intilevers: Student Guide Experiment 2: Deflection of a Simply Supported Beam In this experiment, we will examine the deflection of a simply supported beam subjected to an increasing point load. We will also vary the beam length by changing the distance between the supports. This means we can find out the relationship between the deflection and the length of the beam. As well as the information given on the backboard you will need the following formula: E value: 5 Nm 16.17 Mass -2 Width b: 19.32 mm m Depth d: 3.83 mm Actual deflection (g) (mm) Theoretical deflection (mm) 0 0 100 6.33 WL W = mass 200 Maximum deflection 0.50 = 48EI L=400 300 0.86 where: 400 1.09 W-Load (N); 500 L-Distance from support to support (m); E-Young's modulus for cantilever material (Nm); I= Second moment of area of the cantilever (m). Part 1 Using a vernier gauge, measure the width and depth of the aluminium test beam. Record the values next to the results table and use them to calculate the second moment of area, I. Remove any clamps from the backboard. Setting length between supports 1 to 400 mm, set up the beam as shown in Figure 4. 1.039 Table 4 Results for Experiment 2 (fixed beam length variable load) Part 2 Set up the beam with the length / at 200 mm. Ensure the digital dial test indicator and load hanger are still central to the beam, as shown in Figure 5. +/-200 mm =400 mm- 200 mm 1200 mm- W Figure 5 Simply supported beam set-up and schematic (fixed beam load with variable length) W