Mapua

University

School of Mechanical and Manufacturing

ME136P-2

Engineering Materials, Processes, and Testing

Experiment #1

PHYSICAL STUDY OF UNIVERSAL TESTING

Billones, Sebastian Luise, M. Date Performed:

Student # 2021106723 November 27, 2023

ME136P-2/C3 Date Submitted:

Group # 5 December 11, 2023

Engr. Gawayne M. Escalona

This paper contains documentation about the inspection of the laboratory, particularly the

Universal Testing Machine, as well as the Rockwell Hardness Tester, the Pendulum Impact

Tester, and Sieve Shaker. After documenting each device in the laboratory, the student’s findings

from online sources were written into this paper, along side some of the content on the manuals

provided. Through this experiment, the student’s learned of the uses of the Universal Testing

Machine, as well as the Rockwell Hardness Tester, the Pendulum Impact Tester, as well as how

to operate them.

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 TABLE OF CONTENTS

Objectives

Theories and Principles

List of Apparatus

Procedure

Set-up of

Apparatus Final

Data Sheet Sample

Computations Test

Data Analysis

Literature Review and Questions with Answers

Conclusion

Recommendation

References

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OBJECTIVES

To be familiarized with the different parts and operation of the Universal Testing

Machine.

THEORIES AND PRINCIPLES

It is necessary to have a knowledge of mechanical properties of engineering materials in

order to use them in design, fabrication, and construction. These are properties determined in the

testing laboratory under fixed rules of procedure which govern the art of mechanical testing in

which all the variables affecting a given property are controlled and the property in question is

measured under fixed conditions.

UTM is a testing machine that determines the behavior of a material under the application

of external force. The external force given by UTM contains three main elements namely: loading

unit, control measuring unit and hydraulic unit for loading.

UTM is a state-of-the art hydraulic system where it is developed as a new model nowadays

based on the latest mechanical-electronics system (mechatronics). It performs tension, transverse

and bending tests on metallic materials. It is also used in compression of wood, ceramics, and

concrete.

The machine's hydraulic loading system has a wide control range of loading speeds and

permits smooth loading. An electrohydraulic servo valve precisely controls the flow rate of

pressurized oil pump to pump out the feeding oil into the loading cylinder.

When a load applied on a specimen it is being detected by a change in oil pressure in the

loading cylinder. It is then translated into a voltage signal by a high-precision pressure cell and

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 high-performance amplifier. This analog signal is then converted into a digital signal, which is

then computed in terms of the full scale. The load measuring system provides both the digital and

analog displays of the applied load in the unit of KN.

The automatic load control unit excels in ease of operation It incorporates a microprocessor

to control the closed-loop-system electrohydraulic servo valve for accurate and efficient load

control in metal-tension testing specified in American Society for Testing and Material, (ASTM),

and others, as well as for constant-speed regulation of ram stroke, load, and strain.

METHODS OF STUDY

,1,0 Discussion

-------------1.1 Discuss the parts of the machine.

-------------1.2 Discuss the Operation of the machine.

2.0 Demonstration

-------------2.1 Perform Tensile Tests as per Appendix A

-------------2.2 Perform Compression Test as per Appendix B

-------------2.3 Perform Clod Bend Tests as per Appendix C

3.0 Sketch the Machine

4.0 Label the parts of the Machine

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LIST OF APPARATUS

Fig 1. Universal Testing Machine Loading Unit

Fig 2. Universal Testing Machine Control Unit

A Universal Testing Machine (UTM) is used for various mechanical tests such as tensile,

compression, adhesion, bending, pull-out, and hysteresis tests. It is applicable to a range of

materials like concrete, steel, cables, springs, and more. The machine provides load and

displacement values, facilitating the generation of load-deflection graphs for material

characterization. A UTM consists of two main components: the loading unit and the control unit.

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 Fig 3. Rockwell Hardness Testing

A Rockwell hardness testing machine typically consists of a sturdy frame housing the

testing components. These machines usually consist of an indenter (commonly a diamond or

ball), a vertically movable carriage, and a load-applying system. It is used to test for a material’s

hardness based on the Rockwell Hardness Scale.

Fig 4. Pendulum Impact Tester

A pendulum impact tester is a device used to assess the impact resistance or toughness of

materials. It typically consists of a swinging pendulum with a striking edge or hammer at one

end.

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 Fig 5. Sieve Shaker

A sieve shaker is a mechanical device used in laboratories to separate particles based on

size using sieves or screens. It typically consists of a motor that generates oscillations or

vibrations to agitate the sieves, causing particles to move and pass through the openings in the

screens.

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SET UP OF APPARATUS

Fig 5. The UTM’s Loading and Control Unit

Fig 6. Parts of the UTM’s Loading Unit

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 Fig 7. Parts of the UTM’s Control Unit

PROCEDURE

Fig 8. Flowchart Procedure

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 LITERATURE REVIEW

Practical Guide to Universal Testing Machine Components and Functions

A Universal Testing Machine (UTM) consists of two main components: the Loading Unit

and the Control Unit. The Loading Unit manages the setup of the test specimen and the

application of force, with components like the Load Frame, Upper Crosshead, Lower Crosshead,

and Elongation Scale. The Load Frame, constructed with single or double support, includes a

table for compressive strength tests. The Upper Crosshead clamps one end of the specimen,

while the movable Lower Crosshead allows height adjustment. An Elongation Scale measures

the relative motion of the upper and bottom tables. The Control Unit, on the other hand,

facilitates adjustments in load application and test results, comprising a Hydraulic Power Unit,

Load Measuring Unit, and Control Devices. The Hydraulic Power Unit includes an oil pump

driven by an electric motor, ensuring steady oil flow for smooth load application. The Load

Measuring Unit employs a pendulum dynamometer to measure deflection and display load on a

dial, with an adjustable load application range. Control Devices, either electric or hydraulic, use

switches or valves to control crosshead movement and the unit's operation. The UTM's functions

encompass various mechanical tests such as tensile, compression, adhesion, bending, pull-out,

and hysteresis tests. It is applicable to a range of materials like concrete, steel, cables, springs,

and more. The machine provides load and displacement values, facilitating the generation of

load-deflection graphs for material characterization.

Rockwell Hardness Testing

Hardness, a material characteristic, defines its resistance to indentation, determined by

measuring the permanent depth of the indentation. The Rockwell hardness test method, outlined

in ASTM E-18, is widely used for its ease and accuracy. Prior to conducting a Rockwell test, it's

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essential to obtain and thoroughly understand the ASTM standard. This method, applicable to all

metals, measures the permanent depth of indentation produced by a force/load on an indenter.

It involves a preliminary test force, or preload, applied to break through the surface and

reduce surface finish effects. The baseline depth of indentation is measured after holding the

preload for a specified dwell time. Following the preload, an additional force, the major load, is

added, held, and released, with the final depth measured after a dwell time.

The Rockwell hardness value is derived from the difference between baseline and final

depths and converted to a hardness number. Preliminary test loads range from three kgf to 10

kgf, and total test forces vary based on hardness scale. Different indenters, such as a conical

diamond for harder metals and ball indenters for softer materials, are employed. When selecting

a Rockwell scale, considerations include load and indenter size, avoiding conditions like

insufficient specimen thickness or proximity to edges that may impact test results.

Impact Testers on Metals

A pendulum impact tester is employed to evaluate the impact resistance or toughness of

materials. It comprises a swinging pendulum equipped with a striking edge or hammer at one

end. The material specimen is positioned in the trajectory of the swinging pendulum, and upon

impact, the hammer fractures the specimen. The height reached by the pendulum on the

opposite side reveals the energy absorbed by the material during the impact. This testing

method assesses a material's capacity to endure sudden shock or impact loading, offering

valuable insights into its durability and appropriateness for applications a variety of engineering

applications.

What is the Function a Sieve Shaker?

A sieve shaker is a mechanical device used in laboratories to separate particles based on

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size using sieves or screens. It typically consists of a motor that generates oscillations or

vibrations to agitate the sieves, causing particles to move and pass through the openings in the

screens. The sieves are stacked in a series of decreasing mesh sizes, allowing for the

classification of particles according to their size. Sieve shakers are commonly employed in

various industries, such as agriculture, construction, and materials testing, to analyze the particle

size distribution of granular materials, powders, or aggregates. The shaking action facilitates

efficient and consistent particle separation for accurate testing and quality control purposes.

QUESTION AND ANSWER

1. Illustrate the Universal Testing Machine and label the parts.

Fig 9. Parts of the UTM

2. Give the functions of each single part.

a) Load Frame: The load frame is the main structure of the UTM that supports and

aligns the test specimen. It provides the framework for the entire testing system.

b) Crosshead: The crosshead is a movable component that holds the grips or

fixtures used to secure the test specimen. It allows for controlled application of

tensile or compressive forces.

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c) Grips or Fixtures: Grips or fixtures are attachments that secure the test specimen

during a test. They come in various designs to accommodate different types of

materials and testing configurations, including wedge hydraulic grips for secure

clamping.

d) Load Cell: The load cell is a transducer that converts the applied force on the

specimen into an electrical signal. It measures the force and allows for precise force

control during testing.

e) Actuators or Hydraulic System: The actuator or hydraulic system is responsible

for applying forces to the specimen. It could be driven by hydraulic cylinders or

electromechanical actuators, depending on the UTM design.

f) Columns and Lead Screw Bending and Compression Fixture: This fixture is

utilized for bending and compression tests, providing a stable platform for the

specimen. It is designed to accommodate various sample sizes and shapes.

g) Control Panel: The control panel houses the electronic controls and user

interface. It allows the operator to set testing parameters, control the testing process,

and monitor real-time data.

h) Displacement Measurement System: This system measures the displacement or

deformation of the specimen during the test. It could include devices like

extensometers or displacement sensors.

i) Elongation Scale: The elongation scale measures the relative motion of the

upper and lower tables, providing information about the specimen's elongation

during a tensile test.

j) Software and Data Acquisition System: UTM software facilitates data

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 acquisition, analysis, and reporting. It records and processes data such as force,

displacement, and time to generate test results.

k) Safety Features: Safety features may include emergency stop buttons, overload

protection mechanisms, and interlocks to ensure the safe operation of the UTM

and prevent damage to the machine or operator.

3. Enumerate the uses of the Universal testing Machine.

a) Tensile Testing: Determines the tensile strength, yield strength, elongation, and

other mechanical properties of a material under axial (tensile) loading.

b) Compression Testing: Measures the compressive strength and deformation

characteristics of materials subjected to axial compressive loads.

c) Bending Testing: Evaluates the flexural strength and modulus of elasticity by

subjecting the material to a bending load.

d) Shear Testing: Determines the shear strength of materials under applied shear

loads.

e) Peel and Tear Testing: Used for materials like adhesives, films, and textiles to

assess their peel and tear resistance.

f) Hardness Testing: Some UTMs come with attachments for hardness testing, such

as Rockwell, Brinell, or Vickers hardness tests.

g) Control and Measurement: UTMs are equipped with electronic control systems

to regulate the test conditions and measure parameters like force, displacement,

and strain.

h) Data Acquisition: They often include software for data acquisition and analysis,

allowing for precise measurement and recording of test results.

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CONCLUSION

Through this experiment, the lab inspection gave students an idea of how materials

testing works, as well as the functions and some insight on the operations of its tools. The

Universal Testing Machine, as the name implies, is used to measure most material properties

such as tensile, compression, adhesion, bending, and pull-out strength. The Rockwell Hardness

Testing Machine tests for hardness against the Rockwell hardness scale. The Pendulum Impact

tester tests for a material’s toughness against impacts. And the sieve shaker is an easier way to

separate particulate matter, and some liquids, to by its size.

Universal Testing Machine are held in high regard when it comes to material testing

owing to their versatility for different test it can perform and is able to analyze and show users

data in real time from the amount of force to the distance traveled by the crossheads. It serves

as the keystone in material testing.

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 REFERENCES

Gatenby, A. (2019, October 10). What is The Function of a Sieve Shaker? CSC Scientific Blog.

https://www.cscscientific.com/csc-scientific-blog/what-is-the-function-of-a-sieve-shaker

K, N. S. (2019, May 31). Universal Testing Machine – Components and Functions. The

Constructor. https://theconstructor.org/practical-guide/universal-testing-machine-

components-functions/2449/#Load%20Measuring%20Unit

Pendulum impact testing machine. (n.d.-a). Pendulum Impact Testing Machine.

https://www.zwickroell.com/products/products-for-impact-testing/pendulum-impact-

testers-for-tests-on-metals/

Pendulum impact testing machine. (n.d.-b). Pendulum Impact Testing Machine.

https://www.zwickroell.com/products/products-for-impact-testing/pendulum-impact-

testers-for-tests-on-metals/

Rockwell Hardness Testing. (n.d.). https://www.hardnesstesters.com/test-types/rockwell-

hardness-testing

Supervised by:

Engr. Gawayne M. Escalona

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