ELASTICALLY COUPLED BEAM
Object:-
Experimental and analytical study of elastically coupled beam.
Apparatus:- Elastically coupled beam model weights, scale etc.
Theory:-
Let the internal forces in the three rods Ad, BE, and CF be R1, R2 and
R3 respectively. Lengths AD = BE = CF = L
Lengths AB = BC = DE = EF = L
I = Moment of inertia of the cross-section of the beam ABC and the beam DEF.
E = Young’s Modulus of Elasticity of the materials of the beam ABC and beam DEF.
E1, E2 and E3 = Modulus of elasticity of the material of rods AD, BE and CF
respectively. A1, A2 and A3 = Cross-sectional area of rods AD, BE and CF
respectively.
DD1 =
y1 EE1 =
y2 FF1 =
y3
EE2 = (y1+y3)/2
E2E1 = (11/96) (WL³/EI) – (R2L³/6EI)
Case I
When support B exists, beam ABC becomes in-operative. The central deflection at point E,
of beam DEF, due to load – at G and force R2 at E, Relative to the deflected portions of
points D and F given by.
E = (11/96) (WL³/El) – (R2L³/6El)...................................................(i)
Let y1 and y3 be the elongations of the rods AD and CF respectively. The total deflection of
points E relative to its original positions is
(y1 + y3)/2 + (11/96) (WL³/El) – (R2L³/6El).......................................... (ii)
and this should be equal to the elongation of the rod BE i.e. equal to y2.
Now y1 = R1L/A1E1, y2 = R2L/A2E2 and y3 = R3L/A3E3
Substituting the values of y1 and y2 in equn. (ii)
R2L/A2E2 = ½ {(R1L/A1E1) + (R3L/A3E3)} + (11/96) (WL³/El) – (R2L³/6El)....................... (iii)
Also
R1 + R2 + R3 = W...................... (iv)
Taking moments of all forces about F
R1.2L – W {3/2L} + R2.L = 0
Or R1 = 3/4W – R2/2......................... (v)
Solving eqn. (iii), (iv) and (v) simultaneously for R1, R2 and R3 we obtain
R2 = w × 3K1 + K3+(11/12)L³/El
Where K1 = L/A1E1,K2 = LA2E2 and K3 = LA3E3
Case 2
If the support B were not there, beam AC will also deflect due to the load R2 applied at its
centre. Here the total central deflection of point E, relative to its original positions, as given by
the expression (ii) is equal to the elongation of member BE plus the central deflection of beam
ABC.
R2.L/A2E2+R2.L³/6El = ½ {R1L/A1E1 + R3L/A3E3} + (11/96)(WL³/El) -R2L³/6El
...................... (iii A)
Solving equs. (iii A), (iv) and (v) for R1, R2 and R3 simultaneously.
R2 = w × 3K1 + K3 + (11/12) L³/El
In expressions (vi and (vii) the quantity K = L/A.E for any spring (used as suspension rod here) is the
extension of the spring per Kg. (N) of weight. This may be determined for individual springs.
Procedure:-
(a) Plot graphs between load applied and extension in each spring. From the graph
determine the value of stiffness K. (extension per unit load) for each spring.
(b) Tighten the screw at top for case 1 to make the supports rigid, load the beam DEF at
quarter point and measure extensions of springs. Start with initial load of 1kg. (10N)
increments of 1kg (10N) and maximum load of 4kg (40N).
Precautions:-
(a) Increase the load on the spring gradually while finding the value of K of individual
spring.
(b) Load the lower beam without nay jerk.
(c) Measure the extensions of the springs very accurately.
Observation and calculations:
Table. K = LA.E
Sr. No Spring AD Spring BE Spring CF
Observed Values of Reactions.
Reading at
Sr. No.
R1 (Reaction) R2 (Reaction) R3 (Reaction)
Case-1.0 kg
2.10 N (1kg)
3.20 N (2kg)
4.30 N (3kg)