Finding Young’s modulus by bending a beam

Click For Summary

Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the methodology for determining Young’s modulus of a rod through an experimental setup involving bending and displacement measurement. Participants explore the theoretical framework, practical considerations, and derivation of relevant equations related to the experiment.

Discussion Character

  • Experimental/applied
  • Technical explanation
  • Homework-related

Main Points Raised

  • One participant inquires about calculating Young’s modulus using a weight-loaded rod and expresses confusion regarding the derivation of the relationship due to a lack of coverage in their reference material.
  • Another participant suggests employing the Euler–Bernoulli beam theory, specifically for an end-loaded cantilever beam, as a theoretical basis for the experiment.
  • A different participant critiques the initial setup, indicating that it requires a more rigid holding system and a horizontal orientation for the rod, along with a more precise method for measuring deflection.
  • Suggestions are made to use a longer, thinner rectangular strip clamped to a solid bench to improve measurement accuracy and obtain a reliable value for Young's modulus.
  • One participant proposes a specific equation for calculating Young’s modulus and seeks clarification on its derivation.
  • Another participant provides an equation for Young’s modulus and encourages the original poster to engage in further reading to understand the variables and derivation process.
  • There is a request for validation of a derivation, indicating uncertainty about its correctness.
  • A participant acknowledges the uncertainty of the derivation's accuracy due to the quality of the image provided but suggests that if the derivation follows logically from the initial equation, it is likely correct.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the experimental setup and its adequacy, with some suggesting improvements while others focus on theoretical aspects. There is no consensus on the correctness of the derivation presented, as it remains uncertain.

Contextual Notes

Limitations include the initial setup's rigidity and orientation, the accuracy of deflection measurement methods, and the clarity of the derivation image. The discussion does not resolve these issues.

Fraser MacDonald
Messages
11
Reaction score
1
I have a question regarding finding the Young’s modulus of a rod by loading a weight to the end and measuring the change in displacement.
The experiment is part of my advanced higher physics project on Young’s modulus however it is the only experiment that I’m doing that the book “Tyler” does not cover, and so I am slightly confused as to how I actually derive the relationship through this method.
IMG_8397.JPG
IMG_8397.JPG

I know it isn’t a great set up but it’s all I can do with the equipment I have.

So my question is how do I calculate it via this method?
Thanks
 

Attachments

  • IMG_8397.JPG
    IMG_8397.JPG
    8.9 KB · Views: 5,350
Engineering news on Phys.org
Not with the set up shown though . The holding system needs to be much more rigid and the rod needs to be set horizontal .There also needs to be a more accurate deflection measurement method employed .

If you have some freedom to design this experiment properly then I suggest that you use a much longer thin rectangular strip as the test object . Clamp one end of this tightly to the edge of a solid bench and - if nothing better is available - use a metre rule to measure the deflection . The rule being held in a retort stand sitting on the floor . The much larger deflection for given loads and the improved rigidity of the set up should allow you to get better results and a reasonably accurate value for Young's modulus .
 
  • Like
Likes   Reactions: Fraser MacDonald
Once the experiment is set up correctly would the equation to find Young’s modulus be y=(4mgl^3)/(bd^3 δ) and if so, how do I derive this?
 
Fraser MacDonald said:
how do I derive this?
The equation you need is:

b2c4731cd266ae5023e98fd55e105409a13d51d0

Where ##E## is what you are looking for and is the only unknown in your case.

It can be derived from this equation:

5c32a9812311ffed238176820bd8c4863bcc5ae1

Both of these equations can be found in the links from my previous post and since it seems to be part of school work, I will let you do some reading to find out the meaning of the variables and the derivation. If you have questions along the way, show your work and ask a specific question.
 
IMG_8505.JPG

Is this the correct derivation?
 

Attachments

  • IMG_8505.JPG
    IMG_8505.JPG
    21 KB · Views: 4,697
The image is too blurry to read it. But if you begun with the initial equation and ended up with the last one, chances are you are correct.
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
5K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
2K
Replies
2
Views
9K
  • · Replies 30 ·
2
Replies
30
Views
8K
Replies
1
Views
5K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
5K
  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
2K
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
2K
  • · Replies 17 ·
Replies
17
Views
2K
  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
2K