Metrology Laboratory

Angular Measurement Using Sine Bar

Practice anywhere—this module stays sharp on your phone so you are always competition-ready.

Lab Information

Objective

To find the taper angle (θ) of the specimen by angular measurement using a sine bar.

Apparatus

  • Surface Plate
  • Sine Bar (L = 127mm)
  • Dial Indicator with Stand
  • Gauge Block Set
  • Angle Block (Specimen)

Theory

A sine bar is used to measure an angle (θ) on a specimen. The apparatus is set up as shown in the simulation, and the height of the gauge blocks (H) is adjusted until the top surface of the specimen is perfectly parallel with the surface plate.

This parallel condition is met when the dial indicator reading is the same at two points (R₁ and R₂), meaning their difference is 0.

sin(θ) = H / L
θ = Angle of the specimen
H = Height of the gauge block stack
L = Center distance of the sine bar rollers (127mm)

In practice, it's hard to get a perfect reading. If the dial readings (R₁ - R₂) show a small difference (∂y), a correction (∂H) can be calculated to find the true angle.

∂H / L = ∂y / X
∂y = Difference in dial readings (R₁ - R₂)
X = Distance between the two reading points (e.g., 100mm)
L = Sine bar length (127mm)

The corrected height is H ± ∂H, and the true angle is sin(θ) = (H ± ∂H) / L.

In our first game, you will adjust H until R₁ - R₂ ≈ 0, simulating the ideal setup.

Lab Report Helper

Use this checklist as a guide for your final lab report, based on the provided PDF.

  1. Title (1 mark)
    Use the title from the lab sheet.
  2. Objective(s) (1 mark)
    State the purpose of the experiment.
  3. Introduction (Background & Theory) (3 marks)
    Explain the 'why' and 'how', including diagrams and formulas.
  4. Apparatus (2 marks)
    List all equipment used in the virtual lab.
  5. Alternative Equipment (2 marks)
    Research and list 2+ other tools for measuring angles.
  6. Experimental Procedure (4 marks)
    Describe the steps you took in the virtual setup game.
  7. Results & Data Analysis (4 marks)
    Present your findings. A table of H, θ (calc), and dial readings is great. Show sample calculations.
  8. Discussion (4 marks)
    Interpret your results. What do they mean? What are sources of error in the *real* lab?
  9. Conclusion (2 marks)
    Summarize the outcome. Did you meet the objective?
  10. References (1 mark)
    List at least 4 sources (textbook, websites, etc.).

Lab Report Rubric

This is the official grading rubric from your lab sheet.

F
Report Contents Content Description Marks
1.0 Title Refer to respective lab sheets / instructions for title of experiment. 1
2.0 Objective(s) State the purpose that describes the intention of the experiment, investigation or accomplishment. 1
3.0 Introduction (Background & Theory) Provide an understanding of the experiment which includes necessary diagrams, theory and equations. 3
4.0 Apparatus List equipment, machine, accessories, components, etc. 2
5.0 Alternative Equipment Provide alternative equipment/tool that have similar objective with current equipment (at least 2). 2
6.0 Experimental Procedure Describe procedures or methods used. Equipment handling with picture or diagram if necessary. 4
7.0 Results & Data Analysis Summarize results and present data in tables or figures. Show sample calculation, graph, diagram etc. 4
8.0 Discussion Discuss what results mean and what conclusions may be drawn from them. Support results with understanding of theory. 4
9.0 Conclusion Summarize the outcome of the experiment based on the results and analysis. Relate this to the objectives. 2
10.0 References List references to methods and related studies in appropriate style (at least 4). 1
TOTAL MARKS 24

Virtual Sine Bar Setup

How to Play (Experiment)

  1. Click "New Round" to get a specimen with a hidden Target Angle (θ).
  2. Your mission: Find the angle by simulating the lab procedure.
  3. Use the Height (H) Slider to adjust the gauge block height.
  4. Watch the Dial Reading (R₁ - R₂). Your goal is to make this value 0.000mm.
  5. When you are satisfied that the dial reads 0, click "Submit Attempt".
  6. The game will reveal the true angle and score your attempt.
SURFACE PLATE L = 127mm Specimen H Dial Indicator R₁ R₂
0.000mm
Target Angle (θ)
?.???°
Current Angle (θ)
0.000°
Dial Reading (R₁ - R₂)
0.000mm
Rounds Played
0
Successful Matches
0
Average Error
0.000°
Average % Error
0.00%

Gauge Block Challenge (Calculation)

How to Play (Calculation)

  1. A Target Angle (θ) is given.
  2. Your mission: Calculate the Height (H) needed to set this angle.
  3. Use the formula: H = L * sin(θ). (L = 127mm)
  4. Type your answer (in mm) into the input box.
  5. Click "Check Answer" to see if you're correct!
Target Angle (θ)
?.???°
mm
Attempts
0
Correct
0

Angle Sprint (Quick Quiz)

How to Play (Angle Sprint)

  1. Tap "New Height" to load a random gauge block stack.
  2. Use your phone or any device to quickly estimate the Angle (θ).
  3. Enter your answer in degrees and hit "Check Angle".
  4. Stay within ±0.050° to score and build your streak.
  5. Perfect for warming up before competitions—no laptop needed.
Gauge Block Height (H)
?.???mm
°
Attempts
0
Correct
0
Current Streak
0