Description
One of a range of experiment modules that fit to the Structures platform this product helps students understand the deflections and reactions of a portal frame under various loading conditions. Students fi t one of a choice of two frames between two supports and apply vertical loads to the beam member. Load cells in the supports measure the bending moment and horizontal reaction at the base of the uprights due to the load. A precision indicator measures any horizontal deflection (sway) at the junction of the beam and the upright. Each support includes pointers that work with the scale on the platform for accurate positioning. One of the frames has a uniform second moment of area for both the uprights and the beam, the other has one upright with a second moment of area of approximately half that of the other upright and the beam. Both frame beams can be loaded anywhere along their length. This allows the students to understand the two causes of frame sway other than direct loads. Students apply loads to the portal frame. They use textbook equations and analysis to predict the reaction forces and fixing moments due to the load and whether or not the frame will sway and its magnitude. They compare predictions to measured and observed results. This helps confirm the reliability of the textbook equations and the accuracy of the experiment results.
Learning outcomes
- Horizontal reaction and fixing moment due to a varying single point load on a portal frame
- Uniform and non-uniform cross-section portal frames
- Predicting sway direction by consideration of shear forces
- Use of the moment distribution (Hardy Cross) method to calculate bending moments, sway magnitude and horizontal support reactions
- Deflection (sway) of a portal frame due to loading asymmetry
- Deflection (sway) of a portal frame due to asymmetry of the uprights
- Plotting bending moment diagrams
Specifications
ATICO is committed to a programme of continuous improvement; hence we reserve the right to alter the design and product specifcation without prior notice.
Dimensions and weight:
Nett (assembled): 660 mm long x 100 mm front to back and 320 mm high and 6 kg
Approximate primary packed (with storage tray): 0.07 m3 and 8 kg
Space Needed:
1500 mm x 600 mm, level bench or desk Items Included:
Two supports, one with horizontal reaction load cell, the other with a fixing moment load cell
Uniform frame of 250 mm height x 500 mm length and nominal cross-section: 15 mm x 2 mm
Non-uniform frame of 250 mm height x 500 mm length. Nominal cross-sections 15 mm x 2 mm and one vertical of 15 x 1.5 mm
Three cables
Three mass hangers
25 x 20 g masses
Vernier caliper
Storage tray
Comprehensive user guide
Operating Conditions
- Operating environment: Laboratory
- Storage temperature range: –25°C to +55°C (when packed for transport)
- Operating temperature range: +5°C to +40°C
- Operating relative humidity range: 80% at temperatures < 31°C decreasing linearly to 50% at 40°C
