1. P09045: Membrane Characteristic Test Stand
Joseph Church Design Engineer (ME)
Joseph Ferrara Lead Engineer (ME)
Jamie Jackson Electronics (EE)
Joelle Kirsch Project Manager (ME)
Joshua Van Hook LabView Engineer (EE)
Sponsor: Dr. Elizabeth DeBartolo
Guide: Dr. Risa Robinson

2. Project Description
Create a test machine that can accurately measure load and strain on a material sample
Key Level Customer Needs
Engineering Specs
Collect load data from two load cells
Up to 10 Newtons
resolution of +/
Collect strain data with use of high speed camera and imaging analysis software
Up to 100% elongation
Resolution of +/- 0.1%
Allow for 1000 pictures/test
Eliminate edge effects with use of centralized area
Cross shape sample, concentrate on central area of 10 mm x 10 mm
JOEY

3. Design Concept
CHURCH

4. Operation
Stepper motor, controlled via USB interface, turns gears that turn lead screws, resulting in stretching of the membrane.
The 45° angle of the slides ensure equal displacement in the horizontal and vertical directions.
LabView signals for a camera to start taking images and collect data.
LabView records the voltage output of two load cells.
LabView records a synchronization signal from the camera to correlate displacement and load data.
The camera records images to be analyzed with ImageJ in order to determine the strain field.
The sample is stretched approximately 1 inch, equally, in the horizontal and vertical directions.
JOSH

5. High Level Risk Assessment
Load Cell Readings
Equal readings in both directions ensure accurate data
Mitigation plan
Redesign clamping system or add a support system
Clamping redesign includes a lighter material, like UHMWPE
Fine-tuning the alignment of all linkages
Top Plate Binding
Movement of the top plate results in no test data
Add in ball slides at front corners of the plate for stability
JOEY

6. System Architecture Motor Sample Load Cell Motor Controller Camera DAQ
LabVIEW GUI
Power
Data from DAQ colleted
DAQ sends signal to take pictures
Moves motor
GUI controls motor through controller
Load call measures stress on sample
Camera takes pictures of sample
Lead Screws
Provides the Vertical motion to stretch sample
JAMIE

7. LabView Diagram
JOSH

8. Mounting Procedure Sample Creation Clamps Cross-shaped mold created
Place mold on hot plate to melt material
Sponge placed under mold for even cooling
Clamps
Slippage prevented
Backstop
Screw action mechanical vice grips
Torque wrench
Centering of clamp 2)
JOELLE 1)

9. Demo

10. Current State of Design
Design meets all customer needs
Design meets engineering specifications for full system and subsystems
Met project budget of $1500
Leftover- $12
Final Step:
Convert prototype to final test stand after receiving parts from Brinkman
JOELLE

11. MSD II: P09045: Membrane Characterization Test Stand
Questions…
Ferrara
MSD II: P09045: Membrane Characterization Test Stand