I

Engineering Mechanics-Statics
Lab Manual

Department of Mechanical Engineering Technology

The Superior University

1
II

Engineering Mechanics-Statics

Lab Manual

Submitted To

Submitted By

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Reg. No: ______________________________________

Department of Mechanical Engineering Technology

The Superior University
2
 Engineering Mechanics-Statics Lab 1

List of Experiments

To Verify conditions of Equilibrium for forces acting at a point..……………………………….4

To determine force required to maintain a body in equilibrium on a inclined surface………………9
To investigate relationship between load carried and forces in arms of a roof truss………………13
To study relationship between force acting in jib and tie of a jib crane………………………………….16
To verify principle of moments for parallel forces………………………………………………………………….19
To verify law of moments for a wheel…………………………………………………………………………………………..22
To study relationship of load and applied force in case of simple wheel and axle………………….25
To study relationship of load and applied force in case of compound wheel and axle……………28
To verify conditions of equilibrium for concurrent forces………………………………………………………31

To determine co-efficient of friction for various material surfaces in sliding contact with wood
......................................................................................................... .Error! Bookmark not defined.

3
 Engineering Mechanics-Statics Lab 1

Experiment No. 1

Statement:

To verify the conditions of equilibrium for the forces acting at a point by resolving the forces
into components

Apparatus:

Universal frame fitted with two pulleys and a framed board, Hangers, Weights, Piece of string,
Steel ruler, Sheet of paper, Scotch Tape, Pencil, Protector

Figure 1: Equilibrium of Force Apparatus

THEORY
Equilibrium of Forces:
If an object is not accelerated, that is, if it is either at rest or moving in a straight line at a fixed
speed, relative to a proper coordinate system, the body is said to be in equilibrium. If the body is
acted upon only by concurrent forces (i.e., forces whose lines of action intersect at a point) a single
condition is necessary and sufficient for equilibrium. Which is that the vector sum of the concurrent
forces must be zero (i.e. ∑ 𝐹𝑥 = 0 and ∑ 𝐹𝑦 = 0).
Vector representation of this experiment is shown in figure. Resolving the forces 𝑊1, 𝑊2 and 𝑊3
into components gives:

4
 Engineering Mechanics-Statics Lab

𝑊1𝑥 = 𝑊1 𝐶𝑜𝑠(𝛼 − 90)

𝑊1𝑦 = 𝑊1 𝑆𝑖𝑛(𝛼 − 90)
𝑊2𝑥 = −𝑊2 𝐶𝑜𝑠(𝛽 − 90)
𝑊2𝑦 = 𝑊2 𝑆𝑖𝑛(𝛽 − 90)
𝑊3𝑦 = −𝑊3
NOTE:
𝑊3𝑥 is equal to zero as 𝑊3 is along y-axis.
Applying the Condition of Equilibrium
∑ 𝐹𝑥 = 0
𝑊1𝑥 – 𝑊2𝑥 = 0 → 𝑾𝟏𝒙 = 𝑾𝟐𝒙
∑ 𝐹𝑦 = 0
𝑊1𝑦 + 𝑊2𝑦 − − 𝑊3𝑦 = 0 → 𝑾𝟏𝒚 + 𝑾𝟐𝒚 = 𝑾𝟑𝒚

So, in order to maintain the equilibrium in this case above equations should be satisfied.

5
 Engineering Mechanics-Statics Lab

Experimental Procedure:
1) With the help of scotch tape fix the paper sheet on the front side of the framed board.
2) Pass two strings over the pulleys leaving the third string hanging downward.
3) Attach hangers to the ends of strings and add suitable weights.
4) Note the values of weights W1, W2 and W3.
5) With the help of pencil mark the position of point of concurrency and also position of
strings on the sheet
6) Detach the paper sheet, join the points to show the lines of forces and measure the
included angles α and β.
7) Prove the followings relations as derived above

W1x = W2x
W1y +W2y = W3y

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 Engineering Mechanics-Statics Lab

Observations & Calculations:

Sr 𝑊1 𝑊2 𝑊3 𝛼 𝛽 𝑊1𝑦
𝑊1𝑥 𝑊2𝑥 𝑊1𝑦 𝑊2𝑦 𝑊3𝑦
No. (𝑁) (𝑁) (𝑁) (Degree) (Degree) + 𝑊2𝑦

Conclusion:

7
 Engineering Mechanics-Statics Lab

Rubrics Based Assessment

Psychomotor
SN Criteria Allocated Unacceptable Poor Fair Good Excellent Total
Marks 0% 25% 50% 75% 100% Obtained
1 Use of
Equipment
2 Procedural
Knowledge
3 Data Collection
&
Observations
4 Results and
Conclusion
Sub-Total Sub-Total Marks Obtained in Psychomotor (P)

Affective
SN Criteria Allocated Unacceptable Poor Fair Good Excellent Total
Marks 0% 25% 50% 75% 100% Obtained
1 Individual
Performance
2 Interpersonal
Performance/
Team Work
Sub-Total Sub-Total Marks Obtained in Affective (A)

Instructor Name Total Marks (P+A)

Instructor Signature Marks Obtained(P+A)

8
 Engineering Mechanics-Statics Lab 2

Experiment No. 2

Statement:
To determine the force required to maintain a body in equilibrium on a smooth inclined plane

Apparatus:
Inclined plane apparatus fitted with a pulley and an Inclinometer, Roller tied with a string,
Weight pan and weights

Figure 2: Inclined Plane Apparatus

THEORY
Inclined plane:
An object placed on a tilted surface will often slide down the surface. The rate at which the object
slides down the surface is dependent upon how tilted the surface is; the greater the tilt of the
surface, the faster the rate at which the object will slide down it. A tilted surface is called an
inclined plane. Objects are known to accelerate down inclined planes because of an unbalanced
force.
This unbalanced force should be cancelled with another force in order to maintain the body in
equilibrium. This cancellation can be done by the tension force acting opposite to this unbalanced
force. The unbalanced force which accelerates the body is proportional to the inclined angle of the
inclined plane
So more the inclined angle, more will be the unbalanced force and hence more tension force is
required maintain the body in equilibrium on the inclined plane.

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 Engineering Mechanics-Statics Lab

Experimental Procedure:
1) Position the roller on the guide rails of the plane, pass the string over the pulleys and hang
the weight pan on free end of the string.
2) Adjust the angle of the inclined plane to a suitable value.
3) Gradually add weights to the pan and gently tap the plane. Find a weight when the roller
just starts moving.
4) Repeat the experiment for a second time and record average of the weights for the same
angle.
5) Change the angle in suitable increments and repeat the above steps.
6) Plot a graph between the average weight and the angle of inclination.

Observations & Calculations:

Angle of 𝑊1 𝑊2
𝑊 = 𝑊1 + 𝑊2 Ratio
Sr. No inclination (1st attempt) (2nd attempt)
2 𝑊/ 𝜃
𝜃 N 𝑁
1

Conclusion:

10
 Engineering Mechanics-Statics Lab 2

Rubrics Based Assessment

Psychomotor
SN Criteria Allocated Unacceptable Poor Fair Good Excellent Total
Marks 0% 25% 50% 75% 100% Obtained
1 Use of
Equipment
2 Procedural
Knowledge
3 Data Collection
&
Observations
4 Results and
Conclusion
Sub-Total Sub-Total Marks Obtained in Psychomotor (P)

Affective
SN Criteria Allocated Unacceptable Poor Fair Good Excellent Total
Marks 0% 25% 50% 75% 100% Obtained
1 Individual
Performance
2 Interpersonal
Performance/
Team Work
Sub-Total Sub-Total Marks Obtained in Affective (A)

Instructor Name Total Marks (P+A)

Instructor Signature Marks Obtained (P+A)

11
 Engineering Mechanics-Statics Lab 3

Experiment No. 3

Statement:

To investigate the relationship between the loads carried and the forces in the arms of simple roof
truss.

Apparatus:

Roof Truss apparatus, hanger, weights, Steel Rule

Figure 3: Roof Truss Apparatus

THEORY
Roof Truss System:

Roof Trusses is used to support loads of the roofs of workshops sheds and bridges etc. through a
fabricated framework of steel. The distribution of forces in the individual member of the truss is
controlled to form a robust structure transmitting the even load to the designated walls or the
pillars. The experiment demonstrates the relationship of the load carried by a simple roof truss to
the forces develop in the individual members of the trusses.

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 Engineering Mechanics-Statics Lab

Experimental Procedure:

1) With the help of steel rule measure the arms AB, AC and BC of the triangular roof truss
ABC.
2) Note the readings of the spring balances of the two inclined arms and that of the tie chain.
3) Apply known load through the hanger and again measure the lengths of the arms as well as
readings of the respective balances.
4) Mark a scaled polygon of forces with the help of above readings and calculate the forces in
the arms and the tie. (Note the hinge support at A and the roller support at B.)
5) Repeat the experiment with the new loads and record observations and results.

Observation and Calculations:

Initial Readings without loading
Lengths:
𝑚𝐴𝐵=____75cm_____
𝑚𝐴𝐶=____62cm_____
𝑚𝐵𝐶=____62cm_____
Balances:
𝐴𝐵=______0____
𝐴𝐶=______0____
𝐵𝐶=______0____

Observed Length after Observed Balances Readings after

W
Loading Loading
Sr No Applied
Load AB’ AC’ BC’ For AB For AC For BC

Conclusion:

13
 Engineering Mechanics-Statics Lab 3

Rubrics Based Assessment

Psychomotor
SN Criteria Allocated Unacceptable Poor Fair Good Excellent Total
Marks 0% 25% 50% 75% 100% Obtained
1 Use of
Equipment
2 Procedural
Knowledge
3 Data Collection
&
Observations
4 Results and
Conclusion
Sub-Total Sub-Total Marks Obtained in Psychomotor (P)

Affective
SN Criteria Allocated Unacceptable Poor Fair Good Excellent Total
Marks 0% 25% 50% 75% 100% Obtained
1 Individual
Performance
2 Interpersonal
Performance/
Team Work
Sub-Total Sub-Total Marks Obtained in Affective (A)

Instructor Name Total Marks (P+A)

Instructor Signature Marks Obtained (P+A)

14
 Engineering Mechanics-Statics Lab 4

Experiment No.4

Statement:
To investigate the relationship between the forces acting in the jib and the tie of a jib crane.

Apparatus:
Inclined plane apparatus fitted with a pulley and an Inclinometer, Roller tied with a string, Weight
pan and Weights

Figure 4: Jib-Crane Apparatus

THEORY
Jib Crane System:
A 'crane' is a type of machine, generally equipped with a hoist, wire
ropes or chains, and sheaves that can be used both to lift and lower
materials and to move them horizontally. It is mainly used for lifting
heavy things and transporting them to other places.
A jib crane is a type of crane where a horizontal member (jib or boom),
supporting a moveable hoist, is fixed to a wall or to a floor-mounted
pillar. Jib cranes are used in industrial premises and on military
vehicles. Due to load carried, Compressive force is induced in the jib
arm, while the tension is developed in the tie (Chain in this apparatus).
The experiment demonstrates the relationship between these forces
and load carried.

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 Engineering Mechanics-Statics Lab

Experimental Procedure:
1) Mount the jib crane apparatus on a vertical column of the universal stand as shown in the
figure.
2) Note the distance AB, BC, and AC and the spring balance readings in no-load condition.
3) Suspend hanger and add load.
4) For the carried load W record the distances BC & AC (keeping AB fixed) and record tie
tension T.
5) Also note the reading of the jib scale.
6) Repeat the experiment for different loads added in certain increments and record the
observations.
7) Plot graph between W and T.

Observation and Calculations:

Load Carried Length Length Jib scale Tie Tension

Sr. No W/T
W 𝑚𝐵𝐶 𝑚𝐴𝐶 reading T
1
2
3

Conclusion:

16
 Engineering Mechanics-Statics Lab

Rubrics Based Assessment

Psychomotor
SN Criteria Allocated Unacceptable Poor Fair Good Excellent Total
Marks 0% 25% 50% 75% 100% Obtained
1 Use of
Equipment
2 Procedural
Knowledge
3 Data Collection
&
Observations
4 Results and
Conclusion
Sub-Total Sub-Total Marks Obtained in Psychomotor (P)

Affective
SN Criteria Allocated Unacceptable Poor Fair Good Excellent Total
Marks 0% 25% 50% 75% 100% Obtained
1 Individual
Performance
2 Interpersonal
Performance/
Team Work
Sub-Total Sub-Total Marks Obtained in Affective (A)

Instructor Name Total Marks (P+A)

Instructor Signature Marks Obtained (P+A)

17
 Engineering Mechanics-Statics Lab 5

Experiment No. 5

Statement:
To verify the principle of moments for parallel forces

Apparatus:
Universal frame, Beam, 2 Spring Balances, 4 S Hooks, 2 hangers and weights

Figure 4: Reaction of Beam Apparatus

THEORY
For a horizontal beam supported at two points near ends (Simply Supported) and Loaded
verticcally as shown in the figure, the principle of moments suggests that

𝑇1 + 𝑇2 = 𝑊1 + 𝑊2

Also taking moments about A

𝑊1 × 𝐿1 + 𝑊2 𝑥 𝐿2 = 𝑇2 × 𝐿3

18
 Engineering Mechanics-Statics Lab

Experimental procedures:
1) With the help of S Hooks hang the spring balances, the beam and the weight hangers as
shown in the figure and note the spring balance readings for no load conditions.
2) Note the distances of points of application of W1, W2 and T2 from T1 on the beam.
3) Add weights W1 and W2 of different value and note the tensions T1 and T2 in the spring
balances.
4) Repeat the experiment with different sets of weights and record the observations.
5) Verify the principle of moments.

Observation and Calculations:

AT NO LOAD CONDITIONS

𝑇1 = 0
𝑇2 = 0

Distance of points of application on beam taking T1 as reference

𝐿1 = 0.0115𝑚
𝐿2 = 0.031𝑚
𝐿3 = 0.043𝑚

Sr 𝑇1 𝑇2
𝑊1 𝑊2 𝑇1 𝑇2 𝑊1 + 𝑊2 𝑊1 × 𝐿1 + 𝑊2 × 𝐿2
No + 𝑇2 × 𝐿3
1
2
3

Conclusions:

19
 Engineering Mechanics-Statics Lab 5

Rubrics Based Assessment

Psychomotor
SN Criteria Allocated Unacceptable Poor Fair Good Excellent Total
Marks 0% 25% 50% 75% 100% Obtained
1 Use of
Equipment
2 Procedural
Knowledge
3 Data Collection
&
Observations
4 Results and
Conclusion
Sub-Total Sub-Total Marks Obtained in Psychomotor (P)

Affective
SN Criteria Allocated Unacceptable Poor Fair Good Excellent Total
Marks 0% 25% 50% 75% 100% Obtained
1 Individual
Performance
2 Interpersonal
Performance/
Team Work
Sub-Total Sub-Total Marks Obtained in Affective (A)

Instructor Name Total Marks (P+A)

Instructor Signature Marks Obtained (P+A)

20
 Engineering Mechanics-Statics Lab 6

Experiment No. 6

Statement:
To verify the principle of moments forces for a wheel

Apparatus:
Rotary Disc Apparatus, 2 Hangers and weights

Figure 5: Moment of Disc Apparatus

THEORY
A Wheel or rotary disc, supported at an axle at the center is capable of rotating clockwise or anti
clockwise direction under the action of the loads applied at any radial distances. In case of
equilibrium, the law of moments suggests that

𝑾𝟏 × 𝑳𝟏 = 𝑾𝟐 × 𝑳𝟐

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 Engineering Mechanics-Statics Lab

Experimental Procedure:
1) With the help of two removable pins and ropes 1 and 2, hang two hangers with weights
𝑊1 and 𝑊2 respectively at radial distances 𝐿1 and 𝐿2 from the center of the wheel, as
shown in the figure, and let the wheel to come to rest.
2) In equilibrium condition, note 𝑊1, 𝑊2, 𝐿1 and 𝐿2
3) Repeat the experiment by changing weights and distances arbitrarily and record
observations
4) In each case verify that
𝑊1 × 𝐿1 = 𝑊2 × 𝐿2

Observation and Calculations:

Sr. No 𝐿1 𝐿2 𝑊1 𝑊2 𝑊1 × 𝐿1 𝑊2 × 𝐿2
1
2
3

Conclusion:

22
 Engineering Mechanics-Statics Lab 6

Rubrics Based Assessment

Psychomotor
SN Criteria Allocated Unacceptable Poor Fair Good Excellent Total
Marks 0% 25% 50% 75% 100% Obtained
1 Use of
Equipment
2 Procedural
Knowledge
3 Data Collection
&
Observations
4 Results and
Conclusion
Sub-Total Sub-Total Marks Obtained in Psychomotor (P)

Affective
SN Criteria Allocated Unacceptable Poor Fair Good Excellent Total
Marks 0% 25% 50% 75% 100% Obtained
1 Individual
Performance
2 Interpersonal
Performance/
Team Work
Sub-Total Sub-Total Marks Obtained in Affective (A)

Instructor Name Total Marks (P+A)

Instructor Signature Marks Obtained (P+A)

23
 Engineering Mechanics-Statics Lab 7

Experiment No. 7

Statement:
To investigate the relationship of load and applied force in case of simple wheel and axle

Apparatus:
Wheel and axle apparatus, 2 Hangers and weights

Figure 6: Wheel And Axle Apparatus

Theory:

A small Effort W1 is applied to the larger diameter pulley P1 (Representing Wheel) to lift a larger
load W2 by the smaller diameter pulley P2 (Representing axle) by using the principle of moments.
The ratio of the load and effort is called mechanical advantages.

From law of moments

𝑊1 × 𝑑1/2 = 𝑊2 × 𝑑2/2

Now here the mechanical Advantage can be found by dividing W2/W1

24
 Engineering Mechanics-Statics Lab

Experimental Procedure:

1) Measure the diameter d1 and d2 of the pulleys P1 and P2 respectively.

2) Attach and wind strings on P1 and P2 in opposite directions and then attach hangers on
their lower ends.
3) By gradually adding weights to the hangers find a suitable combination of 𝑊1 and 𝑊2 for
which the system attains the equilibrium Rest Position.
4) Repeat the experiment with the different sets of loads and record observations.
5) Verify the relation 𝑊1 × 𝑑1/2 = 𝑊2 × 𝑑2/2 and find the ratio 𝑊2/𝑊1
6) Draw a graph between 𝑊1 and 𝑊2

Observation and Calculations:

𝑑1 = 0.07𝑚
𝑑2 = 0.05𝑚

Sr. No 𝑊1 𝑊2 𝑑1 𝑑2 𝑊1 × 𝑑1/2 𝑊2 × 𝑑2/2 𝑊2/𝑊1

1
2

Conclusion:

25
 Engineering Mechanics-Statics Lab 7

Rubrics Based Assessment

Psychomotor
SN Criteria Allocated Unacceptable Poor Fair Good Excellent Total
Marks 0% 25% 50% 75% 100% Obtained
1 Use of
Equipment
2 Procedural
Knowledge
3 Data Collection
&
Observations
4 Results and
Conclusion
Sub-Total Sub-Total Marks Obtained in Psychomotor (P)

Affective
SN Criteria Allocated Unacceptable Poor Fair Good Excellent Total
Marks 0% 25% 50% 75% 100% Obtained
1 Individual
Performance
2 Interpersonal
Performance/
Team Work
Sub-Total Sub-Total Marks Obtained in Affective (A)

Instructor Name Total Marks (P+A)

Instructor Signature Marks Obtained (P+A)

26
 Engineering Mechanics-Statics Lab 8

Experiment No. 8

Statement:
To investigate the relation of load and applied force in case of compound wheel and axle

Apparatus:
Compound wheel and axle apparatus, strings, hangers, weights

Figure 7: Compound Wheel And Axle Apparatus

Theory:
In compound wheel and axle mechanism, a small effort W1 applied to the wheel P1 can be used
to lift a larger load W2 suspended at the center of a movable pulley P4. Mechanical Advantage
(W2/W1) in this case is larger than that of a simple wheel and axle mechanism.

27
 Engineering Mechanics-Statics Lab

Experimental procedures:

1) Note the diameters of the four pulleys and the weight of the movable pulley𝑃4.
2) Attach and wind the pieces of strings to the respective pulleys as shown in the figure.
Attach hangers to the free end of string and the lower hook of the movable pulley 𝑃4
3) Add suitable weight W to the hanger suspend to the movable pulley and hold it.
4) Calculate the load 𝑊2 by adding the weight of movable pulley 𝑊𝑝 𝑡𝑜 𝑊.
5) Gradually add weights to the other hanger and find a value of the efforts 𝑊1 at which load
just start moving up
6) Repeat the experiment with different sets of weights and calculate the mechanical
advantages
7) Draw Graph between Load and Effort

Observation and Calculations:

Diameters of Pulleys𝑃1, 𝑃2, 𝑃3, and 𝑃4
D1=7.5cm
D2=5.5cm
D3=4cm
D4=3.5cm

Weights of movable pulley 𝑃4 = 𝑊𝑝 = 0.784𝑁

Apparent Load Actual Load Effort Mechanical Advantage

Sr. No
𝑊 𝑊2 = 𝑊 + 𝑊𝑝 𝑊1 𝑊2/𝑊1
1
2
3

Conclusion

28
 Engineering Mechanics-Statics Lab 8

Rubrics Based Assessment

Psychomotor
SN Criteria Allocated Unacceptable Poor Fair Good Excellent Total
Marks 0% 25% 50% 75% 100% Obtained
1 Use of
Equipment
2 Procedural
Knowledge
3 Data Collection
&
Observations
4 Results and
Conclusion
Sub-Total Sub-Total Marks Obtained in Psychomotor (P)

Affective
SN Criteria Allocated Unacceptable Poor Fair Good Excellent Total
Marks 0% 25% 50% 75% 100% Obtained
1 Individual
Performance
2 Interpersonal
Performance/
Team Work
Sub-Total Sub-Total Marks Obtained in Affective (A)

Instructor Name Total Marks (P+A)

Instructor Signature Marks Obtained (P+A)

29
 Engineering Mechanics-Statics Lab 9

Experiment No. 9

Statement:
To verify the condition of equilibrium for concurrent forces
Apparatus:
Wall mounted board, 4 pulleys with clamps, O-ring, strings, 5 hangers, weights, steel rule, half
drawing sheet, scotch tape and lead pencil

Figure 8: Wall Mounted Board with Pulleys and Clamps

Theory:
Concurrent forces are those forces whose lines of actions meet at a point.
When a System of Concurrent forces is in Equilibrium, the Vectors of the forces forms a close
polygon

30
 Engineering Mechanics-Statics Lab

Experimental Procedure:
1) With the help of clamps, install 4 pulleys P1, P2, P3 and P4 at the four corners of the wall
mounted board.
2) With the help of scotch tape fix a half size drawing sheet on the board.
3) Tie five strings 1,2,3,4 and 5 with an O-Ring and pass four of these over the respective
pulleys, leaving 5 hanging downside. Attach hangers and add weights.
4) Allow the O-Ring to achieve Equilibrium (Set) Position.
5) Note the values of the weights W1, W2, W3, W4 and W5.
6) With the help of lead pencil and the steel rule mark on the drawing sheet the position of
the O-Ring and the Five String Lines
7) Detach the drawing sheet and measure the angles between string lines
8) Name angles as shown in the figure, measure their values from the drawing sheet and
record
9) Selecting a suitable force scale, draw the vectors of W1, W2, W3, W4 and W5 with their
directions measured above.
10) Join the vectors using head to tail rule of vector addition.
11) The resultant should be zero and the diagram thus formed should be a closed polygon.
Observation and Calculations:

W2 W1

Ѳ2

Ѳ1
Ѳ3

Ѳ4 Ѳ5
W3 W5

W4

Sr. No 𝑊1 𝑊2 𝑊3 𝑊4 𝑊5 Ѳ1 Ѳ2 Ѳ3 Ѳ4 Ѳ5
1
2
3
Conclusion:

31
 Engineering Mechanics-Statics Lab 9

Rubrics Based Assessment

Psychomotor
SN Criteria Allocated Unacceptable Poor Fair Good Excellent Total
Marks 0% 25% 50% 75% 100% Obtained
1 Use of
Equipment
2 Procedural
Knowledge
3 Data Collection
&
Observations
4 Results and
Conclusion
Sub-Total Sub-Total Marks Obtained in Psychomotor (P)

Affective
SN Criteria Allocated Unacceptable Poor Fair Good Excellent Total
Marks 0% 25% 50% 75% 100% Obtained
1 Individual
Performance
2 Interpersonal
Performance/
Team Work
Sub-Total Sub-Total Marks Obtained in Affective (A)

Instructor Name Total Marks (P+A)

Instructor Signature Marks Obtained (P+A)

32
 Engineering Mechanics-Statics Lab 10

Experiment No. 10

Statement:
To determine the coefficient of friction for various material surfaces in sliding contact with
wood

Apparatus:
Inclined plane apparatus fitted with a pulley, string, weights pan, and slider having various
material bases, weights, protector and Steel Rule

Figure 9: Inclined Plane Apparatus

Theory:
Coefficient of friction between two surfaces is independent of load or the moving force and remain
constant for two given surfaces.
This experiment verifies the above concept and also that the limiting friction between any two
sliding surfaces depends upon the nature of the materials.
The coefficient of friction equation can be used to determine the minimum force required to start
an object moving on a surface by calculating the
maximum frictional force. If the force greater than the
frictional force is applied the object will move. The
Relation for the Frictional Force is

𝐹 = µ𝑁
So
µ = 𝐹/𝑁

33
 Engineering Mechanics-Statics Lab

Where

µ= Coefficient of Friction
𝑁= Normal Force
𝐹= Frictional Force

Experimental Procedure:
1) With the help of adjuster clamp, set up the incline plane angle of inclination Ѳ less than 45
degrees.
2) Select slider of unknown base material and known initial weight, tie one end of string to it
and place on the inclined plane. Pass the string over the pulley and attach the pulley and
attach the weight pan to the other end of string.
3) Gradually add suitable weights W1 and W2 in the slider and the weight pan respectively.
4) Determine the combination of weights for which the slider just starts moving by gently
taping.
5) Repeat these steps for different combinations of weights.
6) Calculate the coefficient of friction in each case and find the average value.
7) Repeat the above experiment with the slider of other material basses.
Observation and Calculations:
Initial Slider Weights (𝑊𝑠) for various sliders with:
Wood base
Steel base
Copper Base
Initial Weight of Pan= 𝑊𝑝 =46 g => 0.45126N
Sr. 𝑾 𝑭 𝑵 µ
𝑾𝟏 𝑾𝟐 Ѳ
No. = 𝑾𝟏 + 𝑾𝒔 = 𝑾𝟐 + 𝑾𝒑 = 𝑾𝑪𝒐𝒔Ѳ = 𝑭/𝑵
Wood
Steel
Copper

Conclusion:

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 Rubrics Based Assessment

Psychomotor
SN Criteria Allocated Unacceptable Poor Fair Good Excellent Total
Marks 0% 25% 50% 75% 100% Obtained
1 Use of
Equipment
2 Procedural
Knowledge
3 Data Collection
&
Observations
4 Results and
Conclusion
Sub-Total Sub-Total Marks Obtained in Psychomotor (P)

Affective
SN Criteria Allocated Unacceptable Poor Fair Good Excellent Total
Marks 0% 25% 50% 75% 100% Obtained
1 Individual
Performance
2 Interpersonal
Performance/
Team Work
Sub-Total Sub-Total Marks Obtained in Affective (A)

Instructor Name Total Marks (P+A)

Instructor Signature Marks Obtained (P+A)

35