness (5). Three
primary types of modulus of elasticity are:

i. Bulk modulus (K)

ii. Young’s modulus (E)
iii. Shear modulus (G or μ)

3.6. Deflection of beam

Deflection tells us about the degree when structure element get extended under load. It
may be distance or angle. (6).
3.7. Deflection of fixed beam:
It has both ends fixed on supports. At each end slope is zero and at ends there will be couple
applied. In loading, there will be opposite sign of applied couple to bending moment . Consider
AB of length “L” in a beam fixed at A and B and point load “W’’ as shown in the figure 8.

There is a deflection of maximum value which occurs at fixed beam center.

Let,
δ = Actual value deflection of beam.
δc = Central deflection actual value of beam
yc = Central deflection actual value of beam
The maximum theoretical deflection (yc) at x= L/2 is given by:
yc= WL3/192EI
Where,
E = Modulus of elasticity for the material of beam
 I = Moment of inertia of the beam

3.8. Deflection of beam apparatus

In this experiment the beam is supported on a metal beam and there is also two knife edge
support. It will be made fixed beam type by clamps arrangement at ends.

4. Procedure
i. On horizontal surface, set the beam apparatus of deflection.
ii. Set the reading of dial indicator to zero.
iii. Apply 0.5lb load and by using dial indicator measure deflection.
iv. Take five readings set while loading and unloading.
v. Calculate:
a) The “Theoretical value of defection (yc)” of beam at mid-span.
b) The %age error between values of theoretical and experimental of central
deflections.

5. Observations and Calculations

Least count of dial indicator = 0.001 in
Least count of Vernier calipers = 0.05 mm = 0.00196 in
Effective length of beam (L) = 24.92 in
 Breadth of beam (b) = 1.0039 in
Height of beam (h) = 0.196 in
Moment of inertia of the beam (I=bh3/12) = 0.63*10^-3 in4
The modulus of elasticity of material of the beam = 29 × 106 psi

No. of Effective Actual Central Deflection- δc Theoretical Percentage

obs. Load-P (in) deflection error
(lb.) (%)
Loading Unloading Average yc= WL3/192EI
(in)
1. 0.5 0.002 0.002 0.002 0.00193 3.5
2. 1 0.004 0.004 0.004 0.00368 8.0
3. 1.5 0.006 0.006 0.006 0.00580 3.3
4. 2 0.008 0.008 0.008 0.00770 3.75
5. 2.5 0.010 0.010 0.010 0.00966 3.4

The percentage error is found as:

experimental value−theoretical value
Percentage error = ×100
theoretical value

The mean percentage error between actual deflection and theoretical deflection = 4.4%

7. Comments
There are a number of factors that affect the calculations and result of the experiment. Some
of these factors are listed below:
i. Faulty apparatus.
ii. Person negligence while performing experiment.
iii. Instruments like Vernier caliper and dial indicator zero error also effect results .
iv. Dial indicator internal friction also causes error.

8.References:
i. http://www.mechanicalbooster.com/2016/09/types-of-beams.html

ii. http://www.mech4study.com/2016/04/what-is-beam-types-of-beams.html
iii. https://www.slideshare.net/missazza/mechanic-machine-46132332
iv. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Deflection_(engineering).
v. https://brilliant.org/wiki/terms-in-physics-stress-and-strain/#types-of-stress-and-strain.
vi. https://www.chegg.com/homework-help/definitions/cantilever-beams-5