Design and use of a fixed-end low-load material testing machine

Abstract

The purpose of this low-load material testing machine is to provide students an opportunity to perform basic material tests on their own instead of watching a lab technician, thus improving the student's lab experience. The machine proposed is small, low cost, and easy to manufacture, assemble, and operate. Its design is based on a compound flexure mechanism that provides rectilinear motion for uniaxial tension and compression tests. It is actuated by a voice coil and displacement is measured using strain gauges. This thesis outlines some of the basic theory involved in the design and use of this low-load machine. Then it details calibration routines and tension testing procedures. Next, it analyzes results from tension tests. Then it discusses a possible source of error found in the tension tests, a lack of rigidity in the apparatus. Finally, it provides a reasonable solution to the rigidity issue and suggests further testing of the new apparatus before it is available for student use.