Shearing Force and Bending Moment Apparatus | FortiTestX 08

Key Features

Key Features

• Low-friction hinge with two degrees of freedom physically replicates the method of sections at one-third span
• Dedicated force gauge for direct shear force measurement at the beam section
• Second force gauge acting on a fixed 100 mm lever arm provides direct bending moment determination
• Adjuster nuts on both force gauges allow horizontal beam alignment and pre-load compensation before testing
• Graduated steel rule of 1000 mm with 1 mm graduations enables precise positioning of point load hangers
• Supports single and multiple point load configurations within a maximum of 20 N per hanger
• Compact benchtop format suitable for permanent laboratory installation
• Optional LabVIEW-based software available for data logging and results processing

Applications

• Experimental determination of support reactions using static equilibrium conditions
• Application of the method of sections to calculate internal shear force and bending moment
• Direct measurement of shear force at a defined beam cross-section
• Determination of bending moment from force gauge reading and lever arm
• Construction of shear force diagrams from experimental data under single and multiple point loads
• Construction of bending moment diagrams from experimental data
• Comparison of experimentally measured shear force and bending moment values against analytically calculated results
• Demonstration of the relative significance of shear force versus bending moment in structural component design

Construction and System Design

The beam is fabricated from steel with a total length of 1000 mm and is supported at two fixed bearing supports providing a clear span of 800 mm. The beam section is located at one-third of the span and incorporates a low-friction hinge mechanism with two degrees of freedom. This hinge transmits only the internal shear force and bending moment at the section to the two force gauges, replicating the conditions of a theoretical section cut. The shear force gauge is oriented to measure the transverse internal force component directly. The bending moment gauge is connected to the hinge via a rigid lever arm of precisely 100 mm, converting the moment reaction into a measurable force. Both gauges are fitted with adjuster nuts to allow zero-setting and horizontal beam alignment prior to loading. The 1 mm graduated steel rule runs the full 1000 mm beam length, providing accurate load positioning. All components are supplied with a dedicated instruction manual covering equipment operation, experiment protocols, and sample results.

Export and Supply Capability

SCIENTICO manufactures and supplies the FortiTestX 08 Shearing Force and Bending Moment Apparatus to engineering institutions and laboratory equipment distributors internationally. The unit is packaged for safe transit and is suitable for supply to universities, civil and mechanical engineering departments, and technical training institutes across export markets. Customization of beam length, force gauge range, or software integration is available upon inquiry.

Standards & Compliance

• Manufactured under ISO 9001:2015 Quality Management System
• CE Marking - European Conformity where applicable
• Supplied with calibration certificate, operation manual, and experiment guide
• 12-month manufacturer's warranty (parts & labour from installation)

Ordering & Delivery

• Incoterms: CIF to destination seaport, FOB Mundra/Nhava Sheva, or Ex-Works Ambala
• Lead time: 3–5 weeks production + sea transit to destination
• Payment: LC (Letter of Credit) or T/T bank transfer against proforma invoice
• Documentation: commercial invoice, packing list, bill of lading, certificate of origin, insurance certificate

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the purpose of the low-friction hinge on the FortiTestX 08?
The low-friction hinge with two degrees of freedom physically replicates the theoretical section cut used in the method of sections. It separates the beam into two segments at one-third of the span and transmits only the internal shear force and bending moment to the two force gauges, allowing these quantities to be measured directly under applied loading.

2. How is the bending moment measured on the FortiTestX 08?
A force gauge acts on a fixed lever arm of 100 mm length at the hinge location. The bending moment at the section is calculated by multiplying the force gauge reading by the 100 mm lever arm. The measuring range covers 0 to 10,000 N·mm.

3. What load configurations can be tested with the FortiTestX 08?
The apparatus supports single point load and multiple point load configurations. Loads are applied using calibrated weight hangers positioned along the beam using the 1 mm graduated steel rule. The maximum load per hanger is 20 N. The supplied weight set includes 3 x 0.5 N hangers, 9 x 5 N weights, 6 x 2 N weights, and 3 x 1 N weights.

4. How is the beam aligned horizontally before testing?
Adjuster nuts on each of the two force gauges allow the operator to level the beam horizontally and remove any pre-load from the gauges before testing begins. This ensures that the initial condition of the beam corresponds to zero internal force at the section prior to weight application.

5. Is software available for the FortiTestX 08?
Yes. Optional FTX-08 LabVIEW-based software is available for automated data logging and results processing. It is compatible with any Windows operating system and is designed for use with the FortiTestX 08 experimental setup.