Mechanics > Properties of Matter > Tensile and Compressive Strength DCS# 1R20.20

ELASTICITY IN BARS


APPARATUS
two plastic meter sticks  101-05-F
weight holders 101-05-C
several 500-g masses 101-05-C


DESCRIPTION
Add weight to the center of a beam supported at its ends.  Show how the deflection varies with weight and with the distance between the supports.

F = Y*(4ab3x)/L3, where F is the applied force, Y is young's modulus, L is the distance between the supports, a is the width of the cross section, b is the length of the cross section, and x is the deflection of the midpoint.

 REFERENCE

Meiners, 18-1.5.