System Description; Hardware; Software; Terminology - Biomomentum Mach-1 User Manual

M A C H - 1

1 System Description

1.1

Hardware

The Mach-1™ Micromechanical System is composed of the tester frame, 1 to 3 motorized stages,
manual stages, one motion controller, one or more load cells, one load cell amplifier, one
computer, and various accessories, such as testing chambers, grips, and fixtures, depending of the
purchased configuration.
The stages are commanded to compress, stretch or bend the test sample while the load cell
measures the force generated by the sample due to this deformation. The load cell amplifier
powers the load cell and converts the measured force signal to a digital value, which is then
relayed to the computer. The stage is commanded by the motion controller, which is in turn
controlled by the software.
1.2

Software

Mach-1 Motion allows for the controlled displacement of the stage(s). Motion can either be
manual or set to an automatic function defined by the user. Examples of controlled motions are
routines such as "Stress Relaxation", "Sinusoid" or "Ramp-Release". Stress relaxation tests consist
in applying a deformation or strain to a sample and monitoring the resulting load over a specified
time. Sinusoid tests consist of an imposed sinusoidal displacement onto the sample and reading
the resulting dynamic load. Ramp-release tests are similar to stress relaxation tests but allow for
the return of the stage to its initial position. This function can also be used to apply triangular
displacement profiles.
1.3

Terminology

Within the Mach-1 Motion environment, a "test" is composed of one or many "repetitions" of a
given number of "sequences". In turn, one "sequence" is composed of one or many "functions".
Each function is defined by its "parameters". Before running a test, define all parameters of the
functions composing the sequence.
2 Computer System – Minimum Requirements
▪ Windows Vista, 7 or 8 (32 & 64 bits)
▪ 3 GB of RAM
▪ 100 MB hard disk space for system applications.
▪ One (1) PCIe port
▪ One (1) RS-232 port
▪ Screen resolution of 1366 x 768
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U S E R M A N U A L V 8 . 8