DEPARTMENT OF MECHANICAL ENGINEERING

STRENGTH OF MATERIALS LABORATORY

STRENGTH OF MATERIALS provides knowledge on concepts and calculation of forces on materials,

thermal stress, shear force and bending moment, bending stress, shear stress and torsion in shafts. This
topic deals with the experiments conducted on tensile test, bending moment, shearing force and torsion
and deflection. The students are required to analyze each experimental data gathered from each
experiment.

The following experiments are to be done to complete this course:

Practical Task Experiment title Page No

1 Shear in Rubber Block 3

2 Tensile Test 6

3 Deflection of a Simply Supported Beam 9

4 Torsion of a Shaft 12

Submission of Reports:

Students must complete lab reports in groups and submit their reports ONE (1) week after lab is carried
out. Reports should be brief and must be submitted in typewritten form (font: Times New Roman, size:
11, paragraph: Justified, spacing: 1.5).

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 DJJ3103 Strength of Materials

The report should include the following items:

1. Introduction
2. Objectives of experiment
3. Equipment/Apparatus
4. Theory
5. Procedures
6. Data & Result
7. Discussion
8. Conclusion

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PRACTICAL TASK 1

1.0 EXPERIMENT:
Shear in Rubber Block

2.0 OBJECTIVES:
2.1 To determine the variation of deflection with applied load.
2.2 To investigate the relationship between shear stress and shear strain.
2.3 To find the modulus of rigidity of the rubber block.

3.0 THEORY:

Shear surface
θ

Figure 3. A block (L x h x t) subjected to shearing stress deforms by an angle θ

The shearing stress, τ developed in a body when elastic restoring forces are parallel to the cross-
sectional area of the body;
V
τ= A
Where;

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 DJJ3103 Strength of Materials

τ = the shear stress

V = shear load
A = the cross-sectional area parallel to the applied load

The shearing strain is define as the ratio of displacement, x to the transverse dimension, L. Thus;
x
Shear Strain, ϕ = tan θ = L

In practice, since x is much smaller than 1, so, tan θ ≅ θ, therefore;

Shear strain, ϕ = θ (measured in radian)

The modulus of rigidity, G of the rubber is;

τ
G=
ϕ

4.0 APPARATUS:
4.1 Rubber Block in Shear Apparatus
4.2 Load
4.3 Vernier Caliper

5.0 PROCEDURES:
5.1 Hang a load hanger at the free end of the rubber block.
5.2 Set the dial gauge to zero.
5.3 Put a load, starting from 5 N.
5.4 Take the reading of the dial gauge (which represent the deformation of the rubber block).
5.5 Repeat step 5.3 and 5.4 for another 9 load, in 5 N increment.
5.6 Record the reading in table.

6.0 DATA AND RESULTS:

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 DJJ3103 Strength of Materials

Dimension of Rubber Block:

Height, h = __________________ m
Width, L = __________________ m
Thickness, t = __________________ m

Result

No Load (N) Displacement, x (m)

1 1

2 2

3 3

4 4

5 5

6 6

7 7

8 8

9 9

10 10

7.0 DISCUSSIONS:
7.1 Calculate the Shear Stress and Shear Strain for each of the load.
7.2 Plot the Load versus Deflection. State the relationship between load and deflection.
7.3 Plot the Shear Stress versus Shear Strain graph for the sample. State the relationship between
Shear Stress and Shear Strain.
7.4 Calculate the value of shear modulus, G.

8.0 CONCLUSIONS:
State your conclusions of the experiment.

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 DJJ3103 Strength of Materials

PRACTICAL TASK 2

1.0 EXPERIMENT:
Tensile Test

2.0 OBJECTIVES:
2.1 To know the application of the tensile test machine.
2.2 To determine the Yield Stress, Maximum Stress and Break Stress of mild steel specimen.
2.3 To determine the Young’s Modulus of a mild steel specimen.

3.0 THEORY:
Tensile tests are performed for several reasons. The results of tensile tests are used in selecting
materials for engineering applications. Tensile properties frequently are included in material
specifications to ensure quality. Tensile properties often are measured during development of new
materials and processes, so that different materials and processes can be compared. Finally,
tensile properties often are used to predict the behavior of a material. The value of engineering
stress, maximum stress, break stress and ductility of the specimen can be calculated using the
following formula.

F
Engineering Stress, σ =
Ao

F max
Maximum Stress, σ max=
Ao
Fbreak
Break Stress, σ break =
Ao
Ductility is a measure of how much something deforms plastically before fracture, but just
because a material is ductile does not make it tough. The key to toughness is a good combination
of strength and ductility. A material with high strength and high ductility will have more
toughness than a material with low strength and high ductility. Ductility can be described with the
percent elongation or percent reduction in area.

L f −Lo
% elongation= x 100 %
Lo

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 DJJ3103 Strength of Materials

A o− A f
% reduction∈area= x 100 %
Ao

Within the elastic region, the stress produced is directly proportional to the strain produced. The
constant of the proportionality is called as a Young’s Modulus. The value of the Young’s
Modulus can be express as;

' Stress , σ FL
Youn g s Modulus , E= =
Strain , ε A ∆ L

Figure 3.0 Stress-Strain Curve

4.0 EQUIPMENT / APPARATUS:

4.1 Universal Testing Machine
4.2 Vernier Caliper
4.3 Mild Steel Plate

5.0 PROCEDURES:
5.1 Prepare the specimen and take the measurement.
5.2 Turn ON PC and Universal Testing Machine.
5.3 Open Trapezium X software.
5.4 Perform Electronic Test Force Calibration (E-Cal). Wait until the process is finish before
perform any operations.

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 DJJ3103 Strength of Materials

5.5 Install the specimen to the machine upper and lower grip. Make sure that the specimen is
vertically align and both ends of the specimen are griped tightly at approximately 5 mm
away from its gauge length.
5.6 Select "Create New Method".
5.7 Set up SYSTEM: [Testing Mode: Single; Testing Type: Tensile].
5.8 Set up SENSOR: [Channel: Force Amp; Limit: 19000 N; Lower Limit: 0 N].
5.9 Set up TESTING: [Act: Load; Control: Stroke; V1: 2 mm/min; Disp. Origin: Start]
5.10 Set up SPECIMENT: [Material: Metal; Shape: Plate]. Key in the thickness, width and
gauge length of the sample]
5.11 Set up DATA PROCESING: [Select YP (%FS)_Force, YP (%FS)_Stress, Max_Force,
Max_Stress, Break_ Force and Break_ Stress].
5.12 Set up CHART: [y-axis: Force; x-axis: Disp]
5.13 Set up REPORT: [Edit TITLE].
5.14 Save a Method File.
5.15 Click "Test with this method".
5.16 Check Limit Switch & Emergency button.
5.17 Click "Start Test" button. Wait until the test complete.
5.18 PRINT the graph.
5.19 Measure the final dimension of the specimen.

6.0 DATA & RESULTS:

Original Gauge Length, Lo : mm
Original Width, wo : mm
Original Thickness, to : mm

Final Gauge Length, Lf : mm

Final Width, wo : mm
Final Thickness, t : mm

7.0 DISCUSSIONS:
7.2 Calculate the value of yield stress, maximum stress and break stress of the sample.
7.2 Calculate the percentage of elongation.
7.3 Calculate the percentage of reduction in area.

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 DJJ3103 Strength of Materials

7.4 Calculate the Young’s Modulus of the specimen.

8.0 CONCLUSIONS:
State your conclusions of the experiment.

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 DJJ3103 Strength of Materials

PRACTICAL TASK 3

1.0 EXPERIMENT:
Deflection of a Simply Supported Beam

2.0 OBJECTIVES:
1.1 To determine the deflection of a simply supported beam with concentrated load at the
midspan of beam by experiment.
1.2 To compare the experimental deflection with the theoretical value.

3.0 THEORY:

A B h
b
L/2

L
Figure 3.0: Simply Supported Beam with a Concentrated Load

The reaction forces of the beam at A and B can be determined by Force Equilibrium Equation,
Eq. 3.1, and Moment Equilibrium Equation, Eq. 3.2, as follows;

∑ F=0 Eqn. 3.1

∑ M =0 Eqn. 3.2

While, the deflection of the beam can be determined by integrate twice the equation of elastic
curve of the beam.
2
d y M
2
= Eq. 3.3
d x EI

Where,
M = bending moment equation at any point of the beam
E = Young’s Modulus of the beam
I = second moment of area of the beam
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 DJJ3103 Strength of Materials

Since, M is a known function of x and EI is constant, the first integration is;

2
d y
2 ∫
EI = Mdx +C 1 Eq. 3.4
dx

A second integration which is known as a deflection equation, becomes;

EI y =∬ Mdxdx+C 1 x +C 2 Eq. 3.5

Where, C1 and C2 are constant of integration which can be determined by substituting the
boundary condition of the beam into Eq. 3.4 and Eq. 3.5.

4.0 APPARATUS:
4.1 Beam apparatus
4.2 Stainless Steel bar
4.3 Dial Gauge
4.4 Vernier Caliper
4.5 Allen Key Set
4.6 Load Set

5.0 PROCEDURES:
5.1 Measure the length, width and height of the beam.
5.2 Attach the load hanger at the midspan of the beam.
5.3 Install the beam to the beam apparatus. Support the beam at both end.
5.4 Place a dial gauge at the midspan of the beam aligned with the load hanger.
5.5 Switch ON the load display unit.
5.6 Press ‘Tare’ on the load display unit.
5.7 Set the dial gauge reading to ‘0’.
5.8 Hang a load to the beam.
5.9 Record the value of the deflection from the reading of dial gauge and the value of
reaction forces from the reading of the load display unit.
5.10 Repeat step 5.8 – 5.9 for another load.

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 DJJ3103 Strength of Materials

6.0 DATA AND RESULTS:

Dimension of Beam:
Length, L = ………………… mm
Width, b = ………………… mm
Height, h = ………………… mm

Result:

Load, W Reaction Force Deflection, y

No.
(N) RA (N) RB (N) (mm)
1
2
3
4
5

7.0 DISCUSSIONS:
7.1 Derive the deflection equation for a simply supported beam with a concentrated load at
the midspan of the beam.
7.2 Calculate the deflection at the midspan of the beam for each of load used in the
experiment.
7.3 Compare the value of the experimental and theoretical deflection of the beam.

8.0 CONCLUSIONS:
Write the conclusion of the experiment.

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 DJJ3103 Strength of Materials

PRACTICAL TASK 4

1.0 EXPERIMENT:
Torsion of Shaft.

2.0 OBJECTIVES:
2.1 To determine the relationship between applied torque and the angle of twist.
2.2 To determine the modulus of rigidity of a shaft.

3.0 THEORY:
From the torsion theory the relationship between torque, section property, length, material
property and angle of twist is given by

τ Gθ T
= = Eqn. 3.1
R L J
Where T = Torque R = radius of shaft
L = length of shaft J = second moment of area of shaft
G = modulus of rigidity of shaft τ = shear stress at radius R
θ = angle of twist

From the above equation,

Gθ T
= Eqn. 3.2
L J
or

GJ
T= xθ Eqn. 3.3
L
Since G, J and L are constant for a particular experiment, therefore Eqn. 3.1 can be written as
follows;

T= Constant x θ Eqn. 3.4

By plotting the graph of torque versus the angle of twist, the value of the constant can be
determined from the slop of graph.

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 DJJ3103 Strength of Materials

4.0 APPARATUS:
4.1 Torsion Tester Apparatus
4.2 Vernier Caliper

5.0 PROCEDURES:
1.1 Prepare the specimen. Measure length, radius and torque arm length.
1.2 Attach a socket to both the torsion grips and place the specimen in the socket beside the
control panel.
1.3 Switch on the power supply and adjust the speed controller knob to 10 mm/min.
1.4 Zero the load indicator and the digital protector reading by pressing the tare button.
1.5 Apply torque to the specimen by pressing the motor switch to “FORWARD” position.
1.6 Increase the load. Record the reading of load cell and digital protector for any five of load
increment used.

6.0 DATA AND RESULTS:

Data:
Specimen length = ……………………..... mm
Specimen diameter = ………………………. Mm
Torque arm length = ………………………. Mm

Result:
Load cell reading Digital Protector Reading
(N) Degree Radian

7.0 DISCUSSIONS:
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 DJJ3103 Strength of Materials

1.1 Calculate the value of torque for each of load.

1.2 Plot the graph of Torque, T (Nmm) versus the angle of twist, θ (radian). Define the
relationship between applied torque and angle of twist.
1.3 Calculate the value of shaft modulus of rigidity.

8.0 CONCLUSIONS:
State your conclusions of the experiment.

Prepared by: Verified by:

(ALFAN BIN SERAIL) (Head of Programme/Head of Course)

Date: Date:

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 DJJ3103 Strength of Materials

DEPARTMENT OF MECHANICAL ENGINEERING

DJJ3103: MECHANICS OF MACHINES

LAB REPORT
TITLE:

PREPARED FOR:

PREPARED BY:

SESSION:

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 APPENDIX B

DJJ3103 STRENGTH OF MATERIALS

DEPARTMENT OF MECHANICAL ENGINEERING RUBRIC FOR REPORT WRITING

Criteria 1 2 3 4 5
Introduction Very little background Some introductory information, Introduction is fairly written, Introduction is nearly complete, Introduction complete and well-

(objectives, information provided or but still missing some major missing some minor points. missing some minor points. written; provides all necessary

apparatus, etc) information is incorrect. points. background principles for the

experiment.
Not related theories and not Less than half related theory is More than half related theory is Cover all related theories Cover all related theories and
Theory:
organised covered and not organised covered and organised. but not organised properly. organised

Experimental Procedures do not accurately list Procedures are listed but not in Procedures are listed in logical Procedures are listed in clear Procedures are listed in

procedure the steps of the experiment. logical order or are difficult to order. Each steps is numbered steps but not in logical order. logical order and clear steps.
follow, still missing some but not in complete sentence, Each step is numbered and is a Each step is numbered and is
important experimental details. missing some minor details. complete sentence, important a complete sentence, all
experimental details are covered, experimental details are
some minor details missing. covered.

Results: Figures, graphs, tables contain Most figures, graphs, tables OK, All figures, graphs, tables are All figures, graphs, tables are All figures, graphs, tables are

data, figures, errors or are poorly constructed, some still missing some fairly presented, but some have correctly drawn, but some have correctly drawn, are numbered
have missing titles, captions or important or required features. problems and could still be minor problems or could still be and contain titles/captions.
graphs,
numbers, units missing or improved. improved.
tables, etc.
incorrect, etc.

Discussions Very incomplete or incorrect Some of the results have been Results have been correctly Almost all of the results have All important trends and data
interpretation of trends and correctly interpreted and interpreted and discussed; partial been correctly interpreted and comparisons have been
comparison of data indicating a discussed; partial but incomplete and fair understanding of results. discussed, only minor interpreted correctly and
lack of understanding of results understanding of results is still improvements are needed. discussed, good understanding
evident of results is conveyed.

Conclusions Conclusions missing or missing Conclusions regarding major Conclusions regarding major All important conclusions have All important conclusions have

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 DJJ3103 Strength of Materials

the important points points are drawn, but many are points are drawn and stated with been drawn, could be better been clearly made, student
misstated, indicating a lack of reasonable understanding. stated. shows good understanding.
understanding

Spelling, Frequent grammar and/or Occasional grammar/spelling Fair grammar/spelling errors, Less than 3 grammar/spelling All grammar/spelling correct

grammar, spelling errors, writing style is errors, generally readable with generally readable with errors, mature, readable style and very well-written
rough and immature. some rough spots in writing acceptable writing style.
sentence
style
structure
Appearance Sections out of order, too much Sections in order, contains the Sections in order, contains the All sections in order, formatting All sections in order, well-

and handwritten copy, sloppy allowable amount of handwritten minimum allowable amount of generally good but could still be formatted, very readable
formatting copy, formatting is rough but handwritten copy, formatting is improved
formatting
readable fairly presented