Material Testing (Continuation)
Beam Deflection and
Shear/Torsion Test
Material Science and Engineering
Presented by: Frances Czarina Calimlim
Christine Mhariz Dela Peña
Learning Objectives
• Understand the concepts of beam deflection and
shear/torsion in materials.
• Explain how materials deform under bending and twisting.
• Relate these behaviors to real-world structural
applications.
• Apply theoretical principles in design and analysis.
Introduction to Structural Loading
Structures experience various load types: axial, bending, shear, and torsion.
The response of materials to these loads defines their performance and failure
behavior.
Beam deflection and torsion are critical for designing stable and durable structures.
axial load Tensile/Compressive loads → act along the length (push or pull).
Tension- Bridge cables Compression- Concrete columns
BENDING load
-perpendicular to the length (axis) of a beam or member.
shear load TORSION load
-acts as a twisting moment or torque about
-act sideways or parallel to the surface
the longitudinal axis of a shaft or rod.
BEAM
DEFLECTION
What is beam deflection?
• Beam deflection is the bending or displacement of a beam
when subjected to loads.
• Occurs due to bending moments that cause curvature in the
beam.
• Excessive deflection can lead to cracks, vibrations, or
serviceability issues.
👉Too much deflection affects function and comfort, even when the material is still
strong enough.
Factors Affecting Deflection
1. Load Magnitude and Type
-Heavier loads or concentrated
(point) loads cause greater deflection
than lighter or uniformly distributed
loads.
Factors Affecting Deflection
2. Span Length (L)
-the distance between two supports of a beam, bridge, or structural
member.
3. Modulus of Elasticity (E)
Indicates the stiffness of the material.
A higher E (stiffer material, like steel) means less deflection.
4. Moment of Inertia (I)
Depends on the shape and size of the beam’s cross-section.
Larger or deeper sections (higher I) are more resistant to bending and
deflect less.
Factors Affecting Deflection
Steel is stiffer and resists bending
better.
Aluminum is more flexible, so it
bends or deflects more easily
even with the same load and
beam size.
Euler–Bernoulli Beam Theory
• 𝒚: deflection
• 𝑴(𝒙): bending moment
• 𝑬: modulus of elasticity
• 𝑰: moment of inertia
Euler–Bernoulli Beam Theory
DETERMINE THE MAXIMUM DEFLECTION OF THE BEAM AB LOADED AS SHOWN IN THE
FIGURE. IF E= 200X109 Pa and I=6x10-6 m4 .
Euler–Bernoulli Beam Theory
Common Beam Configurations
Simply Supported Beam
— supported at both ends.
TYPE OF LOAD MAX DEFLECTION MAX BENDING MOMENT
Point Load at Midspan (P)
Uniformly Distributed Load (UDL)
(w)
Common Beam Configurations
Cantilever Beam
— fixed at one end.
TYPE OF LOAD MAX DEFLECTION MAX BENDING MOMENT
Point Load at Midspan (P)
Uniformly Distributed Load (UDL)
(w)
Common Beam Configurations
Fixed-Ended Beam
— restrained at both ends.
TYPE OF LOAD MAX DEFLECTION MAX BENDING MOMENT
Point Load at Midspan (P)
Uniformly Distributed Load (UDL)
(w)
Significance in Design
Codes specify maximum allowable deflection (e.g., L/240).
Prevents cracking, vibration, or misalignment.
Ensures comfort and structural integrity.
CONCEPTUAL SETUP
AND PROCEDURE
APPARATUS OVERVIEW
Beam Deflection Apparatus
-a laboratory instrument used
to study the bending of
beams by applying loads and
measuring the resulting
deflection
PARTS
1. BEAM
2. LOAD HANGERS
3. DIAL GAUGE
cONCEPTUAL PROCEDURE
EXAMPLE 1:
DETERMINE THE MAXIMUM DEFLECTION OF THE BEAM AB LOADED IN THE SIMPLY
SUPPORTED BEAM WITH A LOAD OF 400N, L=10m E= 200X109 Pa and I=6x10-6 m4 .
cONCEPTUAL PROCEDURE
EXAMPLE 2:
A cantilever beam 1.5 m long carries a uniform load of 30 N/m. Find the maximum
deflection. If E= 200GPa and I=65X106 mm4 .
SHEAR AND TORSION
TEST
OVERVIEW
Shear and torsion represent internal resistance against
sliding and twisting
Important in analyzing shafts, couplings, and beams
Help determine safety limits and failure behavior
Shear Test
This test determines how materials respond to
forces that cause sliding between layers
It measures the shear strength of the material
Ex. Testing a bolt’s ability to resist shearing
Shear Stress and strain
𝝉 = 𝑮𝜸
wherein:
𝝉 - shear stress
𝑮 - shear modulus
𝜸 - shear strain
Torsion Test
This test measures the material’s resistance to
twisting about its axis
Torsion test is important for designing
components that experience rotational forces,
such as drive shafts, screws, or torsion springs,
ensuring they can safely handle operational
loads
Ex. Twisting a shaft or a rod until it fails to see how
much torque it can handle
torsional relationship
wherein:
𝑻 - torque applied
𝑱 - polar moment of inertia
𝝉 - shear stress
r - radius
𝜽 - angle of twist
𝑳 - specimen length
solid shaft Hollow shaft
Angle of twist
wherein:
𝜽 - angle of twist
𝑻 - torque applied (N·mm, N·m)
𝑳 - specimen length (mm, m, inch)
𝑱 - polar moment of inertia
G - shear modulus
torsional illustration
Figure A
Figure B
MATERIAL BEHAVIOR IN SHEAR & TORSION
Ductile materials
materials like steel or aluminum can stretch and twist
before breaking
gradual yielding before failure
Brittle materials
materials like glass and ceramics cannot deform much
sudden fracture with minimal deformation
Torsion tests help determine the yield shear strength and
shear modulus.
MATERIAL BEHAVIOR IN SHEAR & TORSION
Stress-Strain Graph
Applications
The concepts of shear and torsion have wide-ranging applications in both
mechanical and structural engineering. Shafts in motors and turbines are
designed to transmit torque without excessive twisting or failure. Couplings,
axles, and gears in mechanical systems also experience torsional and shear
stresses, requiring materials that can withstand repeated loading. In structural
engineering, beams and joints in frames are analyzed for torsional effects to
maintain stability and strength.
Understanding torsional behavior is essential for safety design, as it helps
engineers prevent twisting failures, reduce vibration, and ensure reliable
performance of mechanical and structural components.
Applications
Shaft in Motors
Shaft in Turbine
Applications
Twisted Shaft
Shear Failures
CONCEPTUAL SETUP
AND PROCEDURE
apparatus overview
Torsion Apparatus
is a specialized piece of equipment
used to perform a torsion test,
which determines how a material
reacts to twisting forces (torque)
Parts :
1) Digital angular & torque display
2) Torque handle
CONCEPTUAL PROCEDURE
EXAMPLE 1:
A circular shaft transmits a torque of 150 Nm. If its diameter is 20 mm, what is
the maximum shear stress?
Given:
Torque, T = 150N·m = 150 x 103 N·mm
Diameter, d = 20 mm
radius = d/2 = 20/2 = 10 mm
τmax= 95.493 MPa
J = 15 707.9633 mm2
CONCEPTUAL PROCEDURE
EXAMPLE 2:
In a torsion test, a 25 mm diameter specimen is twisted through 6° over a
130mm gauge length. Find the shear strain.
Given:
Diameter, d = 25 mm
θ = 6° = 0.1047 rad
Length, L = 130 mm
radius = d/2 = 25/2 = 12.5 mm
γ = 0.0101 rad = 10.0673 x 10-3
DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS
Beam deflection analysis and torsion testing are vital in predicting how
materials will behave in real structures. These tests allow engineers to estimate
performance, ensure serviceability, and avoid issues like excessive sagging or
twisting.
Practically, engineers can minimize deflection by:
Increasing the moment of inertia (I) through optimized beam geometry (e.g.,
using I-beams or hollow sections).
Choosing materials with a higher modulus of elasticity (E).
Reducing span length or load intensity when possible.
DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS
The flexural rigidity (EI) and torsional rigidity (GJ) of materials determine how strongly a
structure resists bending and twisting, respectively. Materials with high modulus of
elasticity (E) and moment of inertia (I)—such as steel—exhibit greater stiffness and smaller
deflections under the same load compared to materials like aluminum. Similarly, a high
shear modulus (G) and polar moment of inertia (J) provide better resistance to twisting or
torsion.
The type of loading greatly affects the failure mode.
Under bending, failure often occurs due to excessive tensile or compressive stress on
the beam’s outer fibers.
Under torsion, failure usually happens from shear stress exceeding the material’s shear
strength.
A proper safety factor ensures that neither stress nor deflection reaches critical limits
during service.
conclusion
In conclusion, beam deflection and torsion are crucial for understanding the
behavior of structures under load. Beam deflection illustrates bending under
force, while torsion represents twisting under torque—both essential in ensuring
the stability and reliability of engineering structures.
Material stiffness and geometry greatly influence how it responds to loads.
Stiffer materials resist deformation better, and variations in cross-sectional
shape or size affect stress distribution. For example, thicker or hollow shafts
can sustain higher torsional loads than smaller ones of identical material.
conclusion
By studying and testing beam deflection and torsion, engineers can create
structures that are safe and work efficiently. This understanding helps them
choose the right materials and shapes, so that the design can handle real-life
loads without breaking or deforming too much.
Knowing how to perform these tests is therefore important in building strong,
stable, and affordable designs that meet safety and performance requirements.
references
Silo, D. R., & Fulay, P. P. Essentials of Materials Science and Engineering, 2nd
Ed.
Callister, W. D., & Rethwisch, D. G. Materials Science and Engineering: An
Introduction, 10th Ed.