Company: Shimadzu

Shimadzu - Fatigue testing machine USF-2000

Fatigue testing machine for the very high cycle fatigue range

The Very High Cycle Fatigue range VHCF covers load cycle numbers from 10¹⁰ to 10¹³ and higher. This applies to applications such as turbines, motors, wheel sets, ultrasonic measuring heads, etc. Testing machines that can test in this area are usually very specific customised products. With the USF-2000, Shimadzu has developed a sophisticated testing machine for the broad market. 10¹⁰ load changes in just 6 days is possible with the USF-2000.

Features USF-2000

Device structure

The USF-2000A system essentially consists of a test frame with a piezo actuator, the control electronics, PC and software.

The USF system is designed for fatigue tests with very high load cycles and offers a time and cost-efficient test procedure. The USF-2000A quickly provides information on the load-bearing capacity of metallic and other materials.

The piezo actuator generates a voltage amplitude in the sample via the specially shaped, so-called horn by setting it into resonance with 20 kHz longitudinal waves. This allows fatigue strength to be measured in the impressive range of 10⁹ to 10¹⁰ – a range in which it was previously difficult or impossible to obtain accurate data.

10⁷ load changes are achieved in about 10 minutes. This speed is particularly important in industries such as automotive, aerospace and rail transport. Here, the reliability of materials is essential to ensure the highest level of safety for consumers as well as safety for manufacturers.

For asymmetrical loads (stress ratios deviating from R=-1), the system can be installed in the test frame of a universal testing machine. In this case, the sample is no longer freely oscillating but is clamped on both sides.

Method

Material characteristics: Determine modulus of elasticity and material density
Select sample shape
Software generates sample geometry
Sample preparation
Clamp sample
Configuration of continuous or interval test mode
Enter switch-off criterion
Start Test
Stop criterion terminates the test
Automatic report generation

Technical data

Stress amplitude range approx. 100 … 1’200 MPa
Displacement amplitude at the end of the horn: ±10 … ±50 μm
Mean load up to 1.5kN in configuration with testing machine frame.
Air cooling of the sample
Interval test mode

Applications

Aerospace

Components in aeroplanes and spacecraft are often exposed to extreme mechanical loads, particularly due to vibrations and pressure changes during flight. VHCF tests are used to assess the service life of engine and structural components such as wings, fuselage parts and engines.

Automotive industry

In automotive production, VHCF tests are used to assess the service life of engine components, chassis, gearboxes and other components. These tests help to ensure that vehicles fulfil the requirements for durability and reliability.

Materials research

Researchers use VHCF fatigue tests to investigate and characterise the fatigue properties of different materials. This can help to develop new materials or optimise existing materials for specific applications.

Power generation

In the power generation industry, particularly in wind turbines and turbines, components have to withstand extreme mechanical loads. VHCF tests are used to assess the service life of turbine blades and other components.

Non-destructive testing (NDT)

Ultrasonic probes are also used in NDT to inspect materials for internal defects or irregularities without damaging them. These applications can be found in sectors such as aerospace, the automotive industry and heavy industry. VHCF tests help to evaluate the service life and performance of the measuring heads under the high stresses they are subjected to during operation.

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Shimadzu is a manufacturer of highly accurate testing and measuring technologies.

The Shimadzu Corporation has been doing business based on its corporate philosophy, “Contributing to Society through Science and Technology,” since being founded almost 150 years ago.

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