For the characterization of advanced high-performance materials, such as composites or technical textiles, CTT uses a high-precision 250kN (56,000lb) dynamometer.
A dynamometer is a piece of equipment that measures forces using a load cell. It can also impose a loading rate or maintain a constant load over time.
Equipped with a displacement sensor, the apparatus can impose a precise displacement or impose a constant displacement speed on a specimen. With the help of an extensometer, it is possible to measure the deformation of a specimen when it deforms under different modes, either under load, under displacement or under imposed deformation.
Used simultaneously, these three pieces of equipment can characterize the mechanical resistance properties of advanced materials.
The device is equipped with a climatic room allowing to carry out traction and compression tests (including bending) at low and high temperatures.
Some of the technical parameters:
- Accurate calibrated load cell / accuracy 1% from 1kN to 250kN (56,200lb), ASTM E4 compliant
- High precision hydraulic alignment clamps, with variable pressure during ASTM E1012 testing.
- Class B-2 biaxial extensometer, compliant with ASTM E83.
- Possibility of adding a strain gauge depending on the project.
- Class A head displacement, compliant with ASTM E2309.
- Temperature range: -70°C to + 250°C (-94F to 482F)
Prior to testing, aging options are always possible:
- Salt spray aging (ASTM B117),
- UV and xenon exposure (ASTM G155, G154),
- Oven aging (ASTM D5721),
- Chemical exposure according to requests (ASTM D5322).
In order to ensure accurate and fast cutting of complex specimens, with reliability and repeatability, we use a Wazer type waterjet cutting machine.
The tests commonly carried out for product development with this type of equipment cover several mechanical properties:
- Tensile strength, modulus of elasticity and strain at break according to ASTM D3039 and ASTM D638.
- Poisson’s ratio measurement with a biaxial extensometer.
- Compressive strength according to ASTM D695, ASTM D3410 and ASTM D6641.
- Shear strength and modulus according to ASTM D5379 and ASTM D7078.
OTHER CUSTOM TESTS AVAILABLE
Additionally, the CTT has the infrastructure, technical resources and expertise to design and develop custom test methods: for some of your projects, it may be necessary to modify the types of sample supports, create specific assemblies, add localized strain gauges and carry out tests in a controlled environment.
CTT Group, at the heart of the matter.
Cited test methods are available at www.astm.org