Mechanics of Solids Report

Running Head: Mechanics of Solids 1
Mechanics of Solids Report
Student’s Name
Institutional Affiliation

Mechanics of solids 2
EECUTIVE SUMMARY
This is a report on several experiments that were undertaken to determine the various
properties of structural elements i.e. bending stress, torsion and buckling. The aim, procedure,
results, discussion and conclusion for each experiment is outlined in this report. The first
experiment involved determining the torsion of a circular rod held horizontally by two chucks.
The experiment was conducted I accordance with the lab guideline provided and the results were
recorded and analyzed graphically.
The second test was conducted on a horizontal beam with an aim of determining the
bending stress. The beam was held horizontally at both ends and loaded vertically at the at two
points on each side of the support. The results were recorded as read from the gauges and
subsequently analyzed and compared to the theoretical results. Members materials to be used as
beams in a structure must pass this test before being erected.
The final experiment was carried out with an aim of determining buckling in struts. Five
struts are used for the purpose of this experiment and are loaded vertically. The procedure used is
clearly outlined in this experiment’s section. The results were tabulated and analyzed
accordingly. The measurement of this property in trusses is critical since trusses primarily fail
due to buckling.
TORSION EXPERIMENT
Introduction
Torsion is the twisting of a member due to the torque applied. A circular member is held
in position between two chucks. On the right hand side, the chuck is connected to a load cell with