In-Situ Mechanical Tester

Author(s) Information

Andrrew Murach, California Polytechnic State University, San Luis ObispoFollow
Gustavo Marquez, California Polytechnic State University, San Luis ObispoFollow
Kosimo Tonn, California Polytechnic State University, San Luis ObispoFollow
Jake Vormbaum, California Polytechnic State University, San Luis ObispoFollow

College - Author 1

College of Engineering

Department - Author 1

Mechanical Engineering Department

Degree Name - Author 1

BS in Mechanical Engineering

College - Author 2

College of Engineering

Department - Author 2

Materials Engineering Department

Degree - Author 2

BS in Mechanical Engineering

College - Author 3

College of Engineering

Department - Author 3

Mechanical Engineering Department

Degree - Author 3

BS in Mechanical Engineering

College - Author 4

College of Engineering

Department - Author 4

Mechanical Engineering Department

Degree - Author 4

BS in Mechanical Engineering

Date

6-2023

Primary Advisor

Peter Schuster, College of Engineering, Mechanical Engineering Department

Abstract/Summary

Over the course of the 2022-23 Cal Poly SLO school year, a small tensile tester device was developed specifically for Dr. Long Wang to test thin film materials under a microscope and generate accurate force versus displacement graphs. A tensile tester was manufactured using purchased and machined components, electronics were consolidated in a separate box and connected, and a program and user interface were written to control the motion, provide custom inputs, and organize useful data for the researcher. Tests were conducted to compare the performance of the device to universal tensile testers available in the Composites lab. The device proved to be more accurate in measuring smaller magnitude forces with a greater number of data points, suggesting that the team was successful in building a specialty device superior to using a common tester not purpose-built for Dr. Long Wang’s applications as a materials researcher. Furthermore, clear images were successfully taken of the samples tested under the microscope and the usability of the device’s user interface was approved by the sponsor. Finally, the cost was less than purchasing a similar specialty device for the application, a key requirement requested by the sponsor.

URL: https://digitalcommons.calpoly.edu/mesp/720