High-Temperature High-Strain Rate Compression Tester

V1 of the device has been designed, constructed, and tested. It features a modular assembly, high-strain rate compression capabilities (~1000/s), a high-resolution optical camera to characterize deformation, and a high-precision (~0.001 g in non-linearity) in-line load cell to characterize compressive loads. The system is ready to be upgraded to V2, which includes adding a clamshell heater and immersion chamber for greater variety in the available testing environments.

A simplified diagram of V1 of the compression tester, featuring all the essential aspects of the mechanical design.

Our approach employs a displacement-controlled linear actuator and an in-line load cell. The former drives the compression (while recording displacement) and the latter determines the compressive load. 

Design: The design of this device is rooted in two principles: modularity/ease of assembly and maximizing stiffness. 

Manufacture: The majority of the parts used in the assembly are commercial-off-the-shelf (COTS). This is especially necessary for the optical tools (the optical board, the 90 degree mounts, the XY micrometer-controlled manual linear base, etc.) to ensure the parts are manufactured with precision as a priority. Some COTS parts were modified using a CNC Mill: the vertical 80/20 bar was drilled into so that M3 X 0.5 screws could secure the actuator in plate and the horizontal 80//20 bar has a groove in which the actuator's reset button can slot through.

A CAD model of V1 of the compression tester.