To study the deflection of beams under uniform loads satisfying different support systems at the ends of the beam. In particular the students will study the simply supported beam, the clamped beam and the cantilever beam. The experiment begins with students pushing on the ends of a straw until it buckels, using the MBL equipment to measure the force on the straw. 5L under its own wieght. Finally they are to construct a straw of length 5 L and use VITA to determine the actual deflection.
Students write a report describing the experiment and their results.
The report should include A bruef description of the experiment. Graphs of the shapes of the deflected beams as well as the supporting Mathematics. Some error analysis. MBL equipment with pressure probe. 1 meter rod with clamp.