Acquisition of Instrumentation for Mechanical Testing of Bio-Based Materials

该提案寻求在伺服液压仪器系统(执行器、泵、软管、计算机控制系统、支持硬件以及力和位移测量传感器)方面的重大投资支持，以用于结构构件、部件和组件的中等负载范围测试。它将使更积极的实验和性能分析以及材料和系统设计的创新成为可能。森林产品和土木工程系的教育工作者和科学家的视野将从在静态载荷下测试的单个部件或小部件提升到在静态和动态载荷下测试的组件和完整的轻型框架结构。这一实验方向对于改善结构性能和安全性、减轻自然灾害荷载下的结构破坏、优化结构系统、继续创新生物基复合材料以及加深对植物生理/机械功能的理解是至关重要的。

The proposal seeks support with a major investment in a servo-hydraulic instrumentation system (actuators, pump, hoses, computerized control system, support hardware, and force and displacement measurement transducers) to be used for medium load-range testing of structural members, components, and assemblies. It will enable more aggressive experimental and performance analysis and innovation in materials and system design. The horizons for educators and scientists in the departments of Forest Products and Civil Engineering will be elevated from single parts or small subassemblies tested under static loads to assemblies and complete light-frame structures tested under static and dynamic loading regimes. This experimental direction is essential to make progress toward improved structural performance and safety, mitigation of structural damages given natural hazard loadings, optimization of structural systems, continued innovation of bio-based composite materials, and advanced understanding of plant physiological/mechanical functions.