Mechanical Testing
Core assets for mechanical testing are an MTS 810 servo-hydraulic dynamic tester with a load capacity of 22,000 lbs, an Instron table mounted materials testing system, and a Sintech 65G electromechanical frame with a capacity of 65,000 lbs. These are supported by an extensive collection of fixtures for tensile, compression and flexure testing of materials. In addition, UTPA has a substantial collection of fixtures for fracture, laminated composite compression, and flexure of ceramics. We have also fabricated specialized fixtures for peel testing of adhesives, shear testing of natural fiber composites, large scale flexure of lumber products, and screw pull-out from wood and wood substitutes. The smaller frames are equipped with a movable environmental chamber which permits testing over the range -40°C to 200°C.
Other mechanical testing assets include Charpy pendulum impact, Izod pendulum impact for polymers, Digital Rockwell and Tukon (Vickers micro-hardness) testers, instrumented drop tower impact, Durometers for polymer hardness testing, and an array of fatigue and wear testers. These are supported by a variety of sample preparation and treatment equipment including convection ovens and high temperature furnaces.
