Mechanics of Materials Lab Manual
Mechanics of Materials Lab Manual
Mechanics of Materials Lab Manual
Mohammed Abdelqader
supervised By:
Dr. Samar Jaber
Eng. Hala Amareen
Objective.
The objective of this experiment is to become familiar with the electric resistance strain gauge
techniques and utilize such gauges for the determination of unknown quantities (such as strain and
stress) at prescribed conditions of a cantilever beam.
Introduction.
Experimental stress analysis is an important tool in the design and testing of many products. Several
practical techniques are available including photoelastic, coatings and models, brittle coatings, and
electrical resistance strain gauges. In this experiment the strain gauge will be utilized. There are three
steps in obtaining experimental strain measurements using a strain gage:
1. Selecting a strain gage
2. Mounting the gage on the test structure
3. Measuring strains corresponding to specific loads.
The operation and selection criteria for strain gauges will be discussed in this introduction. In
this experiment, you will mount a strain gauge on a beam and test its accuracy. Measurements
will be made with a strain gage rosette in this experiment to obtain the principal stresses and
strains on a cantilevered beam
Using the theory of bending at the point of attachment of the strain gauge.
M σ E
=
I y R
Where; M: bending moment (N.mm), I: second moment of area of cantilever (mm4), b : Width
of cantilever specimen (mm), d : Thickness of cantilever specimen (mm)
bd3
I=
12
Where; σ: Surface stress (N/mm2), y: half the thickness of the cantilever (mm) = 1 d, E:
2
modulus of elasticity (N/mm2), R: radius of curvature of cantilever due to M (mm)
Strain is defined as change in length per unit length, that is:
dL ydθ y
=
ε==L
Rdθ R
Hence; y /R = My/ EI = ε
the above formula was used to find theoretical value for strain
Apparatus
1. HDA200 Channels
2. HST35 (strain measurement for structures)
3. strain gauges
4. weights
(10N-40N) 5.clamp
6.cantilever
7.connecter tabs
Procedure
Results
My /EI = ε My /EI = ε
40𝑥100𝑥1.5 30𝑥100𝑥1.5
210,000𝑥56.025 70,000𝑥56.025
−6 −6
= 509𝑥10 = 1147𝑥10
Discussion
Strictly there should be zero torsional readings when the load is half on each arm, but this can
depend on very accurate positioning of the gauges on the neutral axis, the precise symmetry or lack
of it of the extruded section, the cross sensitively of the gauges and the effect of the plane between
the metal and the gauge.
Conclusion
In general the difference between the actual and theoretical value isnot a big of a difference
however, the small difference of value can be caused by any or all of the following:
1. systematic error.
2. Zero error.
3. precision of the equipment.