HELP! Distributed load tests on beams

slimtim · 22 February 2005, 17:08

Ok, bit of a long shot, but...

Does anyone know (or could help me in anyway ie know someone who might know) how, in industry etc DISTRIBUTED load tests are carried out on beams.

3 and 4 point beam tests are easy, but my 4th year project group needs to come up with a jig that converts a point load from an Instron test machine into a distributed load on a foam core wing construction, to simulate aerodynamic loads. The jig preferably needs to be fairly simple.

Any help would be fantastic.

Cheers

Tim

Scary Des · 22 February 2005, 18:28

Just load the beam evenly or am I missing something?

slimtim · 22 February 2005, 19:08

The wing will be clamp at each end and a load will need to be applied evenly over a certain span either side of the centre. As the wing bends under the load, the jig needs to form to the bend of the wing so that it will always produce an even load, thats the difficult bit!

Tim

Hightower · 22 February 2005, 23:58

For starters you'll need to make sure that the clamps either end hinge.

What sort of loads are you talking of Tim?

I would guess along the lines of a hydraulic bag, this would distort to the shape of the wing and give you pretty even loading. The trick would be to stop it from bursting.

What do you say? Or have I got it terribly wrong?

Andy

PS. Not that related but have a look at this: http://www.sampe.org/WingContest.html

slimtim · 23 February 2005, 08:51

Andy, the wing will be clamped at each end, not pin jointed because this best reflects the service conditions we are trying to simulate. I have come up with a master design that has a load of pulleys, wire cable and beams to adjust as the wing bends. It will be a 4 point load but this will roughly approximate to a distributed load.

Right got to rush to a lecture....