Maths in physics and engineering · Accessible · Artefact

Moments in a shelf or simple bridge: a maths EPQ idea

Why it works as an EPQ

Moments are on the course; building and testing a model gives data to check predictions.

Scope and difficulty

Accessible. Accessible. A small artefact of card, wood or spaghetti, tested safely.

The maths

Builds on these A Level topics: Moments · Forces and Newton's laws · Vectors.

You would learn:

• Statics of beams
• Shear force and bending moment (simply)
• Experimental design

Learning maths beyond the course is expected in a maths EPQ, but you must understand and explain everything you use.

One possible plan

1. Model support forces for loads at different positions.
2. Build a model and measure the forces with scales.
3. Load to failure safely and record where and when it fails.
4. Compare with the model and judge it.

Pitfalls

• Unsafe loading: keep weights small and low.
• Not repeating tests.

Where to start reading

• Search for: bending moment simply supported beam point load
• Your A Level moments notes

Prefer books, lecture notes, journal articles and official data to a single website, and record every source as you read (how to reference).

Making something? Read the artefact guide first: an artefact still needs a research-based written report.

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