Bending of Beams Lab Procedure

Step 1 of 7

Before you start

📋 Machine Identification

Look at the side of your Shimadzu and write down your machines number

Programming the Machine

We have made a program file for you (a 'Method' file .xml), which tells the machine what to do. You need to find it and open it.

On the laptop next to the Shimadzu, do the following:

Open Trapezium X software if its not already loaded up Click "Open Method" Navigate to the Desktop, and then into a folder called "Bending". If this doesnt exist look for "CIV1000" or "MEC11003" Within one of these folders should be a file called "Bending.xml" or similar. Open it

🎯 Visual Check Point

The Trapezium X software should now have loaded an empty graph, signifying it is ready to go.

Configure the Bending Supports

A 3 point bending test has....3 points which contact the beam. The 2 lower supports (which provide a reaction force) and the central one which applies the load.

Do the following:

Check the supports are spaced correctly - for this labs its 150mm. Use an Alan Key to adjust and slide the supports if needed Check the supports and the loading point are not loose by lightly shaking them

Arrange the Beam

Lets get the beam in the correct position....

Do the following:

Place one of the beams onto the supports, making sure its not skewed/looks diagonally positioned Lower the loading point until its near (not touching) the top of the beam. This is done using the Shimadzu panel buttons (On. Up. Down.)

🎯 Visual Check Point

What catches some people out is not activating the panel buttons. Make sure the green light is on next to the up/down buttons. If its not, press the 'On' button a couple times.

Final Touches

We need the loading point to be JUST touching the beam, ideally with no air gaps, and without applying any force yet.

Do the following:

Check you have a small air gap to start with. Maybe 1 or 2 mm between the loading point and the top of the beam Zero the force the machine is registering by pressing the 'Force' Button Use the panel spin-wheel to carefully lower the loading arm. Keep an eye on the digital force reading....once that suddenly increases, stop! This means you are now touching the beam Slowly back off using the spin-wheel until the Force is approximately zero again Zero the stroke (displacement)

🎯 Visual Check Point

We now know that there is no air gap and almost no applied force.

Running the Test

Now you are ready to set the machine off to run the test

Do the following:

Press the green panel button It asks if you are ready.... press the green button again

🎯 Visual Check Point

Observe the graph being plotted on the laptop screen showing force applied and the central displacement (stroke) of the machine

Recording and Processing Data

You can now repeat all those previous steps, for each beam until you have tested them all.

Now return to the labsheet & spreadsheet which will guide you in what to do with your data.

🎉 Congratulations!

You have successfully completed the experimental tests

Next Steps:

✅ Process your beam test data using the spreadsheet
✅ Compare theoretical vs experimental deflections
✅ Explore the reasons for any differences

⚖️ Bending of Beams

📋 Machine Identification

🎯 Visual Check Point

🎯 Visual Check Point

🎯 Visual Check Point

🎯 Visual Check Point

🎉 Congratulations!