User's Manual

Instruction Sheet

012-10603A

Super-Flex I-Beam

ME-8987

Introduction

The model ME-8987 Super-Flex I-Beam illustrates beam stiffness and deflection. Because it flexes more than a

metal or wooden beam, students can easily observe that its vertical stiffness is greater than its horizontal stiff-

ness. Use the Super-Flex I-Beam to qualitatively demonstrate how a beam bends under various load and support

configurations.

Grids on the top and one side of the I-beam show the amount of deflection in a qualitative way. The grid on top is

approximately 25.4 cm (10 in) long and 3.8 cm (1.5 in) wide with 1.2 cm by 1.2 cm (0.5 in by 0.5 in) squares.

The grid on the side is approximately 12 cm long and 2 cm wide with 1 cm by 1 cm squares.

Included Equipment Part Number

Super-Flex I-Beam ME-8987

Top Grid

Side Grid

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Instruction Sheet 012- 10603A Super-Flex I-Beam ME-8987 Top Grid Side Grid Included Equipment Part Number Super-Flex I-Beam ME-8987 Introduction The model ME-8987 Super-Flex I-Beam illustrates beam stiffness and deflection. Because it flexes more than a metal or wooden beam, students can easily observe that its vertical stiffness is greater than its horizontal stiffness. Use the Super-Flex I-Beam to qualitatively demonstrate how a beam bends under various load and support configurations.
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Super-Flex I-Beam ME- 8987 Demonstrations Upright Bending Hold the I-beam in your hands and bend it in the “upright” and “side” directions as illustrated. Hold the I-beam with the top grid facing the students and demonstrate the distortion as the beam is bent (see Figure 2a). In which direction is it easier to bend? For the same effort, in which direction does it bend more? Buckling Bend the I-beam in the upright position and continue to bend it until the beam buckles (see Figure 2b).