Shear Force in a Beam - STS3 - Experiment module description

Oct 25, 2026

Uploaded by asda1da

Experiment module designed for the Structures platform (STS1) to illustrate and prove the basic theory of shear force in a beam. Students apply varying loads along a supported beam to measure shear force at a beam “cut” using a built-in load cell, then compare results with textbook equations. Includes uniformly distributed load capability, influence line and shear force diagram learning, and USB data acquisition via VDAS® Onboard. Provides operating conditions, specifications, included items, and learning outcomes covering fixed and moving point loads plus UDL.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryTechnology

FormatPDF

Pages3

Reading Time8 min

AccessFree to download

Key Features

Description

Learning Outcomes

Experiment Results

Software and Simulated Experiments

Operating Conditions

Detailed Specifications

Dimensions and Weight

Items Included

Shear Force in a Beam Next Generation Structures STS3 Experiment that illustrates and proves the basic theory of shear force in a beam. Mounts on the Structures platform and connects to the Structures automatic data acquisition unit and software (VDAS® Onboard) . Shown fitted to the Structures platform ( STS1, available separately) Laptop not included Screenshot of the VDAS® software Key Features • One of a range of experiment modules that teach structures principles • Fits to the Structures platform (STS1) for ergonomic use and space-saving storage • Unique beam ‘cut’ and load cell system for an accurate measurement of shear force • Includes multiple loads for many combinations of loads including uniformly distributed loads (UDLs) • Supplied with a storage tray to keep smaller items safe • Works with user-friendly software (VDAS® ) • Direct reading of shear force at the ‘cut’ for quick and simple experiments • Complementary bending moment experiment available (STS2) TecQuipment Ltd, Bons all Street, long eaton, Nottingham NG10 2AN, UK [tecquipment. com](tecquipment. com) + 44 115 972 2611 [sales@tecquipment. com](sales@tecquipment. com) REF 0825 Page 1 of 3 Shear Force in a Beam STS3 Description One of a range of experiment modules that ﬁt to the Structures platform (STS1, availabe separately), this product helps students to understand how loads affect the bending moment in a beam. Students apply loads to hangers suspended along the beam, held between two supports. One support allows rotational movement only, acting as a pinned support. The other support allows translational movement, acting as roller support. At the mid-span of the beam a load cell inside an articulated parallelogram measures the shear force at a ‘cut’ due to the load. The beam has a central span with an overhanging end, so that students can create both positive and negative shear force. Each support includes pointers that work with the scale on the platform for accurate positioning. Students use textbook equations to predict the shear forces at the cut due to the load, comparing them with measured results, and learn how to create the inﬂuence line and shear force diagrams. This helps conﬁrm the reliability of the textbook equations and the accuracy of the experiment results. This product includes a uniformly distributed load (UDL) that may be applied across the span of the beam 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) . Standard Features • Supplied with comprehensive user guide • Five-year warranty • Made in accordance with the latest European Union directives • ISO9001 certiﬁed manufacturer Typical Experiment Results Showing How a Moving Load Affects the Shear Force at the cut Learning outcomes • Shear force at the cut due to a varying single point load • Shear force at the cut due to a moving single point load • Shear force at the cut due to a uniformly distributed load • Inﬂuence lines and superposition Essential Ancillary • Structures Platform (STS1) Software TecQuipment has created data acquisition applications (VDAS® Onboard) for each experiment module, with additional simulated experiments. The simulated experiments allow students to simulate the hands-on laboratory experiments, verifying their results. They also allow simulation of alternative set-ups, such as having the beam ‘cut’ at different positions and calculating the support reactions, extending the learning experience beyond the practical laboratory session. Typical Experiment Results Comparing Shear Force at the cut with a Varying Load at a fixed Point TecQuipment Ltd, Bons all Street, long eaton, Nottingham NG10 2AN, UK [tecquipment. com](tecquipment. com) + 44 115 972 2611 [sales@tecquipment. com](sales@tecquipment. com) REF 0825 Page 2 of 3 Shear Fo

FAQs

What does the STS3 experiment module measure in a beam?

It measures shear force at a beam “cut” using a load cell. The measurement supports both positive and negative shear force scenarios using an overhanging beam arrangement.

What loading types are included for experiments?

STS3 includes varying single point loads, moving single point load scenarios, and a uniformly distributed load (UDL) option for comparison.

How does the system collect and display experimental data?

The load cell connects to the USB Interface Hub of the Structures platform, enabling computer display and data acquisition through VDAS® Onboard software.

Oct 25, 2026

Uploaded by asda1da