Design of software package for incorporation of random load testing and data processing on materials testing system machine

Abstract

This thesis describes the software design and implementation of a microprocessor- based, random load drive and data acquisition system on a Material Testing System (MTS) machine. A microprocessor, combination analog input/output module, magnetic cassette tape recorder, and strain gage network form a strain data acquisition system for recording sequential strain peaks and troughs on specimens subjected to flight load histories. The data will be used to estimate the fraction of the fatigue life expended in a test specimen. A high speed digital computer is linked by telephone line to a microcomputer development system to create the randomization of fatigue loads specified in Mil Spec 8866 Spectrum A for use by the MTS machine.