Per: GERALDO LUCIO DE FARIA (Universidade federal de ouro preto), Heitor Vieira Dâmaso (Universidade Federal de Ouro Preto), Leonardo Barbosa Lazarini Silva Ribeiro (UNIVERSIDADE FEDERAL DE OURO PRETO), Aparecida Silva Magalhães (UNIVERSIDADE FEDERAL DE OURO PRETO)
Abstract:
This work presents the development of an apparatus capable of simulating stable conditions of subzero temperatures aiming to perform mechanical tests. Due to the high cost of commercial equipment for the same purpose, it was proposed to create an apparatus based on the use of low-cost components coupled to a supervisory software. After the successful apparatus manufacturing, tests were carried out, proving the stable control of negative temperatures down to -170°C, with a maximum isotherm deviation of ±1.4°C. Tensile tests were also performed on A36 steel at temperatures: room temperature, 0°C, -50°C and -100°C in order to demonstrate the equipment functionality and effectiveness in the material mechanical testing area. The obtained results were analyzed and compared with experimental data, about mechanical behavior of different steel types at low temperatures, available the in technical literature. The efficiency and reliability of the developed apparatus was confirmed. This apparatus enables research and studies in several knowledge areas that need to simulate stable conditions at low temperatures, for instance assessments about the mechanical behavior of materials to be used in regions with unfavorable weather.