Acquisition of an Axial-Torsional Loading System for Civil, Mechanical, and Materials Testing

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9977736AshmawyThis project provides support for acquisition of a universal MTS (Materials Testing Systems) loading machine which will be used to support a wide range of testing schemes that cannot be achieved using existing facilities. The system will have axial and torsional loading capabilities and will allow both monotonic (static) and cyclic (dynamic) loading. Research projects which will have use of the equipment include characterization of the tensile properties of geosynthetics, mechanical response of ceramic matrix composites, dynamics of bolted joints and assemblies, and bonding behavior of concrete to carbon-fiber reinforced polymers. The new equipment will significantly improve the laboratory testing capability at the University of Southern Florida and will eliminate an existing gap in presently-available loading frames in terms of loading mode (torsion), range, sensitivity, data acquisition, and automated mechanical control. In addition, the universal nature of the device will foster cross-disciplinary collaboration between faculty in the Civil, Mechanical, and other engineering departments within the campus. This project is an equipment grant supported under the MRI Program.***