Fields, Methods and Techniques

Fields

The research and technology transfer and knowledge fields of LERMA are the Strength of Materials and the Structures in the broadest sense. It specifies in the analysis, design, calculation and optimization of resistive elements, structural components and structures: especially on complex behaviours, instability phenomena, lightweight structures, experimental measures and verifications: and always looking for to deepen the knowledge and the innovation of concepts and applications.

The areas where LERMA has collaborated with companies and institutions are varied: light and heavyweight machinery, vehicles, racks, construction, maintenance, measurement, biomechanics, bioengineering, renewable energies, nuclear energy, etc.

Methods and techniques

Classic analytical methods
- Linear elasticity
- Strength of materials
- Structure theory

Numerical simulation (method of finite elements)
- Linear analysis
- Analysis without geometric and material nonlinearities
- Dynamic analysis
Materials testing
- Static tests (tensile, compression, bending, etc.)
- Fatigue tests
- Impact tests
- Static, cyclic and fatigue tests
- Control by displacement, strain or force
Component testing
- Structural elements
- Facilities elements
- Automotive components
- Parts and components
Experimental analysis of stresses and strains
- Strain gauge
- Electrical measurement of mechanical parameters (force, torque, pressure, displacement, rotation, etc.)

Facilities and equipment

Servo-hydraulic machine, computer controlled (MTS)

Model 810
Servo-hydraulic machine universal testing, static and dynamic
Compression testing, tensile, bending, and cyclic fatigue
Overall capacity ± 250 kN
Overall length of the sample 1100 mm
Computer controlled

Multifunction Test Bench

Overall capacity ±100 kN
Overall dimensions 1500x1680x1800 m
Bench trials for average size of components in one
or more axes, static and dynamics.

INSTRON

Model 3366
Electromechanical universal testing machine, static
Maximum capacity ± 100 kN
Sample's maximum length 400x720 mm
Test drive of compression and bending

Load frame

Test Framework anchored in concrete slab
Maximum capacity 400 kN
Samples:
Maximum width 3 m
Maximum height 3 m
Maximum length 12 m

Under longitudinal loads

Setting longitudinal compression tests of uprights and lightweight structures, adjustable to different lengths

Maximum capacity is 200 kN
Maximum length 7 m
Maximum width 1.5 m

Biaxial test bench

Setting biaxial testing
Axial capacity: 400 kN (compression)
Ability section: ±200 kN
Measurement of displacements and rotations
Testing of compression-bending elements

Data acquisition systems

Three units
Data acquisition system based on PC ADVANTECH plates,
PC 816 16-bit. Capture up to 100KS / s.
Controlled with Labview software itself and designated to the connection and
data capture

HBM Amplifiers

Model MGC PLUS (three units)
6-channel strain gauge equipment, in groups of 2
Resistive or inductive gauges with half or full bridge configuration
Digital programming
Analogue output signal ± 10 V
Possibility of connection to PC

HBM multichannel system

Model UPM 60
Strain gauges of 40 multiplexed channels equipment
Strain gauges in different configurations
Allows data output on paper (miniprinter) or connection
PC via IEEE 488 or GPIB

Sensors for strain measurement

Set of sensors for strain measurement
- Force (100 N to 500kN)
- Bending Moment (10 Nm to 800 Nm)
- Pressure (300 bar)

Sensor offsets

Set of sensors for measuring shifts
- Travel (2 mm to 500 mm)
- Angle (± 5º)

Computational centre

5 computers in total, all with network connection
Specific software calculation and design for research applications:
SOLIDWORKS, AUTOCAD, ANSYS, COPRA, ...