ME-542 Manufacturing with Non-metallic Materials

Mechanical Testing of Composites

Preparation:

Specimens should be cut to specified length and width.

Start a table that has at least the following information for each tensile specimen:

• Specimen number or other identifying info
• Material type
• Process details
• Test type
• Coupon length
• Test length
• Tabs or no tabs
• 5 thickness measurements
• 5 width measurements
• Comments on specimen condition
• Comments on failure
• Peak load
• Break load
• Displacement at break

 

Testing Guidelines

Safety: This machine could kill you. Only one person should operate the machine at a time.

The Instron 1187 test machine is located in the EL Building (near Floyd Corbin's office).

Turn on the power switch. Wait 10 seconds. If the displays look strange, try again.

For this assignment, make sure the load amplifier dial is in the "10" position. This mean 10% of full scale. Full scale is 30,000 lbs.

Load the test specimen into the grips while making sure that they have ample room to grip the specimens. The crosshead can be moved ("Jogged") up or down by using the "up", "down", and "stop" buttons.

Select a speed for the test, "2" inches/minute is usually a good value. Jogging can be done at higher speeds.

Turn the spindles on the grip collars to tighten the specimens in the grips. Tighten the grips well to avoid slipping of the specimens.

Zero the digital load and displacement display by pressing the small "Zero" buttons next to the display.

Remember to set the speed. Start the test by pressing the "Up" button. The "Stop" button can be pressed anytime.

When the material fails, press the "peak" and then "break" buttons on the display and record these values. Record the displacement.