Report on Cornu’s Method ———— ———– ———– ——— ——

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Akshar N Kumar,
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IMS22264
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Date of experiment: 04-09-24
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Date of submission: 13-09-24

TA: Neha / Course Instructor: Ravi Pant

Contents air film with monochromatic light, two conjugate systems of hyper-
bolic fringes—longitudinal and transverse—are observed around the
1 Introduction 1 point of contact between the glass plates. These interference fringes
2 Abstract 1 arise due to the diffraction of light through the thin air film.
By measuring the curvature of the fringes in both longitudinal and
3 Aim of the Experiment 1 transverse directions, key elastic properties such as Young’s modulus
4 Apparatus 1 𝑌 and Poisson’s ratio 𝜎 can be determined. The experiment involves
bending the glass beam symmetrically by applying two equal loads
5 Theory 1
of mass 𝑚 grams each. The Young’s modulus 𝑌 is derived using the
6 Experimental Setup 2 following formula:
7 Procedure 2 3𝑙𝑔(𝑚2 − 𝑚1 )(𝐿1 𝐿2 )
𝑌= − − − − − −(1)
8 Observations 3 𝜆𝑘𝑏𝑡3 (𝐿1 − 𝐿2 )
9 Result 3 Where:
9.1 Calculation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
• 𝑙 is the distance between the weight-hanger and the knife edge,
9.2 Graph . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
• 𝑔 is the acceleration due to gravity,
10 Discussion 4 • 𝑚1 and 𝑚2 are the two different masses used,
11 Signed Tables 4 • 𝜆 is the wavelength of the light source,
• 𝑛 + 𝑘 is the definite number of fringes,
• 𝑏 is the breadth of the bar,
1. Introduction • 𝑡 is the thickness of the bar,
hy chase rainbows when you can chase fringes? Welcome • 𝐿1 and 𝐿2 are the means of the diameters 𝐷1 and 𝐷2 of the fringes
"W
physics!"
to Cornu’s method—where we bend light, not the rules of in the longitudinal direction.

Young’s modulus 𝑌 can also be calculated by plotting the square

of the fringe diameter 𝐷 2 against the number of fringes 𝑛, and the
corresponding slopes give the values for cot 𝜃1 and cot 𝜃2 .
2. Abstract
3𝑙𝑔(𝑚2 − 𝑚1 )
Cornu’s method is employed to determine the elastic constants of a 𝑌= − − − − − −(2)
𝜆𝑏𝑡3 (𝑐𝑜𝑡(𝜃1 ) − 𝑐𝑜𝑡(𝜃2 ))
transparent bar by observing interference patterns. When a plano-
convex lens rests on a bent glass bar, an air film forms between the Poisson’s ratio 𝜎 is determined using the relationship:
surfaces, creating elliptical or hyperbolic fringes under monochro-
(𝑇1 − 𝑇2 )(𝐿1 𝐿2 )
matic light. By measuring the dimensions of these fringes, key elastic 𝜎= − − − − − −(3)
properties such as Young’s modulus, Poisson’s ratio, rigidity mod- (𝐿1 − 𝐿2 )(𝑇1 𝑇2 )
ulus, and bulk modulus are calculated. This experiment provides (cot 𝜃2 − cot 𝜃1 )𝑇
an effective and precise method for analyzing the mechanical prop- 𝜎= − − − − − −(4)
(cot 𝜃2 − cot 𝜃1 )𝐿
erties of materials through optical interference, offering a deeper
understanding of material elasticity and wave-optics. Where:

• 𝑇1 and 𝑇2 are the means of the fringe diameters in the transverse

3. Aim of the Experiment
direction,
1. To determine the Young’s modulus and Poisson’s ratio of Perspex • 𝐿1 and 𝐿2 are the means of the fringe diameters in the longitudi-
using hyperbolic fringe system. nal direction.

4. Apparatus
• Cornu’s interference apparatus From the graph of the fringe diameters, Poisson’s ratio 𝜎 is calculated
• Sodium vapour lamp with power supply using the slopes obtained from the longitudinal and transverse
• LEDs with power supply fringes.
• LED mount
• Weight hanger with weights Additionally, the rigidity modulus 𝜂 and bulk modulus 𝛽 can
• Plano-convex lens be derived as:
𝑌
𝜂=
5. Theory 2(1 + 𝜎)
When a rectangular glass plate rests on a uniformly bent glass beam, 𝑌𝜂
an air film is formed between the two surfaces. Upon illuminating the 𝛽=
9𝜂 − 3𝑌

Course: PHY-315 Indian Institute of Science Education & Research, TVM September 12, 2024 Report 1–5
 Report on Cornu’s Method ———— ———– ———– ——— ——– ——– —— —– —– — – -

This method provides a detailed analysis of the material’s

elastic properties using optical interference, making it a valuable
tool for determining the mechanical characteristics of transparent
materials.

6. Experimental Setup
Figure 5. Attach hooks symmetrically to bar, suspend hangers.

Figure 1. Fix the objective and eyepiece properly. Figure 6. Position bar symmetrically on edges, adjust distance if necessary.

Figure 2. Place the Cornu’s interference apparatus in front of the source.

Figure 7. Place lens, view fringes, adjust focus, balance weights, repeat.

Figure 8. Adjust plate to 45°, control fringes with slit.

Figure 3. Mount glass plate on Cornu’s apparatus. • The cross wire is made tangential to the 20th dark fringe on one
side (right) in the longitudinal direction, and the micrometer
reading is taken.
• The cross wire is then made tangential to the 18th , 16th , 14th , ...
and 2nd dark fringes on the same side, and the corresponding
readings are taken.
• The cross wire is then adjusted tangential to the 2nd , 4th , ... and
20th dark fringes on the other side (left), and the corresponding
readings are taken.
• The diameters of the different fringes are calculated.
• Similarly, readings in the transverse direction are taken, and the
Figure 4. Align the glass plate roughly at 45° to the incident beam. diameters of different fringes are calculated.
• The thickness 𝑑 of the glass is measured using a screw gauge,
and its breadth 𝑏 is measured using vernier calipers.
• Using the formulae, Young’s modulus and Poisson’s ratio are
7. Procedure
calculated.
• The microscope is moved in the longitudinal direction. • Using the values of Young’s modulus and Poisson’s ratio, the

2 Course: PHY-315
Report on Cornu’s Method ———— ———– ———– ——— ——– ——– —— —– —– — – -

rigidity modulus and bulk modulus are also calculated. Mass OrderMicrometer Diameter D2 D2𝑛−8 - D2𝑛
• Graphs are plotted, and Young’s modulus and Poisson’s ratio are reading (mm)
calculated from the graphs as well. m (gm) n Left Right D (mm) (mm2 ) (mm2 )
𝑚1 = 16 6.97 0.10 3.435 11.7962 6.2729
8. Observations
150g 14 6.78 0.32 3.23 10.4329 6.3924
12 6.54 0.54 3.04 9.2416 6.4845
Trial P.S.R H.S.R Total Reading Corrected reading Mean 10 6.29 0.82 2.905 8.4400 7.2309
No: P.S.R + Total Reading + Thickness 8 5.99 1.07 2.53 6.4009
(H.S.R x L.C) Zero corr (mm) 6 5.65 1.32 2.165 4.6856
01 2 89 2.89 2.89 2.98 4 5.28 1.61 1.835 3.3672
02 2 89 2.89 2.89 2.98 2 4.86 1.96 1.45 2.1025
03 2 87 2.87 2.87 2.98 𝑚2 = 16 2.46 −0.70 3.335 11.1202 7.4569
04 3 07 3.07 3.07 2.98 250g 14 2.37 −0.66 3.215 10.3362 6.8910
05 3 20 3.20 3.20 2.98 12 2.29 −0.61 3.10 9.6100 7.5075
Table 1. Thickness Measurement Data
10 2.21 −0.51 2.96 8.7616 7.6972
8 2.12 −0.40 2.655 7.0529
6 2.03 −0.231 2.315 5.3632
• Hence mean thickness= 2.98 mm = 0.00298m
4 1.85 −0.10 1.975 3.9006
2 1.63 0.08 1.355 1.8360
Trial M.S.R V.S.R Total Reading Corrected reading Mean
No: M.S.R + Total Reading + Breadth Table 4. Longitudinal Measurement Data
(V.S.R x L.C) Zero corr (mm)
01 3.9 5 3.95 3.95 3.96 • Mean 𝑇2 = 17.523275 𝑚𝑚21
02 3.9 5 3.95 3.95 3.96
03 3.9 5 3.95 3.95 3.96 • Mean 𝐿1 = 6.595175 𝑚𝑚2
04 3.9 8 3.98 3.98 3.96 • Mean 𝐿2 = 7.38815 𝑚𝑚2
05 3.9 9 3.99 3.99 3.96
9. Result
Table 2. Breadth Measurement Data
• 𝑙 = 12 cm = 0.12 m
2
• 𝑔 = 9.8 m/s
• 𝑚1 = 150 gm = 0.15 kg
• Hence mean breadth= 3.96 cm = 0.0396m
• 𝑚2 = 250 gm = 0.25 kg
• 𝜆 = 589.3 nm = 589.3 × 10−9 m
Mass OrderMicrometer Diameter D2 D2𝑛−8 - D2𝑛 • Breadth, 𝑏 = 3.96 cm = 0.0396 m
reading (mm) • Thickness, 𝑡 = 2.98 mm = 2.98 × 10−3 m
• (cot 𝜃1 )𝐿 = 1.413
m (gm) n Left Right D (mm) (mm2 ) (mm2 )
• (cot 𝜃2 )𝐿 = 1.505
𝑚1 = 16 3.27 6.52 3.25 10.5625 5.0400 • (cot 𝜃1 )𝑇 = 1.526
150g 14 3.35 6.39 3.04 9.2416 5.2015 • (cot 𝜃2 )𝑇 = 0.932
12 3.44 6.25 2.81 7.8961 5.1736
9.1. Calculation
10 3.55 6.16 2.61 6.8121 5.6021
• Young’s modulus (Y): 4.3961 GPa
8 3.65 6.00 2.35 5.5225
• Dimensionless parameter (𝜎): 8.18
6 3.80 5.81 2.01 4.0401
4 3.98 5.63 1.65 2.7225 These values are obtained using the equations (1) and (2) from the
graphical procedure, which relate the Young’s modulus and the di-
2 4.25 5.35 1.10 1.21
mensionless parameter to the measured values of mass, diameter,
𝑚2 = 16 7.43 1.85 5.58 31.1364 20.0475 order, and length.
250g 14 7.24 1.99 5.25 27.5625 16.4736
12 7.01 2.21 4.80 23.04 15.4224 9.2. Graph
10 6.77 2.37 4.40 19.36 18.1496 Refer Fig.9 & Fig.10 for graph
8 6.49 2.56 3.93 15.4449
• From graph, Young’s modulus (Y): 6.2095 GPa
6 6.15 2.82 3.33 11.0889 • From graph, Dimensionless parameter (𝜎): 6.456
4 5.79 3.03 2.76 7.6176
2 5.34 3.51 1.83 3.3489 These values are obtained using the equations (3) and (4)
from the graphical procedure, which relate the Young’s
Table 3. Transverse Measurement Data modulus and the dimensionless parameter to the measured
values of slopes for 𝑚1 and 𝑚2 .

• Mean 𝑇1 = 5.2543 𝑚𝑚2 1

k is taken as 8

Course: PHY-315 3
 Report on Cornu’s Method ———— ———– ———– ——— ——– ——– —— —– —– — – -

Figure 9. Transverse Graph Figure 11. Signed Table (TA)

Figure 10. Longitudinal Graph

10. Discussion

In this experiment, the thickness of the test bar was Figure 12. Signed Table (TA)
measured to aid in calculating Young’s Modulus, a key
property that defines the material’s elasticity. Accurate
thickness measurement is crucial for determining the
cross-sectional area, which directly affects the stress
calculation.

By averaging multiple trials, consistent values were

obtained, minimizing errors. Additionally, hyperbolic
fringe diameters were measured, which reflect the stress
distribution across the material under load. These
fringe patterns are essential for determining strain and,
consequently, Young’s Modulus.

Overall, the precise measurements of thickness and

fringe diameters contribute to a more accurate determina-
tion of Young’s Modulus.

11. Signed Tables

Figure 13. Signed Table (TA)

4 Course: PHY-315
Report on Cornu’s Method ———— ———– ———– ——— ——– ——– —— —– —– — – -

Figure 14. Signed Table (TA)

Figure 16. Signed Table (TA)

Figure 15. Signed Table (TA)

Course: PHY-315 5