Pin-Jointed Frameworks (Next Generation Structures)

Structures platform (STS1, available separately), this product helps students to understand the forces and deflections in four popular pin-jointed frameworks, due to a load. Students use a load cell to measure and add loads to each of a choice of four frameworks, held on supports. Strain gauges on each member of the framework measure the forces due to the load. A precision digital indicator measures the deflection of each framework.

Students apply the load and measure the resulting forces and deflection. They use textbook equations to predict the forces and defl ections for any given load, comparing them to measured results. This helps confirm the reliability of the textbook equations and the accuracy of the experiment results. An optional load cell (STS??) allows students to add a secondary load to the side of the roof truss. Each load cell can apply angled loads for additional experiments or to simulate a swaying load.

The strain gauges connect to a strain gauge amplifier, which connects (with the load cell) to the USB interface hub of the Structures platform for computer display and data acquisition.