Abstract: The front body assembly of a vehicle is simulated by a reusable model-structure (6) featuring a pair of side members (8, 9) collapsible accordion fashion and each comprising a number of arms (16, 18) hinged in series with one another by respective articulating means (19, 20), and a number of hydraulic friction joints (20) constituting at least some of the articulating means. Each hydraulic joint (20) presents an adjustable sliding torque by virtue of being connected to pressurized fluid supply means (43) via a respective pressure regulating valve (42). Once calibrated, the model-structure (6), which thus presents the same collapse performance as the front body assembly being simulated, is fitted with the test component (2) and used for impact testing; and, following impact, the collapsed model-structure (6) is restored to its original configuration by means of hydraulic actuators (38), after first zeroing the pressure of the hydraulic joints (20).

Abstract: The model die for measuring values of parameters inherent in the drawing of pieces of sheet metal to produce shaped elements, each including at least one curved surface region which has a critical radius of curvature, has at least one curved surface region which is a copy of the region with critical curvature of the shaped element to be produced. The die has at least one sensor selected from the group comprising pressure, temperature, linear-displacement, vibration, breakage and thickness sensors for measuring the value of a parameter of the drawing of a model shaped element which can be correlated functionally to a corresponding parameter inherent in the drawing of the shaped element on an industrial scale. If the value measured differs from the value which can be calculated or predicted on the basis of a mathematical model of the drawing method, it can be used to improve the mathematical model which can be used for analysing and/or controlling the drawing method.

Abstract: The addition of elastomeric thermoplastic polymers and melamine resin to the polymer matrix of composite materials for the moulding of fibre-reinforced unsaturated polyester resin improves the surface characteristics, resilience, and mouldabilty and heat resistance thereof.

Abstract: Structural elements of thermosetting plastics material, particularly component parts for motor vehicle bodies, are produced by injecting into a mould, in accordance with known "sandwich" injection moulding technology, a first flow of thermosetting plastics material which, after its polymerization in the mould, has aesthetic characteristics and characteristics of flexibility and impact strength, and subsequently a second flow of thermosetting plastics material which, after polymerization has characteristics of rigidy and structural strength, so as to obtain structural elements which have a rigid core of the second material and a shell of the first material adhering to the core.

Abstract: A method for the injection moulding of unsaturated polyester resin masses includes the steps of compacting the moulding mass in an accumulation cylinder, generating a subatmospheric pressure in the cylinder and heating the compacted mass at subatmospheric pressure by the application of a high-frequency load as it passes between the inner wall of a hollow metal cylinder and a coaxial spaced cylindrical electrode and injecting the material into the die. The apparatus for carrying out the method includes an accumulation cylinder of metal having a coaxial cylindrical electrode mounted therein to define a substantially hollow cylindrical passage for the flow of the resin mass. A generator is connected to the electrode to generate high frequency waves to heat the resin mass passing over the electrode.

Abstract: The device is particularly suitable for cleaning die plates. It consists of a compressible sheet of sponge plastics material, a layer of adhesive which is flexible and viscous at ambient temperature deposited on each face of the sheet and an outer covering sheet of non-woven fabric superposed on each layer of adhesive. In order to clean the die plates the sheet is inserted between the open plates of the die and compressed between the plates so as to exert an abrasive absorbent action on the die plates.

Abstract: An unsaturated-polyester-resin-based mass to be moulded, obtained from a pulsating screw mixer, is compressed into brick-shaped compacted articles of suitable dimensions and then subjected to a radio frequency to bring it to a high temperature and render it suitable for immediate compression moulding.

Abstract: In order to provide a granular material for use as a filler for plastics material and adapted to improve the thermal, mechanical and aesthetic characteristics of the plastics material incorporating it, the wood flour is impregnated with an aqueous solution of melamine resin and dimethyl ketone or methyl-ethyl ketone and, after drying, the mass of wood flour thus impregnated is milled to obtain granules of dimensions suitable for inclusion in the matrix of the plastics material.