MTS Multipurpose Elite Test User Manual

Multipurpose Elite Test Design Guide

100-229-376 F

be certain.

© 2013 MTS Systems Corporation. All rights reserved.

Trademark Information

MTS, FlexTest, RPC, and TestWare are registered trademarks and MTS Acumen, MTS TestSuite, Station Builder, and Station Manager are trademarks of MTS Systems Corporation within the United States. These trademarks may be protected in other countries. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.Microsoft and Windows NT are registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation. All other trademarks or service marks are property of their respective owners.

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

100-229-376 F—August 2013—TestSuite MP 2.6 or later

100-229-376 E—January 2013—TestSuite MP 2.5

100-229-376 D—December 2012—TestSuite MP 2.4

Contents
1.0 Technical Support	7
1.1.0 How to Get Technical Support........................................................................................................	7
1.2.0 Before You Contact MTS................................................................................................................	7
1.3.0 If You Contact MTS by Phone........................................................................................................	9
1.4.0 Problem Submittal Form in MTS Manuals...................................................................................	10
2.0 Preface	11
2.1.0 Before You Begin..........................................................................................................................	11
2.2.0 Documentation Conventions.........................................................................................................	11
3.0 Designing a Test	15
3.1.0 Introduction...................................................................................................................................	16
3.2.0 Test Design WorkFlow..................................................................................................................	16
3.2.1.0 Using the Multipurpose Application with Controller Software.....................................	17
3.2.1.1.0 Launching MPE or MPX.................................................................................	17
3.2.1.2.0 Creating a Desktop Shortcut That Includes a Controller................................	18
3.2.1.3.0 Multipurpose Application Startup Overview..................................................	18
3.2.2.0 Creating Tests Overview................................................................................................	19
3.2.3.0 Test Activities Overview................................................................................................	19
3.2.3.1.0 Deleting and Disabling Test Activities............................................................	21
3.2.3.2.0 Variables Overview.........................................................................................	22
3.2.3.3.0 Information for an Operator............................................................................	23
3.2.4.0 Working with Test-Run Display Devices.......................................................................	24
3.2.5.0 Test Execution Overview...............................................................................................	24
3.2.6.0 Model 494.05 Handset Station Activities.......................................................................	26
3.2.7.0 Generating a Report in MP.............................................................................................	27
3.2.8.0 Generating a Report Using the Excel Reporter Add-In.................................................	28
4.0 Working with Resources	29
4.1.0 Resources......................................................................................................................................	30
4.2.0 Starting MPE and Connecting to a Controller...............................................................................	30
4.3.0 Station Configurations...................................................................................................................	32
4.4.0 Controller Resources.....................................................................................................................	32
4.5.0 Resource Mapping.........................................................................................................................	33
4.6.0 Offline Test Design.......................................................................................................................	34
4.7.0 Resources That Allow Dimension Changes..................................................................................	36

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5.0 Creating Tests	37
5.1.0 Installing MTS TestSuite Simulation Software.............................................................................	38
5.2.0 Creating Ramp and Cycle Test......................................................................................................	38
5.2.1.0 Ramp and Cycle Test Design Overview.........................................................................	38
5.2.2.0 Opening a Station Configuration and Starting the MPE Application............................	40
5.2.3.0 Creating an Empty Test..................................................................................................	41
5.2.4.0 Adding a Ramp Activity.................................................................................................	41
5.2.5.0 Adding a Cycle Activity.................................................................................................	43
5.2.6.0 Adding a Second Ramp Activity....................................................................................	44
5.2.7.0 Adding a Signal Scope Monitor.....................................................................................	45
5.2.8.0 Checking the Test Procedure..........................................................................................	47
5.2.9.0 Adding Variables............................................................................................................	48
5.2.10.0 Adding an Input Variables Activity..............................................................................	50
5.2.11.0 Adding Parallel Paths and a Data Acquisition Activity...............................................	52
5.2.12.0 Running the Test Procedure.........................................................................................	54
5.3.0 External Commands......................................................................................................................	55
5.3.1.0 External Command Test Overview................................................................................	55
5.3.2.0 Controls That Affect External Command.......................................................................	56
5.3.3.0 Simulating an External Command Input in the Station Configuration..........................	58
5.3.4.0 Simulating a Sine Wave Command with a Calculation..................................................	58
5.3.5.0 Setting Station Manager Application Command Options..............................................	59
5.3.6.0 Showing the Station Manager Application Setpoint and Span Controls........................	60
5.3.7.0 Starting the MPE Application and Creating a New Test Shell.......................................	60
5.3.8.0 Adding an External Command Activity.........................................................................	61
5.3.9.0 Adding a Signal Scope Monitor.....................................................................................	62
5.3.10.0 Set MPE Application Command Settings....................................................................	63
5.3.11.0 Starting the Test Procedure and Observing the Response............................................	64
5.3.12.0 Stop the Test Procedure and Observe the Response.....................................................	67
5.3.13.0 Resume the Test and Change Setpoint and Span.........................................................	67
5.4.0 External Command Considerations...............................................................................................	69
5.4.1.0 External Command Activity...........................................................................................	69
5.4.2.0 Starting External Commands..........................................................................................	69
5.4.3.0 Stopping External Command Activity...........................................................................	69
5.4.4.0 Overriding System Setpoint and Span............................................................................	70
6.0 Creating Advanced Tests	71
6.1.0 Introduction...................................................................................................................................	72
6.2.0 Working with Profiles...................................................................................................................	72
6.2.1.0 Profile Test Overview.....................................................................................................	73
6.2.2.0 Controls That Affect Profiles.........................................................................................	74

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6.2.3.0 Creating a Profile............................................................................................................	75
6.2.4.0 Creating Controller Resource Actions that Map to the Profile......................................	76
6.2.5.0 Starting the MPE Application and Creating a New Test Shell.......................................	78
6.2.6.0 Adding a Profile Activity...............................................................................................	78
6.2.7.0 Adding a Monitor Display to Show the Profile Waveform............................................	80
6.2.8.0 Adding a Monitor Display to Track Profile Passes........................................................	81
6.2.9.0 Adding a Monitor Display to Show When Part of the Profile Plays Out.......................	81
6.2.10.0 Start the Test Procedure and Observe the Response....................................................	82
6.2.11.0 Considerations for Profile Design................................................................................	84
6.2.11.1.0 Profile Types..................................................................................................	84
6.2.11.2.0 Using ALC with the Profile Activity.............................................................	84
6.2.11.3.0 General Profile Syntax Requirements...........................................................	86
6.2.11.4.0 Header Data Syntax.......................................................................................	86
6.2.11.5.0 Action and Counter Syntax...........................................................................	87
6.2.11.6.0 Channel Header Syntax.................................................................................	88
6.2.11.7.0 Channel Data Syntax.....................................................................................	89
6.2.11.8.0 Dimensions....................................................................................................	91
6.2.11.9.0 Normalized Dimensions................................................................................	92
7.0 MTS Controller Software	95
7.1.0 Software Concepts.........................................................................................................................	96
7.1.1.0 Key Concepts about Using MTS TestSuite and Controller Software............................	96
7.2.0 Setting Station Limits and Install the Physical Specimen.............................................................	97
7.2.1.0 Setting Station Detector Limits......................................................................................	97
7.2.2.0 Access and Set Detector Settings...................................................................................	98
7.2.3.0 Resetting a Detector.......................................................................................................	98
7.3.0 Use Manual Command to Install the Specimen............................................................................	99
7.3.1.0 Manual Command Overview.........................................................................................	99
7.3.2.0 Manually Position the Actuator to Install and Remove Specimens.............................	101
7.4.0 Apply Offsets to the Input Signal (optional)...............................................................................	102
7.4.1.0 Applying an Auto Offset to an Input Signal.................................................................	102
7.4.2.0 Applying a Manual Offset to an Input Signal..............................................................	102
7.5.0 Adding Station Resources...........................................................................................................	103
7.5.1.0 Adding Existing Hardware Resources to a Station Configuration...............................	104
7.5.2.0 Adding New Hardware to a Controller........................................................................	104
8.0 Appendix A: MPE for MPT Users	105
8.1.0 About This Appendix..................................................................................................................	106
8.2.0 Major Concepts...........................................................................................................................	106
8.3.0 Control Panel and Options..........................................................................................................	109
8.4.0 Editing Features...........................................................................................................................	110

Multipurpose Elite Test Design Guide 5

8.5.0 Command....................................................................................................................................	111
8.6.0 Data Acquisition..........................................................................................................................	113
8.7.0 Event Detectors...........................................................................................................................	116
8.8.0 External Control..........................................................................................................................	117
8.9.0 Performance................................................................................................................................	118
8.10.0 General......................................................................................................................................	118
8.11.0 Other..........................................................................................................................................	119

6 Multipurpose Elite Test Design Guide

1.0 Technical Support

1.1.0 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	www.mts.com > Contact Us (upper-right corner) > In the Subject field, choose
	To escalate a problem; Problem Submittal Form
E-mail	Worldwide: [e-mail]
	Europe: [e-mail]
Telephone	Worldwide: 1 800 328 2255 - toll free in U.S.; [phone] - outside U.S.
	Europe: [phone], International toll free in Europe

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

1.2.0 Before You Contact MTS

MTS can help you more efficiently if you have the following information available when you contact us for support.

Multipurpose Elite Test Design Guide 7

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

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

8 Multipurpose Elite Test Design Guide

•Keyboard enhancers

•Print spoolers

•Messaging applications

1.3.0 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.

Multipurpose Elite Test Design Guide 9

•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.

1.4.0 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 Multipurpose Elite Test Design Guide

2.0 Preface

2.1.0 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).

2.2.0 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.

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.

Multipurpose Elite Test Design Guide 11

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.

Example:

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.

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.

12 Multipurpose Elite Test Design Guide

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.

Multipurpose Elite Test Design Guide 13

3.0 Designing a Test

Topics:
•	Introduction............................................................................................................................................	16
•	Test Design WorkFlow...........................................................................................................................	16

Multipurpose Elite Test Design Guide 15

3.0 Designing a Test

3.1.0 Introduction

About this chapter

This chapter contains information about the MPE and Station Manager software, basic test design principles, how tests are executed, and how information about test results is made available. If you already feel comfortable with these test design principles and are ready to begin creating a basic ramp and cycle test, see Creating Ramp and Cycle Test on page 38.

MTS Multipurpose Elite application overview

The MTS Multipurpose Elite (MPE) application is a sophisticated, general purpose test design application that allows you to quickly and easily define complex test designs. The role of either Administrator or Engineer is required to access full functionality of MPE. Operators are allowed to access MPE but only with the same rights they have in MPX.

Note:

MTS offers a companion application to MPE named Multipurpose Express (MPX). You cannot create or modify tests with MPX; it is only to run existing tests. In cases where this manual refers to functionality shared by both applications (such as running tests), the term “Multipurpose application” is used.

The Multipurpose Elite Test Design Guide contains the information you need to begin designing tests and test reports with the MPE application. It includes the fundamental concepts of using the MPE application with the MTS controller software to create and run tests.

This guide does not explain every MPE application feature. Its goal is to introduce the most important features of the application in the context of designing tests and test reports.

This chapter contains conceptual information pertinent to test designs. New users should read this chapter before using the software to gain an overall understanding of the design process. Experienced users can read this chapter to review the high-level activities associated with each design task. Detailed instructions to perform the tasks in this chapter are included in other parts of this guide.

3.2.0 Test Design WorkFlow

This table shows the tasks a test designer may perform to prepare a test for an operator. The order in which the tasks are shown is typical.

Typical Tasks for Preparing a Test

Step	Activity	Description
1	Open a station configuration	Open a station configuration file with your MTS
		controller software.

16 Multipurpose Elite Test Design Guide

		3.0 Designing a Test
Step	Activity	Description
2	Start the MPE application and	With your station open, use the MPE application.
	select a new test
3	Add test activities and define their	To create a test file, drag test activity icons onto the
	properties	Procedure tab.
4	Add monitor display devices and	Add monitor display devices, such as Signal Scope,
	define their properties	so you can monitor test progress.
5	Run the test to verify your design	Use MTS controller software and MPE together to run
		tests. This step generates data in a test run.
6	Create a test report template	Create a test report template by adding test variables
		from your test run to a Microsoft Excel report.
7	Ensure your test is ready for the	You typically run your test again from the operator’s
	operator	perspective. You can choose to enhance your test
		with special operator information.
8	Deliver your test to the operator	When the test meets your requirements, deliver it to
		the operator. You can choose to have your operators
		use MP Express to run your test.

3.2.1.0UsingtheMultipurposeApplicationwithControllerSoftware

3.2.1.1.0 Launching MPE or MPX

Note:

If you have a desktop shortcut that opens the Station Manager application and then opens the MPE or MPX application, you do not have to perform this procedure to start the Station Manager application and load the station configuration. For more information about creating this desktop shortcut, see

Creating a Desktop Shortcut That Includes a Controller on page 18.

1.Start the Station Manager application by double-clicking the Station Manager icon located in the MTS 793 Software folder on the desktop; or from the Start menu, go to All Programs > MTS 793 Software > Station Manager. The Open Station window appears.

2.In the Open Station window, select the station configuration file (.cfg) required to run the test (MTS FlexTest 40 with 2 Channel configuration). The .cfg file defines all the station resources that are available for a test.

3.Click Open.

4.The Station Manager window appears, which can be minimized.

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3.0 Designing a Test

Important:

You must leave the Station Manager application open, but you can minimize it so it does not appear on your screen.

MTS TestSuite MPX is the intended operator interface. Do not make configuration changes in the Station Manager application without training from MTS.

5.Open MPE or MPX by double-clicking its icon on your desktop; or from the Start menu, go to All Programs > MTS TestSuite. The MP main window opens. You can now open a test.

Note:

If you have multiple stations, you can create individual shortcuts that are specific to each station.

3.2.1.2.0 Creating a Desktop Shortcut That Includes a Controller

Access:

Tools menu > Create Desktop Shortcut

Note:

This procedure only applies to MTS FlexTest controllers.

There are two types of desktop icons. One opens just the MTS TestSuite application, and the other will open the controller and then open the MTS TestSuite application. The desktop shortcut that includes opening the controller includes the configuration file name in its name, for example, “Multipurpose Express (Station_Configuration.cfg).” If you have multiple stations, you can create a shortcut for each configuration file.

To create the desktop shortcut that includes opening the controller:

1.Open your MTS TestSuite application: From the Start menu, select All Programs > MTS TestSuite > application name.

2.From the Tools menu, click Create Desktop Shortcut. The Create Desktop Shortcut window opens.

3.Browse to the Station Configuration file you will be using, or type the file name in the Station Configuration box. Ensure that this configuration file contains the parameter and tuning sets that you want the operator to use for the tests.

4.If the Controller Name box is not already populated, type the name of the controller you will be using.

5.Click OK. The configuration message that states that the shortcut was created on the desktop appears. Click OK.

6.To avoid confusion, delete other MTS TestSuite application desktop shortcuts.

3.2.1.3.0 Multipurpose Application Startup Overview

After you open your station configuration with the Station Manager application, you open the Multipurpose application, which automatically connects to your station configuration.

Multipurpose projects

When you select a new test, the test is automatically associated with an MTS TestSuite Project. A project is a directory that organizes your test procedures, specimen information, and test run data.

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3.0 Designing a Test

Note:

MTS TestSuite projects are independent of the underlying controller, and are not related to MTS controller projects or the MTS Project Manager application.

3.2.2.0 Creating Tests Overview

From the File menu, you can create new tests as follows:

Creating New Tests

File Menu Option	Description
New Test	Creates a new test that does not contain test
	data and has an undefined workflow. When
	the workflow is defined, it can be extracted by
	saving the test as a template.
New Test from	Creates a container file called a test that is
Template	used to collect data and contains a copy of the
	template. Each time you run the template on
	a physical specimen, the application creates
	a test run. The test run is a data set that
	populates the test.
	Note:
	Only templates that are licensed appear
	in the New Test from Template list.

New Test from Existing Creates a new test that includes a copy of the

Test test without test run data.

New Test from File Creates a new test from an XML file; typically used in automation.

3.2.3.0 Test Activities Overview

Test activity sequence

Test activities execute from top to bottom in the order in which they appear on the Procedure tab. To execute activities simultaneously, add Parallel Path activities to the test flow. You can also add While Loop, If-Else Condition, and Periodic Time Event activities to control the test flow.

Test activity property definition

To define the properties of an activity, select the activity icon on the Procedure tab, and then click the Properties tab.You can choose to define properties as fixed values or variable values. The following example shows the property definitions for a Cycle test activity.

Multipurpose Elite Test Design Guide 19

3.0 Designing a Test

Cycle Activities Properties

Error indicators assist definition

Red error icons appear next to activity property fields where information is missing or incorrect.

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3.0 Designing a Test

Error Indicators

3.2.3.1.0 Deleting and Disabling Test Activities

If you want to remove a test activity from the test procedure, you can either delete the test activity or disable the test activity.

When you delete the activity, the activity is permanently removed from the test procedure. This action cannot be undone, and you will have to either recreate the test activity or revert to a previously-saved version of the test that contains the activity.

If you do not want to delete a test activity, but you also want to temporarily prevent the activity from occurring during a test run, you can disable the activity. When you disable a test activity, the test activity becomes grayed-out in the test procedure and the activity is ignored when the test is run. After you disable an activity, you can enable the activity and it will once again occur during test runs.

You may find it helpful to temporarily disable some test activities when you are creating a test or when you are troubleshooting suspected problems in the test. For example, you can disable certain portions of the test in order to focus your time on a few specific test activities that you believe are causing problems. Alternatively, if you want to remove a troublesome test activity, but you are unsure of the impacts, you can temporarily disable that test activity and replace it with a modified activity and perform a test run to view the results. If you determine that you do need the disabled test activity, you can later "retrieve" the test activity by enabling it.

To delete, disable, or enable a test activity, right-click the test activity and select Delete, Disable, or Enable (if the test activity is currently disabled).

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3.0Designing a Test

3.2.3.2.0Variables Overview

Typically, when you enter a value for a property in an activity, you can change the value only when the test is stopped and the test procedure is unlocked. In this sense, the property is “fixed.”

With the use of variables, you can associate a property of an activity with a variable.This allows you to change the variable value without selecting the activity.

For example, suppose you create a test procedure that includes several command activities that all use the same frequency. Rather than enter a frequency value for each activity separately, you could associate all the frequency properties with a “Frequency” variable. Then, between tests (with the test stopped and the test procedure unlocked), you could use the Variables Editor to change the frequency value of all the activities at the same time. For more information about the Variables Editor, see the Multipurpose Elite User Guide. The following example shows how to make the Frequency property of the Cycle activity a variable.

Cycle Activity New Variable

Variable use in MTS TestSuite software

MTS TestSuite software uses variables extensively throughout its applications:

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3.0 Designing a Test

•The MPE application uses variables to simplify test creation and modification, allow operator interaction in the test flow, and facilitate monitor display.

•The MTS TestSuite Reporter Add-In for Microsoft Excel uses variables to capture test data for test reports.

•The various MTS Analyzer applications use variables to create “what if” scenarios using specimen variables and data from test runs.

Test activities and variables

The MPE application allows you to define many of the individual properties of test activities as variables. The MPE application also includes test activities you can use to manipulate variables in the test flow, as follows:

•Assign Variables activity

•Calculate Variables activity

•Input Parameters activity

You can use these activities in a variety of ways to manipulate variables. For example, you can use an Input Parameters activity to allow the operator to change variable values while the test is running.

Adding calculations to variables

You can add mathematical operators to variables to create calculated variables.You can do this in two ways, depending on test design considerations:

•Click the Variables tab in the main window to add calculations to individual variables.

•Add the Calculate Variables activity to the test procedure. This activity allows you to add calculations to variables in the test flow.

Adding and editing variables

You can add or edit variables from within the various variable editing windows and editors (such as the Map Variables window or the Calculation Editor). You can click the Add Variable (green plus sign) or Edit Variable (...) icon or right-click and select New Variable. To edit a variable, right-click a variable name and select Edit Variable.

3.2.3.3.0 Information for an Operator

You can add information for an operator, such as hardware installation instructions or safety information, directly into your test design. This allows you to create the information visible to the operator during the test, and control at which point in the test flow to show the information.

To do this, add special test activities and run-time devices to your test.

•The Custom Message Window activity allows you to show a custom message to the operator anytime the test is running.

•The Run External Application activity allows you to show documents that require external applications to launch, such as word processing, spreadsheet, and video documents.

•The Custom Help monitor display allows you to show custom help information, such as files in the .chm file format, that you create for the test.

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3.2.4.0 Working with Test-Run Display Devices

When you start the test, you can see real-time test information on the Test-Run Display panel.

Add monitor display devices

To add monitor display devices to your test, click the Test-Run Display tab and drag monitor display devices from the toolbox to the work area. When you do this, error icons on the device icon and Error list guide you to define required properties. The following example shows a Signal Scope device, which simulates an oscilloscope on the Test-Run Display tab when the test executes. To view its properties, you select the Signal Scope device on the work area.

Signal Scope Monitor Display

3.2.5.0 Test Execution Overview

Using Station Manager with TestSuite software

The Station Manager application runs in the background alongside the MPE application. When you design or run tests with the MPE application, minimize the Station Manager application to simplify your PC desktop.

The activities that an expert user may perform with the Station Manager application varies with your station and test setup, but typically includes:

• Design and use profiles. This is done using the optional Profile Editor in the Station Manager application.

•Install new hardware resources. This is done using the Station Builder tool in the Station Manager application.

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•Adjust commands settings (such as ramp and taper times). This is done using the Channel Options tool in the Station Manager application.

•Access the values of calculation parameters and variables. This is done using the Calculation Editor in the Station Manager applicationr.

•Set limit levels and actions for detectors.

•Position the actuator to install the specimen.

•Apply offsets.

MTS Station Manager Window

Station activities you can perform with the Multipurpose application

You can perform some station activities with the Multipurpose application, such as:

•Energize and de-energize actuator power.

•Reset and override interlocks.

•Start, hold, and stop tests.

•Perform Park, Unload, and Stop At operations.

Other station activities you may perform with Station Manager

You can perform some station activities pre-test or between tests, such as:

•Check shunt calibration levels

•Adjust tuning values

You can only perform these activities with the Station Manager application.

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Test execution with the MPX application

Similar to the MPE application, the MPX application can be used to run tests. However, the MPX application cannot create or modify tests. In order to create or modify tests, you must use the MPE application.

Considerations for automatic background saves

It is important to keep in mind that when you start a test run, the application automatically saves the current state of the test. If you need to modify a test without necessarily saving your changes; that is, experiment with the test, you should perform a Save As of your test, modify as required, and then run the new test.

If you inadvertently run a modified test and have to undo the changes you made to the test before you ran it (and the application automatically saved it), you must do so manually.

3.2.6.0 Model 494.05 Handset Station Activities

If your station is equipped with a Model 494.05 Handset, you can use it to:

•Manually position the actuator to install the specimen.

•Apply offsets.

Note:

You cannot use the handset to set limit levels and actions for detectors. Perform these activities with the MTS Station Manager application.

Model 494.05 Handset

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Note:When control is provided by a handset, the application controls will be locked and overlaid by the handset exclusive control icon:

Description of Model 494.05 Handset

Item Description

1Programmable display

2Hydraulics indicator

3Exclusive control

4Interlock indicators

5Thumbwheel (manually positions the actuator when Manual Command is enabled)

6Manual command

7Interlock reset/override

8Program Run/Stop/Hold controls

9Hydraulics off

3.2.7.0 Generating a Report in MP

To generate reports from within MP, you must have an existing report template and the Microsoft Excel application or a suitable Microsoft Excel reader. To design or modify a report template, you must have the Reporter Add-In application, which is a separately licensed product.

1.On the Explorer panel, right-click the Test Run name and select Generate Report. To generate multiple reports at one time, click Test Runs on the Explorer panel to see the Test Runs table. Select the test runs to include in the reports. To select more than one, press the Ctrl key and click the report name. Right-click and select Generate Report. The Generate Report window opens.

2.Select one or more templates to use for your reports and click Generate Report.

3.Microsoft Excel opens with the newly generated report. If multiple test runs were selected, a separate report for each Test Run will open. Modify as desired and save and close. By default, the report is shown

below the test run name in the Explorer panel. You can click Preferences > Configuration and select a different location for generated reports on the Project tab.

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3.2.8.0 Generating a Report Using the Excel Reporter Add-In

Note:

To generate a report using the Excel Reporter Add-In, you must have purchased a separate license for the Reporter Add-In product. It also requires the installation of Microsoft Excel software or another suitable Microsoft Excel reader.

1.Open a report template in Excel (MTS templates are located in C:\MTS TestSuite\Report Templates).

2.Click the MTS TestSuite Report tab in the ribbon.

3.Click the Test icon in the ribbon and open the test that contains the test run that requires a report.

4.In the Generate section of the ribbon, click Source and select the test, test run, or analysis run that you want to use to create a report.

5.Click the Report icon on the ribbon.

6.The system will launch another instance of Microsoft Excel and show the newly generated report file.

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Topics:
•	Resources..............................................................................................................................................	30
• Starting MPE and Connecting to a Controller........................................................................................		30
•	Station Configurations...........................................................................................................................	32
•	Controller Resources.............................................................................................................................	32
•	Resource Mapping.................................................................................................................................	33
•	Offline Test Design.................................................................................................................................	34
• Resources That Allow Dimension Changes..........................................................................................		36

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4.1.0 Resources

With the MPE application, you create test designs that cause controller resources to apply desired forces to your test specimen. Controller resources include control channels, control modes, sensors, digital inputs, and so on.

For example, suppose you design a test to apply a tensile force to your specimen and receive a digital pulse when the specimen fails. When you run the test, the controller uses a control channel with a force control mode resource to apply the tensile force to the specimen, and a digital input resource to receive the digital pulse.

Controller resources

A controller resource refers to a hardware resource in the controller as it appears in a station configuration file. For example, a control mode in a station configuration file named “axial force” is a controller resource.

Test resources

A test resource refers to a resource with equivalent functionality as it appears in the test definition. For example, a control mode in a test definition named “load 1” is a test resource. You can use test resources for various test elements, such as activities, monitor display devices, and variables.

Resource mapping

A test resource is not required to have the same name as the equivalent controller resource. However, if the names are different when the MPE connects to the station, you must map the test resource to the equivalent controller resource.

For example, suppose you design a test offline in which you name a control mode “load 1”. Later, you connect to a station in which the equivalent resource is named “Axial Force”. This mismatch of resources creates a resource validation error. To resolve this error, you must map the test resource to the controller resource.

4.2.0StartingMPEandConnectingtoaController

Controller resources are available to the MPE application through station configuration files. Before you start the MPE application, you typically start the MTS Station Manager application and open a station configuration file first. When you start the MPE application, it automatically connects to the station configuration, which allows you to design tests with the resources in the station configuration. If you do not already have one, you can create a desktop shortcut that will open the MTS Station Manager application and then open the MPE application. For more information about creating that shortcut, see Creating a Desktop Shortcut That Includes a Controller on page 18.

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