Production of creep measuring apparatus for laboratory use as sustainable measure in Nigeria

Abstract

The teaching of science and engineering requires not only the theoretical aspects but requires intensive laboratory equipment for practical purposes to impact the essential knowledge in engineering and technology education. This paper presents the production of creep measuring apparatus that has a heating chamber. Materials used for the production of the apparatus were sourced locally. The machine was produced to compliment the practical needs of students in tertiary institutions. All the apparatus components (mild steel, fibre glass, copper wire and hollow cylinder of spiral elements) were fabricated and assembled in the Engineering workshop of the University of Ilorin. Creep was measured while varying the thermal conditions of the specimens in the heating chamber. The heating chamber temperature was set at 1000 C, 2000C and 3000C with the aid of thermostat which was attached to the heating chamber. Testing of this apparatus showed that it compared well with the imported one at 94.6% efficiency.