Determining the lifespan of a material subjected to cyclic loading
A fatigue test helps determine a material’s ability to withstand cyclic fatigue loading conditions. By design, a material is selected to meet or exceed service loads that are anticipated in fatigue testing applications. Cyclic fatigue tests produce repeated loading and unloading in tension, compression, bending, torsion or combinations of these stresses. Fatigue tests are commonly loaded in tension – tension, compression – compression and tension into compression and reverse.
What is the Purpose of Fatigue Testing?
Usually the purpose of a fatigue test is to determine the lifespan that may be expected from a material subjected to cyclic loading, however fatigue strength and crack resistance are commonly sought values as well. The fatigue life of a material is the total number of cycles that a material can be subjected to under a single loading scheme. A fatigue test is also used for the determination of the maximum load that a sample can withstand for a specified number of cycles. All of these characteristics are extremely important in any industry where a material is subject to fluctuating instead of constant forces.
How to Perform a Fatigue Test?
To perform a fatigue test a sample is loaded into a fatigue tester or fatigue test machine and loaded using the pre-determined test stress, then unloaded to either zero load or an opposite load. This cycle of loading and unloading is then repeated until the end of the test is reached. The test may be run to a pre-determined number of cycles or until the sample has failed depending on the parameters of the test.
What Are the Different Types of Fatigue Tests?
There are several common types of fatigue testing as well as two common forms: load controlled high cycle and strain controlled low cycle fatigue. A high cycle test tends to be associated with loads in the elastic regime and low cycle fatigue tests generally involve plastic deformations.
What Are the Different Types of Fatigue Testing Materials?
Nearly all materials may experience fatigue in one way or another during the lifespan of their application. However, in applications where fatigue is a factor it is common to find components made from metals or composites. These materials have a higher fatigue limit than others because of the rigidity and ductility, which are characteristics that tend to increase fatigue strength. Other materials, such as, polymers, ceramics and wood may experience fatigue and also need to be tested to understand how they will respond to these unique stress combinations.
Thermomechanical fatigue, or TMF testing adds the sophistication of performing r...
What is a Fatigue Testing Machine?
Fatigue testing machines are used to determine the durability of a material, component or product, and are suitable for tensile, compression, and alternating load tests.
How Does a Fatigue Testing Machine Work?
Fatigue test machines are built to evaluate the strength of raw materials, components or finished products. Fatigue testing machines measure the force put onto the sample over many cycles until the sample fails.
How to Select a Fatigue Test Machine in 4 Easy Steps
Step 1 - Select your frame
Step 2 - Select your controller software
Step 3 - Select your accessories
Step 4 - Contact us
Start by Selecting Your Frame
Fatigue Test Machines
Choose from all-electric dynamic test machines or higher frequency servohydraulic test machines. These machines are used to determine the durability of a material, component or product, and are suitable for tensile, compression, and alternating load tests.
