ABSTRACT
Mechanical properties of materials play crucial role in design and development of almost every machine component. Values of these mechanical properties are obtained using Universal Testing Machine (UTM). In this chapter, a design of UTM with enhanced features realized through functional reverse engineering approach is presented. Functional Reverse engineering helped in reconstructing design of present machine in a systematic way. Initially, the deficiencies in the existing design were pointed out which were eliminated using reverse engineering approach. The details of mechanical design along with finite element analysis of critical parts have been provided. Complete electronic circuitry of machine is also presented. Modification in mechanical design includes use of gear train in place of belt and pulley mechanism for torque transmission. Modification in electrical design incorporates stepper motor in place of conventional servo motor to enhance position control accuracy and to reduce power consumption. This chapter also analyzes the impacts of low power consumption of proposed stepper motor on CO2 emissions and hence also covers environmental impacts of machine operation.
