Material Analysis and Testing Environment System (ND2)
The Material Analysis and Testing Environment (MATE) System is an advanced IBM PC-based test control and data analysis system developed to facilitate the generation of fatigue crack growth rate data between threshold and fracture critical conditions. This system was designed as a laboratory workstation and the software includes test control, data analysis, plotting, and utility modules. Because it was designed as a complete environment packaged in a single program, the operator may perform data analysis, plotting, or other tasks without disturbing the test in progress or the stored test data and control parameters. This feature is especially useful when the data acquired to a certain point in a test must be used to make decisions about future test procedures. The MATE software was designed for use by technicians and engineers who are familiar with fatigue crack growth testing procedures but are not particularly familiar with microcomputers. The system uses a graphic user interface and performs extensive operator energy error trapping. In addition, default values are supplied for all test control parameters and functions. These values are set to disable the associated functions if the operator chooses not to activate them. The automation software makes it possible to obtain a significantly greater number of data from a single test specimen and also makes it possible to run crack growth rate tests 24 hours a day.
The MATE system has been enhanced to include the use of a high-resolution color monitor, improved execution speed, the addition of function key assignments for often-used test control functions, and several plotting functions. The University has custom designed systems for a number of clients to meet critical crack growth data collection needs for thermal-mechanical fatigue loading conditions.
MATE subsystems have been developed to use compliance, back surface strain, and DC electric potential (DCEP) methods for determining crack length. In the DCEP method, a direct electrical current of constant value is passed through the material sample and the voltage across the crack is measured using a precision voltmeter. As the crack extends, the voltage increases due to the changing sample geometry. A relationship between crack length and voltage allows the microcomputer to automatically calculate the crack length from the measured voltage.
An extended version of the MATE system includes a laser interferometer displacement measurement unit. The interferometer measures the displacement of two microhardness indentations placed in the surface of the material sample. The microhardness indentations are typically 25 microns square and the gage length, or distance between them, is typically 50 to 100 microns. Displacement resolutions of 5 nanometers (50 A) have been obtained with this type of system. The small gage length and excellent displacement resolution make this system ideal for studying displacements near crack tips or other discontinuities.
The MATE system is available on a site license basis from the University of Dayton Research Institute.
For more information, please contact the Office for Technology Partnerships at 937-229-3515.
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