Creep Testing Machine

This simple machine uses specimens of lead and different plastics which creep significantly at room temperature and under low loads. Its main part is a simple lever (load beam) with a mechanical advantage of 8:1. The load beam gives a steady and uniform tensile load. A digital indicator measures the extension (creep) of the specimen under load. For effect-of-temperature tests, the student freezes or heats a cool-pack and places it next to the specimen. To ensure correct loading of the specimen, the load beam has a ball-bearing pivot. To apply a load, students add weights to a weight hanger and measure time and the creep. They then fit the transparent enclosure to preserve the temperature around the specimen during the test.