Mechanical Test Systems

Drivetrain Test Solutions

High-performance MTS Drivetrain Test Solutions apply real-world rotational and off-axis loading for optimizing the reliability of nacelle assemblies, drivetrain systems, and drivetrain components such as gear boxes and bearings. Test applications include system simulation and verification, and performance and durability testing. The system employs a robust and efficient MTS Non-Torque Loading (NTL) System to apply extreme loads in six degrees of freedom.

Multi-Purpose Bearing Test Solution

The flexible MTS Multi-Purpose Bearing Test Solution accurately replicates rotor hub and blade loading for performing mechanical tests on pitch, yaw and main bearing systems. Test applications include performance under load, static deflection and stiffness measurements, and durability/fatigue. The system employs an MTS Non-Torque Loading (NTL) System to apply extreme loads in five degrees of freedom, and features changeable specimen adapters for modeling hub and blade stiffness characteristics.

Blade Static Test Solution

The MTS Blade Static Test Solution applies tightly controlled static loading to blades for performing stiffness and strength tests required for certification and/or FEM model validation. The system integrates robust hydraulic winch and linear actuation technologies to achieve coordinated loading at multiple pull points on blade.

Blade Fatigue Test Solution

The MTS Blade Fatigue Test Solution applies automated cyclic loading to blades at resonant frequency for validating design durability, confirming load profiles, and tracking early failures, cracks and changes in properties. The system employs compact, energy-efficient Universal Resonant Excitation (UREX) technology, developed through a Cooperative Research and Development Agreement between the U.S. National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) and MTS. UREX systems can be used to perform both flap-wise and edgewise resonant fatigue testing, or combine the two to accelerate testing.

Materials Test Systems

MTS Materials Test Systems accurately apply uniaxial static and dynamic loading to determine the mechanical properties of a wide variety of advanced materials, including glass fiber reinforced polymer matrix composites, composite materials for self-feathering blades, and carbon fiber composites under development for 100+ meter blades. These systems combine high-performance MTS servohydraulic load frames, FlexTest digital controls, MTS TestSuite™ software and a full complement of grips, fixtures, extensometers and environmental simulation systems.

Seismic Simulators (Shake Tables)

MTS Seismic Simulators subject full wind turbine structures, towers and substructures to forces and motions to simulate real-world earthquake conditions and perform modal testing. These simulators are available in custom six degree-of-freedom configurations for studying full structures; special-purpose configurations for evaluating extremely large specimens that require fewer degrees of freedom; and affordable uniaxial and bi-axial simulators for studying substructures and components in compact laboratory environments.

Unrivaled MTS Support

MTS fields the most experienced service and support staff of any mechanical testing solution provider. This global team can provide the facilities planning expertise to ensure that your laboratory is properly configured at the outset to accommodate all foreseeable testing activities. Upon facility completion, MTS coordinates the installation and integration of test equipment, and the trains operators and technicians. Once your lab is operational, MTS lifecycle management programs serve to maximize system productivity and help you complete test programs as quickly as possible.