Online Experimentation For Study Of Stress And Deformation In Structural Beams

Analysis of stress and deformation of beam elements are utilized in a wide range of curriculum. In most engineering and engineering technology programs, analytical methods are often augmented with computer applications and laboratory experiments. In the lecture only classes, theoretical learning can be complemented by online experimentation in a remote laboratory. The laboratory consists of a hydraulically actuated beam loading mechanism, sensors, data acquisition system, and web based application programs for the data monitoring and control. Using this system, one can quickly create an experimental setup in a remote laboratory for a theoretical problem, apply the load, and monitor resulting deformation and stress. Close agreement between the analytical and the experimental results establishes the validity of the theoretical analysis without the use of a formal laboratory class. Among the students of the class, it also creates awareness on limitations of the theoretical methods predicting behavior of structural members in reality.