Engineering design and development of a specialized universal testing machine for polymers and low strength composites

Description

This project aims to design and develop a custom Universal Testing Machine (UTM) intended primarily for compression testing polymers and 3d-printed engineering materials. Including the mechanical design and analysis of the frame, sensing elements, control system, data acquisition and analysis, alongside image processing for deformation analysis under applied stress. All while conforming to ISO testing standards which would also provide a foundation for the fabrication of each tested material. The completed system will provide reliable force, displacement, and deformation measurements from which the stress-strain behavior of the materials can be determined along with other mechanical properties. A custom-designed, low-cost, and easy-to-build Universal Testing Machine will provide an accessible solution for testing custom-designed components and materials developed by hobbyists, students, and researchers. The ability to control testing parameters and perform different types of material and design tests will allow users to gain a better understanding of both material mechanical properties and the performance of their designs, making mechanical testing more accessible at a lower cost.