FE1073 - C2

NANYANG TECHNOLOGICAL UNIVERSITY

First Year Engineering Course

FE1073: An Introduction to Engineering and Practices

Laboratory Manual
For

Experiment C2

Forces in a Statically Determinate Cantilever Truss

Laboratory: Protective Engineering

Location: N1.1 - B5 - 02

School of Civil and Environmental Engineering

[CEE]

Year: 2019 / 2020

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Forces in a Statically Determinate Cantilever Truss

OBJECTIVE:
1. To study the relationship between True Strain (με) against Load (N).
2. Derive the Forces on each member from the measured Strain with Elastic
Modulus of stainless steel.
3. To study the relationship between experimental force vs theoretical force

Figure 1.

The Redundant Truss Apparatus is constructed with units of basic triangular pin-
jointed.
Suppose that m is the total numbers in a truss and j the total number of joints, Then,
noting that initially there are 3 members and three joints in a basic triangular pin-
joint.

m – 3 = 2(j-3)
So that

m = 2j -3
Since there are 7 members and 5 joints, the above equation is satisfied and thus the
truss itself is statically determine.

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Using the information about Elastic Modulus, we can derive forces on each member
based on the strain measured on each member and study their relationships.

The Elastic Modulus is the ratio of stress to strain, i.e.

E = σ/ε

Where: E = Elastic Modulus (kN/mm2), And: σ = F/A

σ = Stress in the member (N/mm2), Where F = Force in Member (N)

ε = Strain in the member (με) A = Cross Section Area of Member (mm2)

PROCEDURE:

Ensure that the set up instructions have been followed. Unscrew the thumbwheel on
the “redundant” member. Note that it is effectively no longer part of the structure as
in Figure 1.

Apply a pre-load of 100 N downward by turning the screw knob below the load cell
in the clockwise direction, re-zero the load cell by carefully tune the “set zero” dial
on the front of the load cell. Make sure the load is “zero” as shown on the digital
indicator.

Carefully apply a load of 250 N by turning the screw knob again and check that the
frame is stable and secure. Return the load to zero (leaving the 100 N pre load),
recheck and re-zero the digital indicator if necessary

Never apply loads greater than those specified on the equipment.

Apply loads in the increments shown in Table 1 recording the strain readings and the
digital indicator readings.

Return the load cell back to pre-load condition (0N) after all readings are recorded.

Complete Table 2 by subtracting the initial (zero) strain readings (be careful with
your signs).

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 Strain Readings and Frame Deflections

Member strains (µ )

Load (N)
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8

True Strain Readings

0 0

50 0

100 0
FE1073 - C2

150 0

200 0

250 0

Table 1

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Load Member strains (µ )

(N)
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8
0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
50 0

100 0

150 0

200 0

250 0

Table 2

Choose member 2 and plot a graph of True Strain (με) against Load (N).
Comment on your graph.

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Measure the nominal diameter of the member using a pair of Vernier Calipers and
calculate the equivalent member forces at 250 N using information about Elastic
Modulus. Complete Table 3.

Rod diameter = _________ mm and Esteel = 193 kN/mm2

Measured and Theoretical Forces in the Cantilever Truss

Member Experimental Force (N) Theoretical Force (N)

Table 3

Using a suitable method calculate the theoretical member forces for the framework
with a load of 250 N. Add the values to Table 3.
Show calculation on a new sheet of paper.

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FOR FORMAL REPORT:

Q1. Using Pin-jointed Theory, show the full working to calculate theoretical
member forces for the framework.

Q2. From your results and the theoretical member forces, identify which members
are in compression and which are in tension. Explain your choice.

Q3. Explain the reading of member 5.

Q4. Are the strain gauges effective transducers for the measurements of forces in
the
framework?

Q5. Does the framework comply with Pin-Joint Theory?

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School of Civil and Environmental Engineering

Protective Engineering Laboratory
N1.1-B5-01

FE1073: An Introduction to Engineering and Practices

Laboratory Report

Date:

Experiment No.:

Title:

Lab. Group No.:

Name of Student:

Name of Lecturer:

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