CL-700.10 Simply Supported Beam Apparatus

A horizontal length of material with a vertical load system is called a beam. It is one of the most basic engineering ways of supporting a load. External forces such as the applied loads and the beam support reactions have to be in equilibrium. Given a loading system, the support reactions can be calculated from force and moment equations. This apparatus is designed for simple experiments and demonstrations on simply supported beams. Two spring balances act as supports and enable reactions to be read directly. Three movable load hangers allow loads to be put in a number of positions. Levers can be investigated by suspending the beam from the free standing frame, and holding down the end with a spring balance.

Learning Objectives

• Experimental determination of the reaction forces in the supports of a simply supported beam under various loadings
• Measurement of loads and moments on a lever
• Comparison with calculated results and validation of the principle of equilibrium

Technical Data

Rugged Aluminum Frame:

• With Stainless Steel Scale: 1mm graduation.

Analogue/Digital spring balance

• 6kgf; 0.1kgf resolution
• 10kgf; 0.01kgf resolution

Set of brass slotted weight

• 1 x 2N, 1 x 5N, 2 x 10N

Set of deflection gauges

• 01 mm graduation with magnetic stands.

Scope of Delivery

• 1 experimental unit
• 1 set of weights
• 1 set of accessories
• 1 storage system with foam inlay
• 1 set of instructional material