Automation of a Creep-testing Machine for Research Activities

This paper deals with automation of a creep-testing machine mainly dedicated to research activities. The requirements linked to the machine were established by the material science researchers. These requirements were then addressed to mechatronic researchers and teachers. In order to enhance the link between research activities and training in the engineering school linked to the research laboratory, students projects of Master degree driven by researchers were proposed. These projects were totally multi-disciplinary, mobilizing knowledge acquired by students during their cursus in the school. Several items were developed by students: automation, mechanics, power electronics and real-time programming.