NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY, JAMSHEDPUR

DEPARTMENT OF MECHANICAL ENGINEERING

INSTRUCTION SHEET FOR ENGINEERING MECHANICS

LABORATORY
EXPERIMENT NO. 6
PARALLEL FORCES
Aim- Determination of reactions.

Apparatus Required-
a) A horizontal beam
b) Weight of different masses
c) Meter scale
d) Spring balances
Theory - In the parallel of force apparatus, a beam is supported horizontally over two supports.
The beam may be supported at the ends or, at a distance from each (or any one) other rod. In the
latter case, the beam is known as an overhanging beam.
When some forces are applied on two beams by pinching suitable weights at two- known
distances from ends as shown in the fig., supports exert reactive forces simply known as
reactions to counter balance the effects of applied forces and thus, to keep the system into
equilibrium. These reactions may be directly read over scales provided with supports

Procedure:
1.Keep different loads at different points on beam and then read the reactions. This should be
repeated at least six times with different loads.
2.Now calculate the reactions theoretically values with those actually found.
3.Find the percentage error of reaction forces.
Calculation:

At Static Equilibrium condition - ∑ &∑

Taking moment about point A ( Taking clockwise direction moment positive)

RA.0 + W1 . a + W2.b - RB .102 = 0

RB = N …………………….(1)
 RA+ RB - W1 - W2 = 0 ………………….(2) ( Taking upward direction force positive)

W % Error in RA = | | x 100 ….(3)

% Error in RB = | | x 100 …..(4)

W1 W2

a cm
A B

b cm
RA RB

W
Fig. 1 Free body diagram of simply supported beam

Observations:

S.NO Load (kg.f) Distance from Experimental Theoretical % %

supports (cm) Reactions (kg.f) Reactions (kg.f) Error Error
W1 W2 a b RA RB RA RB in RA in RB
1
2
3
..

Calculation:

Results:

Precaution:

Comments:

W ww
 NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY, JAMSHEDPUR
DEPARTMENT OF MECHANICAL ENGINEERING

INSTRUCTION SHEET FOR ENGINEERING MECHANICS LABORATORY

EXPERIMENT NO. 2

COIL FRICTION

Aim: To determine the coefficient of friction between outer surface of a metallic cylinder and a coil or rope.

Theory: In the case of belt drive.

Let T1 be tension in tight side. T2 tension in slack side, θ angle of lap, N normal reaction between the belt
and pulley and μ coefficient of friction between belt and pulley.

For an elemental piece of belt, let the tight and slack side tensions are (T + 𝜹T) and T respectively and angle
of lap be 𝜹θ. μN is the friction force on the elemental piece of belt as shown.

Resolving the forces diametrally

𝛿𝜃 𝛿𝜃
N = (T + 𝜹T) Sin 2 + TSin 2
𝛿𝜃 𝛿𝜃 𝛿𝜃
For small values of δθ, Sin ≈ 2 and δθ can be neglected for its small value.
2 2
𝛿𝜃
Hence, N = 2T 2 = Tδθ (1)
Resolving forces tangentially,
𝛿𝜃 𝛿𝜃
(T +δT)Cos 2 = TCos 2 + μN
𝛿𝜃
For small value of δθ, Cos 2 ≈ 1
So, δT = μN (2)
From equations (1) and (2), δT = μTδθ
𝛿𝑇
= μδθ whose differential form is
𝑇
𝑑𝑇
= μdθ
𝑇
𝑇1 𝑑𝑇 𝛽
Integrating above between suitable limits∫𝑇2 = ∫0 𝜇𝑑𝜃
𝑇
𝑇₁
ln = μβ
𝑇₂
𝑇₁
=𝑒 𝜇𝛽
𝑇₂

Apparatus: Pan, Weights, Rope etc.

Procedure:

Put some weights say 100 gm in pan no.1 and add some small weights in pan no.2 and increase the load till
motion of that pan impends. Repeat the same for various weights both in increasing and decreasing order.
Knowing the value of 𝜃, the value of μ can be calculated.
Observation: Coil Friction Date: …./…./20…

Sl. No. Tight side Slack side Angle of Coefficient of Mean, μ

tension tension lap, friction, μ
T₁(gmf) T₂(gmf) θ(radian)
1
2
…

Calculation:
Results: Effect of Coefficient of friction on increasing angle of lap.
Precautions:
Comments:
 NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY, JAMSHEDPUR
DEPARTMENT OF MECHANICAL ENGINEERING

INSTRUCTION SHEET FOR ENGINEERING MECHANICS LABORATORY

EXPERIMENT NO. 3

SHEAR LEGS

Aim: To verify the forces in various members of a Shear Legs apparatus.

Theory: Triangle law of forces will be applied to different joints.
Apparatus: Meter scale, weights, thread etc.
Procedure: Measure the lengths of AB, BC, CA, AD and DE as shown in sketch. Note the initial reading of
forces in compression members AB and AC and in spring balance in chain AD. Suspend a weight W = 1 kg
(say) at A and measure the lengths of AB , AC, AD and DE respectively and note down the forces in
members AB and BC and in spring balance AD. Repeat for various loads for increasing order and
decreasing order. Then construct the force polygons to find the theoretical value in tension and compression
members.

Observation: SHEAR LEGS Date:

Length
Sl. (cm)
W
N
(kgf) AB AC AD AE BC DE
o.
Inc. Dec. Mean Inc. Dec. Mean Inc. Dec Mean Inc. Dec. Mean
1
2
3

Actual force Theoretical %Error

(kgf) force
Sl. W (kgf)
No. (kgf)
AB AC AD
AB AC AD AB AC AD
Inc. Dec. Mean Inc. Dec. Mean Inc. Dec. Mean
1

B W

D E C
Calculation:

Results:

Precautions:

Comments:
 NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY, JAMSHEDPUR
DEPARTMENT OF MECHANICAL ENGINEERING

INSTRUCTION SHEET FOR ENGINEERING MECHANICS LABORATORY

EXPERIMENT NO. 1

MOMENT OF INERTIA OF FLY WHEEL

Aim: To find the moment of inertia of a flywheel by falling weight method.

Moment of inertia of a body: Moment of inertia of a body is the inertia of the body in rotational motion. The
place of Moment of inertia of a body in rotational motion is similar to place of mass in rectilinear motion.
Mathematically, moment of inertia is defined as x2 dm, where dm is the elemental mass concentrated at a
distance x from axis of rotation of the body. If this is integrated for whole body, the moment of inertia of the
body due to rotation is given by

Ix = ∫ 𝑥 2 dm = Mk2

Where ‘M’ is the mass of the body and ‘k’ is the radius of gyration of the body about the axis of rotation.
Radius of gyration is defined as the distance from axis of rotation at which entire mass of the body is
supposed to be concentrated.

a
Wa/g

d/2
T₁

Fig.1 Free body diagram

Tf

T I𝛼

Fig. 2a External force system, b. Effective force system

Theory:
Let W, weight attached to the string,
h, height of fall
t1, time of descend through h
t2 , time that flywheel takes to come to rest after weight touches the ground
T, tension in the cord
f, linear acceleration of the mass.
d, diameter of the shaft on which fly wheel is mounted
Tf, frictional torque
α, angular retardation of the flywheel after weight touches the ground
ω, angular velocity of the flywheel
I, moment of inertia of the flywheel about the axis of rotation.

Applying Newton’s Second law of motion on shaft (fig.2a,b)

𝑑
T. - Tf= I𝛼
2

mg
mf

Fig.3a Ext. force system , b. Effective force system

Considering the weight (W) in falling condition and writing equations of equilibrium, we have
Applying Newton’s Second law of motion on the weight (fig.3 a,b)
T- mg = - m.f
Wf
T= W− g ,
𝑑𝛼 𝑑𝛼
Where 𝑓 = 2
[ f (Linear accn )= r.𝛼 = 2
]

𝑑 𝑊
𝑊 =𝑇+ .𝛼 (1)
2 𝑔

In rotational motion of the flywheel with an angular acceleration α, the equation of motion becomes
𝑑
. 𝑇 = 𝑇𝑓 + 𝐼𝛼 (2)
2

The velocity of the weight at the time of contact with the ground
𝑑 2𝑓𝑡1
𝑣 = 𝑓𝑡1 = 𝜔. 2 𝑜𝑟 𝜔 = (3)
𝑑

Loss of kinetic energy from the instant the weight touches the ground to the instant flywheel stops = Work
done against the frictional torque (i.e time t2 )

𝐼𝜔 2 𝜔𝑡2
= 𝑇𝑓 𝜃, Where 𝜃 angle turned at time 𝑡2 , 𝜃 = [Taking average, considering 𝜔 decreases linearly]
2 2
Putting the value of 𝜃 in energy equation,

𝐼𝜔2 = 𝑇𝑓 𝑡2 (4)

Putting the value of α in eqn. (2),

4𝐼𝑓 2𝑇𝑓
𝑇= + (5)
𝑑2 𝑑

From eqns. (3) and (4)

𝐼𝜔 2𝐼𝑓𝑡1
𝑇𝑓 = = (6)
𝑡2 𝑑2 𝑡2

From eqns. (5) and (6),

4𝐼𝑓 4𝐼𝑓𝑡2 𝑡1 𝑙
𝑇= + = 4𝐼𝑓 (𝐼 + )( )
𝑑2 𝑑2 𝑡2 𝑡2 𝑑 2
4𝐼𝑓
𝑇 = 𝑑2 𝑡 (𝑡1 + 𝑡2 ) (7)
2

From eqn. (1) and (7)

𝑤𝑓 𝑤
𝑇= 𝑤− = (𝑔 − 𝑓)
𝑔 𝑔

4𝐼𝑓 𝑤
Or (𝑡1 + 𝑡2 ) = (𝑔 − 𝑓)
𝑑2 𝑡2 𝑔

2ℎ
𝑤𝑑2 (𝑔− 2 )𝑡2
𝑡 1
𝐼= 8𝑔ℎ (8)
2 (𝑡1 +𝑡2 )
𝑡1

2ℎ 1 1
Where 𝑓 = 𝑡 2 [ S= ut +2 a t2 h= 2 𝑓𝑡 1 2 ]
1

2ℎ
𝑤𝑑2 𝑡2 𝑡1 2 (1− )
𝑔𝑡1 2
𝐼= (kgf.cm.sec2)
8ℎ(𝑡1 +𝑡2 )

Apparatus: Meter scale, stop watch clock etc.

Procedure: Attach the knotted end of the rope to the projecting stud of the shaft of flywheel and wind the
rope on the shaft. Attach a known weight at the other end of the rope. Note the height from bottom of
weight to the floor. Allow the weight to the freely and start both stopwatches simultaneously. As soon as the
weight touches the ground, stop one of the two stopwatches. This will give time ′𝑡1 ′ . Second stopwatch
should be stopped when flywheel comes to rest. Time shown by the second stopwatch is the total time (𝑡1 +
𝑡2 ). Time 𝑡2 can easily be found. Repeat the same for different weights and different heights. Measure the
diameter of the shaft on which the flywheel is mounted.
Observations: Moment of Inertia of Fly Wheel Date: …./…./20…

Sl. No. Weight Height, (h) Time Time Time (𝑡2 ), Moment of Mean
(W) kgf cm (𝑡1 ), sec (𝑡1 + 𝑡2 ), sec Inertia (I) Moment of
sec kgf.cm.sec2 Inertia (I)
kgf.cm.sec2
1
2
3
4

Calculation:

Results:

Precautions:

Comments:
 NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY, JAMSHEDPUR
DEPARTMENT OF MECHANICAL ENGINEERING

INSTRUCTION SHEET FOR ENGINEERING MECHANICS LABORATORY

EXPERIMENT NO. 7
DIFFERENTIAL WHEEL AND AXLE

Aim: To determine the mechanical advantage, velocity ratio and efficiency of a differential
wheel and axle and to draw the characteristics curve.
Apparatus: Weight, hanger, outer calipers etc.
Theory: Differential wheel and axle is a kind of simple lifting machine
Mechanical advantage: It is the ratio of lead lifted to effort applied.
Mechanical advantage =Ratio of load lifted by effort applied = W/P

Distance moved by effort in one revolution of effort wheel is xp =2 πR

Distance moved by load in corresponding revolution of effort wheel is

= = (πr1 – πr2)

=
– –

Efficiency: Efficiency of a machine is defined as ratio of work output to work input.

Efficiency(η) = = = = =
 r1
R

r2

Fig.1 Differential wheel and axle P

w
w
Fig.2 Side view of Differential wheel and axle

Procedure: put 1 kg (say) in load pan and go on increasing load in effort pan till motion
impends. Repeat the same for increasing load up to (say) 7 kg. Same should be repeated for
decreasing load also in the same sequence as increasing order. Measure the diameters of effort
wheel and stepped load wheel. Draw graphs W vs. P and W vs. η

(1) (2)

P η
𝐏
m= tan𝛉 = 𝐖

P=C

W W

Equation of law of machine , P= mW+ C

If C=0, P= mW
C= friction of machine
Ideal machine has no friction
P=C is used to overcome the friction of machine at this point W= 0, after that W is lifting
Observations: Differential wheel and Axle Date……

S.NO Load Effort ‘P’ (gm) M.A V.R Efficiency(η)= Mean(η)

‘W’ (gm) Increasing Decresing Mean
1
2
3
4
5
6

Calculation:
Results:
Precautions:
Comments :
 NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY, JAMSHEDPUR
DEPARTMENT OF MECHANICAL ENGINEERING

INSTRUCTION SHEET FOR ENGINEERING MECHANICS LABORATORY

EXPERIMENT NO. 8
STIFFNESS OF SPRING
Aim: To determine the stiffness of tension and compression springs.
Theory: If a force is applied to a spring axially, it deforms. The force per unit deformation is
known as "Stiffness of spring or Spring constant. If W is the force and δ is the deformation.

Stiffness of spring or spring constant, K =

Apparatus: Load hanger, Weight etc.

Procedure:
1. Fix the springs in proper places for both tension and compression separately
2. Suspend the book provided for load at the bottom.
3. Before starting the experiment be sure that guide is free.
4. Take the zero error at zero load.
5. Go on increasing the load step by step and take the corresponding deformation.
6. Repeat the same for decreasing order also.
Calculate the value of K. Draw the graph load vs deformation (W vs δ ). The modulus of rigidity
(G) can be found from K or graph.
Deformation for a helical spring loaded axially by W,

and , G= (N/mm2)
 𝒅𝒐 +𝒅𝒊
Dm = , mm
𝟐

𝑫𝒎
R= , mm
𝟐

Fig.1 Section of spring

Where R. mean radius of spring coil, N no. of turns in the coil and ‘d’ diameter of the wire from
which spring is made.

Observation Table:

1. For tension spring

S.No Load(W) kgf Deformation, (mm) δ Stiffness of Mean(K) Mean(G)

Inc. Dec. Mean spring(K)

1 1
2 2
3 3
4 4
5 5
2. For compression spring

S.No Load(W) kgf Deformation, (mm) δ Stiffness of Mean(K) Mean(G)

Inc. Dec. Mean spring(K)

1 1
2 2
3 3
4 4
5 5
Calculation:
Results:
Precaution:
Comments: