A versatile low-cost laboratory apparatus for testing triboluminescent materials

Abstract The design and fabrication of a simple low-cost laboratory apparatus used to test triboluminescent properties of materials is reported. This unique experimental system consists of an impact chamber attached to the bottom of an adjustable drop tower. A 1.25 in. steel ball with a mass of 130 g is dropped from a known height in the tower impacting the pile of powdered triboluminescent sample at low velocities (