Integrated Structural Engineering Studies Apparatus Model MT 152

Specifications Integrated Intel 3i PC & Hardware and backboard offered to build a structure. Applying loads by hand and seeing how the structure reacts gives instant feedback and a great learning experience. Using the display and visualization software takes this learning experience to another dimension. Graphical display of bending moments, shear forces, deflections and reactions in response to a simulated load really bring these concepts to life. Displaying these simulations on the screen, overlaid with the physical model, and comparing the simulations with the hardware provides an unparalleled and totally unique teaching capability. The software can also be used on its own without the hardware if desired. This enables loads to be applied to the structure from the computer, and actual reactions and displacements measured on the sophisticated sensors. Thus quantitative measurements of loads, displacements and reactions can be taken. The sensors and actuators can also be used in a freeform mode to apply and measure responses to the user’s own structure. ‘Sci-cal’ software makes it possible to do a full computer simulation of the structures: software calculates the simulated performance of the structure, deflection, moment force diagram, shear force diagram, and reactions. These diagrams are displayed directly behind the physical model of the structure at the same size of the model and so can be directly related to the responses obtained by applying manual stimuli Supplied with a selection of elements of different lengths, fixed and pinned joints, and fixed, pinned and slide supports, allowing a wide range of physical structures to be assembled Laser CNC designed special elements provide an exaggerated bending response to aid visualization and understanding Sensors and instrumentation enables loads to be applied from the software, and the resulting reactions and deflections to be measured and displayed on the screen Supplied with the detail ‘Instruction cum Experiments Manual’ enables clear understanding of Structural Analysis.   Technical Specifications

• Twelve standard structural studies trainers including cantilevers, beams and portal frames
• Backboard matrix for building the physical structure model
• Set of elements, supports and joints for the above range of structures to be implemented
• 32” High-definition display with HDMI interface
• ‘Sci-cal’ Display and Visualization software
• Deflection Sensor; Linear Actuator; Three Component Rigid Support Sensor; Two Component Pinned Support Sensor;
• Simple Support Sensor, Interface Unit plus power supply and interconnecting cables;
• Software for Control and Instrumentation functions
• They are used instead of a fixed rigid support with the structural hardware.
• It measures both the vertical reaction at the joint (in the direction of the element, equivalent to the tension or compression), the orthogonal reaction at the joint and the moment reaction.

    Two Component Pinned Support Sensor: Used instead of a fixed pinned support with the structural hardware. It measures both the horizontal and vertical element reaction at the joint. Deflection sensor: Used to measure the deflection of the beam at a grid point. Simple Support Sensor: Used instead of a simple slide support, and measures the reaction on the support. Linear Actuator: Complete with sensor to measure the force (load) generated by the actuator to reach the requested deflection. Interface Module: Provides the interface between the sensors and computer by a standard USB2 interface. It also includes a universal input power supply and interconnecting cables.   The sensors and actuators are connected to the interface unit and to each other using linking cables in a chain configuration. They can be connected anywhere on the chain and multiple components of the same type can be configured in the same system. Additional sensors and actuators can be bought individually and added at a later date if required.   Display & Visual Software Presentations to introduce the concepts of bending moment, shear, deflections and reactions and their associated graphical representation on the structure diagram ‘Sci-cal’ software is a fundamental part of the Integrated Structural Engineering Studies concept, and works in conjunction with the hardware to demonstrate and help that understanding. For a number of predefined structures it is possible to perform an immediate interactive simulation of the effect of loading on the structure. Loads can be simulated using the computer mouse and the shear force diagrams, moment diagrams, deflections and reactions are shown graphically and updated continually as the load is varied.   Scaling of displays The deflection diagrams, moment diagrams and shear force diagrams can now be individually scaled. This allows the data to be displayed more clearly for a wide range of different conditions. When combining the hardware and software, the diagrams are displayed immediately behind the structure and are therefore directly related to it.   Two new basic structures offer an introductory level to the teaching of structural engineering, and can be used to introduce basic concepts of reactions, shear forces and moments: − Cantilever beam − Simply supported beam   Functions of the ‘Sci-cal’ software: − Display the structure to be evaluated to aid correct assembly − Display the structure in diagrammatic form and as typical pictorial implementation of the structure. This has been proven to be a powerful aid to student understanding − Gives a graphical representation of bending moments, shear, deflection and reaction in response to simulated loads Contains presentations to introduce the concepts of bending moment, shear, deflections and reactions and their associated graphical representation on the structure diagram In this mode the displayed diagrams relate to the actual load applied by the actuator, rather than a simulated load When used in conjunction with the instrumentation hardware, the software controls the actuators and displays the outputs from the various sensors Provides calibration for the sensors and screen Analysis software   Experiments The Apparatus enables carrying out following experiments and interface display of Force, Strain, Deflection, Angle as well as carry out related calculations through formulae in the software package:

1. Universal Frame and Stand
2. Deflection of Frames
3. Rectangular Portal with Overhanging member
4. Asymmetrical Portal Frame
5. Open & Square Portal Frame
6. Pin Jointed Framework
7. Two Hinged Parabolic Arch
8. Buckling of Struts
9. Plastic Bending of Portals
10. Continuous & Indeterminate Beams
11. Combined Shear Force & Bending Moment
12. Deflection of Beam & Cantilevers