CRYOMECHA - Mechanical test laboratory

Context

Mechanical tests at room temperature or cryogenic temperature: 77 K (liquid nitrogen) and 4.2 K (liquid helium).

Determination of the mechanical characteristics (elasticity modulus, elastic limit, breaking load and stretch, fragility) of metal and composite materials, study of assembly behavior (bending, traction, compression and slippage).

Technical means

The Mechanical test laboratory is equipped with three test machines:

one hydraulic press with a capacity of 1600 kN in compression,
one electromechanical press with a capacity of 300 kN in traction and compression,
one electromechanical press with a capacity of 150 kN in traction and compression, which can be used with 2 different cryostats for cryogenic tests (77 K or 4.2 K). One cryostat has a capacity of 50 kN in traction or flexion and the other one a capacity of 80 kN in traction and 150 kN in compression.

Liquid helium is supplied in dewars.

Achievements, related projects

Different types of studies are performed in the mechanical test laboratory: studies aiming at selecting technical solutions, tests of prototype components and R&D studies on the mechanical behavior of materials.

Examples of materials which are studied: austenitic stainless steels, aluminium alloys, titanium alloys and composite materials.

Examples of tests:

optimization tests (tightening and surface preparation) of the friction on fastening components of the Tokamak JT-60SA « Outer Intercoil Structure »,
validation tests of mechanical concepts for the manufacturing of the support ferrule (diameter d ≈ 30 cm) of the LNCMI project magnet,
qualification tests of welding processes.

Technical steps, expertise

Positioning of the sample on the machine or under the mounting plate of the test cryostat,
Setting up of the instrumentation: extensometers or motion sensors,
Locking of the cryostat and transfer to the machine in the case of a cryogenic test,
Startup of the machine,
Programming of the test sequence,
Fluid transfer to the cryostat to cool down the sample in the case of a cryogenic test,
Beginning of the test, data recording,
Warming up in the case of a cryogenic test.

This plateform is proposed to Transnational access in the framework of the EURO-LABS – EUROpean Laboratories for Accelerator Based Science project. To know how to apply, visit the EURO-LABS website.

It is also available for external users thanks to the AMICI collaboration.

Contact:

#4006 - Last update : 02/16 2023

Division of accelerators, cryogenics and magnetism

Institute of research into the fundamental laws of the Universe