Low-Cycle Fatigue Testing

In low-cycle fatigue (LCF) testing, specimens are cycled to strain levels beyond the elastic limit. These tests are frequently conducted in strain-control using an extensometer attached to the specimen. They are designed to replicate high-strain conditions that can develop in the region of a local discontinuity in a component where fatigue damage is concentrated.LCF tests provide data to generate strain vs. life curves and are often performed at elevated temperatures (>600° C) to replicate the thermal environments of engine components designed with a finite life methodology.

Maintaining stable and precise test system control is critical to successfully conducting cyclic, strain-controlled tests of materials in the elastic-plastic region. MTS solutions for LCF testing help you meet these requirements. We also bring more than 40 years of expertise in fatigue testing and high-temperature materials testing. Important features and capabilities include:

• High-performance digital controllers and servohydraulic components for precise
   control
• High-lateral-stiffness load frames and actuators that minimize specimen buckling
   under high compressive strains
• Built-in thermal strain compensation that facilitates accurate and easy operation at
   elevated temperatures
• Superior system alignment for minimal bending strain, which helps improve accuracy 
   and reduce data scatter
• Advanced, user-friendly software for test design, execution and data acquisition
• Extensive selection of grips, extensometers and heating methods