The Mechanics of Materials Laboratory is designed to provide essential testing capability in the area of materials characterization. Four sets of multi-channel strain indicators provide the student the capability to conduct various materials properties measurements including modulus of elasticity, Poisson’s ratio, shear flow, bending stress, principal stresses, and relation of stress and strain using strain gauge technology.

Three universal frames are used to conduct experiments in the areas of deformation/deflection beams and prismatic bars.  An array of loads is used for the deflection experiments.  A torsional deformation apparatus, two (2) thin-walled Pressure Vessels, two (2) Buckling apparatus provide additional experimentation in this area.

A compound gear train system, a modular pendulum, and a compound belt driven system (all with encoders and interfaced with LabVIEW) provide experimentation in the Dynamics of Machinery area. Two (2) Low Cycle and Finite Life Fatigue apparatus are used to convey the issues involved in Fatigue Loading.

A 22 kip capacity MTS 810 as well as a 5 kip capacity MTS 858 Mini-Bionix II test machine are also housed in this laboratory. The MTS 810, designed for static and dynamic tension-compression testing, is available for traditional wear testing, material classification, and bone fracture characterization, including crack propagation.

The MTS 858 Mini Bionix II test system, having the additional torsional capability, is ideal for characterization of multi-axial material properties, fatigue testing, and replication of biological forces and displacements. In addition, multiple extensometers are available for precise measurements of material deformation directly from the specimen, and multiple range load cells are on hand for optimal system configuration to meet desired testing/measurement needs.  An available environmental chamber provides the capability to bathe or spray test specimens, in a variety of solutions, and heat to body temperature to simulate the material service environment.

Also housed in this laboratory are a 60,000 lb capacity Tinius-Olsen universal testing machine, a 30,000 lb capacity Tinius-Olsen universal testing machine, and a 600,000 lb capacity Forney compression testing machine.

These machines can be used to perform static and psuedo-static testing on small structural assemblages and material samples (steel coupons, steel rebar, concrete cylinders, etc.)