Customer Solutions

Conduct Remote Mechanics Tests Via the Internet

Author(s):

Carlos L. Yapura, Texas A&M University; Richard Griffin, Texas A&M University

Industry:

University/Education

Product:

LabVIEW, Modular Instruments

The Challenge:

Developing remote experiments via the Internet that demonstrate the mechanics of materials taught to students who do not have access to a laboratory facility.

The Solution:

Using LabVIEW with DataSocket to create programs (VIs) that access a tension/compression/torsion test frame via the Internet.

Introduction
We developed experiments pilot-tested to sophomore-level engineering students at Texas A&M University as part of the National Science Foundation (NSF) Foundation Coalition effort to restructure engineering courses. The courses, taught to a large number of the engineering students, have significant time constraints, so the timely execution of these labs is paramount. Using LabVIEW, students remotely ran tension tests and obtained data in a time-efficient manner.

Controlling the Testing Machine
We developed experiments using an Adelaide Testing Machine (ATM), equipped with computer-controlled loading and data acquisition. The ATM can pull specimens in tension, torsion, and compression, all of which a personal computer controls through two XT-type cards. We used LabVIEW to customize a test according to an experiment and create a VI that specified a deformation history by sending the corresponding commands to the servomotors of the ATM. We could easily modify the VI to specify any deformation history composed of axial and rotational motions.

Designing a Remote Mechanics of Materials Experiment
We used an ATM controlled by LabVIEW and DataSocket to conduct a remote experiment. During the first pilot test, students ran tests in succession using a single-client computer. We designed a VI example to repeat immediately after a test run by specifying a single cycle loading history. We attached the specimen once by an operator and loaded the specimen cyclically as many times as needed. The operator selected the maximum displacement of the crosshead and also the crosshead speed for a tension test. After setting these two parameters, the student executed the experiment from the client computer in the classroom. The student plotted the data points on the screen concurrently with the motion of the servomotors. Student could see a video stream of the current experimental setup to obtain feedback of the physical events in the lab.

Reduce Test Time and Increase Efficiency
As a result, the class completed testing in less than half the time required for traditional experimentation. In the future, we can increase efficiency by using the various client/server features of DataSocket in classrooms. The technical support received from National Instruments for the implementation of DataSocket was extremely helpful during the development of this test. We successfully delivered the first pilot test as a result of the combined efforts from the NSF Foundation Coalition Team at Texas A&M University and National Instruments.

For more information, contact:

 Carlos Yapura

Texas A&M University

1775 George Bush Drive West

College Station, TX 77845

Fax: (409) 845-8191

Tel: (409) 845-1028

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