Thermomechanical Fatigue (TMF) Subsystem

The TMF Subsystem is ideal for inducing thermal cycling in a metallic (magnetically susceptible) specimen. A combination of induction heating and air cooling allows thermomechanical fatigue tests to be performed in or out of phase with a load force. The TMF subsystem has a user-friendly design that helps operators perform repeatable test setup tasks quickly. Air cooling jets and the induction coil have easy, repeatable adjustments, meaning that specimen changes do not require as much setup time to reestablish the initial conditions. A specimen centering tool provides quick initial position for the coil. The coil is mounted on an x, y, z positioner that has manual adjustment knobs with numerical indicators allowing 50 mm of travel in 3-axes for fine positioning relative to the specimen. A quick release slide allows the coil to be easily pulled from the test space with the ability to return to its original position. Air cooling jets are also easily folded back or removed to gain access to the specimen with the same ability to snap back into the original position.

The induction coil is coated in electrically insulating material to provide an additional safety factor against electric shock. The coil, generator and RF oscillator are water cooled and interlocked for water flow. A second interlock specimen thermocouple also provides indication in the event that the primary control thermocouple becomes detached. TestSuite software templates for TMF include test setup, to establish thermal gradients; and test run, to perform and report results on the TMF test.

• 10 kW RF Generator with temperature controller and secondary temperature interlock controller
• Air-cooling jets with detachable arms and adjustable flow profiles
• 10°C/second heating and cooling with higher open loop heating rates possible
• Temperature range up to 1200°C
• X,Y,Z coil with position indication and quick release slide-back mount
• Type K or Type R thermocouple compatibility
• Water chiller for RF generator and coil
• Tool kit for coil centering and adjustment
• Standard 5-turn electrically insulated induction coil
• TestSuite software templates for setup and test control
• Instrumented specimen for equipment checkout and validation
• 16 channel thermocouple data acquisition module
• Thermocouple connector kit to interface with specimen
• Designed to accommodate MTS high-temperature axial extensometers

When ordering, please indicate power choice of water chiller 50 Hz or 60 Hz), thermocouple type (R or K).