Description: An experimental apparatus to allow students to investigate the deflection and stability of struts (Behavior of columns).
The experiment hardware fitted a Structures Aluminum Frame. Students compress aluminum columns (struts) using a screw mechanism. The equipment uses chucks to hold the struts and allows different end fixing conditions. An integral load cell connected to a Digital Force Display displays the load on the strut as it is compressed. A magnetic deflection scale shows how much the strut buckles. Students continue compressing the strut until reaching the critical buckling load. They then repeat the experiment using different strut lengths or fixing conditions, analyzing their results.
The equipment includes strut storage space and five different sizes of aluminum strut.
The lecturer guide provides details of the equipment including sample experiment results. The student guide describes how to use the equipment and gives experiment procedures.
For extra ‘virtual’ experiments, Sun LabTek can supply the optional Sun LabTek Structures Software, for use on a suitable computer. The virtual experiments simulate the tests you can perform with the hardware. They also extend the choice of tests beyond that available using only the hardware, for example: higher loads, uniform loads or different test specimens. This extends the student’s learning experience.
For automatic data acquisition of your experiment results, Sun LabTek can supply the optional Automatic Data Acquisition Unit. Supplied as standard with Structures Software that displays and logs your experiment results and gives the extra virtual experiments.
Key features:
High quality structures Training module for students of mechanical, civil and structural engineering
Allows safe and practical experiments into buckling of struts
Realistic and verifiable experiments results
Optional Sun LabTek Structures Software package for extra ‘virtual’ experiments that simulate and confirm the results from your hardware and allow extended experiments
Optional unit with Sun LabTek Structures Software package for automatic data acquisition and virtual experiments.