Mechanics of Materials Lab 1 1

Elasticity: Young’s Modulus

INTRODUCTION:

All bodies are deformed to some extent when acted on by forces. If a body is deformed
and it tends to return to its original dimensions, it is said to be elastic. Elasticity is a material
property and is characterized by an elastic modulus, which is defined as the ratio of the stress to
the strain. Stress is related to the deforming force and strain is the effect of relative changes in
the dimensions of the body we subject to a stress.

It is not commonly thought that materials such as steel are elastic. However, this is the
case, as will be demonstrated. The deformation and recovery of a steel wire will be observed,
and by experimentally determining the longitudinal strain for an applied stress, the longitudinal
elastic modulus, commonly called Young’s Modulus, will be computed.

THEORY:
The elasticity of a material is a parameter that is not dependant on the shape or
dimensions of a body. The elasticity is characterized by elastic moduli: Young’s Modulus
(linear), shear modulus
(two dimensional) & bulk modulus (three dimensional). Each modulus describes a different type
of elastic deformation. Modulus of elasticity provides a measure of the stiffness of a material.
Only Young’s Modulus will be considered in this experiment.
In general an elastic modulus is defined as:
Elastic modulus = Stress
Strain
For the Linear case, the Stress is equal to the applied longitudinal Force (F) divided by
the cross sectional area (A) of the object. Tensile Stress = F
A
For SI, Force is in Newtons. For Imperial force is in lbs.

For the Linear case, Strain involves a change of length and the tensile strain is defined
as the ratio of the change in length (∆L) to the original length (LO). Tensile Strain = ∆L
LO
Longitudinal stress can be either tensile (elongating) or compressive.
The elastic modulus for the linear case is called Young’s Modulus (Y) and:
Y = Tensile Stress = F / A
Tensile Strain ∆L / LO
 Mechanics of Materials Lab 1 2

Since the strain is a ratio of length, it is dimensionless and the dimensions of Young’s
Modulus are N/m2 (Pascals), or lb/in2.
Provided that the elastic limit of the material is not exceeded, the ratio of the Stress
to the Strain (Young’s Modulus) is found to be constant and characteristic of a given material.
A material for which the Stress is directly proportional to the Strain is said to obey Hooke’s Law.
For a typical graph of Stress versus Strain, in the region of Hooke’s Law (Elastic region)
the graph is a straight line and the slope is equal to Young’s Modulus. If the Strain is increased
beyond the Elastic limit the sample does not return to its original length when the Stress is
removed,(plastic deformation region), it retains a permanent strain or is permanently deformed.
If enough stress is applied the sample will break.

EQUIPMENT NEEDED:

• Young’s Modulus Apparatus, with micrometer screw attachment measuring to 0.01 mm

• Slotted Weight Set
• Measuring Tape
• Micrometer Calipers

EXPERIMENTAL PROCEDURE:
1. On the Young’s Modulus device a wire is supported by a chuck in a clamped
yoke at the upper end of the apparatus support rods. A lower chuck that tightly
grips the wire is positioned in the hole of an adjustable platform that is clamped
to the support rods. A lever with a spirit level on one end and a micrometer screw
on the other is pivoted on the chuck. The micrometer screw is referenced to the
adjustable platform. A weight hanger is suspended from the lower end of the
wire.
2. Measure and record the wire diameter. Hang a 1-kg weight hanger then measure
the original length (LO) of the wire; from the bottom of the upper chuck to the top
of the lower chuck, and record in the appropriate table.
3. If necessary adjust the platform and the micrometer screw so that it has a zero
reading when the screw is balanced against the platform, with the spirit level in a
level position.
 Mechanics of Materials Lab 1 3

4. Note that the measurements are started with an initial load of 1-kg, the weight of
the hanger.
5. Carefully add another 1-kg weight to the load and record the micrometer reading
when the level has been adjusted to return to the original level position. (L1).
NOTE: The reading should not be taken immediately. A short time is required for
the wire to fully stretch to equilibrium; this is called elastic lag.
6. Continue adding weights by 1-kg increments until there is a total of 10 kg on the
hanger. Record the balanced micrometer reading after each 1-kg increment.
7. Remove the load by 1-kg increments and record the individual micrometer
readings; after allowing for elastic lag. Stop when only 1-kg weight is left on the
hanger. At this point measure and record LO again.
8. Compute the elongations ( ∆L) for each location by subtracting the decreased
load reading from the increased load reading. This will give an averaged change
of length. Notice in the data table that the initial 1-kg weight and the weight of the
hanger are not included as part of the individual loads.
9. Compute the Stress (F/A) and the Strain ( ∆L/LO) for each load. Plot a graph of
Stress versus Strain. Draw a straight line that best fits the data points and
determine the slope of the line. Compare this result with the given value of
Young’s Modulus. Calculate the percent error.
 Mechanics of Materials Lab 1 4

Force Increased Load Decreased Load Average Elongation (mm) Strain Stress F/A

(kg) (mm) (mm) (mm) ∆Ln=Ln-Ln-1 ∆Ln/LO Pa

LO LO

1 L1 L1 ∆L1

2 L2 L2 ∆L2

3 L3 L3 ∆L3

4 L4 L4 ∆L4

5 L5 L5 ∆L5

6 L6 L6 ∆L6

7 L7 L7 ∆L7

8 L8 L8 ∆L8

9 L9 L9 ∆L9

Wire Diameter: .................................... mm

A=ΩD2/4 A=

Slope of Graph=
Accepted Young’s Modulus for Steel=29x106 psi =200x109 Pa
Percent Error=