1R30.20 - Shear - Foam Block

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.
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.




Disclaimer: These demonstrations are provided only for illustrative use by persons affiliated with The University of Iowa and only under the direction of a trained instructor or physicist.  The University of Iowa is not responsible for demonstrations performed by those using their own equipment or who choose to use this reference material for their own purpose.  The demonstrations included here are within the public domain and can be found in materials contained in libraries, bookstores, and through electronic sources.  Performing all or any portion of any of these demonstrations, with or without revisions not depicted here entails inherent risks.  These risks include, without limitation, bodily injury (and possibly death), including risks to health that may be temporary or permanent and that may exacerbate a pre-existing medical condition; and property loss or damage.  Anyone performing any part of these demonstrations, even with revisions, knowingly and voluntarily assumes all risks associated with them.