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 level
and anchored to concrete footing
Side support arms for beam testing and motor
have been removed
Load frame assembly
Triple beam balance assembly
Manual transmission gears
Manual transmission
Gear assembly to move
crosshead up/dn
• Test system, minus
beam attachment side
arms at PSU
Materials 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