CANTILEVER BEAM

INTRODUCTION: A wooden meter stick will be used as a cantilever beam as shown in the
diagram. As mass M is added to the end of the beam, the deflection d will increase. The
deflection d for a given mass M also depends upon the length of overhang L. By measuring
d for varying L while keeping M constant, and by measuring d for varying M while keeping
L constant, two sets of data can be obtained which can then be graphed. One graph will yield an
equation of d as a power function of M, d = k1Ma and the other graph will yield an equation of
d as a power function of L, d = k2Lb. These two equations can then be combined
mathematically to yield a single equation,
d = k3MaLb. The experimental objectives are to determine the values of k3, a, and b.
INSTRUCTIONAL OBJECTIVES: This Exercise is designed to give the student practice in
designing an experiment, determining the order in which to take data, analyzing data using
graphical techniques, and combining two equations to get one joint variation equation.

EXPERIMENTAL PROCEDURE:
1. Determine what you are going to use as a reference for the measurements of the deflection d.
Remember that d is the distance the meter stick deflects with a mass M placed on it compared to
its position with no mass.
2. Clamp the meter stick to the table, and, using a ruler, measure the deflection d for various
lengths L using a fixed mass M (you need to figure out what to use as a reference for measuring
d). You also need to determine what mass to use but the mass M should not be large enough to
cause a deflection of more than 10 cm when the stick is out at an L of 90 cm. If the deflection is
more than 10% of the length, the meter stick may break and it no longer behaves like a cantilever
beam. (You decide on the order of data for L values. Should you start with large or small values
of L?)

3. Now vary M for a fixed L. You need to choose a value for L. Keep in mind that small
lengths do not give much deflection and hence d would be hard to measure. Also, values of L
that are too large give a lot of deflection for very little mass and thus limit the range of values
you can use for M.

ANALYSIS: Graph your data using EXCEL. Force each graph thru (0, 0) and use power
function trend line for d vs. L and linear trend line for d vs. M. Have each equation shown
on each graph. Compare the equation on the graph of d vs. M to the equation d = k1Ma, and
determine the values of k1 and a. Compare the equation on the graph of d vs. L to the equation d
= k2Lb, and determine the values of k2 and b. Now comes the tricky part. Remember the final
equation is: d = k3MaLb , and when you varied M, L was a constant. Lets call this constant
value L0. For this value of k3, the equation becomes : d k3 M a Lbo . Note that the value of k1
= k 3 Lb0 ,
and by knowing the value of k1 and L0, k3 can be calculated. Calculate the value of k3,
including units and write the final equation with your values of a and b included.

TABLE

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REPORT: Write a complete report with all the necessary sections as listed in The Simple
Pendulum lab. Pay particular attention to the analysis section and show clearly how you
obtained the final equation.