DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION OF TENSILE TESTING MACHINE FOR SHAPE MEMORY ALLOY MATERIAL LABOURATORY TEST

Abstract

In this paper the research focused on the design and construction of a tensile testing machine specifically for Shape Memory Alloy (SMA) rod and spring material tensile testing. The machine was designed to evaluate the mechanical properties of SMAs, with a primary focus on their unique ability to return to a predefined shape after deformation. Components were carefully selected and assembled to ensure precise force application, strain measurement, and control during testing. The structure of the machine is similar to that of an industrial one; however, it is budget-friendly. The machine consists of a frame, one step motor that controls a cross-head movement on a sliding bed, three gripers, a digital force gauge, a water heater hold, a controller and Arduino that controls the step motor, and a 24v adaptor. The final machine was tested and calibrated, demonstrating its capability to conduct tensile tests accurately. The completed system has been successfully implemented in the laboratory, contributing to enhanced understanding and analysis of shape memory alloys.