Cortest Corrosion Fatigue Test System
The System
We manufacture a comprehensive line of corrosion testing apparatus and
support equipment that combine to form complete testing capabilities for both
static and dynamic test conditions. It is this ability to ensure equipment compatibility
and proven system performance which make Cortest a unique single source of supply
for your test equipment needs.
Cortest developed the Corrosion Fatigue Test System in response to the need for a flexible, programmable system for individual testing requirements.
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The Corrosion Fatigue Test System from Cortest offers a wide range of specialized equipment including: a load frame, a unique closed-loop computer controlled stepper motor drive mechanism, a load train, test vessels, computer controls and data acquisition, and all necessary software. This innovative system may be purchased as a complete system or as a load frame/drive mechanism to be interfaced with a computer-controlled system. Applicable software is supplied by Cortest.
This state-of-the-art equipment system permits corrosion testing simulations in a wide range of environmental conditions, temperatures, pressures, strain rates, and specimen loading cycles.
Load Frames
The Cortest Corrosion Fatigue Load Frame has evolved from the widely accepted
design which has proved so effective in Cortest's Constant Extension Rate Testers.
Carefully designed for low compliance, the load frame consists of massive upper
and lower platens, 2-_" diameter columns which are hardened and chrome plated,
and a precision aligned moving platen which glides on ball bushings. Supported
by a 1/4" thick welded steel base, the load frame is designed and constructed
to maintain critical axial alignment. Working area between columns is 21-_", and
between the platens is 30", with a total stroke of 3". The closed-loop, load controlled
drive mechanism is a proprietary design which provides maximum accuracy, response,
and durability. This unique drive mechanism is composed of a fine resolution stepper
motor, planetary gear reducer, and ball screw actuated pull rods. In load control
mode, load may be cycled accurately between programmable load limits, while stroke
control mode permits programming precise axial displacement increments up to full
load capacity. Extension rate can be varied from 10-3 to 10-8
inches per second. Load is sensed by a compression load cell and displacement
by an LVDT.
Load train components are manufactured from 17-4 PH material with quick release pins for rapid vessel change-over and a convenient hand wheel for preload. A wide variety of specimen grips and adapters are available to accommodate different specimen configurations.
Computerized Virtual Instrument
and Corrosion Fatigue (V I - CF)
The alliance between National Instruments and Cortest brings the state-of-the-art
LabVIEW software for Corrosion Fatigue testing.
The Cortest/NI-PXI Programmable Computerized Instrument Interface comes configured with internal Stepper Motor Drive Controller, Signal Conditioner for Load Cell/LVDT and Autoclave Temperature Control/Monitor System.
Controls and Software
Standard software provides for programming and controlling machine operation,
data acquisition and retrieval. In load control mode, the system can easily be
programmed to provide closed-loop control in either constant extension rate, fatigue,
or customized loading cycles. Cortest has developed a line of unique LabView-based
software for specialized applications.
Controls are available in individual modules or in combination units to completely meet instrumentation needs. Primary controls include Load and Stroke modules with high and low test limit shut-off features; temperature control and display, which when used in conjunction with other Cortest units, offers automatic temperature-based initiation and shut-off.
In addition to the units providing control and monitoring of mechanical test conditions, Cortest also provides electrochemical instrumentation.