AUTOMATING THE ENVIRONMENT

There is a significant degree of interaction between all of the elements in an environmental test system, including the test specimen and the test method. Most environmental test systems include an environmental enclosure, an environmental generator, a precision controller, a method of attaching the mechanical system to the specimen, a servohydraulic system, and transducers to measure and control the specimen load and strain levels. The need to simulate various environments is being met today by a range of chambers and devices. Today, many of the devices are computerized. There is also a growing realization that environmental testing can be a practical means of adding significantly to cost effectiveness, chiefly due to the quality such testing brings to the product. The article discusses types of equipment being programmed and automated, and applications in environmental testing in space simulation, high temperature, and corrosion.