Universal Journal of Mechanical Engineering Vol. 10(2), pp. 13 - 20
DOI: 10.13189/ujme.2022.100201
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Development of a Simple Laboratory Equipment for Determining the Flexural Strength of Light Materials

Ezenwa O. N. ^*, Obika E. N. , Chinweze A. E. , Odeh C. P.
Department of Mechanical Engineering, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Anambra State, Nigeria

ABSTRACT

The search for engineering materials for light weight applications, material conservation, and cost effectiveness necessitated the development of new materials. However, the properties of these materials need to be investigated to ascertain its suitability in its application. Hence, the engineering students need to understand the behaviour of these materials and the methods of investigation. This paper presents the development of a piece of simple laboratory equipment for determining the flexural strength of light materials for student practicals. The development process involves the design and construction of the equipment for carrying out 3-point test on a given specimen. The equipment has various components, such as the pivots, force gauge, gauge holder, rack and pinion gear, hand lever and the frame. The graphics design and simulation were done with solidworks software, version 10. The materials used for the production of these components were selected in line with material selection guidelines and also according to the mathematical designed parameters. The selected materials were locally sourced for cost effectiveness. The construction processes involve basic engineering process like cutting, filling, drilling, welding and surface finishing, at the total cost of 125 USD. After construction, the equipment was used to perform a 3-point test on three different materials (Perspex, Plywood and Particle Board), and flexural strengths of 86.3MPa, 26.62MPa and 21.96MPa respectively were obtained. The equipment is recommended for testing a low ductile material requiring a maximum flexural force of 500N and maximum deflection of 0.1m. Hence, it can be used in high colleges for the study of strength of materials.

KEYWORDS
Force, Flexural Strength, Deflection, Materials, Equipment, Test

Cite This Paper in IEEE or APA Citation Styles
(a). IEEE Format:
[1] Ezenwa O. N. , Obika E. N. , Chinweze A. E. , Odeh C. P. , "Development of a Simple Laboratory Equipment for Determining the Flexural Strength of Light Materials," Universal Journal of Mechanical Engineering, Vol. 10, No. 2, pp. 13 - 20, 2022. DOI: 10.13189/ujme.2022.100201.

(b). APA Format:
Ezenwa O. N. , Obika E. N. , Chinweze A. E. , Odeh C. P. (2022). Development of a Simple Laboratory Equipment for Determining the Flexural Strength of Light Materials. Universal Journal of Mechanical Engineering, 10(2), 13 - 20. DOI: 10.13189/ujme.2022.100201.