Phoenix develops bespoke High Temperature Multi-Axial Test Machine - University of Manchester

The purpose of the machine is to simulate materials under different loading effects during a fire or disaster. This bespoke machine will assist with research and development projects into large scale buildings (such as Grenfell Tower), and the effects of high temperatures on civil engineering materials such as steel and concrete. 

Our team had to design and build a complex, six-axis test machine capable of operating each axis independently around a fixed datum or moveable datum. 

The compression capability was required to be up to 1000kN simultaneously, on samples of approximately 100mm x 100mm x 100mm, on all six sides. It also needed tensile capability up to 250kN simultaneously on up to four actuators. 

The machine had to include strain and image measurements, using imaging systems, on faces that are not covered by loading platens. 

It also had to have the ability to heat concrete cube samples up to 800°C and hold throughout a test where all six sides of the cube are being compressed. 

Finally, the test machine was also required to include adjustment for angularity and concentricity in all loading axis. 

How We Supported 

This has been a highly complex design and build, and the requirements have been achieved as our team developed an in-house design of mechanical and hydraulic components, as well as a new multi-axis Alpha Digital Control System. 

Due to the complex nature of heating multi-axis systems, we worked in close collaboration with our induction heating supplier to ensure the system could operate the required heating. 

We used digital imaging correlation (DIC) for the strain measurement requirements, and a thermal imaging camera to see the effect of force on temperature through the sample. 

Accessibility Challenges

We faced an additional challenge, as the entire system had to be designed to fit into an existing pit within the University’s premises. 

The installation was in a lower ground laboratory, approximately 30 feet under street level, with limited head room for any lifting equipment. 

Due to the accessibility of the laboratory, our engineers needed to move the 15 tonne Multi-Axis System in multiple pieces down 30 feet and through a narrow 3-metre-wide corridor. 

With the new multi-axis system, it will now be possible for our customer to generate data within credible and extreme loading conditions, therefore improving the design and build quality of critical infrastructure. 

Sam Shevyn, Operations Manager at Phoenix Materials Testing says, “This has been a highly complex test machine to design and build, and we are very proud to be contributing to such an important area of R&D, working with our customer in the only facility of it’s kind”. 

Testing Materials for Civil Infrastructure is Increasingly Essential 

Extreme loading such as fires, explosions or impacts are common threats to civil infrastructure, from major public buildings, hospitals, tunnels, transportation or power generation. 

The exposure of extreme loading conditions to these types of buildings can lead to disastrous structural failures, which will then have a further devastating impact on human, environmental and economic losses and even lead to social or political disruption. 

The need to evaluate the risks on these buildings and structures is critical for the safety and viability of materials used, and reliable, accurate data of material performance and behaviour is necessary to improve the quality of the design and construction of future infrastructures under extreme loading conditions. 

Professor Yong Wang of University of Manchester says “We have enjoyed working in partnership with Phoenix and their team of engineers and designers to develop a unique, high temperature multi-axial loading testing machine. The machine had very specific requirements that will help us with our ongoing research and development projects, and Phoenix have met our requirements.”