Tensile/Compression Testing Machine Compatible with SAXS

This experimental machine enables a variety of mechanical tests, including tensile, compression, and fatigue tests under cyclic loading/unloading. Its modular design features a movable crosshead equipped with an interchangeable force sensor and grips adapted to different types of samples.

Motion is driven by a trapezoidal screw directly coupled to a stepper motor, providing precise displacement control. The speed is adjustable from 100 µm/s to 10 mm/s, with a travel range from a few hundredths of a millimeter up to 50 mm. The force sensor measurement range extends from a few millinewtons up to 100 newtons.

Samples can be placed in a controlled-humidity chamber for tests under specific environmental conditions.

The machine is operated via software developed in LabVIEW, allowing real-time data acquisition and analysis. It can also be directly controlled using systems available at the ESRF, where it has demonstrated its effectiveness by delivering high-quality results that have contributed to several scientific publications.

Samples can be placed in a controlled-humidity chamber for tests under specific environmental conditions. The machine is operated via software developed in LabVIEW, allowing real-time data acquisition and analysis.

This experimental setup, which has been mounted on the ID02 beamline at ESRF, can also be directly controlled using the systems available at the synchrotron. It was used during an ESRF proposal executed in September 2024, producing results that contributed to understanding the evolution of structural mechanisms in various nanocomposites under uniaxial tension or compression, in relation to their mechanical behavior.

Three types of nanocomposites were studied, resulting in one submitted publication and two manuscripts currently in preparation:
    1.    Orthotropic cellulose-based nanocomposites mimicking the structure of articular cartilage.
    2.    Bio-based nanocomposite films produced by electrospinning.
    3.    Stretchable photosensitive films based on photonic crystals.