University of Bayreuth: Efficient research thanks to modernized materials testing machines and software
Case Study
- Customer: University of Bayreuth, polymer materials
- Location: Bayreuth, Germany
- Industry: Research Institute & Academia
- Topic: Modernization of the entire hardware and software of static and dynamic testing
Sustainable and digital solution for the future: Interdisciplinary research in the field of polymer materials
The Chair of polymer materials at the University of Bayreuth is an internationally recognized research partner in the field of plastics. Its work includes a wide range of industries: from aviation to medicine to consumer goods. It covers the entire value chain, from raw materials and materials to Tier 1 suppliers, i.e. direct suppliers for Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs).
A qualified team of natural scientists, engineers and computer scientists enables interdisciplinary work under one roof and thus promotes developing innovative solutions and overcoming complex challenges.
The research at the Chair is based on three pillars: application orientation, sustainability, and digitalization. Right from the start, consideration is given to the subsequent application and its requirements. Scientific expertise in materials and technologies supports the development of advanced applications. The scientists consider the entire life cycle of polymeric materials to assess sustainability holistically. Digital technologies are used for faster and better research results. In addition, the scientists attach great importance to closing the gap of material, processes and product properties of polymer materials. In addition to classic test methods, in which the load is applied quasi-statically to the specimens, the same tests can be performed on servohydraulic testing machines using internally standardized test arrangements to provide information on the endurance limit of materials. The available materials testing machines come with various load cells, displacement measuring systems and temperature chambers to cover the widest possible range of tasks. The tests are performed on both standardized specimens and components.
Modernization and investment in an electrodynamic linear torsion testing machine
Background:
The Chair of polymer materials at the University of Bayreuth modernizes its digital materials testing. The objective: to store research data securely and long-term.
Digitalization and networking:
The materials testing machines are connected to the SLIMS software, a laboratory information management system (LIMS) and electronic laboratory journal (ELN). This improves the structured recording and storage of all test parameters and real-time data via the IIoT platform Mindsphere.
Standardized software and hardware:
The standardized software and hardware of all materials testing machines facilitates networking and data processing from development to market-ready.
Investment in a ZwickRoell electrodynamic linear torsion testing machine (LTM):
The new electrodynamic linear torsion testing machine (LTM) allows the investigation of the fatigue behavior of materials under real conditions. Multi-axial loading conditions occur in various industries, such as medical engineering, energy technology, aerospace and sports.
Application examples:
- Medical engineering: Standard compliant testing of hip joints, knee or dental implants
- Energy technology: Durability tests on wind turbine blades
- Aerospace: Testing on tail units
- Sports: Investigation of loading conditions of running shoes
The modernization and investment in the electrodynamic linear torsion testing machine (LTM) improves both the efficiency and the accuracy of materials testing at the Chair for polymer materials. The Chair for polymer materials at the University of Bayreuth has a total of 15 ZwickRoell materials testing machines, including five static materials testing machines, a ZwickRoell pendulum impact tester, a Kappa 6x10SS creep test bench and seven dynamic materials testing machines.
ZwickRoell materials testing machine at the Chair for polymer materials at the University of Bayreuth
