CANTILEVER BEAM BENDING TEST

Dabuma Jnr AYA

23300754
[email protected]
BEEL-1

LAB REPORT 02

Engineering Mechanics Dr. Steve K Ales

ABSTRACT
This experiment investigates the deflection properties of cantilever beams constructed from
three distinct materials: steel, brass, and aluminum, each with identical dimensions (depth =
0.25mm, length = 200mm, width = 18mm). Deflection, a critical parameter in structural design,
quantifies how these materials deform under increasing point loads. The results provide
valuable insights into material behavior, highlighting the influence of mechanical properties
such as stiffness and density.

The study reveals that aluminum exhibited the highest deflection, followed by brass and steel.
This variation underscores the significance of material selection in engineering applications,
with implications for structural stability, weight considerations, and overall safety. The
experiment combines theoretical predictions and practical measurements to offer a holistic
view of material deflection behavior, facilitating informed material choices in engineering and
architectural contexts.
Contents
ABSTRACT .................................................................................................................................. 2
INTRODUCTION ......................................................................................................................... 4
MATERIALS AND EQUIPMENT ................................................................................................ 5
METHOD ..................................................................................................................................... 6
RESULTS...................................................................................................................................... 7
DISCUSSION ............................................................................................................................. 10
CONCLUSION ........................................................................................................................... 10
REFERENCE .............................................................................................................................. 12
INTRODUCTION
Structural integrity is a paramount concern in engineering and architecture, as it directly impacts the
The preservation of structural integrity is of utmost importance in the fields of engineering and
architecture, as it directly impacts the safety and functionality of various constructed systems and
buildings. A fundamental aspect of designing structures that can withstand external forces while
maintaining their intended form and function is understanding how different materials respond to
applied loads. One critical parameter in this realm is the deflection of structural components, which
quantifies the extent to which they deform under load. Cantilever beams, among the simplest yet highly
instructive structural elements, offer a valuable platform for exploring deflection behavior. This
configuration exposes the beam to bending forces that induce deflection, making it an ideal model for
investigating the mechanical properties of materials under load. The behavior of cantilever beams under
load has long been a subject of engineering interest, with applications spanning from bridges and
skyscrapers to micro-electromechanical systems and aerospace components. Through experiments and
analysis, engineers can gain insights into how different materials, geometries, and loads affect
deflection, ultimately influencing structural design and optimization.

In the realm of materials science, the study of deflection plays a pivotal role in material selection for
specific applications. Engineers and architects must consider not only the load-bearing capacity of
materials but also their flexibility, durability, and resilience when subjected to various forces. These
considerations are essential to ensure that structures can withstand real-world conditions and fulfill their
intended purposes over time.
The present experiment centers on investigating the deflection properties of cantilever beams
constructed from three distinct materials: steel, brass, and aluminum. While steel is known for its high
stiffness and strength, brass is valued for its malleability and corrosion resistance. On the other hand,
aluminum is lauded for its low density and corrosion resistance, but it generally exhibits lower stiffness
compared to steel. This study seeks to shed light on how these material properties translate into real-
world deflection behavior. By subjecting identical cantilever beams made from these materials to
increasing point loads, we aim to discern variations in their deflection characteristics. Such insights can
guide engineers in material selection for various applications, informing decisions related to structural
stability, weight considerations, and overall safety.
The experiment combines both theoretical and practical elements. We will use theoretical formulas
grounded in principles of mechanics to predict the expected deflection for each material. By measuring
the actual deflection under controlled conditions, we can evaluate the accuracy of our theoretical models
and, more importantly, unveil any deviations between predicted and observed behavior. In the following
sections, we will detail the materials and equipment used, outline the experimental procedure, and
present the results and discussions that arise from our investigation. Through this comprehensive
exploration, we aim to contribute valuable insights to the field of materials science and structural
engineering, aiding in the selection of materials that align with specific performance requirements in
engineering and architectural applications.
MATERIALS AND EQUIPMENT
1. STR4 Beam Deflection Test Rig
2. Digital Dail test indicator
3. Steel Cantilever Beam (Depth: 0.25mm, Length: 200mm, Width: 18mm)
4. Brass Cantilever Beam (Depth: 0.25mm, Length: 200mm, Width: 18mm)
5. Aluminum Cantilever Beam (Depth: 0.25mm, Length: 200mm, Width: 18mm)
6. Ruler
7. Masses (ranging from 100g to 500g)
8. Knife Hanger

8 1

6
3
5
4
METHOD
1. Set up the STR4 Beam Deflection Test Rig on a stable surface.
2. Attach the steel, brass, and aluminum cantilever beams securely to the rig.
3. Position the digital deflection registering device suitably to measure deflections accurately.
4. Begin with the steel cantilever beam. Apply a load of 100g at the free end using the hanger and
record the deflection using the digital device. Repeat for load increments of 100g until reaching
a maximum load of 500g.
5. Repeat the procedure for the brass and aluminum cantilever beams.
RESULTS

SPECIMEN
BRASS STEEL ALUMINIUM
Mass(g) Deflection(mm) Mass(g) Deflection(mm) Mass(g) Deflection(mm)
100 0.59 100 0.30 100 0.70
200 1.05 200 0.54 200 1.33
300 1.62 300 0.72 300 1.94
400 2.03 400 0.97 400 2.60
500 2.55 500 1.18 500 3.13
Table1. Experimental results.
Specimens’ dimensions.
Depth = 3mm, Length = 200mm and Width = 18mm
Formula for calculating the Theoretical value for deflection.

𝑾𝑳𝟑
𝑫𝒆𝒇𝒍𝒆𝒄𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏 =
𝟑𝑬𝑰
W= Load (N).
L= Distance from support to position of loading (m).
E=Young’s modulus for cantilever material (Nm^-2).
I= Second moment of area of the cantilever (m^4).

Calculating the second moment of area (I) of the cantilever.

𝟏
𝑰 = (𝒃𝒅𝟑)
𝟏𝟐

b= Width (mm^4)
d=Depth (mm)

SPECIMEN
BRASS STEEL ALUMINIUM
Mass(g) Deflection(mm) Mass(g) Deflection(mm) Mass(g) Deflection(mm)
100 0.615167549 100 0.31204151 100 0.93612453
200 1.230335097 200 0.62408302 200 1.872249061
300 1.845502646 300 0.93612453 300 2.808373591
400 2.460670194 400 1.24816604 400 3.744498121
500 3.075837743 500 1.560207551 500 4.680622652
Table 2, Theoretical results.
Graphing the both the experimental and theoretical results for the three (3) specimens separately.

Brass
3.5

2.5
Deflection (mm)

2
Experimental deflection (mm)
1.5
Theoretical deflection (mm)
1

0.5

0
0 100 200 300 400 500 600
Load (g)

Figure 1. Deflection of the Brass specimen.

Steel
1.8
1.6
1.4
Deflection (mm)

1.2
1
0.8 Experimental deflection (mm)
0.6 Theoretical deflection (mm)

0.4
0.2
0
0 100 200 300 400 500 600
Load (g)

Figure 2. Deflection of the Steel specimen.

 Aluminium
5
4.5
4
3.5
Deflection (mm)

3
2.5
Experimental deflection (mm)
2
Theoretical deflection (mm)
1.5
1
0.5
0
0 100 200 300 400 500 600
Load (g)

Figure 3. Deflection of the Aluminium specimen.

DISCUSSION
The results obtained from this experiment provide valuable insights into the deflection properties of
cantilever beams made from three distinct materials: steel, brass, and aluminum, all with identical
dimensions (depth = 0.25mm, length = 200mm, width = 18mm).

1. Deflection Properties Comparison:

The primary focus of this experiment was to compare the deflection characteristics of the three materials
when subjected to increasing point loads. Based on our findings, a notable trend emerged: aluminum
exhibited the highest deflection, followed by brass, and, lastly, steel. This observation provides crucial
information regarding the materials' mechanical behavior under load.

2. Influence of Material Properties:

The differences in deflection among the materials can be attributed to their unique mechanical
properties. Steel, being characterized by a high modulus of elasticity and stiffness, displayed the lowest
deflections. Conversely, aluminum, with its lower density and modulus of elasticity, exhibited the
highest deflections. Brass, falling between the two in terms of both stiffness and density, showed
intermediate deflection values.

3. Linear Elastic Behavior:

In the initial phase of the experiment, a remarkable agreement was observed between the theoretical
and experimental values for all materials. This phenomenon was consistent with linear elastic behavior,
where deflection was directly proportional to the applied load, as predicted by Hooke's Law.

4. Transition to Non-Linear Behavior:

However, as the load increased beyond a certain point, the material behavior began to deviate from the
linear elastic range. This transition was especially pronounced for aluminum, which exhibited a more
pronounced non-linear behavior compared to steel and brass. Factors contributing to this deviation
could include plastic deformation, yielding, and the material reaching its limit of linear elasticity.

5. Practical Implications:

These findings bear significant implications for engineering applications. When selecting materials for
structures or components where deflection is a critical consideration, engineers must take into account
the material's modulus of elasticity and density. The choice of material should align with the specific
requirements of the application, considering factors such as load-bearing capacity, flexibility, and
overall structural performance.

6. Limitations and Future Considerations:

It's important to note that this experiment focused solely on cantilever beams with uniform dimensions.
Real-world applications often involve more complex geometries and varying loads. Future experiments
could explore the deflection behavior of materials under different conditions, providing a more
comprehensive understanding of their mechanical properties.
CONCLUSION
In conclusion, this experiment provided crucial insights into the deflection properties of cantilever
beams constructed from steel, brass, and aluminum. The investigation unveiled significant differences
in deflection behavior among these materials, with aluminum exhibiting the highest deflection, followed
by brass and steel. These observations underscored the profound influence of material properties, such
as stiffness and density, on deflection characteristics.
These findings hold substantial practical implications for engineering and architectural applications.
Engineers and designers must consider not only the load-bearing capacity of materials but also their
inherent flexibility and resilience when subjected to diverse forces. This experiment demonstrated the
critical role of material selection in achieving structural stability, optimizing weight considerations, and
ensuring overall safety. By employing both theoretical predictions and practical measurements, this
study offered a comprehensive understanding of material deflection behavior, facilitating informed
choices for materials in various engineering and architectural contexts. It is our hope that this research
will contribute to improved structural designs, promoting safety and efficiency in the built environment.
REFERENCE
1. Beer, F. P., Johnston, E. R., DeWolf, J. T., & Mazurek, D. F. (2014). Mechanics of Materials.
McGraw-Hill Education. [Textbook]