UHT-MaT Load Frame and Environment System

A single lot consisting of the following items: Mechanical load frame for static, quasi static and cyclic mechanical loading. The load frame will have the mechanical infrastructure, control systems, and software capable of supporting numerous standard mechanical tests, specifically: tensile, compression, and low cycle fatigue. Optionally, the system may support testing for, ratchetting, creep, creep fatigue, crack growth in fatigue, and crack growth in creep. The load frame should include one or more load cells with a maximum capacity of 100 kN (unless justified otherwise), fixtures and gripping solutions for standard geometry specimens of the material families of interest at ultra-high temperatures: refractory metallic alloys, ceramics, and ceramic-matrix composites. The load string must be capable of operating up to the required temperature for at least one test, with the understanding that fixtures are consumable when operating at these temperatures. The load frame(s) should have appropriate test control systems (e.g. to control for strain on the sample at temperature) and sufficient working space to permit the insertion of vacuum and heating systems. A vacuum system compatible with mechanical testing at ultra-high temperature. There must be ports for test control, optical ports for the data-rich diagnostics and their calibration and additional ports to allow future flexibility in diagnostics. A gas introduction system to allow alternative atmosphere testing. A heating system to allow sample test temperatures up to at least 2,000 °C with a preference for an ability to test at temperatures of up to 2,500 °C for the material families of interest. The heating system must not limit the line of sight for the data-rich diagnostics. An appropriate cooling system to protect the load cell and fixtures, where required. Support with installation, commissioning, and training on the use of the above.