Thermomechanical Testing

A variety of thermomechanical properties including modulus of elasticity in flexural and compressive configurations, modulus of rupture, compressive strength, flexural creep and fracture mechanics parameters such as work of fracture and fracture toughness are characterized using Instron® mechanical testing machines to a broad range of international standards.

Testing can be performed to client-defined parameters including variable crosshead speeds, modulus of rupture configurations, loading rates, temperatures up to 1550°C with variable ramp rates and various load cycling regimes.  Small displacement dynamic modulus of elasticity, shear modulus, bulk modulus and Poisson’s ration can also be determined using non-destructive testing using resonant frequency analysis utilising a non-contact electrostatic driving technique.

• Modulus of elasticity in compression at ambient and at temperature (up to 1550°C)
• Three and four point modulus of rupture at ambient and elevated temperature (up to 1550°C) variety of methods including EN993-7 for refractories and insulation materials with variable configurations and spans
• Three and four point modulus of rupture at ambient for advanced ceramics to ISO 14704 and ASTM C1161 with optional Weibull modulus analysis
• Fracture toughness of advanced ceramics at ambient by SENB method
• Work of fracture at ambient and elevated temperature (up to 1550°C)
• Biaxial flexural strength of advanced ceramics to ISO 6474 and ISO 13356 with optional Weibull modulus analysis
• Dynamic modulus of elasticity, shear modulus, bulk modulus and Poisson's ratio at ambient temperatures using non-destructive resonant frequency analysis
• Customized thermomechanical testing of a wide variety of materials using Instron® universal mechanical testing machines to client-defined specifications.

Typical Applications

Thermomechanical testing of refractories and insulators finds multiple applications in furnace and kiln design and manufacture. Determining compressive and flexural stress characteristics with temperature of load-bearing materials is critical for high temperature design.  Fracture characteristics are important to understand performance properties.

Mechanical properties testing of advanced ceramics finds applications in medical devices, aerospace, defence and healthcare sectors.  A variety of testing packages are available including modulus of rupture, biaxial flexural strength, fracture toughness and resonant frequency analysis with post-testing statistical analysis in the form of Weibull modulus also being available.

Customized testing can also be designed and conducted on site for a multitude of client specific applications.

Typical Industries using Thermomechanical Testing

• Medical Devices and Surgical Implants
• Materials
• Healthcare
• Ceramics
• Furnace and Kiln Design and Manufacture
• Glass Manufacture
• Steel Manufacture
• Insulators
• Aerospace and Defence.