By hook or by crook for extreme conditions
A unique universal testing machine has been put into operation at the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering. Prof. Manja Krüger from the Chair of High Temperature Materials and her colleague Dr. Georg Hasemann can now test and optimize the material properties of new and innovative materials for energy, aerospace and aeronautical engineering in Building 50 on Große Steinernetischstraße. In future, these materials will be used at temperatures between 1,100 and 1,300 degrees Celsius.
The Zwick/Roell Kappa 100 SS-CF testing machine, which has been adapted to the special requirements, allows the research group to analyze the mechanical properties of new types of high-temperature materials, such as their tensile, compressive, flexural and creep strength. It also helps to clarify the deformation mechanisms at high temperatures of up to 1500 degrees Celsius. New materials can also be put through their paces under vacuum conditions. Even the smallest deformations can be determined using a non-contact laser extensometer. The universal testing machine, which costs 650,000 euros, was acquired as part of the “Large-scale research equipment” funding program and financed by the German Research Foundation.
Text: KATHARINA VORWERK