Deflection of Beams and Cantilevers (Next Generation Structures)

One of a range of experiment modules that fit to the Structures platform Structures platform STS1 (available separately), this product helps students to understand the elastic properties of beams and cantilevers. Students choose from a selection of test beams and fit them to supports.

They may choose to fit the beams to one support only, forming a cantilever. They may also fit them between two supports with different fixing methods, forming simply supported and fixed or ‘encastre’ beams. Each support includes pointers that work with the scale on the platform for accurate positioning.

Students apply loads to any position along the beam and measure the resulting deflection, also at any point along the beam. They use textbook beam equations to predict the deflection for any given load and compare the calculated results with the measured results. This helps confirm the reliability of the textbook equations and the accuracy of the experiment results.

This product includes a set of beam ‘specimens’ of different metals and cross-section for comparison of the elastic properties and ‘I’ value. It also allows the student to vary the effective length of the beam to see how this affects the magnitude of deflection for any given load.

The deflection indicator has its own display, but it can connect to the USB interface hub of the Structures platform for computer display and data acquisition.

*There are 21 different experiments in the Next Generation Structures range.

Key Features

• One of a range of experiment modules that teach structures principles
• Fits to the Structures platform (STS1) for ergonomic use and space-saving storage
• Selectable beam fi xing conditions, with fully adjustable load and defl ection measuring positions for increased experiment range
• Includes beams of diff erent material and cross-section for comparison of elastic (Young’s) modulus and Second Moment of Area (‘I’ value)
• High-resolution digital defl ection indicator for maximum measurement accuracy
• Includes Vernier caliper for cross-section measurement
• Supplied with a storage tray to keep smaller items safe
• Works with user-friendly software (VDAS^®)

Learning Outcomes

• Beam bending formula and structural ‘stiffness’
• Deflection due to point loads and UDLs (uniformly distributed loads)
• How beam fixings affect deflection of:
  
  • Simply supported beams
  • Fixed or ‘encastre’ beams
  • Cantilever beams
  • Propped cantilever
• Shape of a deflected beam
• Beam length and deflection
• Beam material and deflection — the elastic (Young’s) modulus
• Beam cross-section and deflection — the Second Moment of Area (‘I’ value)
• Pure bending of a beam
• Reciprocal theorem (Maxwell-Betti)

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