Description
The Loading and Buckling of Struts allows tests on a full range of struts. It shows load and deflection characteristics and buckling loads for various strut lengths, cross-section and end conditions. It also allows studies of the effect of eccentric loading. An optional set of extra specimens allows extra tests to show students some of the more complicated problems found in strut design. The main part of the apparatus is a precision-engineered rigid aluminium base, with legs and levelling feet. At one end is a loading device which uses a screw to apply loads to the struts. The screw is in fixing blocks with bearings to give precise and easy load application. At the opposite end is the load measuring device. This is a precision mechanism that resists the bending moments produced by the struts as they deflect, and transmits the pure axial force to an electronic load cell. This gives an accurate measurement of buckling load. A digital load meter shows the load. Students may move the load-measuring device along the base to work with struts of different lengths and fixing conditions. A digital dial indicator fixed to a movable slide measures the deflected shapes of the struts. A scale shows the position of the indicator. The digital load meter and the digital dial indicator can connect to optional VDAS® (Versatile Data Acquisition System). Holders are at both the loading and load measuring ends. They allow students to create any combination of ‘pinned’ or clamped end conditions for the strut under test. Supplied is a set of special end fittings for tests with various eccentricities to show the effect of eccentric loading. The equipment includes a lateral pull attachment for students to apply light biasing loads, or larger side loads, as needed.
Learning Outcomes
Demonstration of buckled (crippled) shape of struts with different end conditions.
Determination of load/deflection curves and buckling loads for struts of different lengths and cross-sections, with any combination of ‘pinned’ or clamped end fixings.
Comparing experiment results with those using Euler’s buckling theory
Investigation of the effects of side load and eccentric loading on strut buckling characteristics.
Flexural rigidity and buckling loads for struts of different materials.
The use of Southwell’s method to estimate buckling loads and strut eccentricities from experimental results.
Determination of flexural rigidity and comparison with calculated values.
Deflections of a simply supported beam with a point load including the verification of general deflection formulae, and the deflected shape.
Specifications
ATICO is committed to a programme of continuous improvement; hence we reserve the right to alter the design and product specifcation without prior notice.
Nett dimensions and weight of main part:
1350 mm long x 500 mm wide x 500 mm high and 24 kg
Nett dimensions and weight of digital load meter:
170 x 60 x 200 mm, 1.4 kg
Nett weight of additional beams and other items:
1 kg
Packed dimension and weight of complete package :
Approximately 0.5 m3, 40 kg
Loading device:
Screw with linear and thrust bearings
Load measuring device:
Electronic load cell, with digital readout of force (digital load meter) 0 to 2000 N capacity with output to VDAS®
Deflaction Measurement:
Digital indicator 0 to 25 mm in 0.01 increments, with output to VDAS®.
Biasing weights:
1 x 10 g weight hanger and 50 x 10 g weights
Specimen struts (all nominal sizes):
• 6 off mild steel 20 x 3 mm, lengths 750, 700, 650, 625, 600, 550 mm
• 1 off mild steel 15 x 4 x 750 mm
• 1 off mild steel 10 x 5 x 750 mm
• 2 off 19 x 4.8 x 750 mm in brass and aluminium
Operating Conditions
Operating environment:
Laboratory
Storage temperature range:
–25°C to +55°C (when packed for transport)
Operating temperature range:
+5°C to +40°C
Operating relative humidity range:
80% at temperatures < 31°C decreasing linearly to 50% at 40°C
