Abstract: A creep testing fixture and method for applying a precise amount of constant tensile stress to a creep test specimen to allow for precise measurement of creep in the test specimen. The fixture includes first and second mounting grips for holding opposite ends of a test specimen. A frame supports the mounting grips for relative reciprocal movement toward and away from each other. A tensile spring is connected between the first and second mounting grips. The frame subjects a test specimen held between the mounting grips to tensile stress in response to axially inward force that the tensile spring applies to the frame.

Abstract: A creep testing fixture and method for applying a precise amount of constant tensile stress to a creep test specimen to allow for precise measurement of creep in the test specimen. The fixture includes first and second mounting grips for holding opposite ends of a test specimen. A frame supports the mounting grips for relative reciprocal movement toward and away from each other. A tensile spring is connected between the first and second mounting grips. The frame subjects a test specimen held between the mounting grips to tensile stress in response to axially inward force that the tensile spring applies to the mounting grips.

Abstract: A tensile test fixture for applying constant tensile forces to a tensile test specimen comprises two mounting grips, each mounted to one of two lever arms in a pivoted lever arm frame structure. One end of each lever arm is pivotally attached to a compression column while the other end of each lever arm is attached to one end of a force-applying assembly. The mounting grips are pivotally attached to their respective lever arms between the compression column and the force-applying assembly and are designed to hold opposite ends of a tensile test specimen. The force-applying assembly comprises stress and strain modules that are interchangeably installable into the force-applying assembly to selectively subject tensile test specimens to constant strain and constant stress.

Abstract: An engine valve-train pushrod of composite material construction and a process of manufacturing the same. The pushrod is an elongate, hollow rod of epoxy resin and fibers. The fibers consist essentially of graphite, glass or a combination thereof. Endcaps are secured internally to each end of the elongate hollow rods.

Abstract: A method is provided for compacting viscous polymeric molding compositions preparatory to compression molding to substantially improve the physical properties of articles molded therefrom. Suitable compositions include those filled with a geometric reinforcing particulate filler that are flowable and thermosettable when compression molded. The method comprises forming a slab of a said filler composition and thereafter reducing its thickness by passing it between spaced-apart pairs of compression means. The pair members of the means are spaced apart to ultimately substantially reduce its thickness. The method yields unexpected improvements in the tensile strength, isotropy and surface characteristics of articles compression molded from the compounds.