Calculating modulus of elasticity?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around calculating the modulus of elasticity for a board that is clamped at one end and free-floating at the other. Participants share methods and formulas related to beam bending and deflection measurements, focusing on the application of these concepts to compare the stiffness of various boards based on experimental data.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation
  • Mathematical reasoning
  • Homework-related

Main Points Raised

  • One participant describes their experimental setup, including measuring deflection with a known weight and collecting data on different boards.
  • Another participant suggests searching for "beam bending equations" to find relevant formulas for deflection and Young's modulus under various boundary conditions.
  • It is noted that for a cantilevered beam, the deflection can be expressed as δ=PL^3/3EI, where I is the second moment of area.
  • A participant provides a rearranged formula for calculating the modulus of elasticity, E=I*F*L^3/3δ, based on the measured deflection and other parameters.
  • Clarification is sought regarding the definition of variables in the inertia moment formula, specifically the dimensions of the board.
  • Another participant confirms the formula for the inertia moment for a rectangular section as I=(b*h^3)/12, where b is the width and h is the height (or depth) of the board.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree on the formulas and methods for calculating the modulus of elasticity, but there are clarifications regarding variable definitions. No consensus on a single approach is established, as participants provide different perspectives and details.

Contextual Notes

Some assumptions regarding the definitions of width and height in the inertia moment formula are discussed, but these remain unresolved. The discussion does not clarify the specific conditions or limitations of the experimental setup.

tobyrzepka
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I'm trying to figure out how to calculate the modulus of elasticity for a board clamped to a surface plate at one end and free-floating on the other. I've measured the deflection with a 1k weight at the free end of the board. So I've got that data as well as the dimensions of the free-hanging portion of the board.

I've done this test with numerous boards of different thicknesses and dimensions and want to compare them in terms of stiffness.
 
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Hi tobyrzepka, welcome to PF. Try a search for "beam bending equations" to find the deflection vs. Young's modulus for a number of different boundary conditions. For the case of a cantilevered beam (clamped at one end, transverse load on the other), the deflection is \delta=PL^3/3EI, where I=wt^3/12 is the second moment of area. Does this answer your question?
 
Like Mapes stated correctly, δ=F*L^3 / 3E*I

Since you measured deflection you can solve as E (elasticity modulus) and you'll have it.

E=I*F*L^3 / 3δ

F = Force applied (1kg as you mentioned)
L = Length (Length of each board)
E = Elasticity modulus (You will do the math)
I = Inertia moment (b*h^3)/12 where h=width of board and h=height (thickness)
δ= Deflection (As you measured)

I hope that helped
 
So you said :
I = Inertia moment (b*h^3)/12 where h=width of board and h=height (thickness)

I assume you meant b = width of the board, and h = height... is that right?

polymerou said:
Like Mapes stated correctly, δ=F*L^3 / 3E*I

Since you measured deflection you can solve as E (elasticity modulus) and you'll have it.

E=I*F*L^3 / 3δ

F = Force applied (1kg as you mentioned)
L = Length (Length of each board)
E = Elasticity modulus (You will do the math)
I = Inertia moment (b*h^3)/12 where h=width of board and h=height (thickness)
δ= Deflection (As you measured)

I hope that helped
 
b=width, h=depth/height

for a rectangular section I =(b.h^3)/12
 
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