MTS Fracture Template User Manual
MTS TestSuite
Fracture Templates User Guide
100-256-573 F be certain.
©
2014 MTS Systems Corporation. All rights reserved.
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MTS is a registered trademark of MTS Systems Corporation within the United States. This trademark
may be protected in other countries.Windows and Windows NT are registered trademarks of Microsoft
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Proprietary Software
Software use and license is governed by MTS’s End User License Agreement which defines all rights
retained by MTS and granted to the End User. All Software is proprietary, confidential, and owned by
MTS Systems Corporation and cannot be copied, reproduced, disassembled, decompiled, reverse
engineered, or distributed without express written consent of MTS.
Software Verification and Validation
MTS software is developed using established quality practices in accordance with the requirements
detailed in the ISO 9001 standards. Because MTS-authored software is delivered in binary format, it
is not user accessible. This software will not change over time. Many releases are written to be
backwards compatible, creating another form of verification. The status and validity of MTS’s operating
software is also checked during system verification and routine calibration of MTS hardware. These
controlled calibration processes compare the final test results after statistical analysis against the
predicted response of the calibration standards. With these established methods, MTS assures its
customers that MTS products meet MTS’s exacting quality standards when initially installed and will
continue to perform as intended over time.
Manual Part Number—Publication Date—Release
100-256-573 F—February 2014—MTS TestSuite MP 2.6.4 or later
100-256-573 E—August 2013—MTS TestSuite MP 2.6
100-256-573 D—September 2012—MTS TestSuite MP 2.3
Table of Contents
Technical Support
How to Get Technical Support.........................................................................................................................7
Before You Contact MTS.................................................................................................................................7
If You Contact MTS by Phone.........................................................................................................................9
Problem Submittal Form in MTS Manuals....................................................................................................10
Preface
Before You Begin...........................................................................................................................................11
Documentation Conventions..........................................................................................................................11
Overview
Template Overview........................................................................................................................................16
Templates............................................................................................................................................16
Fracture Templates.............................................................................................................................17
Legacy Template Overview............................................................................................................................18
Importing Legacy Data.......................................................................................................................18
Table of Contents
Test Setup
Open the Controller Station............................................................................................................................22
Prepare Controller Station for Operation.......................................................................................................22
Crack Opening Displacement (COD) Sensor Signal Polarity........................................................................22
Enable Manual Control..................................................................................................................................23
Install Specimen.............................................................................................................................................23
Disable Manual Control.................................................................................................................................24
Fatigue Crack Growth (FCG) Template
Set Up the Test...............................................................................................................................................26
Fatigue Crack Growth (FCG) Templates Overview...........................................................................26
Set Up a Test.......................................................................................................................................26
Dene Test Parameters...................................................................................................................................27
Test Parameters...................................................................................................................................27
Precrack Parameters...........................................................................................................................27
Crack Growth Parameters..................................................................................................................28
Delta K Control Mode Parameters.....................................................................................................29
Constant Load Control Mode Parameters..........................................................................................30
Data Storage Parameters Properties...................................................................................................30
Test Termination Parameters..............................................................................................................31
3
Table of Contents
Run the Test....................................................................................................................................................33
View Test Results...........................................................................................................................................38
Analyze Data..................................................................................................................................................38
Assign Precrack Values......................................................................................................................32
Calculator...........................................................................................................................................32
Setpoint/Span Times for Delta-K Control..........................................................................................33
Turn On Hydraulic Power..................................................................................................................34
Perform Crack Size Check.................................................................................................................34
Entering DCPD Initial Crack Values..................................................................................................35
Precrack Specimen.............................................................................................................................36
Run the Fatigue Crack Growth (FCG) Test........................................................................................36
Enter Measured Crack Sizes...............................................................................................................37
End Fracture Test................................................................................................................................37
Fracture Test Results..........................................................................................................................38
Fatigue Crack Growth Analysis Denition........................................................................................38
Analyze the Test Runs........................................................................................................................40
JIC Fracture Toughness Template
Set Up the Test...............................................................................................................................................44
JIC Fracture Toughness Template......................................................................................................44
Set Up a Test.......................................................................................................................................44
Dene Test Parameters...................................................................................................................................45
Test Parameters...................................................................................................................................45
Precrack Parameters...........................................................................................................................45
JIC Parameters....................................................................................................................................46
Data Storage Parameters Properties...................................................................................................50
Test Termination Parameters..............................................................................................................51
Assign Precrack Values......................................................................................................................51
Calculator...........................................................................................................................................52
Run the Test....................................................................................................................................................53
Setpoint/Span Times for Delta-K Control..........................................................................................53
Turn On Hydraulic Power..................................................................................................................54
Perform Crack Size Check.................................................................................................................54
Precrack Specimen.............................................................................................................................55
Run JIC Fracture Toughness Test.......................................................................................................55
Enter Measured Crack Sizes...............................................................................................................56
Fatigue to Fracture.............................................................................................................................56
End Fracture Test................................................................................................................................56
View Test Results...........................................................................................................................................57
Fracture Test Results..........................................................................................................................57
Analyze Data..................................................................................................................................................58
JIC Fracture Toughness Analysis Denition......................................................................................58
4
Analyze the Test Runs........................................................................................................................59
KIC Fracture Toughness Template
Set Up the Test...............................................................................................................................................62
KIC Template.....................................................................................................................................62
Set Up a Test.......................................................................................................................................62
Dene Test Parameters...................................................................................................................................63
Test Parameters...................................................................................................................................63
Precrack Parameters...........................................................................................................................63
KIC Parameters..................................................................................................................................64
Data Storage Parameters Properties...................................................................................................64
Test Termination Parameters..............................................................................................................65
Assign Precrack Values......................................................................................................................65
Calculator...........................................................................................................................................66
Run the Test....................................................................................................................................................67
Setpoint/Span Times for Delta-K Control..........................................................................................67
Turn On Hydraulic Power..................................................................................................................68
Perform Crack Size Check.................................................................................................................68
Precrack Specimen.............................................................................................................................69
Run the KIC Fracture Toughness Test................................................................................................69
Enter Measured Crack Sizes...............................................................................................................70
End Fracture Test................................................................................................................................70
View Test Results...........................................................................................................................................70
Fracture Test Results..........................................................................................................................71
Analyze Data..................................................................................................................................................71
KIC Fracture Toughness Analysis Denitions...................................................................................71
Analyze the Test Runs........................................................................................................................72
Table of Contents
Run the CTOD Fracture Toughness Test
Set Up the Test...............................................................................................................................................76
CTOD Fracture Toughness Template.................................................................................................76
Set Up a Test.......................................................................................................................................76
Dene Test Parameters...................................................................................................................................77
Test Parameters...................................................................................................................................77
Precrack Parameters...........................................................................................................................77
CTOD Parameters..............................................................................................................................78
Data Storage Parameters Properties...................................................................................................78
Test Termination Parameters..............................................................................................................79
Assign Precrack Values......................................................................................................................80
Calculator...........................................................................................................................................80
Run the Test....................................................................................................................................................81
5
Table of Contents
View Test Results...........................................................................................................................................86
Analyze Data..................................................................................................................................................87
Setpoint/Span Times for Delta-K Control..........................................................................................81
Turn On Hydraulic Power..................................................................................................................82
Perform Crack Size Check.................................................................................................................82
Precrack Specimen.............................................................................................................................83
Run the CTOD Fracture Toughness Test............................................................................................83
Perform Fatigue Crack Mark..............................................................................................................84
Constant Load Control Mode Parameters..........................................................................................84
Enter Measured Crack Sizes...............................................................................................................85
End Fracture Test................................................................................................................................85
Fracture Test Results..........................................................................................................................86
CTOD Analysis Denition.................................................................................................................87
Analyze the Test Runs........................................................................................................................88
6
Technical Support
How to Get Technical Support
Start with your manuals
The manuals supplied by MTS provide most of the information you need to use and maintain your equipment.
If your equipment includes software, look for online help and README files that contain additional product
information.
Technical support methods
MTS provides a full range of support services after your system is installed. If you have any questions
about a system or product, contact Technical Support in one of the following ways.
Web site
Outside the U.S.
For technical support outside the United States, contact your local sales and service office. For a list of
worldwide sales and service locations and contact information, use the Global MTS link at the MTS web
site:
www.mts.com > Global Presence > Choose a Region
www.mts.com > Contact Us (upper-right corner) > In the Subject field, choose
To escalate a problem; Problem Submittal Form
Worldwide: tech.support@mts.comE-mail
Europe: techsupport.europe@mts.com
Worldwide: 1 800 328 2255 - toll free in U.S.; +1 952 937 4000 - outside U.S.Telephone
Europe: +800 81002 222, International toll free in Europe
Before You Contact MTS
MTS can help you more efficiently if you have the following information available when you contact us for
support.
Know your site number and system number
The site number contains your company number and identifies your equipment type (such as material
testing or simulation). The number is typically written on a label on your equipment before the system
leaves MTS. If you do not know your MTS site number, contact your sales engineer.
Example site number: 571167
MTS TestSuite | 7
Technical Support
When you have more than one MTS system, the system job number identifies your system. You can find
your job number in your order paperwork.
Example system number: US1.42460
Know information from prior technical assistance
If you have contacted MTS about this problem before, we can recall your file based on the:
• MTS notification number
• Name of the person who helped you
Identify the problem
Describe the problem and know the answers to the following questions:
• How long and how often has the problem occurred?
• Can you reproduce the problem?
• Were any hardware or software changes made to the system before the problem started?
• What are the equipment model numbers?
• What is the controller model (if applicable)?
• What is the system configuration?
Know relevant computer information
For a computer problem, have the following information available:
• Manufacturer’s name and model number
• Operating software type and service patch information
• Amount of system memory
• Amount of free space on the hard drive where the application resides
• Current status of hard-drive fragmentation
• Connection status to a corporate network
Know relevant software information
For software application problems, have the following information available:
• The software application’s name, version number, build number, and (if available) software patch
number. This information can typically be found in the About selection in the Help menu.
• The names of other applications on your computer, such as:
— Anti-virus software
— Screen savers
— Keyboard enhancers
— Print spoolers
8 | MTS TestSuite
Technical Support
— Messaging applications
If You Contact MTS by Phone
A Call Center agent registers your call before connecting you with a technical support specialist. The agent
asks you for your:
• Site number
• Name
• Company name
• Company address
• Phone number where you can be reached
If your issue has a notification number, please provide that number. A new issue will be assigned a unique
notification number.
Identify system type
To enable the Call Center agent to connect you with the most qualified technical support specialist available,
identify your system as one of the following types:
• Electrodynamic material test system
• Electromechanical material test system
• Hydromechanical material test system
• Vehicle test system
• Vehicle component test system
• Aero test system
Be prepared to troubleshoot
Prepare to perform troubleshooting while on the phone:
• Call from a telephone close to the system so that you can implement suggestions made over the phone.
• Have the original operating and application software media available.
• If you are not familiar with all aspects of the equipment operation, have an experienced user nearby to
assist you.
Write down relevant information
In case Technical Support must call you:
• Verify the notification number.
• Record the name of the person who helped you.
MTS TestSuite | 9
Technical Support
• Write down any specific instructions.
After you call
MTS logs and tracks all calls to ensure that you receive assistance for your problem or request. If you
have questions about the status of your problem or have additional information to report, please contact
Technical Support again and provide your original notification number.
Problem Submittal Form in MTS Manuals
Use the Problem Submittal Form to communicate problems with your software, hardware, manuals, or
service that are not resolved to your satisfaction through the technical support process. The form includes
check boxes that allow you to indicate the urgency of your problem and your expectation of an acceptable
response time. We guarantee a timely response—your feedback is important to us.
You can access the Problem Submittal Form at www.mts.com > Contact Us (upper-right corner) > In the
Subject field, choose To escalate a problem; Problem Submittal Form
10 | MTS TestSuite
Preface
Before You Begin
Safety first!
Before you use your MTS product or system, read and understand the safety information provided with
your system. Improper installation, operation, or maintenance can result in hazardous conditions that can
cause severe personal injury or death, or damage to your equipment and specimen. Again, read and
understand the safety information provided with your system before you continue. It is very important that
you remain aware of hazards that apply to your system.
Other MTS manuals
In addition to this manual, you may receive additional manuals in paper or electronic form.
You may also receive an MTS System Documentation CD. It contains an electronic copy of the manuals
that pertain to your test system.
Controller and application software manuals are typically included on the software CD distribution disc(s).
Documentation Conventions
The following paragraphs describe some of the conventions that are used in your MTS manuals.
Hazard conventions
Hazard notices may be embedded in this manual. These notices contain safety information that is specific
to the activity to be performed. Hazard notices immediately precede the step or procedure that may lead
to an associated hazard. Read all hazard notices carefully and follow all directions and recommendations.
Three different levels of hazard notices may appear in your manuals. Following are examples of all three
levels. (for general safety information, see the safety information provided with your system.)
Danger:
Danger notices indicate the presence of a hazard with a high level of risk which, if ignored,
will result in death, severe personal injury, or substantial property damage.
MTS TestSuite | 11
Preface
Warning:
Warning notices indicate the presence of a hazard with a medium level of risk which, if ignored,
can result in death, severe personal injury, or substantial property damage.
Caution:
Caution notices indicate the presence of a hazard with a low level of risk which, if ignored,
could cause moderate or minor personal injury or equipment damage, or could endanger test
integrity.
Other special text conventions
Important:
Important notices provide information about your system that is essential to its proper
function. While not safety-related, if the important information is ignored, test results may
not be reliable, or your system may not operate properly.
Note:
Notes provide additional information about operating your system or highlight easily
overlooked information.
Recommended:
Recommended notes provide a suggested way to accomplish a task based on what MTS
has found to be most effective.
Tip:
Tips provide helpful information or a hint about how to most efficiently accomplish a task.
Access:
Access provides the route you should follow to a referenced item in the software.
Examples show specific scenarios relating to your product and appear with a shaded
background.
Special terms
The first occurrence of special terms is shown in italics.
Illustrations
Illustrations appear in this manual to clarify text. They are examples only and do not necessarily represent
your actual system configuration, test application, or software.
12 | MTS TestSuite
Preface
Electronic manual conventions
This manual is available as an electronic document in the Portable Document File (PDF) format. It can be
viewed on any computer that has Adobe Acrobat Reader installed.
Hypertext links
The electronic document has many hypertext links displayed in a blue font. All blue words in the body text,
along with all contents entries and index page numbers, are hypertext links. When you click a hypertext
link, the application jumps to the corresponding topic.
MTS TestSuite | 13
Overview
Topics:
•
Template Overview............................................................................................................................16
•
Legacy Template Overview...............................................................................................................18
MTS TestSuite | 15
Overview
Template Overview
Templates
Templates eliminate the need to re-create existing information and provide an easy way to run standard
tests. Test templates can come from one of several sources:
• An existing test - you open a copy of an existing test and assign it a default name (the original test is
not changed). The new test does not contain test runs or analysis runs from the source test.
• A test that is converted to a template - you can convert a test to a test template (File > Save As >
Template). With the exception of test and analysis runs, specimen definitions, and completed reports,
the template contains all other test information.
• A template supplied by MTS - MTS offers a variety of templates designed to comply with test method
standards (such as ASTM). MTS templates provide all the components you need to run a test, analyze
the test data, and create reports of the results.
Test template content
A template can include all or part of the basic test definition information for one test:
• Procedure
• Monitor displays
• Variables
• Analysis definitions
• Resources
Note:
Although a template can include test resources, if the template is designed for a particular
controller configuration, the resources may not map to (match) the test station resources in your
system.
Test definitions
You can add a test definition to a test from a template. The source of the template can be any existing test
or template that has tests. With the exception of test and analysis runs, specimen definitions, and completed
reports, the new test contains all other test information.
Template locations
Projects and project templates exist on disk as folders with the .Project folder name extension. They are
typically located at C:\MTS TestSuite\Projects and C:\MTS TestSuite\Templates, respectively. Report
templates are located in the C:\MTS TestSuite\Report Templates folder.
16 | MTS TestSuite
Note: Do not rename, move, or change the contents of the Projects or Templates folders outside
of the MTS TestSuite applications. To rename an open project, use the Project Summary window
in any application.
Fracture Templates
Fatigue Crack Growth (FCG)
The following templates are available for Fatigue Crack Growth (FCG) tests and analysis:
Fatigue Crack Growth Templates
DescriptionTemplate
Overview
ASTM E 647 FCG
Compliance
ASTM E 647 FCG
DCPD
Legacy FCG
JIC Fracture Toughness
The following templates are available for JIC Fracture Toughness tests and analysis:
This template complies with ASTM standard
E647-08 and is designed to run FCG compliance
or bend tests, analyze the resulting data, and
provide reports of the results.
This template complies with ASTM standard
E647-08 and is designed to run FCG DC
Potential Drop (DCPD) tension tests, analyze the
resulting data, and provide reports of the results.
This template is designed to analyze data
acquired from tests run with the MTS Model
793.40 Fatigue Crack Growth Test Application
and provide reports of the results.
JIC Fracture Toughness Templates
DescriptionTemplate
ASTM E 1820 JIC
Legacy JIC
KIC Fracture Toughness
The following templates are available for KIC Fracture Toughness tests and analysis:
This template complies with ASTM Standard
E-1820-08 and is designed to determine the
fracture toughness (JIC) value of materials.
This template is designed to analyze data
acquired from tests run with the MTS Model
793.50 JIC Fracture Toughness Test Application.
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Overview
KIC Fracture Toughness Templates
DescriptionTemplate
ASTM E 399 KIC
Legacy KIC
CTOD Fracture Toughness
The following template is available for KIC Fracture Toughness tests and analysis:
ASTM E1290 CTOD
This template complies with ASTM Standard E
399 and is designed to determine the plane-strain
fracture toughness (KIC) value of materials.
This template is designed to analyze data
acquired from tests run with the MTS Model
793.50 KIC Fracture Toughness Test Application.
CTOD Fracture Toughness Templates
DescriptionTemplate
This template is in compliance with ASTM E 1290
- 07 and is designed to determine the fracture
toughness value of materials.
Legacy Template Overview
Importing Legacy Data
Import Legacy Data provides support in MTS TestSuite for data archived from previous software products.
The currently supported versions include:
• Model 790.20—Low-Cycle Fatigue (LCF), High-Cycle Fatigue (HCF), and Advance Low-Cycle Fatigue
(ALC) version 4.2 or later
• Model 790.40—Fatigue Crack Growth (FCG) version 4.2 or later
• Model 790.50—Fracture Toughness with J-Integral Characterization of Fracture Toughness (JIC),
Linear Elastic Plane-Strain Fracture Toughness of Metallic Materials (KIC), and E1820 Crack-Tip
Opening Displacement (CTOD) version 4.2 or later
Specialized templates map the archived data to the current format and variables for analysis:
• Advance Low-Cycle Fatigue (ALC)
• E1820 Crack-Tip Opening Displacement (CTOD)
• Fatigue Crack Growth (FCG)
18 | MTS TestSuite
• High-Cycle Fatigue (HCF)
• J-Integral Characterization of Fracture Toughness (JIC)
• Linear Elastic Plane-Strain Fracture Toughness of Metallic Materials (KIC)
• Low-Cycle Fatigue (LCF)
Legacy files
Legacy files have a similar naming convention. File names are not case-sensitive: <name><data
type>.<extension>
Legacy File Names
DescriptionItem
The user-supplied name.Name
Data Type Important:
You must select the RD file. Only the RD file is processed.
Overview
The data type is one of four following types created for an archive:
• BS—Batch-specimen data
• PR—Procedure data
• RD—Raw data
• TR—Test results
The extension indicates the type of test, such as E1820, FCG, or KIC.Extension
Import process
You can import legacy data in the Multipurpose Elite, Fatigue Analyzer, and Fracture Analyzer applications.
If you import legacy data in Multipurpose Elite, you can review the imported data in View Results. You
cannot create tests or test runs that you can run in the application.
The data is mapped from the legacy format and variables to the current format and variables by the
application. No user intervention is required.
When the import is complete, your test is saved and the test run is initialized. In Explorer, the test run name
appears blue. The next step is to create an analysis run in an analysis application.
Properties
Import Legacy Data Properties
DescriptionItem
Show the name of the Legacy template for the test type, such as Legacy FCG.Template
MTS TestSuite | 19
Overview
DescriptionItem
Show the name of the file you select to import, such as FCG_archiverd.FCG.Files
Import Legacy Data Procedure
To import legacy data:
1. Click File > Import > Legacy Data.
2. In the Import Legacy Data window, click Select, click the Legacy template for the legacy test type, and
click OK.
3. Click Add, navigate to the location of the legacy data files, select the raw data file (nameRD.EXT), and
click the Open button.
4. Click OK.
An informational message provides the name of the specimen selected for the test.
5. Click OK to clear the success or error message.
If there was an error during the import process, the message log contains more detailed information
about the error.
20 | MTS TestSuite
Test Setup
Topics:
•
Open the Controller Station...............................................................................................................22
•
Prepare Controller Station for Operation...........................................................................................22
•
Crack Opening Displacement (COD) Sensor Signal Polarity............................................................22
•
Enable Manual Control......................................................................................................................23
•
Install Specimen................................................................................................................................23
•
Disable Manual Control.....................................................................................................................24
MTS TestSuite | 21
Test Setup
Open the Controller Station
To open the controller station:
1. Start the Station Manager application.
2. In the Open Station window, select a a configuration file.
3. Click Open to open the configuration file.
Prepare Controller Station for Operation
The following procedure provides a basic outline of the steps required to prepare the controller station for
specimen installation and test operation.
1. Make sure all sensors are properly calibrated.
2. Make sure the test channels are properly tuned.
3. Make sure the polarity of the sensor signals are properly set for the test.
4. Set up error detectors.
5. Set up limit detectors.
6. After the Series 793 Station Manager application is properly set up for operation, make sure the user
access level is not set to Configuration.
The test control application will not allow you to connect to a station when the Station Manager application
user access level is set to Configuration.
Crack Opening Displacement (COD) Sensor Signal Polarity
The following templates require you to invert the polarity of the Crack Opening Displacement (COD) clip
gage sensor signal in the Series 793 Station Manager application when used:
• ASTM E 1820 JIC template with an SE(B) specimen
• ASTM E1290 CTOD template with an SE(B) specimen
Note:
When running other template and specimen combinations, make sure that the COD sensor signal
is set to Normal in the Station Manager application.
You can manually set the signal polarity in each instance, or you can create separate station configuration
and parameter sets for the different signal polarities for use with the corresponding template and specimens.
22 | MTS TestSuite
Enable Manual Control
To enable manual control of the Station Manager controller:
1. On the Station Manager Station Controls toolbar, click Manual Command.
2. Select the Enable Manual Command check box.
3. Select a control mode.
You control the actuator for specimen installation with a control knob on a control panel mounted near
the load unit. Select your preference for a control mode, a channel limited channel (CLC) control mode,
a load control mode, or a stroke control mode can be used.
4. Make sure error and limit detectors are set up.
Because of the potential danger of working near high-pressure hydraulic systems, you must set proper
limit and error detectors before installing specimens.
5. Apply hydraulics, and if necessary, reset interlocks.
Test Setup
Warning:
Applying hydraulics can result in sudden actuator motion.
A moving actuator can injure anyone in its path.
Always clear the actuator area before applying hydraulics.
Use the Station Manager’s Station Controls panel for the following steps.
a) Click Reset to clear interlocks.
If the interlock remains on, use the Message Logs window to identify and correct the cause of the
interlock.
b) Click HPU Power Low, and then click HPU Power High.
The buttons stop flashing when pressure is reached.
c) Click HSM Power Low, and then click HSM Power High.
When possible, use low pressure to install specimens.
Install Specimen
The following procedure provides a basic outline of the steps required to install a specimen. Refer to the
load unit and grip manuals for detailed instructions on installing and operating these components in your
system.
1. Using manual control, move the actuator close to the specimen grips.
MTS TestSuite | 23
Test Setup
Warning:
Actuator movement can occur when you install a specimen.
Unexpected actuator movement can result in personal injury, as your hands will be in a
crush zone during this step.
Ensure that hydraulic power is turned off before placing your hands near the actuator. Read
and understand the safety information in the Safety manual, Series 793 Software manuals,
and Load Frame product manuals.
2. Install the specimen in the grips.
3. Zero the control channel sensor output signal.
4. Install the specimen gage.
5. Zero the gage sensor output signal.
Disable Manual Control
To disable manual control of the Station Manager controller:
1. In the Station Manager application, click Manual Command button in the Station Controls panel. The
Manual Command window opens.
2. Deselect the Enable Manual Command check box and close the window.
3. Turn off hydraulics in the Station Manager application.
a) Click HSM Power Off.
b) Click HPU Power Off.
24 | MTS TestSuite
Fatigue Crack Growth (FCG) Template
Topics:
•
Set Up the Test..................................................................................................................................26
•
Define Test Parameters.....................................................................................................................27
•
Run the Test......................................................................................................................................33
•
View Test Results..............................................................................................................................38
•
Analyze Data.....................................................................................................................................38
MTS TestSuite | 25
Fatigue Crack Growth (FCG) Template
Set Up the Test
Fatigue Crack Growth (FCG) Templates Overview
There are two versions of Fatigue Crack Growth templates. Both templates comply with ASTM standard
E647-08.
• ASTM E 647 Fatigue Crack Growth Compliance
• ASTM E 647 Fatigue Crack Growth DCPD
The primary difference between the two templates is how the crack size is measured. The compliance
template uses a Crack Opening Displacement (COD) clip gage to measure the crack opening. The DC
Potential Drop (DCPD) template uses electrical leads that carry voltage, and the change in voltage relates
to a change in crack size.
Control modes
The template guides you through the steps of running a test and provides all the software components
you need to run a fatigue crack growth test in one of two control modes:
• Constant Load—The test cycles between a specified minimum and maximum load.
• Delta K—The test cycles between the minimum and maximum loads that correspond to the desired
minimum and maximum stress intensities (K).
Features
The main features of the FCG template are listed below:
• The main template window guides you through setting up all test parameters, performing crack size
checks, precracking the specimen, and running the test.
• As the test runs, you can stop the test to change test parameters.
• Comprehensive monitor views help you monitor test progress.
• Tabular and graphical displays make it easy to review test results.
• Analysis definitions provide all necessary analysis calculations and views to analyze test runs.
• Report templates help you generate reports for analysis runs.
Set Up a Test
To create and run a new test:
1. Create a new test from a template.
a) Click File > New > Test from Template.
b) In the Create from Existing Test window, select a test.
c) Click OK.
26 | MTS TestSuite
Fatigue Crack Growth (FCG) Template
The new test is automatically created and assigned a default name. You can change the name and
enter comments about the new test by clicking the Edit button and making the changes.
2. Create a new test run.
a) Click New Test Run button.
b) Select a specimen from the Select a Specimen window and then click OK.
To create a new specimen click Add a new item.
c) Review the variables in the Setup Variables window, modify values as necessary, and then click
OK.
3. Apply hydraulic power to the system.
a) Reset the interlocks if needed.
b) Click the Low, then High, power buttons.
4. In the MTS TestSuite Custom Message window for the template, click the buttons to define test
parameters, perform setup tasks, and run tests.
5. When prompted, click Run to run the test.
Define Test Parameters
Test Parameters
After a new test run is added to the test, the Main Menu window appears. This window provides access
to all necessary test parameters. Click the parameter buttons in the Main Menu window to specify parameter
values for the test.
Precrack Parameters
Precrack Parameters
DescriptionParameter
Precrack Final Crack
Limit
Precrack Frequency
Precrack Load Ratio
Specify the desired crack size to achieve in
the precrack activity. When the specified
crack size is achieved, the activity stops.
Specify the cycle frequency of the command
signal for the precrack activity.
Specify the ratio of the minimum to maximum
load applied to the specimen. The minimum
load is determined by this value and the
maximum load is specified by you.
MTS TestSuite | 27
Fatigue Crack Growth (FCG) Template
DescriptionParameter
Precrack Lower Least
Squares Fit Percentage
Precrack Upper Least
Squares Fit Percentage
Precrack Measure Load
Level Percent
Precrack Cycle Limit
Precrack Final Maximum
K
Specify the percentage of the measured load
range used as the lower limit for linear least
squares fit compliance determination. This
parameter is not used for FCG DCPD tests.
Specify the percentage of the measured load
range used as the upper limit for linear least
squares fit compliance determination. This
parameter is not used for FCG DCPD tests.
Specify the percent of maximum load level
at which the voltage is measured. The load
is applied at this level to ensure the crack is
open. All voltage data below this load will not
be used to calculate crack length. This
parameter is used only for FCG DCPD tests.
Specify the number of cycles at which
precrack activity stops.
Specify the maximum stress intensity desired
at the end of precrack activity. The initial
precrack Maximum K is 1.4 times the Final
Maximum K value.
Shutdown Station at End
of Precrack
Select Yes to cause an interlock at the end
of precrack. This can shut down hydraulics,
if desired.
Crack Growth Parameters
In the Crack Growth Parameters section of the main menu, you select the control mode for the test and
then specify the parameters for the selected mode:
• Delta-K
• Constant Load
28 | MTS TestSuite
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