Actuator - Hardware Selection

[Cory_K]

I could use some advice picking out some hardware.

My basic setup is shown below (using my awesome MS paint skills   )

I am looking for some type of hydraulic piston to apply this axial load shown in the figure.

The reason I am asking here is because I would also like to be able to progam the loading rate (step loading, ramp loading, etc).

I figure if there is any piston that takes a digital or analog voltage input to control the load, it should be relatively trivial to do this.

Does anyone have any experience with a similar application? Could you point me towards some manufacturers?

[johnsold]

Cory K,

I do not want to be there when you start testing, but send pictures (if the camera survives!).

Instron is the name which immediatedly came to mind. They make a variety of material testers, some quite robust.  I have no idea whether they have anything suitable for your needs.

If you want to do it yourself, look for a high performance hydraulic servo valve and regulate the pressure.  You will probably need to do some evaluations to determine whether the components can handle the dynamic forces you will generate.

Lynn

[Cory_K]

Thanks, I'll take a look at Instron.

It's not shown in the picture, but the concrete cycliner will be in a tank of soil.

It is supposed to be a scale-size concrete pile.

2 tons is no where near enough load to fail the soil, let alone the concrete.

But if anything exciting happens, I'll upload it to Youtube and post the link