BTEC HIGHER NATIONALS-UNIT 21722P MECHANICAL PRINCIPLES

ASSIGNMENT 1.1 ELASTIC PROPERTIES

NAME:

I agree to the assessment as contained in this assignment. I confirm that the work submitted is my own
work.

Signature Date submitted

Pass Criteria
Outcome Assessment Criteria Achieved
• identify the relationship between longitudinal and transverse
Investigate complex strain
loading systems. • determine the effects of two-dimensional and three-dimensional
loading on the dimensions of materials

• determine volumetric strain and change in volume

• define Bulk Modulus and recognise the relationship between
elastic constants.

Grading Criteria
Grade Descriptor Achieved
MERIT • Use a range of methods and techniques to collect, analyse and
process information/data.
• Coherently present and communicate work using technical language
accurately.
• Apply and analyse detailed knowledge and skills, using relevant
theories and techniques.
DISTINCTION • Check validity when collecting, analysing and processing complex
information/data.

• Show an individual approach in presenting and communicating

work coherently, using technical language fluently.

• Evaluate and synthesise relevant theories and techniques to generate

and justify valid conclusions.

Feedback Comments:

Grade Awarded: Tutor Signature Date:

 COMMON SKILLS
The BOLD lines are the skills that will be assessed in this assignment.

SKILL AREA GRADE

1. Manage own roles and responsibilities.

2. Manage own time in achieving objectives.

3. Undertake personal and career development.

4. Transfer skills gained to new and changing situations and contexts.

5. Treat other values, beliefs and opinions with respect.

6. Relate to and interact effectively with individuals and groups.

7. Work effectively as a member of a team.

8. Receive and respond to a variety of information.

9. Present information in a variety of visual forms.

10. Communicate in writing.

11. Participate in oral and non-verbal communication.

12. Use information sources.

13. Deal with a combination of routine and non-routine tasks.

14. Identify and solve routine and non-routine problems.

15. Apply numerical skills and techniques.

16. Use a range of technological equipment and systems.

17. Apply a range of skills and techniques to develop a variety of ideas in the
creation of new/modified products, services or situations.
18. Use a range of thought processes.

TUTORS SIGNATURE AND COMMENTS

PRESENTATION

Write up this assignment and present it for marking no later than 4 college weeks from the
date of issue. You should take care to research your information accurately and to state all
sources of information. Your report should be presented so that a third party, unfamiliar with
the assignment could read and understand it. You should use technical terms and language as
appropriate. Although you must explain what you are doing step by step, do not over
elaborate. Be concise and to the point.

This assignment will also be used to assess your ability to research information, interpret
written instructions and carry out the tasks of solving problems.

TASK 1

Your class notes do show the derivation of the formula K = E/(3(1-2ν)} but does not show
the derivation of the formula G=E/2(1+ν). You may find this derivation in textbooks. Write
out this derivation in full.

TASK 2

Find the value of Poisson's Ratio ν and the modulus of elasticity E for the designated
material, which will be allocated to you. Calculate the values of the modulus of rigidity G and
bulk modulus K for both.

Mild Steel Aluminium Copper 70/30 Brass

Lead Magnesium Nickel Tin
Gold Silver Zinc

TASK 3

The electrical resistance of a wire is given by the formula R = ρL/A where ρ is the resistivity,
A the cross sectional area and L the length. It follows that when a wire is stretched, the
increase in length and decrease in diameter makes the resistance increase and this principle is
used in strain gauges.

A strain gauge is made from Nichrome wire 0.2 mm diameter and 400 mm long. Given that
Poisson's Ratio is 0.33 and the resistivity is 108 x 10-8 Ωm, determine the change in resistance
when the wire is strained 1 mm along its length.
TASK 4

An apparatus for determining the bulk modulus of liquids is shown below. A rigid cylinder
contains the liquid and the piston is moved by a fine screw thread with a pitch of 0.5 mm.
Screwing the piston in reduces the volume of the liquid and the pressure rises accordingly.
The piston is 10 mm diameter. The initial volume of liquid is 1 dm3 exactly. Tests are
conducted for ten different liquids. The liquid is initially at atmospheric pressure and the
screw is turned 10 times. The resulting pressure rise is tabulated for each liquid. Using the
result allocated to you, determine the bulk modulus and identify the liquid.

Test 1 Pressure rise = 380.9 kPa Test 6 Pressure rise = 628.3 kPa
Test 2 Pressure rise = 428 kPa Test 7 Pressure rise = 805 kPa
Test 3 Pressure rise = 439.8 kPa Test 8 Pressure rise = 864 kPa
Test 4 Pressure rise = 502.6 kPa Test 9 Pressure rise = 1 582.5 kPa
Test 5 Pressure rise = 518.4 kPa Test 10 Pressure rise = 10 289 kPa