LA2030C- RFT for the Supply of an Electric Fatigue Testing Machine for UL

Descriptions

The University of Limerick wishes to procure the Supply of an Electric Fatigue Testing Machine. The proposed electromagnetic dynamic fatigue testing machine is an electrically powered table-top mechanical test instrument designed specifically for the high cycle fatigue testing of small scale test coupons in different loading configuration. Dynamic loading is achieved by means of an electrodynamic linear motor. Direct electromagnetic conversion of electricity to force results in a relatively high loading frequency capability. Test coupons are loaded vertically and the actuator and test sample are supported by a compact table-top loading frame with two vertical support columns. Control of the electrodynamic actuator is achieved via a digital control system with inputs for extensometry and a PC for data acquisition and overall user control. The main function of the machine is to dynamically load advanced materials such as polymer composites, additively manufactured metal alloys, until failure in an economic, quiet, clean and accelerated manner. Quasi-static loading is also possible. The test space is adjustable to suit a wide variety of specimen sizes, grips, fixtures, environmental chambers, biomedical baths etc. Evolution of deformation can be monitored using extensometry. The resulting data is extremely important for the development and characterisation of new polymers composites (in ongoing projects such as H2020 FIBREGY), additively manufactured metals and advanced metal alloys used in aerospace and biomedical applications.