PIN-JOINTED FRAMEWORKS (NEXT GENERATION STRUCTURES)

One of a range of experiment modules that fit to the Structures platform (STS1, available separately), this product helps students to understand the forces and deflections in four popular pin-jointed frameworks, due to a load. Students use a load cell to measure and add loads to each of a choice of four frameworks, held on supports. Strain gauges on each member of the framework measure the forces due to the load. A precision digital indicator measures the deflection of each framework.

Students apply the load and measure the resulting forces and deflection. They use textbook equations to predict the forces and deflections for any given load, comparing them to measured results. This helps confirm the reliability of the textbook equations and the accuracy of the experiment results. An optional load cell (STS8A) allows students to add a secondary load to the side of the roof truss. Each load cell can apply angled loads for additional experiments or to simulate a swaying load.

The strain gauges connect to a strain gauge amplifier, which connects (with the load cell) to the USB interface hub of the Structures platform for computer display and data acquisition.

*There are 21 different experiments in the Next Generation Structures range. View them all in this easy to view flyer here.

FIXED ARCH (NEXT GENERATION STRUCTURES)

One of a range of experiment modules that fit to the Structures platform (STS1, available separately), this product helps students to understand how loads affect the horizontal reaction forces in a fixed arch.

Students apply loads to hangers suspended from the arch, held between two ‘fixed’ supports. A load cell on one support works with a special mechanism to measure the horizontal reaction due to the load. A second load cell on the other support works with a moment arm to measure the fixing moment. Both load cells measure the forces and moments with minimal movement, approximating to fixed (Encastre) supports.

Each support includes pointers that work with the scale on the platform for accurate positioning. Students use textbook equations to predict the reaction forces and fixing moments due to the load, comparing them with measured results. They also learn how to create the influence line and bending moment diagrams. This helps confirm the reliability of the textbook equations and the accuracy of the experiment results.

This product includes additional masses so students may apply a uniformly distributed load (UDL) across the span of the arch for comparison of results with a single point load.

The load cell connects to the USB interface hub of the Structures platform for computer display and data acquisition.

*There are 21 different experiments in the Next Generation Structures range. View them all in this easy to view flyer here.

TWO-PINNED ARCH (NEXT GENERATION STRUCTURES)

One of a range of experiment modules that fit to the Structures platform (STS1, available separately), this product helps students to understand how loads affect the horizontal reaction forces in a two-pinned arch.

Students apply loads to hangers suspended from the arch, held between two supports. One support allows rotational movement only, acting as a pinned support. The other support allows translational movement, acting as a roller support. A load cell prevents the translation, while measuring the horizontal reaction due to the load. Each support includes pointers that work with the scale on the platform for accurate positioning. Students use textbook equations to predict the reaction forces due to the load, comparing them with measured results, and learn how to create the influence line and bending moment diagrams. This helps confirm the reliability of the textbook equations and the accuracy of the experiment results.

This product includes additional masses so students may apply a uniformly distributed load (UDL) across the span of the arch for comparison of results with a single point load.

The load cell connects to the USB interface hub of the Structures platform for computer display and data acquisition.

*There are 21 different experiments in the Next Generation Structures range. View them all in this easy to view flyer here.

SIMPLE SUSPENSION BRIDGE (NEXT GENERATION STRUCTURES)

One of a range of experiment modules that fit to the Structures platform (STS1, available separately), this product helps students to understand how loads affect tension in the suspension cable supporting the ‘deck’ of a suspension bridge. Students add loads to the deck held by the suspension cable between two supports. A load cell in the left-hand support measures the cable tension.

Students apply loads, which change the cable tension. They use textbook beam equations to predict the tension for any given load, comparing them to measured results. This helps confirm the reliability of the textbook equations and the accuracy of the experiment results. The theory shows the simplified parabola-based equation and the more realistic theory, based on the model. It also helps students understand the overwhelming influence of the deck mass against the relatively small loads such as vehicles passing over the bridge.

This product includes additional masses so students may apply a uniformly distributed load (UDL) and a single point load.

The load cell connects to the USB interface hub of the Structures platform for computer display and data acquisition.

*There are 21 different experiments in the Next Generation Structures range. View them all in this easy to view flyer here.

REDUNDANT TRUSS (NEXT GENERATION STRUCTURES)

One of a range of experiment modules that fit to the Structures platform (STS1, available separately), this product helps students to understand the analysis of statically determinate and indeterminate truss structures made from a number of ‘members’ held together by joints at their ends. Two supports hold the truss. One support allows rotation only and the other allows rotation and translation. Students apply a load to the truss at the free end Joint Boss. Strain gauges on each truss member measure the forces due to the load. A precision indicator measures the framework deflection due to the load. A hand-operated load cell assembly applies and measures the load. A simple thumbscrew engages and disengages an extra ‘redundant’ member.

Students apply loads to the truss initially without the extra ‘redundant’ member engaged. This frame is stable and statically determinate (can be solved by static equilibrium). They then engage an extra ‘redundant’ member, making the frame statically indeterminate, requiring a more advanced analysis such as the strain-energy method. Students may measure the deflection of the frame for both cases and compare.

Students use textbook equations and methods to predict the forces in each ‘member’, comparing them with the measured results. This helps confirm the reliability of the textbook equations and the accuracy of the experiment results.

The strain gauges connect to a strain gauge amplifier, which connects (with the load cell) to the interface hub of the Structures platform for computer display and data acquisition.

*There are 21 different experiments in the Next Generation Structures range. View them all in this easy to view flyer here.