Consulting Services

When spin testing a rotating component, the tooling used to hold it is exposed to the same speed-induced stress as the device under test (DUT). Simply by holding the DUT, tooling can affect the internal stresses of the part. As such, a common challenge of designing spin test tooling is to safely control the DUT without affecting the final test results.

At Test Devices by Schenck, we create spin test tooling that closely mimics the way in which the DUT is held and the stresses it is exposed to under realistic operating conditions. Doing so guarantees that the test results are in line with real-world conditions.

Our experts are available to consult you on designing and planning of spin tests, project management, executing the test, and deduction and analysis of the data.

We have developed methods to measure plastic and elastic radial growth of rotational components in real-time during a spin test. Doing so helps to get a better understanding of the component when exposed to realistic temperatures and centrifugal loading. We can measure this radial growth as the speed is increased right up to the point of failure (bursting), and we can also take measurements at temperature. In-situ growth measurement is particularly useful in understanding the point, or speed, at which plasticity occurs.

The expansion measurement is an enhanced version of the growth measurement system that maps the profile of the rotor (outer or inner diameters) at speed. Visualizing the shape of the rotor under CF load helps our customers to “see” the detail of part deformation and pertinent localized behavior in detail.

Rotor optical strain measurement is a type of strain measurement technique that uses digital image processing. This non-contact measurement method eliminates the need for modifying parts for sensor attachment and lead-wire routing, which is required for traditional strain gauge instrumentation.

Test Devices by Schenck developed the Rotor Optical Strain System (ROSS), which involves designating a target area on the test rotor’s surface. The target area is then marked with an engineering pattern. We can calculate strain data from the captured images via a digital image correlation (DIC) process.

Strain surveys play a key role in helping engineers understand how to improve their designs to enhance performance and lifespan while lowering material costs. When strain issues go undetected, they can lead to costly consequences when it comes to system performance, business reputation, and personal safety.

At Test Devices by Schenck, we offer comprehensive strain surveys of rotating parts. Using the information gathered from these tests, engineers can examine complex components, understand assembly stresses, and discover material behavior when exposed to operational loads under realistic conditions.

The purpose of conventional spin pit burst testing is to discover the speed at which the rotating component fails because of centrifugal stress. Understanding this failure speed helps customers determine the safety margin during normal operation.

Compared to traditional burst tests that only provide the failure speed, our High-Speed Burst Testing Video capabilities allow us to provide visual documentation to aid in determining the cause of the burst. This allows designers to evaluate significant information, such as where the fracture begins, how it spreads, and the size of the resulting burst fragments.

Low Cycle Fatigue (LCF) testing is a critical tool for life assessment. During this testing process, rotating parts, including those for electric motors, are repeatedly cycled from low speed (low stress) to operational speed (high stress) for a specific number of cycles at ambient and high temperature gradients.

LCF testing allows for real-time monitoring of components. This not only provides critical information such as when the crack initiates but also reduces testing downtime needed for component inspection. When left undetected, cracks in rotating parts can lead to component failure, resulting in potential personal injury and asset damage. Our patented Real Time Rotor Health Monitoring System is capable of detecting crack initiation as well as monitoring tooling and component flaws during LCF testing with 80-90% accuracy.