The past chapter proposed the continuous floating constraint and buckling column concept. In this chapter, a test setup is proposed to investigate its loading nature and validate the concept. A series of tests are performed, and the results are presented and discussed. The results of the tests conducted in this chapter will serve as measures in assessing the strengths and flaws of the initial concept, and point towards potential solutions.
This group of tests varied two geometric parameters: system length, and constraint gap. The tests were performed on a universal testing machine. From this, load-displacement, continuity of the curve, curve stability, and hysteresis may be investigated. The ultimate goal here being to validate this concept and to use this information to predict and narrow the scope of system configurations.
3.2 Test Setup
The system consisted of three overall parts (Figure 3.1). The grips which were the connection points between the column and the Instron. The top grip was connected to the load cell, and where displacement was imposed. The bottom grip attached to a plate that attached rigidly to the Instron base via 6 3/8in-24 bolts. The end conditions are clamped-clamped as this is what they will be closest to in the final system. The grips were machined from steel. The column was clamped into the grips, and the …show more content…
There is a procedure to reduce friction by putting on the constraint bolts consistently without over tightening. When there is no spacer present to prevent the constraint from clamping onto the sample, there is friction from this contact. Hysteresis is present in all 0w tests, but less as the system gets shorter, due to the shorter length in contact. This response is not unlike that of the buckling restrained braces. As they are used as a damping solution, and take energy out of the system, this configuration is not ideal for this
This group of tests varied two geometric parameters: system length, and constraint gap. The tests were performed on a universal testing machine. From this, load-displacement, continuity of the curve, curve stability, and hysteresis may be investigated. The ultimate goal here being to validate this concept and to use this information to predict and narrow the scope of system configurations.
3.2 Test Setup
The system consisted of three overall parts (Figure 3.1). The grips which were the connection points between the column and the Instron. The top grip was connected to the load cell, and where displacement was imposed. The bottom grip attached to a plate that attached rigidly to the Instron base via 6 3/8in-24 bolts. The end conditions are clamped-clamped as this is what they will be closest to in the final system. The grips were machined from steel. The column was clamped into the grips, and the …show more content…
There is a procedure to reduce friction by putting on the constraint bolts consistently without over tightening. When there is no spacer present to prevent the constraint from clamping onto the sample, there is friction from this contact. Hysteresis is present in all 0w tests, but less as the system gets shorter, due to the shorter length in contact. This response is not unlike that of the buckling restrained braces. As they are used as a damping solution, and take energy out of the system, this configuration is not ideal for this