Foam Shear Block
Rubber I-Beams
Rubber I-Beams

 

Code Number: 1R30.20

Demo Title: Shear - Foam Block

Condition: Good

Principle: Shear

Area of Study: Mechanics

Equipment: 

Foam block, and C-clamp

Procedure:

Clamp the bottom of the foam block to the lecture bench.  Pushing horizontally on the top of the block will show shear and stresses.  Horizontal and vertical lines on the side of the block will help the visualization. 

References:

  • Paul Hewitt, "Figuring Physics: Material Strength", TPT, Vol. 42, #7, Oct. 2004, p. 434.
  • John A. McClelland, "Stressful Situations", TPT, Vol.  38, # 7, Oct. 2000, p. 426.
  • Bernard Scott, "Elasticity Demonstration", Fluids and Heat - A Potpourri of Physics Teaching Ideas, p. 122.
  • Vicki Cobb and Kathy Darling, "Nothing to Get Torn Up About", Bet You Can't!, p. 37.
  • Vicki Cobb and Kathy Darling, "A Sure Rip Off", Bet You Can't!, p. 36.
  • Borislaw Bilash II, David Maiullo, "Stressed Out Stick", A Demo a Day: A Year of Physics Demonstrations, p. 176.
  • Ma- 9: Freier and Anderson,  A Demonstration Handbook for Physics.
  • PASCO, "Super-Flex I-Beam", ME-8987, Instruction Sheet.
1R30.20 - Shear - I-Beam
1R30.20 - Shear - Foam Block
1R30.20 - Dr. James Wetzel, PHYS 1611 - Shear Deformation