Modernization of the fatigue test stand control system using the idea of a virtual instrument

The paper presents the solution for monitoring the operation of the MZGS 100 type fatigue test stand. Originally, the test stand enable testing at manual settings. The measurements of load conditions were only used to monitor the process without feedback in the control system. The control and measuring system was developed based on the idea of virtual instruments. The control system uses standard measuring system solutions and their coupling with the executive elements of the station was made using the LabVIEW graphic programming environment. The proposed solution allows the functionality of the stand to be extended with new fatigue testing procedures, e.g. tests under programmed block loads. The machine's overload protection has also been improved.