Upgrading of the Universal Testing Machine for Under- graduate Civil and Mechanical Engineering

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This project replaces an antiquated screw powered universal testing machine (UTM) with a modern UTM with a capacity of 400,000 lbs. in compression and 200,000 lbs. in tension. The UTM is hydraulically operated which offers more precise control that the mechanically operated screw type. This increased control makes it easier to control experiments and to improve accuracy when operating in the lower load ranges. The UTM is equipped with accessories which provide the civil and mechanical engineering departments the capability of testing concrete cylinders in compression, unthreaded rods and reinforcing bars, and flat bar specimens. A flat bed recorder is provided to make hard copy diagrams of stress versus strain for the materials tested. The new UTM is also used in demonstration in the Pre-Freshmen Engineering Program designed to minority high school students to the science and engineering fields. This award is being matched by an equal sum from the grantee.