Features
Measurement of the bar forces in a single plane truss
Construction of various truss forms
Bars with strain gauge full bridges to measure bar force
Optional Computerized evaluation of experiments
The object of the experiment is to measure the bar forces in a single plane truss subjected to a single external force.

Tesca Forces in Various Single Plane Trusses experimental set-up features bars with special snap-lock closures on their ends allowing them to be fixed easily into the node disc. The range of different bar lengths provided permits three forms of truss to be constructed. The bars are hinged, joined together by node discs, and are subjected only to compressive or tensile stress. No moments are transmitted in the nodes; they can be regarded as frictionless. Consequently, our trusses can be considered as ideal trusses. A load application device attached to a node disc generates an external force. All the forces on the truss bars are recorded by means of strain gauges. Optional computerized evaluation is provided by measuring amplifier (16 input channels). If there are more than 16 measuring points, the measuring amplifier can be extended by a measuring point add-on unit to 32 input channels. The software is used to manage the measurement data and provide graphical representation of the bar forces. The software features a comprehensive help function. All the component elements of the experiment are clearly laid-out and housed securely in a storage system. The complete experimental set-up is arranged in the frame.
The well-structured instructional material sets out the fundamentals and provides a step-by- step guide through the experiments.

Specifications
Investigation of  bar  forces  in  a  statically determinate truss
Construction of various trusses possible
2 supports with node discs
Load  application  device  with  force  gauge mountable on different node discs
Strain gauge to measure force on each bar
Optional measuring amplifier
Optional software to evaluate measurement data
Storage system to house the components
Experimental set-up in frame

Technical Specifications
Bars: 19
2 bars 150mm
5 bars 259mm
7 bars 300mm
1 bar 397mm
3 bars 424mm
1 bar 520mm
Angle between bars: 30°, 45°, 60°, 90°
Maximum bar force: 500N 
Strain gauge on each bar
Height of truss max. 450mm
Length of truss max. 900mm
Load application device
-    500...+500N
Graduations: 10N

Experiment Possibilities
Measurement of the bar forces in various single plane trusses
Dependency on the external force
Magnitude
Direction
Point of application
Comparison  of  measurement  results  with mathematical methods
Method of joints
Ritter’s method of sections
Basic principle: measurement of forces using strain gauges

Scope of Delivery
1 set of bars
5 node discs
2 supports with node disc Ÿ 1 load application device Ÿ 1 set of cables
1 storage system with foam inlay
1 optional software CD
1 set of instructional material