Machines and apparatus for testing and measuring

Tender description

The United Kingdom Atomic Energy Authority is constructing a new facility (the Materials Technology Laboratory) to test advanced materials for use in fusion power or other extreme environments. As part of this facility we require a test rig that can apply both tension and torsion forces to materials under test. Our indicative parameters are shown below, these will be reviewed as part of the process and may be subject to change after discussion with suppliers: — max load (tension): 15-25 kN, — max load (torsion): >45 Nm equal or less than 100 Nm, — max load (tension-torsion fatigue): 10-15 kN. Delivery, installation and maintenance will also be required for this rig. The successful supplier shall provide a tension-torsion materials test rig that provides the following parameters, these will be reviewed as part of the process and may be subject to change after discussion with suppliers: — max load (tension): 15-25 kN — Higher than this is acceptable, but the rig should maintain adequate sensitivity and control of the load in the lower region <10 kN (Possibly with interchangeable load cells), — max load (torsion): >45 Nm equal or less than 100 Nm, — max load (tension-torsion fatigue): 10-15 kN. This value is for tension only, fully reversed. The current plan for the tension-torsion fatigue testing is to run it in displacement controlled, not strain controlled. Frequency (fatigue testing): < 1 Hz Mostly 0,1 — 1 Hz mostly, but wider wanted. No skip through 0 position or coupling problems highly preferred. Not dependent on position of actuators on the rig. Rotational range: +/-10º: greater range preferable but only slightly so. Most testing should be significantly below this threshold. Rig height: < 3,3 m.