Description

The beam used in this experiment has equidistant holes along its length for the carabiner and weight hanger to be positioned at any suitable position, allowing a range of set ups.

The beam uses two roller assemblies that fit within the beam supports allowing the beam to freely move as the reaction loads are applied and equilibrium is reached.

The equilibrium beam rests within the slots on two simple supports through rollers, connected to each end of the beam. These slots allow for the rollers to move freely horizontally and vertically a small amount whilst keeping them secured within the supports.

These supports can be positioned anywhere along the face of the Universal Frame. This allows many angles and positions of the Equilibrium Beam to be achieved and the equivalent reaction force required to achieve equilibrium to be measured.

Reaction loads at each end of the beam are applied through three sliding pulley brackets, adjustable cords and 500g slotted weight hangers. The points at which the cords connect to the beam can be adjusted to simulate different lengths of beam and theoretical support positions.

An additional load can be applied to the beam to increase the total weight of the beam. The weight hanger can also be moved along the length of the beam (using a carabiner) having the effect of moving the position of the beams centre of gravity.

Features & Benefits

• Ability to show non-concurrent equilibrium in a system using an equilibrium beam
• Ladder type beam with multiple locations to add additional weight up to a total beam weight of 470g
• Adjustable simple supports allowing the angle of the ladder beam to be adjusted
• Up to 1500g of reaction weights to measure the vertical and horizontal reaction forces at each end of the beam
• Supplied with Armfield structures software as standard

Experimental Content

• Measurement of magnitude and direction of the reaction forces for a simulated ladder, propped against a wall either under its own weight or with an applied vertical load
• Concurrent and non-concurrent forces
• Equilibrium of a set of forces acting on a vertical plane