1916 Riehle Tension/Compression

Test Machine Installation and Modernization

Support frame design, direct drive motor and automatic load balancing system

Capstone Project Proposal

Basic Triple Beam Balance Design

Ancient Greek Balance, circa 2000BC

1916 Balance Test System partially disassembled at the City of Portland test laboratory

System was installed below main floor leveland anchored to concrete footing

Side support arms for beam testing and motorhave been removed

Manual transmission gears

Load frame assembly

Triple beam balance assembly

Manual transmission Gear assembly to move crosshead up/dn

• Test system, minus beam attachment side arms at PSUMaterials lab at OMSI

Test system with beam test side arms positioned, (upside down) for reference

Existing motor assembly

Riehle Test System Details

•150,000 Ib load capacity with triple beam balance beam to determine load (accurate to 10lbs)•Tensile, Compression, Bending•Mechanically driven 4 speed transmission•Triple-beam balance load scale•8,500 Ib estimated total weight, excluding test material•Crosshead displacement applied by gear driven twin lead screw/gear assembly connected to transmission

Capstone Project Goals

•FEA base frame design•Variable speed motor sizing and installation•Calibration•Optional: Automatic load balancing using LVDT and motor control position of triple beam balance weight position

Major Project Requirements

• Must be able to move system and support frame with forklift • Rigid, stable sub-frame assembly with ergonomic operator design• Must maintain ability to use 1916 manual operation of load scale• Replacement of belt driven clutch assembly with direct drive variable

speed motor with provision for variable displacement and load control• Safely encased and visible transmission drive and gear driven lead screw

assemblies to for education purposes • Safety shields preventing chards or broken test pieces from being ejected.• Data output of load and displacement