UNIVERSITY OF RIZAL SYSTEM

Province of Rizal
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UNIT 3 – THE UNIVERSAL TESTING MACHINE, PORTLAND CEMENT

CONCRETE, AND WOOD

Module 6 – The Universal Testing Machine

Learning Objectives:

At the end this module, the student should be able to Identify and familiarize with the
different parts of the universal testing machine

A Universal testing machine (UTM) is used to test the mechanical properties (tension,
compression, etc.) of a given test specimen by exerting tensile, compressive or
transverse stresses. The machine has been named so because of the wide range of
tests it can perform over different kind of materials. Different tests like peel test, flexural
test, tension test, bend test, friction test, spring test etc. can be performed with the
help of UTM.

The main features of the components and the functions of the UTM are discussed in
this module.

I. Components of Universal Testing Machine

A universal testing machine consists of two main parts:

1. Loading Unit

2. Control Unit

The arrangement of the test specimen and the exertion of the load is held in the loading
unit. The variations in the application of the load and the corresponding test result are
obtained from the control unit.

In the Figure-2, the left unit with table and crosshead form the loading unit. The right
unit with a load indicator arrangement is the control unit.

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Province of Rizal
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Province of Rizal
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II. Loading unit

The loading unit of a UTM consists of the following components:

1. Load frame

The load frame of a universal testing machine can be made either by single support
or by double support. The load Frame consists of a table (where the specimen is
placed for the compression test), upper crosshead, and lower crosshead.

2. Upper crosshead and lower crosshead

The upper crosshead is used to clamp one end of the test specimen. The lower
crosshead in the load frame is the movable crosshead whose screws can be loosened
for height adjustment and tightened. Both the crossheads have a tapered slot at the
center. This slot has a pair of racked jaws that is intended to grip and hold the tensile
test specimen.

3. Elongation scale

The relative movement of the lower and upper table is measured by an elongation
scale which is provided along with the loading unit.

III. Control unit

The main components of the control unit in a universal testing machine are:

1. Hydraulic power unit

This unit consists of an oil pump that provides non-pulsating oil flow into the main
cylinder of the load unit. This flow helps in the smooth application of load on the
specimen. The oil pump in a hydraulic power unit is run by an electric motor and sump.

2. Load measuring unit

This unit has a pendulum dynamometer unit that has a small cylinder with a piston
which moves with the non-pulsating oil flow. The pendulum is connected to the piston
by pivot lever. The pivot lever deflects based on the load applied to the specimen. This
deflection is converted to the load pointer and displays as the load on the dial.

The range of load application can be adjusted by means of a knob in the load
measuring unit (0-100 kN; 0-250 kN; 0-500 kN and 0-1000 kN). The accuracy of
measuring unit controls the overall accuracy of the machine.

3. Control devices

The control devices can be electric or hydraulic. Electric control devices make use of
switches to move the crossheads and switch on/off the unit. A hydraulic control device
consists of two valves, Right Control Valve and Left Control Valve or Release Valve.
A right control valve is used to apply load on the specimen. The left control valve is
used to release the load application as shown in Figure-1.

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Province of Rizal
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IV. Functions of universal testing machine

The main functions of UTM are to test the mechanical properties of materials. The
standard tests performed by UTM are:

 Tensile Test
 Compression Test
 Adhesion Tests
 Pull-Out Tests
 Bending Test
 Hysteresis Test

UTM can be used to test a wide variety of materials like concrete, steel, cables,
springs, steel wires and chains, slings, links, rope, winches, steel ropes, etc.

UTM provides the value of load application and the respective displacements. From
the observed value, the load deflection graph is obtained. With the load value in the
Y-axis and the displacement in the X-axis. The displacement is actually the movement
of the crossheads during the load application.

From the load deflection graph, the stress-strain analysis, modulus of elasticity, yield
strength of the specimen tested can be determined.

Supplemental videos related to universal testing machine:

1. https://youtu.be/L96adyOMHAo

2. https://youtu.be/Nam1dYLNSd4

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Province of Rizal
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Self-assessment questions:

1. The two main parts of the universal testing machine.

2. The ______ of a universal testing machine can be made either by single

support or by double support. It consists of a table (where the specimen is placed for
the compression test), upper crosshead, and lower crosshead.

3. The _______ in the load frame is the movable crosshead whose screws can
be loosened for height adjustment and tightened

4. This unit consists of an oil pump that provides non-pulsating oil flow into the
main cylinder of the load unit.

5. This unit has a pendulum dynamometer unit that has a small cylinder with a
piston which moves with the non-pulsating oil flow.

Answers to self-assessment questions:

1. Loading unit and control unit

2. Load frame

3. Lower crosshead

4. Hydraulic power unit

5. Load measuring unit

Activity

1. Draw the schematic diagram of the universal testing machine and label the parts.

2. Based on the videos, define or explain the purpose of the following parts of the
universal testing machine.

For video 1:

• Hydraulic ram

• Digital load meter

• Clear plastic guard

• Extensometer

• Different grade steel specimen

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Province of Rizal
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For video 2.

• Host machine

• Grip plate

• Piston

• Crosshead

• Remote box

• Machine controller

• Load and unload hand wheels

• Jaw button

Rubrics for Assessment:

Type of exam Criteria Exemplary Competent Satisfactory Developing Beginning Unable to Begin

5 4 3 2 1 0

Passes Passes Identify Cannot identify

Define accurately Identify 50 - Identify 30
with 90% with 70% 10 - 20% any terms or
Identification the terms being 60% of the - 40% of
or above or above of the can identify less
described. terms. the terms.
accuracy. accuracy. terms. than 10%.

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