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- Universal testing machine inspekt table 20 kN with VHCF testing device
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- Test setup VHCF test at the universal testing machine inspekt table 20 kN
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- Close-up very high cycle fatigue (VHCF) test
Testing the fatigue strength of metals - VHCF test
Universal testing machine inspekt 20 kN with VHCF device
Challenge and test method
The increasing demand for materials optimized for lightweight construction requires testing the fatigue strength of metals at ever higher numbers of load cycles. Conventional vibration testing technology is reaching its limits here, as the test times for very high numbers of cycles are very long and therefore impractical.
A new ultrasonic testing method enables more efficient testing:
- A frequency generator produces sinusoidal high-frequency signals.
- These are converted into a mechanical vibration by a piezoelectric transducer.
- The specimen, which is clamped on one side, is then subjected to a symmetrical tensile-compressive load (R = -1) at 18 to 22 kHz.
Test setup and procedure
A VHCF test (Very High Cycle Fatigue) starts from 1,000,000,000 load cycles. A very high test frequency is used to ensure an economically justifiable test time.
The test system consists of the following components:
- Highly dynamic piezo drive for vibrations up to approx. 20,000 Hz
- Precision microscope on a ring track for optical assessment of the specimen
- Universal testing machine inspekt table 20 kN with 1600 mm test room height for generating the static load
Performance features of the universal testing machine
The inspekt table 20 kN universal testing machine fulfills essential requirements for this testing method:
- High positioning accuracy for precise test conditions
- Reliable static force application
- Flexible attachment of customer-specific accessories (see Figure 2, parts 1 + 2)
- Individual control of the electronics for fully automatic complex test sequences
Cooperation and development
The VHCF test system is being developed in cooperation with the Institute of Physics and Materials Science at the University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna (BOKU). BOKU is responsible for the test arrangement and the construction of the system.
For detailed information on the testing system, please contact us.
