DESCRIPTION

Technical Description

The experiment is an example of the application of static conditions of equilibrium, in particular the important principle of "freeing".

The main element of the experiment is the model of a ladder, with a movable clamped load. The reaction at the "wall" is free while that at the baseof the ladder is fixed or pin jointed. The effective reactions can be fully compensated by attaching cable forces in x and y direction. The ladder is in a state of equilibrium, without changing its angular position and without need of the structural bearings. The ladder is "free". For students, that is a persuasive example of the principle of "freeing" in statics.

All the component elements of the experiment are clearly laid-out and housed securely in a storage system. The complete experimental setup is arranged in the frame SE 112.

The well-structured instructional material sets out the fundamentals and provides a step-by-step guide through the experiments.

Learning Objectives / Experiments

Experimental investigation of the important principle of "freeing" in statics
   - calculation of the reactions for a given position of the clamped load and for a known angle of inclination
   - application of the first and second conditions of equilibrium in statics
   - full compensation for the reactions by cable forces
   - influence of the position of the clamped load on the reactions
   - influence of the angle of inclination on the reactions