Experimental Mechanics

Certain products and devices require experimental mechanics to fully evaluate their performances. Some of the product analyses Element experts perform singly or in combination are:

• Life Cycling/Durability. These tests may involve automating a reciprocating motion in one or two directions, or repeating an impact or load. Additional extraneous loads, temperature variants, or pressure changes may also be applied. Office furniture, automotive parts, and medical devices are often tested for life cycle and durability.
• Fatigue.  Large and small-scale high-speed cycling testing determines the fatigue life of products. Element engineers develop fatigue test programs to meet a product’s specific life requirements. Particularly helpful for testing dental implants, architectural/structural members, and grip mechanisms.
• Vibration and Shock. In the laboratory, engineers use vibration and shock testing to simulate transportation and service platform environments. Element engineers also monitor and record vibration levels in the field; this is critical performance testing for pumps, generators, electronics, electromechanical assemblies, aircraft and automotive parts and accessories, and packaging configurations.
• Impact. Element scientists subject products to dynamic impact, measuring cushioning, g-forces, and impact failure mechanisms. Candidates for impact testing include cushioning materials, playground/athletic equipment, automotive/ architectural glass and security doors.
• Stress/Strain. Strain gauge methods provide direct interpretation of static and dynamic machine loads and mechanical response characteristics. Using automated data acquisition, this test can easily be combined with temperature and pressure variables, either in the laboratory or the field.
• Torque. The capacity torque load to failure is a crucial measurement for fasteners, welded components, fixture/drill chucks, couplers, and other moving parts.
• Hydraulic Pressure. This test verifies hydrostatic proof pressure capacity and hydraulic flow characteristics, i.e., pressure vs. flow-rate, in such devices as valves, pressure/flow nozzles, fittings, pipes, hoses, heat exchangers, tanks, and machined components.
• Temperature Response. Element engineers routinely monitor temperature and its effects—air temperatures, surface temperatures (including non-contact infrared analysis), and internal temperature gradients within a composite structure, as well as other material expansion characteristics. Essential testing for electric blankets and pads, windows and doors, roof composite materials, HVAC components, and many other products.
• Load Testing/Certification.  Element engineers can verify proof, design or ultimate load capacities to determine compliance to various building and safety standards—necessary for steel lumber connectors, plates, raised access flooring, fasteners, welded components, cranes, crane hoists, and lifting devices or machinery.