Fabricated Test Fixture

After some heavy time in the machine shop, the fatigue tester was completed so that the we were able to begin testing. Below are pictures of the completed test fixture with the triaxially braided composite on the top. In the picture to the right, the polycarbonate frame that surrounded the fatigue tested can be seen. 

 Pictured below is a close up view of our force applicator which will be spinning around the composite material. Centrifugal force was utilized when applying the force. As the team reached higher revolutions per minute, the centrifugal force acting on the lock-nut became greater than the roller which caused it to apply the force.

Full assembly view

Roller/disc alignment

Initial assembly test

Strain gauge, proximity wiring on Arduino Uno

Full assembly

Up close of roller/disc interface. Bearing grease can be seen on roller face, indicating the high speed rotation during operation.

Gotta go to the shop...

We have been spending the bulk of our free time in the machine shop the past few weeks. Learning a lot, working on the assembly and hopefully having time to test.