A Novel Design of Constant Load Creep Test Machine

Abstract

Polymer materials have been used in a wide area from our homes to industry today. For this reason, creep curves from the mechanical properties of polymer materials are an important factor for the correct use of polymers. This article presents a new constant load creep test machine design which is a mechatronic system to perform creep testing of polymers. A low-cost creep test machine was developed by mounting clamps, pulleys, weights and steel cable on top of a main frame. With the measurement unit, the linear movement of the steel cable was detected and recorded with the data logging system together with the ambient temperature. Tests were made with a 15% calcium carbonate reinforced polypropylene specimen. It was observed that the experimental data obtained were compatible with a standard creep test curve. These findings confirm that the presented constant load creep test machine design works efficiently.