The actual weight of the Rectangular Aluminum Beam (used in Task 3) is 25 grams, while the actual weight of the Square Aluminum Box Beam is only 5 grams.
But under the maximum applied force (500 grams), the deflection of the Rectangular Beam was greater than the deflection of the Square (Open) Box Beam, as shown in the table below:
Aluminum Beams Weight of Beam Maximum deflection (at 500 grams)
Rectangular Solid Beam 25 grams ~ 0.250"
Square (Open) Box Beam 5 grams ~ 0.170"
Discuss and explain this apparent contradiction – how could it be that a beam that weighs only 5 grams is stronger than a beam that weighs 25 grams?