National

Bureau

of

standards

NBS SPECIAL PUBLICATION 370

Research and Testing Facilities

of the

Engineering IVIechanics Section,

National Bureau of Standards,

Washington, D. C.
NATIONAL BUREAU OF STANDARDS

The National Bureau of Standards^ was established by an act of Congress March 3, 1901. The Bureau's overall goal is to strengthen and advance the Nation's science and

technology and facilitate their effective application for public benefit. To this end, the Bureau conducts research and provides: (1) a basis for the Nation's physical measure- ment system, (2) scientific and technological services for industry and government, (3) a technical basis for equity in trade, and (4) technical services to promote public safety. The Bureau consists of the Institute for Basic Standards, the Institute for Materials Research, the Institute for Applied Technology, the Center for Computer Sciences and

Technology, and the Office for Information Programs.

THE INSTITUTE FOR BASIC STANDARDS provides the centra! basis within the United States of a complete and consistent system of physical measurement; coordinates

that system with measurement systems of other nations; and furnishes essential services leading to accurate and uniform physical measurements throughout the Nation's scientific community, industry, and commerce. The Institute consists of a Center for Radiation Research, an Office of Measurement Services and the following divisions: Applied Mathematics—Electricity—Heat—Mechanics—Optical Physics—Linac

Radiation-—Nuclear Radiation^—Applied Radiation-—Quantum Electronics'

Electromagnetics^—Time and Frequency'—Laboratory Astrophysics'—Cryogenics'.

THE INSTITUTE FOR MATERIALS RESEARCH conducts materials research lead- ing to improved methods of measurement, standards, and data on the properties of

well-characterized materials needed by industry, commerce, educational institutions, and

Government; provides advisory and research services to other Government agencies;

and develops, produces, and distributes standard reference materials. The Institute consists of the Office of Standard Reference Materials and the following divisions: Analytical Chemistry—Polymers—Metallurgy—Inorganic Materials—Reactor

Radiation—Physical Chemistry.

THE INSTITUTE FOR APPLIED TECHNOLOGY provides technical services to pro- mote the use of available technology and to facilitate technological innovation in industry and Government; cooperates with public and private organizations leading to the development of technological standards (including mandatory safety standards), codes and methods of test; and provides technical advice and services to Government agencies

upon request. The Institute also monitors NBS engineering standards activities and

provides liaison between NBS and national and international engineering standards

bodies. The Institute consists of a Center for Building Technology and the following

divisions and offices: Engineering Standards Services—Weights and Measures—Invention and Innovation—Product Evaluation Technology—Electronic Technology—Technical

Analysis—Measurement Engineering—Fire Technology—Housing Technology* —Federal Building Technology*—Building Standards and Codes Services*

Building Environment*—Structures, Materials and Life Safety*—Technical

Evaluation and Application*.

THE CENTER FOR COMPUTER SCIENCES AND TECHNOLOGY conducts re- search and provides technical services designed to aid Government agencies in improving cost effectiveness in the conduct of their programs through the selection, acquisition,

and effective utilization of automatic data processing equipment; and serves as the principal focus within the executive branch for the development of Federal standards for automatic data processing equipment, techniques, and computer languages. The Center

consists of the following offices and divisions: Information Processing Standards—Computer Information—Computer Services —Systems Development—Information Processing Technology.

THE OFFICE FOR INFORMATION PROGRAMS promotes optimum dissemination and accessibility of scientific information generated within NBS and other agencies of

the Federal Government; promotes the development of the National Standard Reference Data System and a system of information analysis centers dealing with the broader

aspects of the National Measurement System; provides appropriate services to ensure

that the NBS staff has optimum accessibility to the scientific information of the world,

and directs the public information activities of the Bureau. The Office consists of the following organizational units: Office of Standard Reference Data—Office of Technical Information and

Publications—Library—Office of International Relations.

1 Headquarters and Laboratories at Galthersburg, Maryland, unless otherwise noted; mailing address Washington, D.C. 20234.

' Part of the Center for Radiation Research.

3 Located at Boulder, Colorado 80302.

* Part of the Center for Building Technolog.v.
ERRATA SHEET

Research, and Testing Facilities of the

Engineering Mechanics Section, National Bureau of Standards,

Washington J D. C.

By the Staff of the Engineering Mechanics Section

Daniel J. Chwirut, Coordinator

On page iii, CONTENTS, the page numbers should read:

NBS Special Publication 370

page

7. Special Purpose Equipment 19

8. Other Test Equipment 20

9. References 20

USCO,MM-MSS-DC

Research and Testing Facilities of

the Engineering IVIechanics Section,

National Bureau of Standards,

Washington, D. C.

By the Staflf of the Engineering Mechanics Section

Daniel J. Chwirut, Coordinator

Mechanics Division

Institute for Basic Standards

National Bureau of Standards

Washington, D.C. 20234

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE, Peter G. Peterson, Secretary

NATIONAL BUREAU OF STANDARDS, Lawrence M. Kushner, Acting Director,

issued January 1973
Library of Congress Catalog Card Number: 72—600273.

National Bureau of Standards Special Publication 370

Nat. Bur. Stand. (U.S.), Spec. Publ. 370, 23 pages (Jan. 1973) CODEN: XNBSAV

For sale by the Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington, D.C. 20402

(Order by SD Catalog No. C13.10;370). Price 55 cents. Stock Number 0303-01057
CONTENTS

page 1. Introduction 1

2. Engineering Mechanics Building 2

3. Deadweight Force Calibration Machines 4

4. 12-Million-Pound-Force Universal Testing Machine 7

5. Static Testing Machines 8

6. Dynamic Testing Machines 16

7. Special Purpose Equipment 21

8. Other Test Equipment 22

9. References 22

HI

Research and Testing Facilities of the Engineering Mechanics

Section

Staff, Engineering Mechanics Section

Mechanics Division

National Bureau of Standards, Washington, D.C.

The principal characteristics of the force measuring and generating equipment and related research facilities available in the Engineering Mechanics Section of the National Bureau of Standards

are described.

Key words: Engineering Mechanics Section; force generating equipment; research facilities; testing machines.

1 . Introduction

This paper contains a compilation of information

about the major equipment of the Engineering

Mechanics Section of the National Bureau of Standards. These facilities support the Section's mission,

which is to develop and maintain standards offeree, to conduct research and development on methods for measuring force, strain, displacement and acceleration

in structures and on the response of materials and

structural elements to forces. This paper is intended to describe the characteristics

and features of the various pieces of testing equipment

in the Engineering Mechanics Laboratory as a guide to the capabilities of the Section in mechanical testing. No

attempt has been made to discuss the program of the

Section, and no attempt has been made to include

similar equipment that is maintained elsewhere in NBS

for use of other Sections in their missions. In the

listings, the machines are identified by manufacturer

in order to give the reader a better understanding of the

facilities. It should not be inferred from this that the

Bureau particularly recommends or endorses these

manufacturers since equipment of comparable quahty

is usually available from a number of domestic and

foreign manufacturers.

Throughout the paper, machine capacities and

dimensions are given in U.S. customary units unless

the machine scale is graduated in other (metric) units. This is in accord with current engineering practice in the United States. The National Bureau of Standards

has adopted and recommends the use of SI units wherever possible, but exceptions are made in areas where

SI units have not yet been generally employed and

might not be readily understood. Readers interested in making use of the coherent system of SI units will find

conversion factors in the ASTM Standard Metric Practice Guide, ASTM Designation E 380-70 (available from

the American Society for Testing and Materials, 1916

Race Street, Philadelphia, Pa. 19103). Conversion factors for units used in this paper are:

Length lin= 0.0254* metre

1ft =0.3048* metre

lib =0.4536 kilogram

Mass 1 ton = 9.072 X 102 kilogram

1 lbf= 4.448 newton

Force 1 kgf= 9.807 newton

*Exact value.

Inquiries regarding the facihties described in this re- port, or their possible use, should be directed to:

Chief, Engineering Mechanics Section

Mechanics Division, IBS

National Bureau of Standards

Washington, D.C. 20234

1
2. Engineering Mechanics Building 2.4 Other Services

The Engineering Mechanics Building was designed

specifically to house the force generating and measuring systems and related equipment contained therein.

The building consists of two general test areas; several

special purpose laboratories including the force and

weight rooms containing deadweight testing machines;

a machine shop; offices and a conference room. An exterior picture and floor plans are shown in figure 1. The

room numbers specified in this report may be identified

by referring to the floor plans in the figure.

2.1 Technical Laboratory Space

The laboratory space available for use in carrying out

the program of the Engineering Mechanics Section consists of two large general test areas, several special pur- pose laboratories, and the force and weight rooms containing deadweight testing machines. The principal fea- tures of these laboratories are summarized in table 1.

2.2 Machine Shop, Room 1 43

This shop houses most of the machine tools required

for the fabrication of test fixtures and specimens and

for general support of the research and testing pro- gram. Available tools include lathes with swings up to 48 in, vertical and horizontal milling machines, a

shaper, a radial arm driU, a variety of power saws, and numerous smaller items. Other machine shop equipment available in the building includes hot riveting and

dimpling machines, heat treating ovens, a sheet metal

brake, and several small drill presses.

2.3 Electric Power Service

All laboratories in the building are supplied with 117- V ac power, and most of the laboratories are equipped

with a bus-bar ground system which is independent of the electrical power system. Several laboratories are equipped with dc power from batteries which is availa- ble in 10-V increments up to 240 V. A special battery

system is provided for rooms 227 through 231. This special system contains two battery banks, one of pasted

plate cells and the other of Plante cells. Power is available from each of these battery banks in 2-V increments up to 48 V. Rectified 120/240-V dc power is available in rooms 227 through 231, and is also used to power some of the testing machines and cranes in other

locations within the building. In addition, various locations throughout the building are suppHed with 208-V

3-phase and 480-V 3-phase power.

The Engineering Mechanics Building is supplied

with compressed air, natural gas, and standard electri- cal frequencies. Outlets for these utilities are located

in most laboratories. In addition, steam and 44 °F

chilled water are available in the building.

Table 1— Features of technical laboratories in the

Engineering Mechanics Building

Room Features number

127 Photographic darkroom.

129 These are the weight rooms for the deadweight force 131 calibration machines. In addition to this principal 132 function, several of these rooms, notably 129, have

133 adequate space for the performance of experi- 134 ments which require some degree of seclusion. Room 129 is temperature controlled. 130 Room 130 is a 75 X 165-ft room consisting of 2 bays

with different ceiling heights. The high bay is 85 ft in height and is serviced by a 30-ton over- head crane. Access to this bay from the outside

is through a 20-ft wide 14-ft high roll-up door. The

low bay is 40 ft in height and is serviced by a 25- ton overhead crane. The travels of these cranes

overlap to permit load transfer between bays. 135 Room 135 contains 2 universal testing machines.

This room is temperature controlled. 136 These rooms are used for specimen preparation, 137 measurement, and instrumentation, and for the 139 assembly of experiments. Room 137 has 480-V

140-A 3-phase electrical service. It is also equipped

with an exhaust hood. Room 139 contains a small. universal fatigue testing machine.

140 Room 140 is a 66xl08-ft room which contains the majority of the testing machines in the building. Access to this room from the outside is through a

12-ft wide by 14-ft high roll-up door. Part of this room is serviced by 2 10-ton overhead cranes. 227 These are the force-measuring rooms of the dead- 228 weight force calibration machines and are situated 229 directly above the weight rooms described above. 230 They are used almost exclusively for the calibra- 231 tion of precision force measuring devices. These

laboratories are all temperature controlled.

2
4

U

(a) Exterior

r

1= rr-rrrrrrrr

(b) First floor plan (c) Second floor plan

Figure 1 The Engineering Mechanics Building

3
3. Deadweight Force Calibration Machines

The deadweight machines of the National Bureau of

Standards serve as the standards of force for the United

States. A calibration service for precision force measuring devices provides the means for disseminating

these standards throughout the country. There are seven deadweight machines covering the range from

10- to 1 -million pounds-force.

The four larger machines have a stack of weights

which are transferred sequentially to a loading frame.

A schematic view of a typical arrangement of this type

is shown in figure 2. The smaller machines have a

lesser number of weights of different denominations

which can be added to the loading frame in any combination. A schematic view appears in figure 3. Final

adjustments to the masses of all weights were made by

comparison with multiples and sub-multiples of the national standards of mass. The adjusted values included

corrections for both the deviation from standard gravity

at the Gaithersburg location and air buoyancy for nor- mal atmospheric conditions. The weights, as adjusted,

apply loads in nominal pound-force units with uncertainties not exceeding 0.002 percent of the load. Two of

the machines also have the capability of applying loads

in nominal kilogram-force units. The principal features of these deadweight force

calibration machines are given in table 2.

Table 2 — Principal features of deadweight force calibration machines

MANUFACTURER: NBS

NUMBER OF MACHINES: 7

Capacity, Ibf 1.000,000 300,000 112.000 112,000 25,300 6,100 500

specifications (11,500 kgf) (3,050 kgf)

Force room No 231 230 228 229 227 227 227

Material of weights AISI 410 AISI 410 AISI 410 (^) AISI 302 AISI 302 AISI 302 Minimum load, Ibf 50,000 10,000 3,000 3,000 200 100 10 kgf 500 100 Load increments, Ibf 50,000 C) 1,000 1,000 100 50 5 kgf 500 50 Specimen size limitations: Clear space between

screws, in 46 36 28 28 26 25.2 11.5 c 34 36ii 28 28 19.5 18.5 11.5 Clear space between

crossheads, in T 175 98 85 85 36 30 22 C 78 65 40 40 30 24 10

^ 10,000-lbf weights are cast iron , 1 ,000-lbf weiglits are cast steel. A protective paint covers

all weights of this machine.

^ Weig^its are arranged to provide 10 equal increment tests loads to devices of 100,000, 200,000, and 300,000-lbf capacities. T indicates machine applying tensile load, C indicates compressive load.

4
5
FORCE

ROOM

WEIGHT

ROOM

SCREW JACKS

LIFTING FRAME

LOADING FRAME

(a) Schematic

Figure 3 6100 Ibf (3,050 kgf) deadweight force calibration machine.

(b) Force room

(c) Weight room

6
4. 1 2-Million-Pound-Force Universal Testing

Machine

The 12-million-pound-force universal testing

machine is believed to be the largest testing machine in the world. The test frame rises 78 feet above the floor and can accommodate specimens with lengths up to 53

feet in tension, 58 feet in compression, and 90 feet in flexure. The foundation, hydrauMcs, and major electri- cal power facilities are located in a pit extending 23 feet below the msdn platen of the machine. This machine is shown in the artist's conception and the photograph in figures 4 and 5. The principal features are given in table 3. A more complete description of this machine is given in reference 1. The functions of this machine are twofold: to serve

as a testing machine for the mechanical testing of

structures, both independently and in conjunction with

the tie-down floor system, and to provide a means of applying the forces required for the calibration of force

measuring devices having capacities greater than 1-million pounds-force.

Figure 4 Artist's conception of 12,000,000 Ibf universal testing machine.

Figure 5 12,000,000 Ibf universal testing machine. Table S — Principal features of the 12-million-poundforce universal testing machine

MANUFACTURER: Bliss NUMBER OF MACHINES: 1 GENERAL DESCRIPTION: 3 crosshead. vertical, hydraulic

LOCATION: Room 130 SPECIFICATIONS:

Modes: tension, compression, flexure Capacity, Ibf: T-6,000.000

C- 12,000,000 Flexure— see Special features below Load Ranges, Ibf: 12,000,000

6,000.000 3.000.000

1,200,000 600,000

120.000 Specimen size limitation: Clear space between crossheads, ft: T-53

C-58

Clear space between screws, ft: 8.3 Maximum stroke, ft: 5 Load sensor: hydraulic capsule

Special features: This machine has a 17-ft wide tie-down floor extending 35 ft to each side of the machine. The floor contains 126 anchor points, each with a capacity of 150.000 Ibf. Using

this floor, flexure tests can be run to bending moments of up

to 20-million Ibf-ft.

7
5. Static Testing Machines

The static testing machines of the Engineering

Mechanics Section are used for performing mechanical

tests on materials and structures. These machines,

which are described on the following pages, include

horizontal and vertical universal testing machines, tor- sion testing machines, and creep testing machines. All of these testing machines are periodically calibrated

and, if necessary, adjusted to assure compliance with

appropriate specifications such as ASTM Method E4,

"Verification of Testing Machines."

Table 4 — Principal features of 2.3 -million-pound-force

universal testing machine

MACHINE TYPE: Universal Testing Machine

MANUFACTURER: Emery

NUMBER OF MACHINES: 1 GENERAL DESCRIPTION: 2 crosshead, horizontal, hydraulic

LOCATION: Room 140 SPECIFICATIONS:

Modes: tension and compression

Capacity, Ibf: T-1,150,000

C- 2,300,000 Maximum crosshead speed, in/min: T-4

C-2.1

Specimen size limitations: Clear space between crossheads, ft: T-21

C-33

Clear space between screws, ft: 4.5 Maximum stroke, ft: 5 Load sensor: hydraulic capsule

2,300,000 Ibf Emery universal testing machine.

8
Table S — Principal features of 4 universal testing machines

MACHINE TYPE: Universal Testing Machine

NUMBER OF MACHINES: 4 GENERAL DESCRIPTION: 3 crosshead, vertical, screw powered

Capacity, Ibf specifications

600,000 400,000 100,000 50,000

Tinius Olsen Tinius Olsen Riehle Tinius Olsen

Location Room 130 Room 140 Room 140 Room 140 Modes T, C, flexure T and C T and C T and C

Load ranges, Ibf 600.000 400.000 100,000 50,000 300,000 80,000 5,000

16,000 4,000 Maximum crosshead speed, in/min 5 2 8 6 Specimen size limitations: Clear space between crossheads. ft T-24 T-15 T-4.3 T-7

C-22 C-15 C-2.2 C-7

Clear space between screws, in 30 42 10.5 14 Load sensor Beam and poise Lever arm — LVDT Beam and poise Beam and poise

electrical servo Special features ^a. b. c. (d.e.r. C) C)

^ The 600,000-pound-force Tinius Olsen testing machine has a 2-ft-wide tie-down floor extending 13 ft to each side of the machine center line.

** These machines are equipped with a double potentiometer control circuit that permits crosshead speed to be varied over a wide range. Modifications to this machine allow a lateral vibration to be applied to a wire or rope

subjected to a tensile load. The maximum lateral displacement is ± 0.75 in and the maximum

cyclic speed is 1,000 Hz.

^ These machines have the capability of maintaining a preset load for prolonged periods.

^ This machine has an autographic load-strain recorder plug-in unit. The load signal is taken directly from the load measuring system of the machine. The strain signal is taken from an extensometer attached to the specimen.

'This machine has a deflectometer attachment to measure crosshead travel with a resolution of 0.0005 in.

600,000 Ibf Tinius Olsen

universal testing machine

400,000 Ibf Tinius Olsen

universal testing machine
100,000 Ibf Riehle 50,000 Ibf Tinius Olsen

universal testing machine universal testing machine

Table 6 — Principal features of 3 universal testing machines

MACHINE TYPE: Universal Testing Machine

MANUFACTURER: Gilmore NUMBER OF MACHINES: 3 GENERAL DESCRIPTION: 2 crosshead, vertical, screw powered

Capacity, Ibf specifications 200,000 50,000 10,000

Room 140 Room 135 Room 135 Modes T and C T and C T and C

Load ranges, Ibf 200,000 50,000 10,000 50,000 20,000 2,000

10,000 5,000 500

2,000 500 100 Maximum crosshead speed, in/min 25 (0 to 50,000 Ibf) 25 (0 to 12,500 Ibf) 50 (0 to 2,500 Ibf) 10 (50,000 to 10 (12,500 to 10 (2,500 to 200,000 Ibf) 50,000 Ibf) 10,000 Ibf) Specimen size limitations: Clear space between crossheads, in T-90 T-75 T-75

C-90 C-75 C-75

Clear space between screws, in 36 30 30 Load sensor Load cells electrical servo Load cells electrical servo Load cells electrical servo Special features ^a, 1), (a.b.c)

^ These machines have the capability of maintaining a preset load for prolonged periods.

*• These machines have an autographic load-strain recorder plug-in unit. The load signal

18 taken directly from the load measuring system of the machine. The strain signal is taken from an extensometer attached to the specimen.

'' An auxiliary console which can be plugged in to any of the 3 Gilmore testing machines

contains controls for constant strain-rate and constant load-rate operation, maintenance of

a preset strain, low speed cycling between preset load or strain limits, and digital load

readout.

10
10,000 Ibf Gilmore universal testing machine

11
200,000 Ibf Baldwin

compression testing machine

120,000 Ibf Baldwin

universal testing machine

Table 1 . —Principal features of 4 testing machines

MACHINE TYPE: Testing Machine

MANUFACTURER: Baldwin NUMBER OF MACHINES: 4 GENERAL DESCRIPTION: Vertical, hydraulic

Capacity, Ibf specifications 200,000 120,000 60,000 20,000

Room 140 Room 140 Room 140 Room 140 Modes C T and C T and C T and C

Load ranges, Ibf 200,000 120,000 60,000 20,000

50,000 24,000 12,000 10,000

10,000 6,000 2,400 1,000 Maximum crosshead speed, in/min 6 6 6 6 Specimen size limitations: Clear space between crossheads, in C-18 T-39 T-51 T-39

C-48 C-60 C-48

Clear space between screws, in 23.8 30 30 30 Maximum stroke, in 12 9.5 8.8 9.2 Hydraulic capsule Hydraulic capsule Hydrauhc capsule Hydraulic capsule

pneumatic servo pneumatic servo pneumatic servo pneumatic servo Special features ^a, b, CJ (a.b.C) ^a, b, CJ

" These machines have the capability of maintaining a preset ioad for prolonged periods. *^ These machines have a defleclometer attachment to measure crosshead travel with a These machines have an autographic load-strain recorder plug-in unit The load signal resolution of 0.0005 in.

is taken directly from the load measuring system of the machine. The strain signal is taken i from an extensometer attached to the specimen. I

[ 12
Table S — Principal features of 2 universal testing

machines

MACHINE TYPE: Universal Testing Machine

MANUFACTURER: Amsler NUMBER OF MACHINES: 2 GENERAL DESCRIPTION: 3 crosshead, hydraulic

Capacity, Ibf specifications 100,000 vertical 100,000 horizontal

Location Room 140 Room 140 Modes T and C T and C

Load ranges, Ibf 100,000 100.000 50,000 50,000 20,000

10,000 Maximum crosshead 12 10 speed, in/min. Specimen size limitations: Clear space T-59 T-144

between C-57 C-72

crossheads, in Clear space T-15 T-24

between C-10.5 C-14

screws in. Maximum stroke, in... 16 39 Load sensor Hydraulic pressure Hydraulic pressure

sensor, pendulum sensor, pendulum

dynamometer dynamometer

Special features (")

^ The 100,000-pound-force vertical Amsler testing machine has an 8.3-in-wide flexure

plate extending 26 in to each side of the machine center line.

13
40,000 Ibf-in Tinius Olsen

torsion testing machine

150 kgf-m Amsler-LafFon-Sohn

torsion testing machine

Table 9 — Principal features of 2 torsion testing

machines

MACHINE TYPE: Torsion Testing Machine

NUMBER OF MACHINES: 2 GENERAL DESCRIPTION: Horizontal, screw powered

Capacity

specifications

40,000 Ibf-in 150 kgf-m

(2,680 Ib'f-in)

Manufacturer Tinius Olsen Amsler-Laffon-Sohn

Location Room 140 Room 140 Load ranges 40.000 Ibf-in 150 kgf-m

(2,680 Ibf-in) 8,000 45 kgf-m

(804 Ibf-in) 2,000 15 kgf-m

(268 Ibf-in) 400 Maximum crosshead speed 0.1 rad/min Manual

Specimen size limi- tations: Clear space between cross- heads, in 25.5 17.5 Clear space between

columns, in 27 18 Load sensor Lever arm— LVDT Pendulum — dial

Table 10—Principal features of 2 creep testing

machines

MACHINE TYPE: Creep Testing Machine

NUMBER OF MACHINES: 2 GENERAL DESCRIPTION: Deadweight loading, 10:1 lever arm

Capacity. Ibf specifications 6.000 5,000

Manufacturer Budd NBS

Location Room 135 Room 135 Specimen size limitations: Clear space between

32.5 37

Clear space between

12 11 Special features n

^ By the addition of some available accessory equipment, this machine can be con- verted to a stress relaxation testing machine; that is, to maintain a preset strain for indefinite periods of time.

14
15
6. Dynamic Testing Machines

Some of the testing machines of the Engineering

Mechanics Section, which are used for studying the

response of materials and structures to dynamic forces, are described in the following pages. These include

fatigue testing machines and electrodynamic shakers.

The Gilmore universal testing machines also have a

cyclic loading capability as described in table 6 of this report. The 600,000-lbf Tinius Olsen universal testing

machine has been modified so that cyclic lateral dis- placements can be imposed on rope or rods being subjected to tensile loads. This was described previously

in table 5.

Table 11 — Principal features of 2 universal fatigue

testing machines

TYPE OF MACHINE: Universal Fatigue Testing Machine

MANUFACTURER: MTS

NUMBER OF MACHINES: 2 GENERAL DESCRIPTION: Closed loop, electrohydraulic, servo- controUed

Capacity, Ibf specifications 50,000 10,000

Location Room 130 Room 130 Modes T and C T and C

Cyclic speeds, Hz 0.01-20 0.01-20 Specimen size limitations: Clear space between cross- heads, in 50.5 53 Clear space between columns.

in 22 17 Maximum stroke, in 6 6 Load cell Load cell Displacement sensor LVDT

Special features ^a. b, c,

^These machines have the capability of maintaining a preset load for prolonged periods, ''These machines can be programmed to apply up to 10 load levels in blocks of fixed numbers of cycles in repeated sequence. Each step has a separate frequency control. '^This machine can be programmed to cycle between2 preset displacements. These machines can be mounted on any suitable structure, frame or support for applying

loads to test specimens.

Table 12 — Principal features of a universal fatigue

testing machine

MACHINE TYPE: Universal Fatigue Testing Machine

MANUFACTURER: Krouse NUMBER OF MACHINES: 1 GENERAL DESCRIPTION: Lever arm with adjustable rotating cam; 2 independent loading stations. LOCATION: Room 139 SPECIFICATIONS:

Modes: tension and compression

Capacity, Ibf: 5,000 at each station Cyclic speed, Hz: 30 Specimen size hmitations: Clear space between crossheads, in: 30

Clear space between columns, in: 7.5 Load sensor: deflection beam

16
17
600 Ibf Calidyne electrodynamic shaker

Table IS—Principal features of an electrodynamic

shaker

MACHINE TYPE: Shaker MANUFACTURER: CaUdyne

NUMBER OF MACHINES: 1 GENERAL DESCRIPTION: Electrodynamic

LOCATION: Room 130 SPECIFICATIONS:

Capacity, Ibf: 600 Modes: constant displacement, constant acceleration Speeds, Hz: 5-2,000

Maximum amplitude: Disp. — 1 in peak to peak

Acc. — 53.5g peak

Sensing element: velocity coil Special features: This machine can be programmed to sweep

through the frequency range up to 2,000 Hz. It can also be programmed to cross over from constant acceleration control

to constant displacement control at a preset frequency.

18
7. Special Purpose Equipment

The special purpose equipment described here was

purchased or buih for particular research projects. This

Table Principal features of the NBS damping

measurement facility

MANUFACTURER: NBS

NUMBER OF MACHINES: 1 GENERAL DESCRIPTION: Mechanical TransmissibUity Measure- ment in Vacuum

LOCATION: Room 139 SPECIFICATIONS: The transmissibihty of a material is deter- mined by inducing a cyclic displacement amplitude on the fixed end of a fixed-free beam and measuring the free end displace- ment amplitude. The ratio of free end displacement to fixed end

displacement is the transmissibihty. This experiment is performed

in a vacuum chamber. Maximum beam length, in: 12 Maximum cyclic speed, Hz: 1,000 Maximum fixed end displacement, in: 1/2 peak to peak

equipment can be used for purposes similar to those for which it was designed, or modified as necessary.

Table 15—Principal features ofthe 60,000-pound-mass

platform scale

MACHINE TYPE: Platform Scale MANUFACTURER: Fairbanks-Morse NUMBER OF MACHINES: 1 GENERAL DESCRIPTION: Device for comparing masses LOCATION: Room 130 SPECIFICATIONS:

Maximum load, lb: 60,000 Test bed, ft: 10 X 10 SPECIAL FEATURES: This equipn ent is stored on pneumatic

jacks to prevent damage when not in use and is lowered onto

knife edges for operation.

NBS damping measurement facility

19
8. Other Test Equipment

Located within the Engineering Mechanics Building

is a variety of other equipment, required for the

mechanical testing of materials and structures. This

equipment includes:

(a) Strain and displacement measuring devices,

including LVDT's, LVDT extensometers,

Tuckerman Optical strain gages, electrical re- sistance strain gages, a photoelastic bench, and

others.

(b) Recording instrumentation, including strain- time, dc-voltage-time, load-strain, and dc-volt- age X — Y recorders. Also available is a modern data acquisition system capable of handhng up to 180 independent dc-voltage (10

mV to 10 V full scale) inputs or 200 strain gage

signals, reading at 20 readings per second, and

storing data on magnetic tape and/or roll paper.

(c) Tension and compression force measuring

devices with capacities up to 3-milhon poundsforce.

(d) Electronic equipment, including signal generators, power supphes, amplifiers, voltmeters,

phasemeters, etc.

(e) Hardness testing machines, including Brinell,

Rockwell, Superficial Rockwell, Vickers, and

Scleroscope hardness testers and a Tukon

micro hardness tester.

(f) Heat treating ovens and test furnaces with

capacities up to about 2000 °F and a refrigera-; tion unit capable of cooling to 0 °F.

(g) Recording and indicating temperature controllers covering the temperature range of — 32 to 2000 °F.

J (h) Alinement subpresses for compression testing, of small material specimens. I

(i) Auxiliary loading equipment, such as hydraulic;

and mechanical jacks, large loading frames,

large springs, etc.

(j) Various microscopes for observation of materi-'

als during and after testing.

(k) Photographic equipment, including stiU, slide,

and movie cameras for observation and measurement of specimens during and after test-j ing.

Various combinations of these items are routinely

combined into systems for use alone or in conjunction

with the major equipment described earlier.

9. References

[1] Kirstein, A. F., Universal Testing Machine of 12-Million-lbf Capacity at the National Bureau of Standards, Nat. Bur. Stand. (U.S.), Spec. Publ. 355, 18 pages (Sept. 1971).

20

ft U.S. GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE: 1973 OL—478-797
FORM NBS-n4A (1-71) U.S. DEPT. OF COMM. 1. PUBLICATION OR REPORT NO. 2. Gov't Accession

BIBLIOGRAPHIC DATA „„„ No. SHEET LNdo br— J/U

3. Recipient's Accession No.

4. TITLE AND SUBTITLE

Research and Testing Facilities of the Engineering Mechanics

Section, National Bureau of Standards, Washington, D. C.

5. Publication Date January 1973

6. Performing Organization Code

7. AUTHOR(s) Staff, Engineering Mechanics Section,

Daniel J. Chwirut , Coordinator

8, Performing Organization

9. PERFORMING ORGANIZATION NAME AND ADDRESS

NATIONAL BUREAU OF STANDARDS

DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

WASHINGTON, D.C. 20234

10. Project/Task/Work Unit No. 2130148

11. Contract/Grant No.

12. Sponsoring Organization Name and Address

Same as No. 9.

13. Type of Report & Period Covered

Final

14. Sponsoring Agency Code

15. SUPPLEMENTARY NOTES

16. ABSTRACT (A 200-word or less factual summary of most significant information. If document includes a significant

bibliography or literature survey, mention it here.) The principal characteristics of the force measuring and generating equipment

and related research facilities available in the Engineering Mechanics Section

of the National Bureau of Standards are described.

17. KEY WORDS (Alphabetical order, separated by semicolons)

Engineering Mechanics Section; force generating equipment; research facilities;

testing machines.

18. AVAILABILITY STATEMENT

Q UNLIMITED.

I I FOR OFFICIAL DISTRIBUTION. DO NOT RELEASE

TO NTIS.

19. SECURITY CLASS

(THIS REPORT)

UNCL ASSIFIED

20. SECURITY CLASS

(THIS PAGE)

UNCLASSIFIED

21. NO. OF PAGES

23

22. Price

55 cents

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