Device to measure fatigue life of membranes under biaxial loading fatigue: Tension and torsion

This paper presents a self-designed and constructed machine to measure fatigue life of membranes under biaxial fatigue: tension-torsion (BTTM). This device works under two controlled environmental parameters: temperature and humidity. The machine is destined to carry out tests on membranes with thickness from 50 to 1500 mu m. The working control is implemented using the software Arduino, version 1.8.1, an open and reliable software. Its measurement capacities are as follows: from 1 to 70 MPa of tension and up to 180 degrees of torsion, from room temperature to 80 degrees C, and from environmental to saturated humidity. Tests were obtained on the Nafion 115 material used as proton exchange membrane in fuel cell, with 127 mu m of thickness. The first experimental tests were conducted under the following conditions: room temperature (22-25 degrees C), environmental humidity (50-55%), tension loading of: 40, 45, 50, 55 and 60 MPa, and constant torsion angle of 50 degrees. (C) 2019 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.