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MTM (Mini Traction Machine)
/ Software
On this page: Running a Test | Profile Generator | Options
Running a test
There is no further user interaction with the mechanical unit until after the test is completed.
The user now selects ‘New Test’ from the menu options on the left hand side and then enters the following details:
- Profile Name - click the Browse button and select the profile required for the test. - required.
- Description - Automatically filled in from the profile type.
- Output File - choose a test name (you can browse the test names and select different directories if required.) - required.
- Lubricant - Enter the lubricant name if required (this will be displayed in the data file after the test) - optional.
- Notes - Add any comments if required (these will be displayed in the data file after the test) - optional.
MTM-PC Software 'New Test' screenshot
Once all the appropriate fields have been completed it only remains to ensure that the cooler unit is switched on (if one is present) and then click the Start button on the software. The software will use the designated profile entered on the screen and after you have confirmed the message box that appears, the test will begin. It will automatically log data points and display them on the screen on the graph. The graph displays the current test data only and is cleared at the beginning of a new test.
Test Completion
Once the test is finished the MTM will autocool (if the autocool option is checked) and allow the user access to the Mechanical Unit. The locking arm can be moved off and away from the covers. The covers can be removed and the ball raised (by clicking on the ‘Raise Ball’ button). Dismantling of the specimens is the reversal of assembly. Once both specimens and anti-splash baffle are removed, the reservoir bath can be drained of the test fluid. It is recommended to soak up as much of the test fluid as possible with clean wipes before starting the cleaning with solvents. The reservoir is then cleaned as outlined previously. The test ball and lower specimen should be bagged separately and labeled for future reference. Both specimens are designed for one-off usage because this ensures repeatability of results. Recycling of previously used specimens may result in incorrect results.
MTM-PC Software in operation
Profile Generator
The MTM2 has a separate profile generator program – ‘MTM Profile Editor’. By selecting 'New' from the toolbar you can select the profile type – either 3/4 Inch, 1/2 Inch Ball profile or Pin-On-Disc profile.
Selecting profile type using the MTM Profile Editor
Creating a Traction Profile
Creating a traction profile using the MTM Profile Editor
Creating a Stribeck step
Creating a Stribeck step using the MTM Profile Editor
Creating a New Timed Step Profile
Creating a new timed step profile using the MTM Profile Editor
Inserting/Duplicating/Revising Steps
Having created a step, you can then insert, duplicate, move or edit your step from the ‘Profile Editor’ screen. To insert a step, highlight the step and right click the mouse selecting Insert and then selecting the Step to insert. To duplicate a step, highlight the step and right click the mouse selecting the step to be duplicated. To Edit a step, highlight the step and right mouse click selecting Edit. This allows you to change one of the parameters (for example the temperature or load). To delete a step, highlight the step and right mouse click selecting Edit.
Software Options
Options Form
The options within the MTM2 software can be accessed by clicking the Options button on the top of the main menu.
MTM-PC Software Options
About
Clicking on the ‘About’ icon brings up system information including the rig serial number, MTM electronics unit (including hardware and firmware versions of each module) and the software version. You can export this information to the desktop, by clicking on ‘Save’. This may be required for diagnostic investigation of your system.
Open Test Option
Selecting the ‘Open Test’ option, allows the user to view previously run test and view the data. You can select to combine groups of tests together by clicking on the ‘Combine Groups’ check box. This is show you the full set of Traction or Stribeck curves for the complete test on one graph.
