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Servohydraulic machine features full digital control
Servohydraulic machine features full digital control
Centre to provide
The 8500 series servohydraulic testing machine range from Instron features the first fully digitally controlled servo-actuator, according to the manufacturer. Full digital control provides fast test results and a high level of machine performance control and reliability. Instron claims the range represents 'a significant advance in materials testing technology' over current hybrid analogue/digital machines. At the heart of each system is the 'tower', a free-standing unit that houses up to six high-density circuit boards. Each board contains a multitasking 32-bit microprocessor to provide closed loop control and rapid data acquisition. Connections are provided for linking a second tower for expansion beyond the six boards. The systems have load capabilities
information on materials
Instron's 8502 test machine
ranging from 5 to 3000 EN. Further details from: Paul
Trendall, Instron Limited, Coronation Road, High Wycombe,Bucks HPI2 3SY, UK.
Strain gauge rosettes have superimposed measuring grids A range of strain gauge rosettes designed to overcome the problem of strain gradients on measured surfaces for stress analysis has been introduced
by HBM of Bicester, UK. Principle stresses and their directions are calculated by measuring strain on the surface of a material in three predefined axes using grids. Strain gradients can lead to measurement error if the measuring grids are not very close to each other. The RY91 and RY93 gauges have grids superimposed on each other and thus defeat this problem. Grid lengths of 3, 6 and 10 mm with a nominal resistance of 120 D are available. Contact: Kevin Insks'p, HBM, Station
Strain gauge rosette from HBM
Approach Bicester, Oxon OX6 7BZ, UK.
Road simulator ordered
Fast response time claimed
A $2.1 million road simulator system has been ordered by Toyota, Japan, from MTS Systems Corporation. Installation is scheduled for autumn 1988. The 16-channel system offers advanced software techniques, including Remote Parameter Control automation and spindle-coupled, multiaxial actuators. It is to be used by Toyota to improve development of new designs and prove their performance, safety and quality prior to manufacture. MTS says it was selected to supply the system because of the company's ability to provide service and engineering support in Japan.
Don Grussing, MTS Systems Corporation, Box 24012, Minneapolis, M N 55424, USA.
128
for strain gauge sensor A low-cost strain gauge sensor for monitoring large engineering structures has been introduced by T R W Transportation Electronics of Cirencester, UK. T R W says the device outperforms existing vibrating-wire gauges, with a faster response time and a high-level output that is not affected by local electrical interference. The type LX5 sensor can record dynamic loads and stresses on structures such as bridges, cranes, oil rigs, power stations and ships. It is easily installed and is sealed to ensure long life even in hostile environments. Further details from: T R W
Transportation ElectronicsLimited, Phoenix Way, Cirencester, Gloucestershire GL7 1YZ, UK.
The Materials Innovation Centre (MIC) was launched on 9th February 1988 by John Butcher MP, Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for Industry. Part of the UK Department of Trade and Industry P R O M A T (profit through materials technology) initiative, the MIC, based at the Design Centre in London, aims to highlight the extensive network of materials expertise in the UK and encourage British engineers, industrialists and designers to exploit developments in materials technology. Primarily, the Centre will act as a free referral service to engineering companies seeking advice on materials problems, it will maintain a database containing details of consultants, research and trade associations, academics and materials manufacturers and suppliers. Information on relevant videos, conferences and courses will also be stored. The Centre's staff will visit known sources of expertise to build up the network of contacts. They would be pleased to hear from any organization with materials expertise. Contact: Gillian Money (Manager) or Fiona Inall (Information Assistant) at the Design Council, 28 Haymarket,
London S W 1 Y 4SU, UK.
Preview The fatigue and fracture properties of welded joints are the focus of a seminar entitled Engineering Performance of Welded Joints, to be held in Amsterdam, The Netherlands, on 4-6 May 1988. The seminar will cover areas of particular interest to those involved in the design of welded structures, although engineers involved in research into the non-destructive testing and fatigue and fracture properties of welded joints will also find much of relevance. Topics include: fatigue design rules; fatigue improvement techniques; the C T O D design approach; methods of residual stress measurement; influence of environment on fatigue performance; practical aspects of NDT; the fitness-for-purpose approach to assessing weld quality. The seminar language is English but simultaneous translation into
Int J Fatigue April 1988
Centre to provide
The 8500 series servohydraulic testing machine range from Instron features the first fully digitally controlled servo-actuator, according to the manufacturer. Full digital control provides fast test results and a high level of machine performance control and reliability. Instron claims the range represents 'a significant advance in materials testing technology' over current hybrid analogue/digital machines. At the heart of each system is the 'tower', a free-standing unit that houses up to six high-density circuit boards. Each board contains a multitasking 32-bit microprocessor to provide closed loop control and rapid data acquisition. Connections are provided for linking a second tower for expansion beyond the six boards. The systems have load capabilities
information on materials
Instron's 8502 test machine
ranging from 5 to 3000 EN. Further details from: Paul
Trendall, Instron Limited, Coronation Road, High Wycombe,Bucks HPI2 3SY, UK.
Strain gauge rosettes have superimposed measuring grids A range of strain gauge rosettes designed to overcome the problem of strain gradients on measured surfaces for stress analysis has been introduced
by HBM of Bicester, UK. Principle stresses and their directions are calculated by measuring strain on the surface of a material in three predefined axes using grids. Strain gradients can lead to measurement error if the measuring grids are not very close to each other. The RY91 and RY93 gauges have grids superimposed on each other and thus defeat this problem. Grid lengths of 3, 6 and 10 mm with a nominal resistance of 120 D are available. Contact: Kevin Insks'p, HBM, Station
Strain gauge rosette from HBM
Approach Bicester, Oxon OX6 7BZ, UK.
Road simulator ordered
Fast response time claimed
A $2.1 million road simulator system has been ordered by Toyota, Japan, from MTS Systems Corporation. Installation is scheduled for autumn 1988. The 16-channel system offers advanced software techniques, including Remote Parameter Control automation and spindle-coupled, multiaxial actuators. It is to be used by Toyota to improve development of new designs and prove their performance, safety and quality prior to manufacture. MTS says it was selected to supply the system because of the company's ability to provide service and engineering support in Japan.
Don Grussing, MTS Systems Corporation, Box 24012, Minneapolis, M N 55424, USA.
128
for strain gauge sensor A low-cost strain gauge sensor for monitoring large engineering structures has been introduced by T R W Transportation Electronics of Cirencester, UK. T R W says the device outperforms existing vibrating-wire gauges, with a faster response time and a high-level output that is not affected by local electrical interference. The type LX5 sensor can record dynamic loads and stresses on structures such as bridges, cranes, oil rigs, power stations and ships. It is easily installed and is sealed to ensure long life even in hostile environments. Further details from: T R W
Transportation ElectronicsLimited, Phoenix Way, Cirencester, Gloucestershire GL7 1YZ, UK.
The Materials Innovation Centre (MIC) was launched on 9th February 1988 by John Butcher MP, Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for Industry. Part of the UK Department of Trade and Industry P R O M A T (profit through materials technology) initiative, the MIC, based at the Design Centre in London, aims to highlight the extensive network of materials expertise in the UK and encourage British engineers, industrialists and designers to exploit developments in materials technology. Primarily, the Centre will act as a free referral service to engineering companies seeking advice on materials problems, it will maintain a database containing details of consultants, research and trade associations, academics and materials manufacturers and suppliers. Information on relevant videos, conferences and courses will also be stored. The Centre's staff will visit known sources of expertise to build up the network of contacts. They would be pleased to hear from any organization with materials expertise. Contact: Gillian Money (Manager) or Fiona Inall (Information Assistant) at the Design Council, 28 Haymarket,
London S W 1 Y 4SU, UK.
Preview The fatigue and fracture properties of welded joints are the focus of a seminar entitled Engineering Performance of Welded Joints, to be held in Amsterdam, The Netherlands, on 4-6 May 1988. The seminar will cover areas of particular interest to those involved in the design of welded structures, although engineers involved in research into the non-destructive testing and fatigue and fracture properties of welded joints will also find much of relevance. Topics include: fatigue design rules; fatigue improvement techniques; the C T O D design approach; methods of residual stress measurement; influence of environment on fatigue performance; practical aspects of NDT; the fitness-for-purpose approach to assessing weld quality. The seminar language is English but simultaneous translation into
Int J Fatigue April 1988