GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS

 All the students are instructed to wear protective uniform and shoes before entering into the
laboratory.

 Before starting the exercise, students should have a clear idea about the principles of that
exercise

 All the students are advised to come with completed recorded and corrected observation book
of previous experiments, defaulters will not allowed to do their experiment.

 Don’t operate any instrument without getting concerned staff member’s prior permission.

 All the instruments are costly. Hence handle them carefully, to avoid fine for any breakage.

 Almost care must be taken to avert any possible injury while on laboratory work. In case,
anything occurs immediately report to the staff members.

 One student from each batch should put his/her signature during receiving the instrument in
instrument issue register.
 SYLLABUS

CE8481 STRENGTH OF MATERIALS LABORATORY LTPC

0032

OBJECTIVES: To expose the students to the testing of different materials under the action of
various forces and determination of their characteristics experimentally.

LIST OF EXPERIMENTS

1. Tension test on mild steel rod

2. Compression test on bricks

3. Double shear test on metal

4. Torsion test on mild steel rod

5. Impact test on metal specimen (Izod and Charpy)

6. Hardness test on metals (Rockwell and Brinell Hardness Tests)

7. Deflection test on metal beam

8. Compression test on helical spring

9. Deflection test on carriage spring

10. Test on Cement

TOTAL: 60 PERIODS

OUTCOMES: The students will have the required knowledge in the area of testing of materials and
components of structural elements experimentally.

REFERENCES:

1. Strength of Materials Laboratory Manual, Anna University, Chennai - 600 025.

2. IS1786-2008, Specification for cold worked steel high strength deformed bars for concrete
reinforcement, 2008
 CE8481-Strength of Material laboratory

EX.NO: TENSILE TEST ON STEEL BAR

DATE:

Aim:-
To study the UTM and perform the tensile test.

Apparatus:-

A UTM, mild steel specimen, vernier caliper/micrometer, dial gauge & graph paper.

Theory:-
In this test ends of a test piece are fixed into grips connected to a straining device and to a
load measuring device. Usually a tension test is conducted at room temperature and the tensile load
is applied slowly. During this test either round or flat specimen may be used.

About of UTM & its specifications:-

The tensile test is conducted on UTM. It is hydraulically operates a pump, oil in oil sump,
load dial indicator and central buttons. The left has upper, middle and lower cross heads i.e;
specimen grips (or jaws). Idle cross head can be moved up and down for adjustment. The pipes
connecting the lift and right parts are oil pipes through which the pumped oil under pressure flows
on left parts to more the cross-heads.

Procedure:-
 The load pointer is set at zero by adjusting the initial setting knob.

 The dial gauge is fixed and the specimen for measuring elongation of small amounts.
 Measuring the diameter of the test piece by vernier caliper at least at three places and
determine the mean value also mark the gauge length.
 Now the specimen is gripped between upper and middle cross head jaws of the m/c.
 Set the automatic graph recording system.
 Start the m/c and take the reading.
 The specimen is loaded gradually and the elongation is noted until the specimen breaks.

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Observation:-
o Initial diameter of specimen d1 = _________
o Initial gauge length of specimen L1 = _________
o Initial cross-section area of specimen A1 = _________
o Load of yield point Ft. = _________
o Ultimate load after specimen breaking F = _________
o Final length after specimen breaking L2 = _________
o Dia. of specimen at breaking place d2 = _________
o Cross section area at breaking place A2 = _________

Calculation:-

(i) Ultimate tensile strength = Ultimate load/ Initial area

(ii) Percent elongation% = (Final length – Initial length) x 100 / Initial length
(iii) Modulus of elasticity E = Stress/ Strain
(iv) Yield stress = Yield load/ Area
(v) % reduction in area = (Initial area – Final area) x 100 / Initial area

GRAPH:
Plot a graph between Stress in Y-Axis Vs Strain in X-Axis

RESULT:-
i) Modulus of elasticity ______________ N/mm2

ii) Percent elongation% ______________ %

iii) Ultimate tensile strength _____________ N/mm2

iv) Yield stress _____________ N/mm2

v) % reduction in area _____________ %

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 CE8481-Strength of Material laboratory

EX.NO: TORSION TEST

DATE:

AIM:
To carry out a torsion test to destruction in order to determine for a 1020 carbon steel rod
specimen:

 The modulus of rigidity,

 The shear stress at the limit of proportionality,
 The general characteristics of the torque, angle of twist relationship.

MATERIAL:
Mild Steel rod 6 mm diameter over 3" length (overall length including hexagon ends = 5⅝").

EQUIPMENT:
 Torsion testing Machine and Torsimeter of Equipment Ltd.
 Steel rule and micrometer.

THEORY:
From the general torsion theory for circular specimen: l

=
Where,
T = Applied Torque; (Nm)
J = Polar Second Moment of Area; (mm2)
G = Modulus of Rigidity; (N / mm2)
θ = Angle of Twist (over length l); (radians)
l = Gauge Length. (mm)
PROCEDURE:
 Measure the overall length and test diameter of the specimen.
 Draw a line down the length of the test section of the specimen with a pencil; this serves
as a visual aid to the degree of twist being put on the specimen during loading.
 Mount the specimen firmly in the torsion testing machine as indicated in the operating
instructions – see later. (If the Torsi meter is to be used the fixed procedure should be
carried as prescribed in the last part the bulletin).
For each increment of strain record the following:
(a) Angle of twist of the specimen (θ) in degrees.
(b) Applied torque (T)
(c) Angle of twist over the 50 mm (or 2.0 in) gauge length in radians, as recorded by dial
gauge indicator (θ) radians.
(d) When the elastic limit has been passed, continue to test destruction with increasing
increments of strain, recording for each strain increment,
i) Angle of twist in degrees;
ii) Applied torque.

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OBSERVATION:
Initial diameter of specimen = ----------------- mm
Final diameter of the specimen = -------------- mm
Gauge length of the specimen = ---------------- mm
Initial overall length of the specimen = ----------mm
Final overall of specimen = ------------------mm

TABULATION

Angle of Twist Modulus of rigidity Shear Stress

Applied Torque T
(θ in degrees) (N/mm2) (N/mm2)

Average

RESULTS:
The modulus of rigidity of the given specimen is _____________N/mm2.

The Shear Stress of the given specimen is -------------------N/mm2

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EX.NO: IZOD IMPACT TEST

DATE:

Aim:
To determine the impact strength of the given specimen by conducting Izod impact test.

Apparatus and specimen required:

 Impact testing machine with attachment for Izod test.

 Given specimen
 Vernier caliper
 Scale.

Theory:
An impact test signifies roughness of material that is ability of material to absorb energy
during plastic deformation. The impact test measures the necessary to fracture a standard notch bar
by applying an impulse load.

Procedure:

 Measure the length (l), breadth (b), & depth (d) of the given specimen.
 Measure the position of notch (i.e. groove) from one end (lg), depth of groove (dg) and
top width of the groove (wg) in the given specimen.
 Lift the pendulum and keep it in the position meant for charpy Izod test.
 Adjust the pointer to coincide with initial position (i.e. maximum value) in the izod
scale.
 Release the pendulum using the lever and note down the initial reading in the izod scale.
 Repeat the step 3 and 4.
 Place the specimen vertically upwards such that the shorter distance between one end of
the specimen and groove will be protruding length and also the groove in the specimen
should face the striking end of the hammer.
 Release the pendulum again using the lever and note down the final reading in the izod
scale.
 Find the impact strength of the given specimen by using the following relation:

Impact strength = (Final izod scale reading – Initial izod scale reading)

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Observation:

1. Material of the given specimen =

2. Type of notch (i.e. groove) =
3. Length of the specimen, l = mm
4. Breadth of the specimen, b = mm
5. Depth of the specimen, d = mm

Tabulation:
Dimensions of the Specimen
Impact
Specimen

Impact Energy
Strength
Breadth Depth ‘d’ Length ‘l’ Depth of Observe ‘K’
I=K/A
‘b’ mm mm mm notch, mm Joules
J/mm2

Result:

The impact strength of the given specimen is ________ J/mm2

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EX.NO: CHARPY IMPACT TEST

DATE:

Aim:
To determine the impact strength of the given specimen by conducting charpy impact test.

Apparatus and specimen required:

 Impact testing machine with attachment for charpy test.

 Charpy specimen
 Vernier caliper
 Scale.

Theory:
An impact test signifies roughness of material that is ability of material to absorb
energy during plastic deformation. The impact test measures the necessary to fracture a standard
notch bar by applying an impulse load.

Procedure:

 Measure the length (l), breadth (b), & depth (d) of the given specimen.
 Measure the position of notch (i.e. groove) from one end (lg), depth of groove (dg) and top
width of the groove (wg) in the given specimen.
 Lift the pendulum and keep it in the position meant for charpy test.
 Adjust the pointer to coincide with initial position (i.e. maximum value) in charpy scale.
 Release the pendulum using the lever and note down the initial reading in the charpy scale.
 Repeat the step 3 and 4.
 Place the specimen centrally over the supports such that the groove in opposite to the
striking face.
 Release the pendulum again using the lever and note down the final reading in the charpy
scale.
 Find the impact strength of the given specimen by using the following relation:

Impact strength = (Final charpy scale reading – Initial charpy scale reading)

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Observation:

1. Material of the given specimen =

2. Type of notch (i.e. groove) =
3. Length of the specimen, l = mm
4. Breadth of the specimen, b = mm
5. Depth of the specimen, d = mm

Tabulation:

Dimensions of the Specimen Impact

Specimen

Impact Energy
Strength
Breadth Depth ‘d’ Length ‘l’ Depth of Observe ‘K’
I=K/A
‘b’ mm mm mm notch, mm Joules
J/mm2

Result:

The impact strength of the given specimen is ________ Kg-m

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EX.NO: ROCKWELL HARDNESS TEST

DATE:

Aim:
To study the Rockwell Hardness testing machine and perform the Rockwell hardness
test.

Apparatus:-
Rockwell Hardness testing machine, specimen of mild steel or other material.

Theory: -
Hardness represents the resistance of material surface to abrasion, scratching and cutting,
hardness after gives clear indication of strength. In all hardness tests, a define force is
mechanically applied on the piece, varies in size and shape for different tests. Common indenters
are made of hardened steel or diamond. Rockwell hardness tester presents direct reading of
hardness number on a dial provided with the m/c. principally this testing is similar to Brinell
hardness testing. It differs only in diameter and material of the indentor and the applied force.
Although there are many scales having different combinations of load and size of indentor but
commonly ‘C’ scale is used and hardness is presented as HRC. Here the indentor has a diamond
cone at the tip and applied force is of 150 kgf. Soft materials are often tested in ‘B’ scale with a
1.6mm dia. Steel indentor at 60kgf.

Procedure:-

 Insert ball of dia. ‘D’ in ball holder of the m/c.

 Make the specimen surface clean by removing dust, dirt, oil and grease etc.
 Make contact between the specimen surface and the ball by rotating the jack adjusting
wheel.
 Push the required button for loading.
 Pull the load release lever wait for minimum 15 second. The load will automatically
apply gradually.
 Remove the specimen from support table and locate the indentation so made.
 Repeat the entire operation, 3-times.

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Observation and calculation: -

Following observation are recorded are from a test on steel specimen using a hardened
steel ball as indenter.
Rockwell
Type of
S.No Scale Type of indentor Scale Reading Hardness
Specimen
Number

1.

2.

3.





Result:-
The Rockwell Hardness of the given specimen is _________

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EX.NO: BRINELL HARDNESS TEST

DATE:

Aim:-
To study the Brinell hardness testing machine and the Brinell hardness test.

Apparatus: -
Brinell hardness testing machine, specimen of mild steel / cast iron/ non-ferrous metals and
Brinell microscope.

Theory: -
Hardness represents the resistance of material surface to abrasion, scratching and cutting,
hardness after gives clear identification of strength. In all hardness testes, a define force is
mechanically applied on the test piece for about 15 seconds. The indentor, which transmits the load
to the test piece, varies in size and shape for different tests. Common indenters are made of
hardened steel or diamond.
In Brinell hardness testing, steel balls are used as indentor. Diameter of the indentor and the
applied force depend upon the thickness of the test specimen, because for accurate results, depth of
indentation should be less than 1/8th of the thickness of the test pieces. According to the thickness of
the test piece increase, the diameter of the indentor and force are changed.

Specification of hardness testing of hardness testing m/c and indentors

A hardness test can be conducted on Brinell testing m/c, Rockwell hardness m/c or
vicker testing m/c. the specimen may be a cylinder, cube, think or thin metallic sheet. A Brinell-
cum-Rockwell hardness testing m/c along with the specimen is shown in figure.Its specification are
as follows:
1. Ability to determine hardness upto 500BHN.
2. Diameter of ball (as indentor) used D = 2.5mm, 5mm, 10mm.
3. Maximum application load = 3000kgf.
4. Method of load application = Lever type
5. Capability of testing the lower hardness range = 1 BHN on application of 0.5D2 load.

Procedure:-
 Insert ball of dia ‘D’ in ball holder of the m/c.
 Make the specimen surface clean by removing dust, dirt, oil and grease etc.
 Make contact between the specimen surface and the ball by rotating the jack adjusting
wheel.
 Push the required button for loading.
 Pull the load release level and wait for minimum 15 second. The load will automatically
apply gradually.
 Remove the specimen from support table and locate the indentation so made.
 Remove the specimen from support table and locate the indentation so made. View the
indentation through microscope and measure the diameter ‘d’ by micrometer fitted on
microscope.
 Repeat the entire operation, 3-times.

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Observation and calculation: -

Following observation are recorded from a test on steel specimen using a hardened steel
ball as indenter.

Test piece material = __________

Ball Load Diameter of

Sl. No. diameter applied (P) indentation BHN
P/D2
‘D’ in mm. (kgf) ‘d’ (mm)

Load Applied (kgf)

Brinell Hardness number =
Spherical surface area indentation (in mm)

2P
=
πD (D-√D2 – d2)

Result:-
The Brinell hardness number of the mild steel is __________BHN

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EX.NO: DEFLECTION TEST ON BEAM

DATE:
Aim:-
To draw shear force and bending moment diagram for a simply
Supported beam under point and distributed loads.
Apparatus used:
Apparatus of simply supported beam.

Theory:-
Beam: - It is a structural member on which the load act perpendicular to axis. It is that whenever a
horizontal beam is loaded with vertical loads, sometimes it bends due to the action of the loads.
The amounts by which a beam bends, depends upon the amount and types of loads, length of
beam, elasticity of the beam and the type of beam. In general beams are classified as under:
1. Cantilever beam: - It is a beam whose one end is fixed to a rigid support and the other
end is free to move.
2. Simply supported beam: - A beam supported or resting freely on the walls or columns at
its both ends is known as simply supported beam.
3. Rigidly fixed or built-in beam: - A beam whose both the ends are rigidly fixed or built
in walls is called a fixed beam.
4. Continuous beam: - A beam support on more than two supports is known as a continuous
beam. It may be noted that a continuous beam may not be overhanging beam.
Types of loading:
1. Concentrated or point load: - A load acting at a point on a beam is known as
concentrated or a point load.
2. Uniformly distributed load: - A load, which is spread over a beam in such a manner that
each unit length is loaded to a same extent.
3. Uniformly varying load: - A load, which is spread over a beam, in such a manner that its
extent varies uniformly on each unit length.
Shear force: - The shear force at the cross-section of a beam may be defined as the
unbalanced vertical forces to the right or left of the section.
Bending moment: - The bending moment at the cross-section of a beam may be defined as
the algebraic sum of the moment of forces, to the section
Important points:-
 If loading is uniformly distributed load then shear force diagram will be a curve of first
degree and B.M. diagram will be a curve of second degree.

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 If the loading is point load then its corresponding S.F. diagram would be a curve of zero
degree and the B.M. diagram would be a curve of first degree.
 If the loading is uniformly varying load its S.F. diagram would be curve of second degree
and BMD will be of third degree.
 Bending moment is maximum where shear force is zero.
 In case of simply supported beam the first step is to calculate the reactions at the support,
then we proceed in usual manner.
 In case of cantilever beam there is no need of finding reaction and start from the free
end of the beam.
 Point of flexural is the where BM changes its sign.
 B.M. at the support is zero for simply supported beam.

Dial Gauge Readings in Actual Young’s Bending Bending

S. Load in
division Deflection Modulus Moment Stress
No
Kg N Loading Unloading Average Div mm N/mm2 (N-mm) N/mm2

RESULT:-
Young’s modulus, E = ____________N/mm2
Bending stress, fb = ____________N/mm2

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EX.NO: COMPRESSION TEST ON SPRING

DATE:

Aim:

To determine the modulus of rigidity and stiffness of the given compression spring specimen.

Apparatus and specimen required:

1. Spring test machine

2. Compression spring specimen
3. Vernier caliper

Procedure:

1. Measure the outer diameter (D) and diameter of the spring coil (D) for the given
compression spring.
2. Count the number of turns i.e. coils (n) in the given compression specimen.
3. Place the compression spring at the centre of the bottom beam of the spring testing
machine.
4. Rise the bottom beam by rotating right side wheel till the spring top rouches the middle
cross beam.
5. Note down the initial reading from the scale in the machine.
6. Apply a load of 25kg and note down the scale reading. Increase the load at the rate of
25kg upto a maximum of 100kg and note down the corresponding scale readings.
7. Find the actual deflection of the spring for each load by deducting the initial scale reading
from the corresponding scale reading.
8. Calculate the modulus of rigidity for each load applied by using the following formula:

64PR3n
Modulus of rigidity, N =
d4 δ

Where, P = Load in N
R = Mean radius of the spring in mm (D –d) /2
d = Diameter of the spring coil in mm
δ = Deflection of the spring in mm
D = Outer diameter of the spring in mm.

9. Determine the stiffness for each load applied by using the following formula:
Stiffness, K = P/δ

 Find the values of modulus of rigidity and spring constant of the given spring by
taking average values.

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Observation:

1. Material of the spring specimen =

2. Outer diameter of the spring. D = mm
3. Diameter of the spring coil, d = mm
4. Number of coils / turns, n = Nos.
5. Initial scale reading = cm = mm

Tabulation:

Applied Scale reading Actual Modulus of

S. Stiffness in
Load in in deflection rigidity E in N/mm2
No. N/mm
N cm mm in mm in N/mm2

Average

Result:

The modulus of rigidity of the given spring = _________N/mm2

The stiffness of the given spring = _________N/mm2

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