2.1 Test Interface

The test interface allows the user to control the motor to conduct wear testing.

Desktop -> NUS_Tribometer 3 -> Tribometer_Start-Up.vi -> Tribometer Front Panel -> Run

The main manu has the following three options:

"PRODUCTION TEST" - directs the user to the test parameters and subsequently test interface window

"TEST ADMIN" - directs the user to the system setup settings window

"TOOLS" - directs the user to the inclinometer reading window

Clicking tools at the main manu opens up the inclinometer offset calibration window.

The raw and offset inclinometer-measured angle can be seen below the graph

Clicking "GET Inclinometer Offset" would prompt the collection of 50 readings from the inclinometer which average would correspond to zero-ed angle.

Ensure that the sample is resting on the disk counterface while zeroing the inclinometer.

Do save, instead of discard, the calibrated offset after the prompt to do so appears.

Clicking "TEST ADMIN" at the main manu directs the user to the system setup settings.

The COM ports for the actuator (CoolMuscle) and motor (MAC800) of the tribometer is selected using this window.

Clicking "PRODUCTION TEST" at the main manu directs the user to the test parameters window.

The following parameters for the wear test can be configured using this window:

Specimen Size (mm) - Diameter of ball sample or width of pin sample (more info on value of specimen size can be found in sample preparation guides)

Velocity (m/s) - velocity required for wear test

Slotted mass(kg) - hanging mass in kg (Load on sample in Newtons would be computed based on this parameter and reflected on the same window)

Distance (m) - distance required for wear test

X (mm) - value of x-translation stage (RPM required by the motor would be computed based on X and velocity)

Specimen Type - to select either "Ball" or "Pin" sample (calculation for RPM required differs based on samples)

Clicking "Test Panel" on the test parameters window will direct the user to the test panel window.

A prompt would appear every time the test panel is opened to alert the user that the actuator would reposition itself back to its home (or topmost) position.

The test panel allows the user to start or end the wear test using the button on the right side of the window.

The required and actual RPM of the motor can be monitored on the left side of the window.

The in-range indicator would light up whenever the actual RPM is within a certain percentage of the required RPM

The percentage can be configured using the Tribometer_set-points.ini file. More info can be found in the Tribometer data guide.

The percentage can be seen on the top of the window under "Actual Motor RPM Set-Point... +/- XX %, where XX refers to the percentage difference between the actual and required RPM.

The position of the actuator can be controlled using the buttons on the bottom right hand corner of the window.

End position refers to the bottom-most position the actuator is programmed to go to while home position refers to its top-most position.

The position can only be controlled when the motor is not running.

The slider bar on the left of the window reflects the movement of the actuator during wear test while the motor is running.

The actuator is programmed to only start moving downwards when the 'In-range' indicator is lit for more than 5 seconds.

The data collected by the test panel would be written onto a excel file saved into the testlog.

The various output data (force from load cell, angle from inclinometer, and temperature from IR thermometer) could be monitored through the three graph areas in the centre of the window.

The indicator light beside the word 'Load Cell' will be lit whenever a non-zero force is detected on the load cell.

Data collection will only begin 3 seconds after the indicator light remains lit.

The data from the various sensors can be monitored while wear test is ongoing.

Clicking the graph icon above the 'Start/End' button will open up the 'Graphs Viewer'

The graphs can be refreshed and the tools under the refresh button can be used to monitor the data output accurately.