Two-Pinned Arch (Next Generation Structures)

Experiment for the study of the characteristics of a two-pinned arch under various load conditions. Mounts on the Structures platform and connects to the Structures automatic data acquisition unit and software (VDAS® Onboard). One of a range of experiment modules that fit to the Structures platform (STS1, available separately), this product helps students to understand how loads affect the horizontal reaction forces in a two-pinned arch. Students apply loads to hangers suspended from the arch, held between two supports. One support allows rotational movement only, acting as a pinned support. The other support allows translational movement, acting as a roller support. A load cell prevents the translation, while measuring the horizontal reaction due to the load. Each support includes pointers that work with the scale on the platform for accurate positioning. Students use textbook equations to predict the reaction forces due to the load, comparing them with measured results, and learn how to create the influence line and bending moment diagrams. This helps confirm the reliability of the textbook equations and the accuracy of the experiment results. This product includes additional masses so students may apply a uniformly distributed load (UDL) across the span of the arch for comparison of results with a single point load. The load cell connects to the USB interface hub of the Structures platform for computer display and data acquisition (VDAS® Onboard).