Facilities of the Mechanical Properties Characterization Lab (MPCL)

The Mechanical Properties Characterization Lab at the University of Central Florida is a facility geared towards the development and implementation of cutting edge life prediction methodologies for materials and components subjected to extreme mechanical, thermal, environmental conditions and combinations thereof. To support this endeavor, researchers use a balance of mechanical experimentation, numerical simulation, and constitutive theory to project the performance of structures subjected to non-idealized service conditions. Aside from its researchers, the cornerstone of this facility is its mechanical testing equipment. By means of servo-hydraulic and electromotive test frames, specimen-sized samples are subjected to fatigue, creep-fatigue, and thermomechanical fatigue conditions representative of high temperature components. The researchers in the facility commonly design fixtures, grips, and other devices to subject specimens to aggressive reactants during mechanical loading. Whenever possible mechanical characterization activities follow recommendations set forth by either ASTM or ISO standards. Devices are calibrated annually.