Description

The beam used in this experiment has nine strain gauges fitted at the mid span locations at various points on its section. Each strain gauge has a mated strain gauge on the other side of the beam which is used to eliminate the effect of thermal expansion from the strain measurement.

The T beam rests on two simple supports with a central slot to accommodate the web of the T beam. The simple supports are fixed to the Universal Frame bottom beam using thumb screws which allow the user to adjust the position of the supports and change the working length of the beam.

Point loads are applied to the beam through a load application bracket. The load application bracket takes the applied load from the load cell assembly and equally divides it between two point loads equi-distant from the load cell, placing the beam into four-point bending.

The load cell is operated by applying a deflection to the beam using the thumb nut at the base of the load cell. The load cell then measures the load invoked by the applied deflection.

Features & Benefits

• Allows custom specimen usage
• Span can be adjusted
• Supplied with Armfield structures software as standard

Experimental Content

• Bending Equation
• Neutral Axis
• Working with Stress and Strains and their conversion
• Second Moment of Area