instron merlin

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Preliminary Pages

iii

General Safety Precautions

Materials testing systems are potentially hazardous.

Materials testing involves inherent hazards from high forces, rapid motions and stored

energy. You must be aware of all moving and operating components which arepotentially hazardous, particularly the actuator in a servohydraulic testing system or the

moving crosshead in an electromechanical testing system.

Whenever you consider that safety is compromised, press the Emergency Stop button to

stop the test and isolate the testing system from hydraulic or electrical power.

Carefully read all relevant manuals and observe all Warnings and Cautions. The term

Warning is used where a hazard may lead to injury or death. The term Caution is used

where a hazard may lead to damage to equipment or to loss of data.

Ensure that the test set-up and the actual test you will be using on materials, assembliesor structures constitutes no hazard to yourself or others. Make full use of all mechanical

and electronic limits features. These are supplied for your safety to enable you to

prevent movement of the actuator piston or the moving crosshead beyond desiredregions of operation.

The following pages detail various general warnings that you must heed at all times

while using materials testing equipment. You will find more specific Warnings andCautions in the text whenever a potential hazard exists.

Your best safety precautions are to gain a thorough understanding of the equipment byreading your instruction manuals and to always use good judgment.


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Preliminary Pages M12-13657-EN

iv

Warning

Disconnect the electrical power supply before removing the covers

to electrical equipment.Disconnect equipment from the electrical power supply before removing any electrical

safety covers or replacing fuses. Do not reconnect the power source while the coversare removed. Refit covers as soon as possible.

Disconnect power supplies before removing the covers to rotatingmachinery.

Disconnect equipment from all power supplies before removing any cover which gives

access to rotating machinery. Do not reconnect any power supply while the covers areremoved unless you are specifically instructed to do so in the manual. If the equipment

needs to be operated to perform maintenance tasks with the covers removed, ensure that

all loose clothing, long hair, etc. is tied back. Refit covers as soon as possible.

Shut down the hydraulic power supply and discharge hydraulicpressure before disconnection of any hydraulic fluid coupling.

Do not disconnect any hydraulic coupling without first shutting down the hydraulic

power supply and discharging stored pressure to zero. Tie down or otherwise secure all

pressurized hoses to prevent movement during system operation and to prevent the hose

from whipping about in the event of a rupture.

Shut off the supply of compressed gas and discharge residual gaspressure before you disconnect any compressed gas coupling.

Do not release gas connections without first disconnecting the gas supply and

discharging any residual pressure to zero.

Use protective shields or screens if any possibility exists of a hazardfrom the failure of a specimen, assembly or structure under test.

Use protective shields whenever a risk of injury to operators and observers exists from

the failure of a test specimen, assembly or structure, particularly where explosivedisintegration may occur. Due to the wide range of specimen materials, assemblies or

structures that may be tested, any hazard resulting from the failure of a test specimen,assembly or structure is entirely the responsibility of the owner and the user of the

equipment.

Protect electrical cables from damage and inadvertentdisconnection.

The loss of controlling and feedback signals that can result from a disconnected ordamaged cable causes an open loop condition which may drive the actuator or

crosshead rapidly to its extremes of motion. Protect all electrical cables, particularlytransducer cables, from damage. Never route cables across the floor without protection,nor suspend cables overhead under excessive strain. Use padding to avoid chafing

where cables are routed around corners or through wall openings.


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Preliminary Pages

v

Warning

Wear protective clothing when handling equipment at extremes of

temperature.

Materials testing is often carried out at non-ambient temperatures using ovens, furnacesor cryogenic chambers. Extreme temperature means an operating temperatureexceeding 60 C (140 F) or below 0 C (32 F). You must use protective clothing,

such as gloves, when handling equipment at these temperatures. Display a warningnotice concerning low or high temperature operation whenever temperature control

equipment is in use. You should note that the hazard from extreme temperature canextend beyond the immediate area of the test.

Take care when installing or removing a specimen, assembly orstructure.

Installation or removal of a specimen, assembly or structure involves working inside

the hazard area between the grips or fixtures. Keep clear of the jaws of a grip or fixtureat all times. Keep clear of the hazard area between the grips or fixtures during actuatoror crosshead movement. Ensure that all actuator or crosshead movements necessary for

installation or removal are slow and, where possible, at a low force setting.

Do not place a testing system off-line from computer control withoutfirst ensuring that no actuator or crosshead movement will occurupon transfer to manual control.

The actuator or crosshead will immediately respond to manual control settings when the

system is placed off-line from computer control. Before transferring to manual control,

make sure that the control settings are such that unexpected actuator or crosshead

movement cannot occur.

Keep clear of the operating envelope of a robotic device unless thedevice is de-activated.

The robot in an automated testing system presents a hazard because its movements are

hard to predict. The robot can go instantly from a waiting state to high speed operation

in several axes of motion. During system operation, keep away from the operatingenvelope of the robot. De-activate the robot before entering the envelope for any

purpose, such as reloading the specimen magazine.


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vi

Contents

Chapter Page

1 Introduction ...............................................................................................................1-1

Other Documents .........................................................................................................1-2

What You Must Read ...................................................................................................1-3

What is Merlin?.............................................................................................................1-4

Load Frame............................................................................................................1-4

Electromechanical............................................................................................ 1-4Servohydraulic ................................................................................................. 1-5How It Works ................................................................................................... 1-5

Merlin Software.......................................................................................................1-5

Test Types....................................................................................................... 1-5The Merlin Screen ..................................................................................................1-6

Console............................................................................................................ 1-6Workspace....................................................................................................... 1-9Status Line....................................................................................................... 1-9LabTools.......................................................................................................... 1-9Motion Control Buttons................................................................................... 1-10

Options .................................................................................................................1-10

2 Using Merlin...............................................................................................................2-1

Setting System Travel Limits ........................................................................................2-2

Quick Open Screen ......................................................................................................2-3Using the Electromechanical Console ..........................................................................2-4

Icon States..............................................................................................................2-4

Transducer Icon............................................................................................... 2-4Load Frame Icon.............................................................................................. 2-5

Setting the Load Frame ..........................................................................................2-5

Setting Transducers................................................................................................2-5

Setting Transducer Limits .......................................................................................2-6

Using the Servohydraulic Console................................................................................2-7

Status Displays.......................................................................................................2-7

Setting Sensor Position and Load Limits.................................................................2-7

Setting Controller Properties...................................................................................2-8

Using LabTools ............................................................................................................2-9


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Moving and Sizing LabTool Windows .....................................................................2-9

The LabTool..................................................................................................... 2-9Background Mode............................................................................................ 2-9

Moving and Sizing.......................................................................................... 2-10Full-Screen Mode........................................................................................... 2-10

LabTool Types......................................................................................................2-10

Test Control LabTool ..................................................................................... 2-10Enabling Test Segments................................................................................ 2-12Axial and Transverse Strain ........................................................................... 2-12Sample LabTool............................................................................................. 2-13Specimen Dimensions ................................................................................... 2-13Measuring Device Dialog Box ........................................................................ 2-14Results LabTool............................................................................................. 2-14

Using the Test Director...............................................................................................2-16

How the Test Director Works ................................................................................2-16Test Director Screen ...................................................................................... 2-17Control Buttons .............................................................................................. 2-18

Operating Your Test Director ................................................................................2-18

Using Security ............................................................................................................2-19

What is Security?..................................................................................................2-19

Security Rights .....................................................................................................2-19

Calculations and Results ............................................................................................2-21

Calculations..........................................................................................................2-21

Dependent Calculations........................................................................................2-22

User Calculations..................................................................................................2-22

Results .................................................................................................................2-23

Merlin OLE Automation...............................................................................................2-24

ASCII Import Files ......................................................................................................2-25

How Does Merlin Handle Files?..................................................................................2-27

Test Methods........................................................................................................2-27

Test Data ....................................................................................................... 2-28

How Does Merlin Handle Channels? ..........................................................................2-29

Real Channels ......................................................................................................2-29

Derived Channels .................................................................................................2-29

Composite Channels ............................................................................................2-30


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viii

3 Using Help..................................................................................................................3-1

Using the Help System .................................................................................................3-2

Getting Help............................................................................................................3-2

Opening the Help Menu................................................................................... 3-2Finding Context-Sensitive Help ........................................................................ 3-4

Navigation Buttons and Hypertext Links .................................................................3-5

Hypertext Navigation........................................................................................ 3-7

Help System Help Menu .........................................................................................3-8

File................................................................................................................... 3-8Edit .................................................................................................................. 3-8Bookmark....................................................................................................... 3-10Options .......................................................................................................... 3-11Help ............................................................................................................... 3-11

4 Merlin Software Options ...........................................................................................4-1

Test Director Editor.......................................................................................................4-2

Enhanced Test Control.................................................................................................4-4

What is Enhanced Test Control? ............................................................................4-4

Restrictions.............................................................................................................4-5

User Calculations .........................................................................................................4-6

What are User Calculations? ..................................................................................4-6

Test Profiler..................................................................................................................4-8

What is Test Profiler? .............................................................................................4-8

Conditions...............................................................................................................4-8

Enhanced Graph ..........................................................................................................4-9

What is Enhanced Graph?......................................................................................4-9

Enhanced Report .......................................................................................................4-10

What is Enhanced Report? ...................................................................................4-10


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Preliminary Pages

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IllustrationsFigure Page

Figure 1-1. The Series 5500 Testing System...................................................................................... 1-4Figure 1-2. Electromechanical Console .............................................................................................. 1-6

Figure 1-3. Servohydraulic Console .................................................................................................... 1-8

Figure 1-4. Workspace ........................................................................................................................ 1-9

Figure 1-5. LabTool Toolbar................................................................................................................ 1-9

Figure 1-6. Motion Control Buttons ................................................................................................... 1-10

Figure 2-1. Electromechanical Series 5500 Load Frame.................................................................... 2-2

Figure 2-2. Quick Open Screen........................................................................................................... 2-3

Figure 2-3. Electromechanical Console .............................................................................................. 2-4

Figure 2-4. Load Frame Console ........................................................................................................ 2-5

Figure 2-5. Load Cell Console............................................................................................................. 2-6

Figure 2-6. Load Cell Limit Controls.................................................................................................... 2-6

Figure 2-7. Servohydraulic Console .................................................................................................... 2-7

Figure 2-8. Sensor Properties Dialog Box........................................................................................... 2-8

Figure 2-9. Controller Properties Dialog Box....................................................................................... 2-8

Figure 2-10. LabTool Toolbar.............................................................................................................. 2-9

Figure 2-11. Test Control LabTool .................................................................................................... 2-10

Figure 2-12. Test Segment Indicator................................................................................................. 2-11

Figure 2-13. Test Segment Selection................................................................................................ 2-12

Figure 2-14. Transverse Strain.......................................................................................................... 2-13Figure 2-15. Sample LabTool............................................................................................................ 2-13

Figure 2-16. Specimen Dimensions .................................................................................................. 2-14

Figure 2-17. Measuring Device Dialog Box....................................................................................... 2-14

Figure 2-18. Results LabTool ............................................................................................................ 2-15

Figure 2-19. Test Director.................................................................................................................. 2-17

Figure 2-20. Test Sequence Indicator Bar ........................................................................................ 2-17

Figure 2-21.Calculations Setup Dialog Box....................................................................................... 2-21

Figure 2-22. Dependent Calculation Example .................................................................................. 2-22

Figure 2-23. Result Setup Dialog Box ............................................................................................... 2-23

Figure 2-24. Selecting a Composite Channel.................................................................................... 2-31

Figure 3-1. Merlin Help Screen ........................................................................................................... 3-2

Figure 4-1. Test Director Editor ........................................................................................................... 4-2

Figure 4-2. Control Mode Source Transducers................................................................................... 4-4


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x

Figure 4-3. User Calculations.............................................................................................................. 4-6

Figure 4-4. Equation Designer Tab ..................................................................................................... 4-7

Figure 4-5. Variable Definition Tab...................................................................................................... 4-7

Figure 4-6. Test Profiler....................................................................................................................... 4-8

Figure 4-7. Enhanced Graph............................................................................................................... 4-9

Figure 4-8. Enhanced Report ............................................................................................................ 4-10


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Preliminary Pages

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TablesTable Page

Table 2-1. Derived Channels............................................................................................................. 2-30Table 2-2. Composite Channels........................................................................................................ 2-31


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Merlin Series 5500 Testing System


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1-1

Int

roduction

Chapter 1

Introduction

Outline

This chapter introduces you to your Instron Merlin testing software. It provides an

overview of various components of the system and how they interact with one

another. It also refers to specific online help topics, which provide you with detailedinformation.

Other Documents......................................... .............................................. ......... 1-2

What You Must Read ...................................... ......................................... .......... 1-3

What is Merlin? .................................... ....................................... ....................... 1-4


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Other Documents M12-13657-EN

1-2

Other Documents

There are three other documents associated with this book:

Software Installation Manual This tells you how to install your Merlin software

and any options that you may require.

Merlin Online Help and Reference - This is the main document for the system,

which is held online and accessed through the display screen. It contains detaileddescriptions of your test hardware and software, detailed procedures on setting

up, running, and analyzing a test, and reference information about the various

calculations and algorithms used by the software to calculate results. You can

print out any topic in the online document.

Supporting Equipment Manual - These documents describe the hardware

components of your particular system. They contain details about lifting andhandling, system specifications, maintenance, and spare parts information.


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What You Must Read

1-3

Introduction

What You Must ReadWarning

Read the safety information at the front of this book before youoperate the system.

Materials testing is an inherently hazardous process. You should read all of the safety

information at the front of this book before you operate the system. Once the systemis running, the safety information is always available from the Help menu.

Many readers are already expert users of Windows and will therefore be tempted to

begin using the program without reading the manual. However, Merlin is a processcontrol program, and, to ensure your safety, we recommend that, before using the

system, you read this manual and the accompanying equipment manual completely to

gain confidence in operating the system and the software. Even if you are confident

of your ability to use the software, we request that you read Chapter 2, Using Merlin.


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What is Merlin? M12-13657-EN

1-4

What is Merlin?

Merlin is a materials testing software package designed to operate in the Microsoft

Windows environment. Merlin acts as the base for a series of applications that helpyou to test materials and components and to capture and analyze data from those

tests. For electromechanical load frames, Merlin runs on a computer that is connected

via a digital interface card, and for servohydraulic load frames, Merlin runs via a highspeed GPIB (HS488). The load frame is a high stiffness structure that applies the

testing loads to the material specimen. The testing software provides all the test setup,

control, and analysis functions. Figure 1-1 shows a typical testing system using theSeries 5500 electromechanical load frame. For more information, refer to the online

help topic General Testing Guidelines.

Figure 1-1. The Series 5500 Testing System

Load Frame

Electromechanical

In an electromechanical system, the load frame usually comprises a base table, two

columns, a fixed crosshead, and a moving crosshead. Each column contains a screw


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What is Merlin?

1-5

Introductiondrive connected to the moving crosshead by a ballscrew mechanism. The base table

houses a motor and drive mechanism to rotate the screws in either direction. As the

screws rotate, they drive the crosshead up or down. For more information, refer to the

online help topic Load Frame.

Servohydraulic

In a servohydraulic system, the load frame usually comprises a base table, twocolumns, and a movable crosshead clamped to the columns. A hydraulic actuator is

mounted on either the base or the crosshead.

How It Works

You clamp the test specimen between the table and the moving crosshead or actuator.

As the crosshead or actuator moves, the force required to move it is transmitted to the

specimen. A load cell measures the force exerted on the specimen. If you need to

know how much the specimen is deforming under the load, you can connect anextensometer to the specimen. The extensometer measures the deformation (strain) on

the specimen at any given load.

Merlin Software

Merlin software comprises a series of basic and application modules that worktogether to provide a materials testing environment that you can customize to your

particular type and style of testing. The system is capable of performing a wide rangeof testing, yet it is focused and easy to use.

Test Types

Test types enable you to focus on the specific requirements of your testing. Thefollowing list details the available test types:

Manual

Tension

Tension relaxation/creep

Tension profiler

Compression

Compression relaxation/creep

Compression profiler Flexure

Flexure relaxation/creep

Peel, tear, and friction

Metals


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1-6

For more information on test types, refer to the online help topic Merlin Overview.

You save your test settings into files called Test Methods. These files store all the

settings for a particular test so that you can run that test at any time. You save yourtest data in data files. Refer to Chapter Two Using Merlin for information on how

Merlin handles files or refer to the online help topic How Does Merlin Handle

Channels.

The Merlin Screen

The screen is divided into two main areas: the console and the workspace.

Console

The console is the top section of the screen. It contains all of the controls andreadouts required for you to set up the test hardware and to monitor a test. There are

two consoles available, one for electromechanical test systems and one forservohydraulic test systems. Figure 1-2 shows the Electromechanical console.

Figure 1-2. Electromechanical Console


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What is Merlin?

1-7

Introduction

The following items are available from the electromechanical console:

Control panel icon Opens the Control Panel console; lets you set up the loadframe control panel.

Soft keys Perform various functions that you can set on each key.

Screen icon Opens the Screen console; lets you set up the appearanceof the screen.

Transducer icons Open the various transducer consoles. Lets you calibrate,balance, and set up transducer parameters. A greenbackground indicates the current controlling channel.

Menus Access to f ile handl ing commands, consoles, LabTools,and Help.

Live display selector Select the channel that you wish to show values for in theassociated live display.

Live display Shows the current values for the selected channel. Alsoshows if the transducer for that channel is not yet

calibrated.

Analog live display Indicator showing a visual representation of the value ofthe current channel with respect to zero (center). Alsoshows if limits and events are set.

Load frame icon Opens the frame console; lets you set up the load frame,chart recorder, X\Y recorder, digital input/output lines,grips, and to look at service information. Also indicates thetest area setting, direction at start, direction when running,and a hold condition


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1-8

Figure 1-3 shows the servohydraulic console.

Figure 1-3. Servohydraulic Console

The following items are available from this console:

Sensor status display Opens the Sensor Properties dialog box, which allows youto calibrate your sensors and edit their properties.

Setpoint button Opens the Setpoint dialog box, which allows you to set theramp duration and the target points for each axis of yourtest.

Specimen protect button Opens the Specimen Protect dialog box allowing you to setparameters to prevent the load exceeding a chosen valuewhen in Position control.

Axis status display Opens the Controller Properties dialog box, which allowsyou to set up your axes and edit their properties.

Stop button Stops a test.

DVM (digital volt meter)live display

Shows live displays for all of the axes being used in all ofthe individually defined test groups.

Load frame icon Opens the frame console; lets you set up the load frame,chart recorder, X\Y recorder, digital input/output lines,grips, and to look at service information. Also indicates thetest area setting, direction at start, direction when running,and a hold condition.

Screen icon Opens the Screen console; lets you set up the appearanceof the screen.

Soft keys Perform various functions that you can set on each key.


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What is Merlin?

1-9

Introduction

Workspace

The workspace is the area below the console status line. The workspace displays the

LabTool windows associated with particular test types. Figure 1-4 shows the

workspace. For more information, refer to the online help topic Workspace.

Figure 1-4. Workspace

Status Line

The status line at the bottom of the screen shows the currently opened test method.

You can choose to hide the status line if you would rather see more of the workspace.

LabTools

LabTools are the various functional units associated with a testing application. Each

LabTool has an icon in the toolbar at the right side of the workspace. Figure 1-5shows the toolbar.

Figure 1-5. LabTool Toolbar

When you open a LabTool, it appears in a window in the workspace. You can open

more than one LabTool window at a time, although you can only interact with one

window at a time.

STATUS LINE

(RESULTSWINDOWSHOWN)

LABTOOLTOOLBAR

MOTIONCONTROLBUTTONS

TEST CONTROL LABTOOL

SAMPLE LABTOOL

RESULTS LABTOOL

GRAPH LABTOOL

REPORT LABTOOL


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1-10

Refer to Chapter 2, Using Merlin, for information about using the LabTools in Merlin

or refer to the online help topic Toolbar.

Motion Control Buttons

The Motion Control Buttons allow you to start a test, stop a test, return to gauge

length and reset the gauge length from the Merlin screen. They are located above the

LabTools in the Toolbar. Figure 1-6 shows the Motion Control Buttons.

Figure 1-6. Motion Control Buttons

Options

Merlin also has the following optional software modules to enhance your testing

capabilities:

Test Director Editor - lets you assign and edit procedures with your test methods.

Enhanced Graph - improves your capability for graphing and analyzing your test

data.

Enhanced Report - improves your capability for setting up and printing customreports of your test settings and data.

User Calculations - extend the range of calculations that you can perform on your

test data.

Test Profiler lets you customize cyclic testing.

Enhanced Test Control lets you specify a different system channel to control the

crosshead or actuator movement during a test.

Refer to Chapter 4, Options, for more information.

START

STOP

RETURN TO GAUGE LENGTH

RESET THE GAUGE LENGTH


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2-1

UsingMerlin

Chapter 2

Using Merlin

Outline

Merlin operates within Microsoft Windows, and the basic operation of the software

is the same. However, this section details some important operating differences that

you should know about.

Setting System Travel Limits ................................ ................................... .......... 2-2

Quick Open Screen........................................... .............................................. .... 2-3

Using the Electromechanical Console ............................... ................................. 2-4

Using the Servohydraulic Console ..................................... ................................ 2-7 Using LabTools ........................................ .............................................. ............ 2-9

Using the Test Director.................................. ........................................ ........... 2-16

Using Security .................................... ......................................... ..................... 2-19

Calculations and Results............ ..................................... .................................. 2-21

Merlin OLE Automation ................................... ......................................... ...... 2-24

ASCII Import Files ............................................. ............................................. . 2-25

How Does Merlin Handle Files? .............................................. ........................ 2-27

How Does Merlin Handle Channels? ........................................ ....................... 2-29


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Setting System Travel Limits M12-13657-EN

2-2

Setting System Travel LimitsWarning

Set the system travel limits before you start any testing.

Before you start any testing, check and set the limits on your system. The limitsensure that the crosshead or actuator does not travel too far, either up or down.

On most electromechanical systems, there are physical limit stops to limit the

crosshead travel.

On most servohydraulic systems, the limits are set electronically via the FastTrack

Console and operator panel, when running with Merlin, to limit the actuator travel.

There are no physical limits.

Figure 2-1. Electromechanical Series 5500 Load Frame

The illustration in Figure 2-1 shows the layout for an electromechanical load frame

with physical limits.

CROSSHEAD

UPPER LIMIT STOP

LIMIT ACTUATING

LOWER LIMIT STOP

LIMIT ROD


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Quick Open Screen

2-3

UsingMerlin

Quick Open Screen

The Quick Open Screen appears when you start the Merlin software. It displays all

your installed test applications and the last six test methods used on the Merlinsystem.

Once in the program, you can press theINSTRONbutton on the menu bar to return

to this screen. Clicking on one of the test method buttons opens that test method.Clicking on theMerlin button loads the Merlin application. Clicking on one of the

application buttons on the bottom of the screen, i.e.Exit to Windowsbutton, opensthose applications. See Figure 2-2 below.

Figure 2-2. Quick Open Screen

TEST METHODBUTTONS

INSTRON BUTTON

APPLICATION BUTTONS


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Using the Electromechanical Console M12-13657-EN

2-4

Using the Electromechanical Console

The console is your access point for setting up the hardware in your testing system.

From the console, you can set up:

the load frame and frame accessories

the extension transducer

the load cell

the extensometers

how the software is displayed

the control panel on the load frame

the information shown in the live displays

Figure 2-3 shows the electromechanical console.

Figure 2-3. Electromechanical Console

Icon States

The appearance of the transducer icons and of the Load Frame icon gives you

important feedback on the state of the testing system.

Transducer Icon

When a transducer icon is shown on the screen, you know that the electronics for that

transducer are installed in the system. However, if a transducer icon is gray, thattransducer is either disconnected from the load frame electronics or it is not yet

calibrated. Also, the icon for the transducer that is controlling the testing system has agreen background.

CONTROL PANEL ICON SOFT KEYSTRANSDUCERICONS

SCREENICON

MENUS LIVE DISPLAY

SELECTOR

LOAD

FRAME ICON

ANALOG LIVE

DISPLAY

LIVE

DISPLAY


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Using the Electromechanical Console

2-5

UsingMerlin

Load Frame Icon

The Load Frame icon also gives you a lot of information about your test setup. If the

icon is gray, your load frame is disabled. Click on the icon to open the Load Frameconsole and enable the load frame. The position of the grips and specimen on the iconshows you the currently set test area; for example, if the grips are below the crosshead

or actuator, the test is set to run below the crosshead or actuator. The green arrow onthe icon shows you the direction that the crosshead or actuator is set to move when

the test begins.

Once a test is running, the icon displays a large green arrow that indicates thedirection in which the crosshead or actuator is moving.

Setting the Load Frame

Clicking the Load Frame icon opens the Load Frame console over the workspace.

A button bar on the top of the frame console lets you choose the hardware that you

wish to set up; frame, chart recorder, grips, and so on. The currently selected button isshown depressed and with a white background. If you have many options installed

and you are operating at a low screen resolution, scroll buttons appear to the left and

right of the button bar. Figure 2-4 shows the Load Frame console.

Figure 2-4. Load Frame Console

Setting Transducers

Clicking any transducer icon opens the relevant transducer console over theworkspace. Figure 2-5 shows the console for the load cell.

BUTTON BAR


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Figure 2-5. Load Cell Console

You can expand the transducer console to display the loop-shaping controls or thelimit controls.

Setting Transducer Limits

To set the electrical limits on any transducer, click on the relevant icon to open the

transducer console, then click on theLimits>> button to show the limit controls.Figure 2-6 shows the limit controls for the load cell.

Figure 2-6. Load Cell Limit Controls

LOWER LIMIT UPPER LIMIT

CLICK TO SETTRANSDUCER LIMITS

CLICK TO SETLOOP-SHAPING

CLICK TO SET TIMEINTERVAL


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Using the Servohydraulic Console

The console provides the main interface between you and your testing system. It

provides the following basic functions:

Live displays

Communications protocols

Controller properties

Sensor properties

Sensor status displays

Figure 2-7 shows the servohydraulic console.

Figure 2-7. Servohydraulic Console

Status Displays

The appearance of the sensor status and axis status displays provide important

feedback on the status of the testing system.

Setting Sensor Position and Load Limits

Clicking on one of the sensor status display buttons opens the Sensor Properties

dialog box.

Sensor Position and Load Limits are used to protect each of the individual actuators

from excessive loads or travel. Limits should be set for all modes of control during a

test. Figure 2-8 shows the Sensor Properties dialog box.

SCREEN ICONSOFT KEYS SENSOR STATUS DISPLAYS AXIS STATUSDISPLAY

LIVE DISPLAYSELECTOR

FRAME ICONSETPOINTBUTTON

LIVEDISPLAY

STOP BUTTON

SPECIMENPROTECTBUTTON


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2-8

Figure 2-8. Sensor Properties Dialog Box

Setting Controller Properties

Clicking the Axis Status Display opens the Controller Properties box, which lets you

choose the property you want to set up. The currently selected button is shown with a

box around it. Figure 2-9 shows the Controller Properties box.

Figure 2-9. Controller Properties Dialog Box


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Using LabTools

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UsingMerlin

Using LabTools

Each test type contains several LabTools that group together common functions such

as test control, graphs, reports, and so on. Using the LabTools, you set up thesoftware to control and analyze a test. When you start the test, the software controls

the movement of the crosshead or actuator, the capture and analysis of data from the

transducers, and the display of results.

LabTools appear in the workspace. A LabTool cannot be moved or extended over the

Console (but see Full-Screen Mode below). This restriction ensures that the Consoleremains visible at all times so that you can monitor your testing system.

Moving and Sizing LabTool Windows

The LabTool

All the LabTools that are available with your current application appear on the right

side of the workspace. Figure 2-10 shows the LabTool Toolbar.

Figure 2-10. LabTool ToolbarWhen you click on a LabTool icon, the LabTool window opens into the workspace.

You can open as many LabTools as you wish, but only one LabTool is active at any

one time. The icon for the active LabTool appears depressed. For more information,

refer to the online help topic, Toolbar.

Background Mode

Background mode lets you position certain LabTool windows within the workspace

and specify them as a permanent background. Once you set background mode in theScreen console, you can maximize and restore a window, but you cannot otherwise

move or size background windows. Refer to the online help topic Select Workspace

to Display Mode for more information.

You can open a single LabTool window over a background. Opening a furtherLabTool window causes the first window to close.

TEST CONTROL LABTOOL

SAMPLE LABTOOL

RESULTS LABTOOL

GRAPH LABTOOL

REPORT LABTOOL


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Moving and Sizing

When background mode is disabled, you can move and size all LabTool windows

freely within the workspace. When background mode is set, you can move and sizeany window that opens over a background. For more information, refer to the onlinehelp topic, Background Mode.

Note: You cannot drag the window above the menu bar of the Console.

Full-Screen Mode

You may, at some point, wish to open a window to the full extent of the display

screen; for example, you may wish to closely examine the graph at full size. To do

this, you select full-screen mode from the screen console. However, in full-screenmode, it is possible to cover the Console and thereby lose the ability to monitor the

system. As a safety feature, the system automatically disables the load frame before

entering full-screen mode. Refer to the online help topic Select Full-Screen Modefor more information.

LabTool Types

Test Control LabTool

The Test Control LabTool contains the controls necessary to set up and run a test.

They are displayed in sections and may be grouped into test segments dependentupon the test type that you are running. Figure 2-11 shows the Test Control LabToolfor the Tension test type. For more information, refer to the online help topics for,

Test Control Window.

Figure 2-11. Test Control LabTool

The test segment indicator, displayed on all test types except Manual, shows thesegments that will run during your test. Figure 2-12 shows the test segment indicator.

TESTSEGMENTINDICATOR

SECTIONBUTTONS


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Figure 2-12. Test Segment Indicator

The indicator is representative only of segment selection; it does not show an accurate

relationship of how your test is set up. For example, for a two test ramp, your Ramp 1may be set to a higher speed than your Ramp 2, however, the indicator remains as

shown.

Use the section buttons to display the controls for the relevant test type, as shown.

Test Type Sections Test SegmentsManual Motion

Cycling

Data

Events

N/A

N/A

N/A

N/A

Tension Pretest

Test

Data

Strain

Preload, Precycle

Ramp 1, Changeover, Ramp 2, Test Stop

N/A

N/A

Tension relaxation Test

End of test

Data

Strain

Preload, Ramp, Hold

End of hold, Break

N/A

N/A

Compression Pretest

Test

Data

Strain

Preload, Precycle

Ramp 1, Changeover, Ramp 2, Test Stop

N/A

N/A

Compression relaxation Test

End of test

Data

Strain

Preload, Ramp, Hold

End of hold, Break

N/A

N/A

Flexure Test

Data

Strain

Preload, Ramp, Break

N/A

N/A

Flexure relaxation Test

End of Test

Data

Preload, Ramp

End of Hold, Break

N/APeel, Tear, & Friction Test Preload, Ramp

Metals Pretest

Test

Data

Strain

Preload, Precycle

Ramp 1, Ramp 2, Ramp 3, Nominal Modulus, Hysteresis, Test Stop

N/A

N/A

RAMP 2 SEGMENT(VISIBLE IF CHANGEOVERENABLED)

RAMP 1 SEGMENT

PRECYCLE

PRELOADSEGMENT


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Enabling Test Segments

The Test Control LabTool gives you full control over selecting the test segments that

you want to use. Figure 2-13 shows the Test Control LabTool for the Tensile testtype. Others are similar although the sections available in each LabTool vary asshown in the table.

Figure 2-13. Test Segment Selection

You use the section buttons to move between sections of the Test Control LabTool. Inthe example shown, you enable Preload and Precycling in the Pretest section, and

enable the Changeover point in the Test section to let you run a two ramp test.

Axial and Transverse Strain

The strain window is located in the Test Control LabTool. The strain window iswhere you enter information for an axial and/or transverse extensometer to measure

the axial strain and transverse strain. The axial strain is measured parallel to the

applied load. Transverse strain is measured perpendicular to the applied load. Someof Merlins calculations require transverse strain, i.e. the Plastic Strain Ratio (r-

Value) calculation. Transverse strain is not available for Manual, Flexure, Flexure

Relaxation/Creep and Peel, Tear and Friction test types. See Figure 2-14. For moreinformation, refer to the online help topic Test Control Window - Strain.

PRELOAD

CHANGEOVERPOINT

PRECYCLING

SECTIONBUTTONS


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Figure 2-14. Transverse Strain

Sample LabTool

The Sample LabTool lets you tell the system about your sample (group or batch ofspecimens) and about each individual specimen. The controls are displayed in

sections. Figure 2-15 shows the Sample LabTool.

Figure 2-15. Sample LabTool

You also use this LabTool to select data files when you want to resume testing usingthe original method or to replay test data using a different test method. For moreinformation, refer to the online help topics for Sample Windows.

Specimen Dimensions

The Specimen control button on the Sample LabTool lets you enter initial and final

dimensions for a specimen. You can use initial and final dimensions when you arerequired to compare pre- and post-test dimensions. For example, the reduction of area

calculation requires initial and final dimensions. You can enter the dimensionsmanually or by using a measuring device. Specimen dimensions is available for alltest types. See Figure 2-16 below. For more information, refer to the online help topic

Specimen Dimensions.

SECTIONBUTTONS

AXIALSTRAIN

TRANSVERSESTRAIN


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2-14

Figure 2-16. Specimen Dimensions

Measuring Device Dialog Box

If you wish to use an optional measuring device to transmit initial and final specimendimensions directly to Merlin, then you can use the measuring device dialog box.

You can access the dialog box by clicking theMeasure command button on the

specimen dimensions screen. See Figure 2-16. The measuring device dialog box isavailable for all test types. To take a reading, click on the Enable box, selectResult

Type and Units and enterReadings Required. For more information, refer to theonline help topic Measuring Device Dialog.

Figure 2-17. Measuring Device Dialog Box

Results LabTool

The Results LabTool lets you display tables of test results on the screen. Figure 2-18shows the Results LabTool.

MEASURECONTROL BUTTON

INITIAL ANDFINALDIMENSIONS

ENABLE BOX

RESULT TYPE

UNITS

NUMBER OFREADINGS TOTAKE

FINAL RESULT

NUMBER OF READINGS TAKEN

LIVE DATA


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Figure 2-18. Results LabToolResults are based upon calculations that the software performs on your test data.

For example, you may set up the result Extension at maximum load. After each

test, the software analyzes the test data looking for the maximum load value. When itfinds the maximum load value, it then finds the crosshead extension at that point and

displays the value in the relevant column.

You can set up and display two separate tables of results for each test method. Youcan also assign statistical calculations to each table of results.

Refer to the section Calculations and Results or the online help topic Column Setup Set Up a Result for more information on calculations.

TABLE SELECTORBUTTONS

ADD/REMOVECOLUMN BUTTONS

SETUP TABLEBUTTON

RESULTS TABLE


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Using the Test Director

How the Test Director WorksTo simplify your testing, you may have some directed mode test methods, identified

by the footprint icon that accompanies the method name. If you open a directed testmethod, the Test Director automatically opens over the workspace to direct youthrough your testing.

The director presents you with lists of items that you need to complete to carry outyour testing. There are five lists, each presented at a key time during the test, as

follows:

Pretest Sample

Pretest Specimen

Calculation Input

Post-test Specimen

Post-test Sample

Sample items are applicable to every specimen in your sample or batch. For example,

each specimen may have the same width, so you only need to enter the width once.

You can input sample items before you do any tests or after testing all the specimensin your sample, as directed by the procedure.

Specimen items are unique to each specimen in your sample or batch. For example,you may need to input a different name for each specimen in your sample. Again, youcan input specimen items before each test is run or after each test is complete, as

directed by the procedure.

A procedure need not use every one of the five lists. For example, if you only need to

input information to the director before the sample is tested and before each specimen

is tested, the director does not display the Post-test Sample and Post-test Specimenlists during the procedure. Figure 2-19 shows the Test Director. For more

information, refer to the online help topics Test Director Expanded and TestDirector Overview or chapter 4, which discusses the optional Test Director Editor

that lets you edit directed methods.


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Figure 2-19. Test Director

Test Director Screen

When the Test Director opens with a method, the status of the director, either running

or editing, and the Test Type currently in use, is shown at the top of the directorscreen. The Test Sequence Indicator bar shows graphically where you are in the

sequence using a green highlight behind the current icon. When you have completed

the inputs on the displayed list, the relevant arrow on the indicator bar also changes to

green to indicate the next step in the sequence. Figure 2-20 shows the Test SequenceIndicator bar. For more information, refer to the online help topic, SequenceIndicator.

Figure 2-20. Test Sequence Indicator Bar

Your position in the sequence is also shown in the text above the list; in the example

shown, you are in the Pretest Specimen list and about to test the first specimen from asample of three.

The list in the white area shows the inputs necessary for this specimen. In this

example, you are asked to input the specimen name, width and a comment. The rightside of the list shows the default values that have been set for these items. You can

input a new value here for each item. The new value that you input then becomes thedefault for that item to enable you to quickly accept common values. You can input

the values in any order that you wish, but you must complete all the entries on any listbefore you can proceed to the next list or to run a test.

GREEN ARROWSINDICATE NEXTITEM INSEQUENCE

PRETESTSAMPLE

PRETESTSPECIMEN(SHOWNHIGHLITHED)

RUN TEST POST-TESTSPECIMEN

POST-TESTSAMPLE

CALCULATIONINPUT

STATUS BAR

TESTSEQUENCE

PLACE IN TESTSEQUENCE

SPECIMENINPUTS

BUTTONCONTROLS


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Control Buttons

The control buttons give you control over the function of your Test Director. The

table below explains the function of each control button.Continue Lets you move from one list to the next list in the sequence. If the next part

of the sequence is to run a test, the Continue button changes to a Start Test

button

Start Test Starts a test. If the next part of the sequence is a specimen or sample list,

the Start Test button changes to the Continue Button

End Sample Ends a sequence of tests at any time

Edit Method Appears if you have installed the optional Test Director Editor. It lets you

edit the current methods procedure or create a new procedure

Workspace Lets you minimize the Test Director screen and interact with the LabTools

directly at any time

Hint Opens a set of cue cards containing detailed instructions on how to

perform a particular procedure

Stop Stops a test. It appears in the reduced window when the director is running

a test

Operating Your Test Director

When a list opens, the first value in the list is highlighted. The director is designed so

that you can type the required value for the first item, then press theEnterkey to

accept it. If the default value is already correct, pressingEnteraccepts that default.

Once accepted, a green indicator appears next to the item and the highlight

automatically moves down to the next required value.

Once you have set all the values, if there is another list in the sequence the highlight

moves to the Continue/ Run Testbutton, shown as a heavy line around the button. Ifyou now pressEnter, either the new list displays or the test runs, as appropriate. Of

course, you need to remember to install a new specimen for each test. (The procedure

may prompt you to do so.) When the test runs, the Test Director screen minimizes to

let you see the LabTools in the workspace; for example, to see the test graph and theresults. When you are ready to continue, pressEnterorclickthe Continue button on

the minimized Test Director screen.

At the end of your sample, the software prompts you to save the test data. If you findthat you need to add further specimens to your sample at this time, click the Cancelbutton You can now carry out further tests, adding to the data for this sample. When

you have completed all the tests that you need, click theEnd Sample button. Formore information, refer to the online help topics How the Test Director Works and

Entering and Accepting List Inputs.


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Using Security

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Using Security

What is Security?The Merlin Security option provides a means to restrict unauthorized users from

changing test method files. When security is set to on, a potential user must enter apassword to operate the system.

The security system has three user authority levels:

Administrator

Manager

Operator

Action Administrator Manager Operator

Turn security on or off Yes No No

Change own password Yes Yes Yes

Change others password Yes No No

Add or delete other users Yes No No

Change a method Yes Yes No

Change authority levels Yes No No

Open a method Yes Yes Yes

Change a method Yes Yes Yes

Save a method Yes Yes No

Modify test control LabTool parameters Yes Yes No

Modify sample LabTool parameters Yes Yes Yes

Modify LabTool parameters or calculations Yes Yes No

Access the optional Test Director Editor Yes Yes No

Access the enhanced report LabTool Yes Yes No

Security Rights

Each level has specific rights to system features:

If security is on:

a log on dialog box appears after you click on the Merlin program icon.

only authorized persons whose names are in the security system can log on to the

system.

certain menu items may appear gray instead of their usual black, depending upon

your security level.

only an Administrator can turn security off.


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If security is off:

anyone can operate the system and access test methods, etc.

only an Administrator can turn security on.


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Calculations and Results

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UsingMerlin


Your software can perform many calculations on the raw data captured during a test.

Test results are based on these calculations. Using your Results LabTool, you can setup tables that will display many different results. This section explains the difference

between calculations and results and refers you to online help topics to provide more

details.

Calculations

Data is captured from all the various channels of information during a test and your

software can perform calculations on that data. For example, it can find the maximum

value of a data channel, Youngs modulus between two set points, and so on.

When you install these calculation modules, the individual calculations are added to

your calculation library. Each of these basic calculations has a default set of

parameters associated with it. You can select a calculation from your library, change

the parameters to customize it to your specific needs, and add it to your calculationlist. Once in the list, that customized calculation is available for use as the basis for a

result in the table. The basic calculation remains in the library, so you can build a

whole group of different customized calculations from each separate basic calculationkept in your library. To access the Library, click the Results Setup button, then click

the Calculations button. See Figure 2-21 below. For more information, refer to theonline help topic Add a Calculation to the List.

Figure 2-21.Calculations Setup Dialog Box

RESULTSSETUPBUTTON

CALCULATIONSSETUP BUTTON

LIBRARY

ADD CALCULATIONSBUTTON

RESULTS

SETUPDIALOG BOX

CALCULATIONSLIST


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Results

A result is usually the value of a channel measured at a point during a test. That pointis found using one of the calculations that you have built and added to your list. To

set up a result, click theResults Setup button to open theResults Setup dialog box.Then choose a calculation and channel from the list below theResults edit field. See

Figure 2-23 below. For more information, refer to the online help topic Column

Setup Set Up a Result.

Figure 2-23. Result Setup Dialog Box

RESULTSSETUP BUTTON

RESULTS SETUPDIALOG BOX

RESULTS EDIT FIELD


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Merlin OLE Automation M12-13657-EN

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Merlin OLE Automation

Merlin OLE Automation lets you transfer data and results from the Merlin Software

to an external software package, i.e. Microsoft Excel. You can also set up testparameters from an external software package.

Merlin OLE Automation provides a programmability interface from Merlin by which

programmers can develop applications to interact with Merlin to achieve functionality

not directly available from the existing product. Programmability refers to the abilityof an application to define a set of properties and commands and make themaccessible to other applications. OLE provides a mechanism through which this

access is achieved. Programmability increases application interoperability without theneed for human intervention. The design provides an interface friendly to Visual

Basic programmers. You can access the online help for OLE via the OLE icon.


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ASCII Import Files

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UsingMerlin

ASCII Import Files

Individual specimen filenames are of the form SAMPLE.NNN. SAMPLE is the name

you specify for a sample/batch of test specimens. NNN is a unique number for asingle specimen in that sample/batch. NNN must be a three-digit number between

000 and 999. The specimen numbers for a given sample must be sequential. For

example Plastic.001

Text header lines may appear in the ASCII file before the numeric data points. The

line with the channel descriptors must appear two lines before the start of the numericdata followed immediately by a line with the units for each of those channels. Whenthe first line of numeric data is encountered, all remaining lines in the file must

contain only numeric data. The remaining text header lines, i.e. dimensions, must

match the text in Merlin. For example, in Test Director in user prompt, you can

change the name of the default prompts to match the label in the ASCII import file,i.e. width to my width.

There must be a least two columns of numeric test data corresponding to the values oftwo channels. One must be load. Only channels that map to real transducers can beimported. The following are acceptable channels:

Load

Extension

TimeStrain 1

Strain 2

Video

Each channel descriptor is a string field separated from the next channel descriptor by

a delimiter. A delimiter is a character such as a comma or tab that separates each

field. The delimiters are defined in Excel for importing data into a spreadsheet andcan be commas, decimal points, spaces, tabs or whatever other choices Excel

provides. When Excel encounters a delimiter, it reads the preceding value into an

individual cell. Similarly, when the ASCII import detects a system-defined delimiter,

it reads the preceding data as a single element. The system delimiter is defined inWin.ini. It is required that the channel descriptors match the transducer name except

for Series IX compatible channels. These names are mapped to the equivalent Merlin

transducer.

Each channel unit is a string field separated from the next channel unit by a comma. It

is required that the channel units match the name of a set of units available in the live

display, except for Series IX compatible channels. These names are mapped to anequivalent Merlin unit.

Each numeric data point consists of a line of real numbers separated by Windows list

delimiters. There must be as many columns of numbers as there are text headers. The

units for each number must be the same as the corresponding text descriptor units.

Example of an ASCII file:

Sample,plastic


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Specimen geometry, rectangular

Specimen, 1

Included

Width, 12.75Thickness, 0.100

Gauge Length, 100.2Time, Extension, Load

sec, mm, N

0,0,12.59623,0.31238710.04,0,12.42493,0.3081389

0.08,0,12.61955,0.3129654

For additional information, refer to the online help topics "Import Test Data" and

"Import Dialog Box."


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How Does Merlin Handle Files?

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How Does Merlin Handle Files?

Merlin uses two main types of files, the test method file and the data file.

Test Methods

Test method files are snapshots of the way that your system is set up to carry out atest. Test methods contain the following information:

Test type (e.g. Manual test or flexure test)

Workspace and Console state (e.g. Number of live displays, LabTool windows

displayed)

LabTool state - Parameters of all the LabTools

Test Director procedure

You can think of a method as the instruction set for a specific test. For example,among the many settings, the method for a particular test could specify a speed of 10

mm per min., a specimen thickness of 1 mm, that the graph and results windows are

set up in the workspace, and there are three live displays visible. All of the possiblesettings for a test are stored in the method file when you save it.

Methods are saved with the .mtx file type, where x specifies the test type, as follows:

.mtm Manual test type

.mta Tension test type

.mtb Compression test type

.mtc Flexure test type

.mtd Tension Relaxation test type

.mte Compression Relaxation test type

.mtf Flexure Relaxation test type

.mtg Peel, Tear, and Friction test type

.mtk Metals test type

If a method has its directed mode enabled, a footprint icon appears next to the nameof the method in the Open Method dialog box and in the Quick Open screen.

Note A test method is defined by four file types; .mtx, .stx, and, if theenhanced graph is installed, .orx and .itx. The .mtx file type is the onlyone that you need to select when you load a test method.


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Test Data

All your test data is saved into data files. These files have the .tdx file type where x

specifies the test type as for the method files.

The data files also save a copy of the test method, so you can open a test data file atany time to resume testing a sample using the method with which it was tested. You

can also replay a test data file using another method that contains different results and

calculations.

Note: Test data is defined by two file types; .tdx and .rdx. The .tdx file type isthe only one that you need to select when you load test data for replay orresume.

If your system should fail during testing due to a power loss or some other

malfunction, the current test data is saved to a file with the name savnnnn.rdx, where

nnnn is a number allocated to the file by the software and x specifies the test type asbefore. For more information, refer to the online help topic, Data Files.


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How Does Merlin Handle Channels?

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Real ChannelsMerlin uses transducers to determine the behavior of the specimen during a test. All

Merlin systems have a minimum of two transducers, extension and load. You can alsoinstall various strain transducers or extensometers, both the contacting type such asstrain gauged extensometers and the non-contacting type such as the video

extensometer. These physical transducers each provide a real channel of information

about the test. The load transducer provides information about the force exerted on

the specimen. The extension transducer is available in electromechanical systems andprovides information about the movement of the crosshead in relation to its starting

point. The position transducer provides information about the movement of the

actuator in relation to its starting point for servohydraulic system. The straintransducer provides information about the behavior (stretching, crushing, or bending)

of the specimen under load. For more information on channels, refer to the onlinehelp topic How Does Merlin Handle Channels?

Derived Channels

In addition to the real channels, your Merlin system provides much more information

about your test using derived channels. Derived channels provide information aboutthe specimen that is calculated mathematically from the information supplied by the

real channels.

For example, the stress channel is derived mathematically by dividing the load

channel values by the cross-sectional area of the specimen (a value that you enter

before starting your test).

Some derived channels are specific to the test type. For example, flexure stress is

derived from load divided by an outer fiber stress factor, and peel extension is derived

from the extension divided by a peel factor.


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Table 2-1 details the derived channels for Merlin and its test types.

Table 2-1. Derived Channels

Test Type Derived Channel DerivationAll (except peel, tearand friction)

Average strain

Differential strain

(Strain 1 + Strain 2)/2

Strain 1 Strain 2

Manual Strain (extension)

Stress

Tenacity

True Strain

True Stress

Extension/gauge length

Load/cross-sectional area

Load/linear density

In(1 + composite strain)

Force(1 + composite strain)/initial specimen cross sectional area

Tension, tensionprofile and tensionrelaxation

Tensile stress

Tenacity

True Strain

True Stress

Transverse Strain

Transverse Extension


Load/linear density

In(1 + composite strain)

Force(1 + composite strain)/initial specimen cross sectional area

Transverse Strain Source * Source Gauge Length/TransverseGauge Width Value

Transverse Strain * Transverse Gauge Width Value

Compression,compression profileand compressionrelaxation

Compressive load

Compressive stress

True Strain

True Stress

Transverse Strain


Load with sign inverted

Compressive load/ cross-sectional area

In(1 - composite strain)

load(1 - composite strain)/initial specimen cross sectional area



Flexure and flexurerelaxation

Flexure load

Flexure stress

Load with sign inverted

Flexure load/ outer fiber stress factor

Peel, tear, andfriction

Peel extension

Load/width

Extension / peel factor

Load/width

Metals Tensile stress

True strain

True stress

Transverse Strain



In(1+ composite strain)

Force(1 + composite strain)/cross-sectional area



Composite Channels

Merlin also provides composite channels of test information. A composite channel is

one that can change its information source during a test.

For example, you may wish to perform a tensile test on a plastic specimen, which will

deform much more than your extensometer is capable of measuring. You wish to


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measure the initial deformation using the transducer, then remove the transducer and

continue the test until the specimen breaks, continuing to measure strain.

You can assign this transducer as your Axial Strain transducer in your Test ControlLabTool, as shown in Figure 2-24.

Figure 2-24. Selecting a Composite Channel

If you then enable theRemove during testcheck box, the tensile strain channel

measures strain values directly from the strain transducer up to the extensometer

removal point. From the extensometer removal point onwards, the tensile strainchannel measures strain values using the extension channel.

Table 2-2 details the composite channels for Merlin and its test types.

Table 2-2. Composite Channels

Test Type Composite Channel Comprises

Tension, tension profile,tension relaxation andmetals

Tensile strain

Tensile extension

Any strain channel source changing to extension onextensometer removal

Tensile strain * gauge length

Compression,compression profile andcompression relaxation

Compressive strain

Compressive extension

Any strain channel source changing to extension onextensometer removal [sign inverted]

Compressive strain * gauge length

Flexure and flexurerelaxation

Flexure strain

Flexure extension

Any strain channel source (converted to outer fiber strain)changing to extension on extensometer removal [signinverted]

Flexure strain * outer fiber strain factor

REMOVE DURINGTEST


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UsingHelp

Chapter 3

Using Help

Outline

This chapter tells you how to use the Merlin Online Help and Reference document to

assist you in operating your software and load frame. The help system contains

descriptions of the hardware and software in your testing system with references toonline help topics for more details.

Using the Help System ............................................. .......................................... 3-2


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Using the Help System

The Online Help and Reference document contained within your Merlin software is

the main documentation for the system. It contains descriptions of the hardware andsoftware components of the system, procedures for setting up, running, and analyzing

materials tests, and reference information about the various calculations and

algorithms used in the software. Figure 3-1 shows an open Help window with itsassociated menus, navigation buttons and hyperlinks.

Figure 3-1. Merlin Help Screen

Getting Help

There are two ways to find help from your document. You can open theHelp menuand search for the information that you need, or you can use a context-sensitive link

to enter the Help system. Context-sensitive means that a request for help results in

information that is directly related to the area of the software that you are currently

working on. This is usually the preferred method for obtaining help information. Youpress the F1 key to get context-sensitive help at any time.

Opening the Help Menu

To open the Help menu either:

click onHelp in the menu bar, or

HYPERTEXT LINK

NAVIGATIONBUTTONS

HYPERGRAPHICLINKS

HELP MENUS

HYPERGRAPHICPOPUP


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UsingHelp

press theAlt+Hkeys

The menu presents the following choices:

Contents displays the Table of Contents. There are two additional tabs:

Index and Find where you type a key word to find the help topic.

Test Checklist lists all the various procedures available to set up and run a test.

Search for Help on pick from a menu of all the applications and software options

that you have installed on your system.

Help on Help explains how you use Help.

About displays information about your Merlin testing software.

Note: To access help for the optional Enhanced Graph, Enhanced Report, TestDirector Editor and Test Profiler programs, click the main help menu,search for help on - make a selection, click the index button and typekeywords.

Finding Context-Sensitive Help

Press the F1 key to find help on the area that you are currently using.

For example, if you are working in theLoad Celldialog box, and you needinformation about the choices that are available in the box, press the F1 key. The

Help system opens at theLoad Cell Commandsection which details the choices that

are available in theLoad Celldialog box.


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Navigation Buttons and Hypertext Links

Once your Help system is open, you can navigate around the screens using thenavigation buttons or the hypertext links.

The following navigation buttons are available:

Back Button moves you from the current Help topic to the previous topic

that you had displayed.

History (in Help Menu

underOptions)

displays a list of all the Help topics that you have visited. You

can double-click on any title in the History box to return

directly to that topic.

Warnings opens the general Warnings topic in a secondary window so

that you do not leave the current topic

Calculations opens the Calculations Reference.

>> (Browse Forward) moves you forward through a related sequence of Help topics.


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UsingHelp

Help System Help Menu

Once in the Help System, the help menu has five choices: File, Edit, Options,

BookmarkandHelp.

File

The File menu has three menu choices: Open, Print Topic, andExit, which are listed

below:

Open allows you to open another Help file.

Print Topic prints the currently shown topic.

Exit exits the currently shown help topic.

Edit

TheEditmenu has two menu choices: Copy... andAnnotate..., which are listed

below:

Copy... lets you copy selected text from your help document to the Windows

clipboard.

Annotate... Lets you add a note to the current topic.

Bookmark

TheBookmarkfunction lets you mark certain topics for easy retrieval.

Options

The Options menu has four choices:Keep Help on Top, Display History Window,

Fontand Use System Colors, which are listed below:

Keep Help on Top lets you find a help topic and leave it displayed on the screen

while you interact with the program.

History displays a list of all the Help topics that you have visited. You

can double-click on any title in the History box to return directly

to that topic.

Font changes font size. Choice of three sizes.

Use System Colors changes the background color of online help.

Help

Version is the only choice under the Help menu. It displays a dialog box that showsthe version number of Windows Help, the license details, and the current mode and

memory usage.


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MerlinSoftware

Options

Chapter 4

Merlin Software Options

Outline

This chapter introduces you to the optional software for Merlin. There is an overview

for each of the six options with references to online help topics for more details.

The Test director Editor offers the ability to provide structured procedural tests fromyour Merlin software.

Enhanced Test Control lets you specify different test control channels.

User Calculations lets you design your own calculations.

Test Profiler lets you design cyclic tests.

Enhanced Graph lets you create versatile graphics with your test data both on thescre