MECHANICAL TESTING

Ultra High Temperature Testing

Touchstone has developed a unique fatigue machine capable of testing samples in tension, compression, creep and fatigue at temperature over 4000 degrees Fahrenheit or 2200 degrees Celsius.

The sample and grips are heated with a resistance heating element inside a vacuum. Tungsten or graphite heating elements can be used. Tungsten is generally preferred since many materials tested in this temperature range are susceptible to carbon contamination.

At low temperatures, thermocouples are used for temperature measurement. Beyond the range of thermocouples, two optical pyrometers are utilized for temperature measurement.

Strain is measured with an Optra laser extensometer. This device is unique in that nothing touches the sample. For example, "flags" are not needed.

Samples such as refractory metals, high temperature ceramics and carbon-carbon composites have been tested.

Index of Mechanical Testing