Abstract: The disclosure relates to a dual-criterion diagram for designing and assessing the life and strength of high-temperature rotating components and its establishment. In addition, the disclosure relates to a method for designing and assessing the life and strength of high-temperature rotating components based on the dual-criterion diagram for designing and assessing the life and strength of high-temperature rotating components. The advantages of the disclosure include a simple design and assessment process, high operability, and reliable assessment results. The invention is expected to be applied finally to assessment and evaluation of high-cycle fatigue life of rotating components at high temperatures.

Abstract: A deformation measuring apparatus of a specimen includes: a holder which supports the specimen; a contact portion disposed facing the holder and including a hemispherical tip; a position controlling portion which adjusts a position of the contact portion along a thickness direction of the specimen to allow the hemispherical tip to be in contact with a surface of the specimen; a heating chamber which accommodates the holder and the contact portion and heating the specimen; and a sensing portion which measures at least one of a thermal deformation force (F) of the specimen or a thickness direction thermal expansion (?h) of the specimen.

Abstract: A system, device, and method for measuring the temperature of a chambered projectile within a firearm are provided. A test ammunition round may include a projectile, a sleeve, and a case including a first end coupled to sleeve, and a second end coupled to the projectile. A thermocouple may be located within the projectile, and an electronic coupler may be coupled to the thermocouple, and extends through the case and the sleeve and exits the sleeve through a slot for coupling to a data acquisition system.

Abstract: Methods that extend the utility of standard rotational rheometers for accurate and sensitive viscoelastic characterization of small or small irregularly shaped or small anisotropic samples and systems to implement those methods.

Abstract: The disclosure provides methods for the detection of a possible joint defect, in particular a root fusion defect, in a friction stir weld seam, wherein two members are joined together and the methods include generating of a tensile stress in the region of the friction stir weld seam in the elastic range, and testing in at least some regions of a lower face of the friction stir weld seam, in order to detect any joint defect.

Abstract: A method of testing the coking qualities of sample quantities of coal in a test container and the structure of the test container are disclosed. A test container which is ideally reusable is adapted to receive one or more samples of coal to be tested and then the test container is inserted into a coking oven along with additional, conventional coal during a conventional coking operation. Following the completion or substantial completion of the coking operation, the test container is recovered and from the conventional converted coke and the sample(s) of coke are removed from the container for testing and evaluation. The container is recharged with one or more additional samples of coke and reused in another conventional coking operation.

Abstract: This disclosure is directed to apparatuses, systems, and methods that can quickly and reliably determine a stationary or non-stationary change in temperature. During a simulated test of, for example, the heater system of an automated and/or high-speed composite material placement machine may be evaluated at any single location along a course whether a lay down material is heated below, at, or beyond its particular temperature requirements. Temperature measurements can be of a heat source that is moving at a rate from zero to over 3000 inches/minute. Temperature measurements of a moving heat source are reliable within a variance of approximately plus or minus 3° F. In addition, temperature measurements of a moving heat source on a laminated material may be had with a plurality of sensors along at least one direction and to various depths.

Abstract: A sensor system includes a housing defining a cavity, an actuator formed from an alloy transitionable between first and second states, a plunger attached to the actuator, and a resilient member configured for translating the plunger within the cavity. The plunger is not translatable during a first condition in which a coating of debris is disposed on the housing as the alloy transitions between the first and second states to define a first stress on the actuator. The plunger is translatable during a second condition in which the housing is substantially free from the coating as the alloy transitions to define a second stress on the actuator that is less than the first stress. The alloy transitions from the first to the second state at a first transformation temperature during the first condition, and at a second transformation temperature that is less than the first temperature during the second condition.

Abstract: A thermal-mechanical testing apparatus for use with an electrically conductive specimen testing system. In one embodiment, the apparatus includes a first compression anvil assembly, a mounting frame coupled to the first compression anvil assembly, and a second compression anvil assembly positioned opposite the first compression anvil assembly and the mounting frame. The first compression anvil assembly includes a mounting plate, a first compression anvil coupled to the mounting plate, and a heating current ground system coupled to the mounting plate. The mounting frame includes a set of conductive end plates, a set of insulating connectors connecting the conductive end plates, and a plurality of mounting components coupled to the insulating connectors. The mounting components are also coupled to the mounting plate.

Abstract: Thermal test apparatus comprising a specimen supported by a fixture, a thermal shroud comprising a flexible insulating fabric forming an enclosure around at least a portion of the specimen, and a temperature controlled air supply connected to an opening formed in the enclosure for delivering a supply of temperature controlled air into the enclosure. Also, a method of conducting a thermal test.

Abstract: The embodiments described herein relate to BMG parts and related failure detection devices. The BMG parts can be formed of a material including at least one or more amorphous alloys having binary physical properties in response to a temperature. The BMG parts can be configured in failure detection devices, which can be used for controlling and detecting failures, determining mechanical and temperature parameters, and/or providing protection and switching functions to an electronic system that contains the BMG parts and/or the failure detection devices.

Abstract: A thermal distortion tester for testing thermal distortion of a sand specimen, comprising a gimbal to support the sand specimen, an actuator to raise and lower the sand specimen, and a hot surface, wherein the sand specimen is brought into contact with the hot surface at a pre-determined pressure or pressure profile. The temperature of the hot surface is maintained at a pre-determined temperature or temperature profile. The distortion of the sand specimen while applied to the hot surface is directly measured through measurement of the longitudinal movement of the gimbal, and radial distortion is measured by a micrometer camera. The temperature gradient of the sand specimen is also measured throughout the duration of the test. A method of using the same is also described herein.

Abstract: An approach for the thermomechanical characterization of phase transitions in polymeric materials (polyethyleneterephthalate) by band excitation acoustic force microscopy is developed. This methodology allows the independent measurement of resonance frequency, Q factor, and oscillation amplitude of a tip-surface contact area as a function of tip temperature, from which the thermal evolution of tip-surface spring constant and mechanical dissipation can be extracted. A heating protocol maintained a constant tip-surface contact area and constant contact force, thereby allowing for reproducible measurements and quantitative extraction of material properties including temperature dependence of indentation-based elastic and loss moduli.

Abstract: A compressor drive torque estimating device to be adapted for a system provided with a refrigeration cycle in which a refrigerant is circulated by a compressor driven by a drive source mounted in a vehicle, comprising heat load detecting means for detecting a heat load of the refrigeration cycle, a storage unit storing a plurality of estimated drive torque characteristics establishing correlation between a drive torque change characteristic of the compressor and an elapsed time from a time of start of operation of the compressor, an estimated drive torque characteristic selecting means for selecting the one of the plurality of estimated drive torque characteristics stored in the storage unit based on detected values detected by the heat load detecting means, and an estimated drive torque calculating means for calculating an estimated drive torque of the compressor based on the estimated drive torque characteristic selected by the estimated drive torque characteristic selecting means.

Abstract: A bridge intelligent cable system with a built-in fiber grating sensor is provided, which is applied in a cable bearing structure such as a cable-stayed bridge, a suspension bridge, and an arch bridge. The system includes an anchor cup, a wire dividing plate, a connecting cylinder, a fiber grating sensor, and a cable body, in which the fiber grating sensor includes a fiber grating strain sensor and a fiber grating temperature sensor, tail fibers of the fiber grating strain sensor and the fiber grating temperature sensor are led out, the packaged fiber grating strain sensor is fixedly connected to an outer-layer steel wire of the connecting cylinder, the packaged fiber grating temperature sensor is suspended on the steel wire of the connecting cylinder, holes are punched in the wire dividing plate, and a preserved steel pipe is buried in advance in the connecting cylinder and the anchor cup.

Abstract: A test facility includes a heat source to thermally load a test object being mechanically loaded by rotation imposed by a spin test rig. The heat source can be a quartz lamp controlled to provide a thermal load with a differing phase than the mechanical load. Testing cycles can be run for the test object, with impingement cooling permitting the removal of the thermal load between cycles. The test facility emulates operating conditions in a gas turbine engine to impose realistic thermal and mechanical fatigue stress on the test component.

Abstract: A method for monitoring stress on a wind turbine blade during loading is disclosed. The method includes capturing multiple images at respective locations of the blade. The method also includes measuring temperature at the respective locations based upon captured images. The method further includes calculating stress applied on the blade at the respective locations based upon the measured temperature. The method also includes calculating stress applied on the blade at the respective locations based upon the measured temperature. The method further includes comparing the calculated stress with respective theoretical stress in a finite element model to predict lifetime of the blade. The method also includes alerting an operator in event that the calculated stress at one or more of the respective locations is above a pre-determined limit.

Abstract: System, computer software and method for determining a susceptibility to reheat cracking of a sample of material, which includes a welded area. The method includes measuring a length of the sample, applying a first stress to the sample to achieve a predetermined elongation of the sample, exposing the elongated sample to a predefined heat treatment, applying a second stress to the sample until the sample breaks at least into two different pieces, and determining the susceptibility of the broken sample to reheat cracking.

Abstract: The invention provides an indicator excellent in constitutional simplicity and capable of indicating both the temperature of an article to be indicated and elapsed time at that temperature, as well as an indicator of simple constitution capable of indicating the level of deformation of the article by external force. Disclosed is an external stimulus indicator including a polymer composition composed of a polymer and a dye, wherein the polymer composition has the dye fixed in a specific molecular dispersion state in the polymer, and when kept at a temperature not lower than a specific temperature for at least a predetermined time or deformed to at least a certain level by external force, changes its color to a hue different from the initial hue thereof.

Abstract: A bonding strength measuring device for measuring the bonding strength between a substrate and a molding compound disposed on the substrate is provided. The measuring device includes a heating platform, a heating slide plate, and a fixing bracket. The heating platform has a first heating area and a first replaceable fixture. The substrate is disposed on the first heating area, and the first replaceable fixture is used to fix the substrate and has an opening exposing the molding compound. The heating slide plate has a second heating area and a second replaceable fixture. The second heating area is used to heat the molding compound, and the second replaceable fixture has a cavity for accommodating the molding compound. The fixing bracket is used to fix the heating slide plate above the heating platform.

Abstract: Thermal test apparatus comprising a specimen supported by a fixture, a thermal shroud comprising a flexible insulating fabric forming an enclosure around at least a portion of the specimen, and a temperature controlled air supply connected to an opening formed in the enclosure for delivering a supply of temperature controlled air into the enclosure. Also, a method of conducting a thermal test.

Abstract: Acoustic thermography uses a housing configured for thermal, acoustic and infrared radiation shielding. For in-situ applications, the housing has an open side adapted to be sealingly coupled to a surface region of a structure such that an enclosed chamber filled with air is defined. One or more acoustic sources are positioned to direct acoustic waves through the air in the enclosed chamber and towards the surface region. To activate and control each acoustic source, a pulsed signal is applied thereto. An infrared imager focused on the surface region detects a thermal image of the surface region. A data capture device records the thermal image in synchronicity with each pulse of the pulsed signal such that a time series of thermal images is generated. For enhanced sensitivity and/or repeatability, sound and/or vibrations at the surface region can be used in feedback control of the pulsed signal applied to the acoustic sources.

Abstract: An object comprising a body part having an electrically insulating outer surface part, and a first layer arranged on the outer surface part. The first layer is formed by one or more electrically conducting materials and defines one or more conducting paths between a first area of the outer surface part and a second area of the outer surface part. Thereby electrical signals may be transferred between the first and second area parts. The layer further defines a sensing device, which is thereby embedded into the object. The object is provided with a threaded portion defining an outer thread. Thereby the object may easily be fitted into an opening having a mating inner thread. The object may be in the form of an ordinary bolt with a sensing device embedded in a surface part thereof.

Abstract: A test facility includes a heat source to thermally load a test object being mechanically loaded by rotation imposed by a spin test rig. The heat source can be a quartz lamp controlled to provide a thermal load with a differing phase than the mechanical load. Testing cycles can be run for the test object, with impingement cooling permitting the removal of the thermal load between cycles. The test facility emulates operating conditions in a gas turbine engine to impose realistic thermal and mechanical fatigue stress on the test component.

Abstract: There are provided a process and the like for judging a residual lifetime of a run-flat tire and an end stage of the residual lifetime thereof during continuous running at a run-flat state.

Abstract: A system for attaching in situ thermal management equipment, such as a heat exchanger, to a high pressure gas storage tank in a manner which fixes the in situ equipment in the interior of the tank, to the tank, but does not constrain the axial location of the in situ equipment, thereby allowing a small amount of longitudinal displacement or axial rotation between the heat exchanger and the tank. A degree of longitudinal movement along the axis of the tank and a degree of rotation is effected, both singularly at either end of the in situ device or dually at each end of the in situ device positioned within the tank.

Abstract: A bonding strength measuring device for measuring the bonding strength between a substrate and a molding compound disposed on the substrate is provided. The measuring device includes a heating platform, a heating slide plate, and a fixing bracket. The heating platform has a first heating area and a first replaceable fixture. The substrate is disposed on the first heating area, and the first replaceable fixture is used to fix the substrate and has an opening exposing the molding compound. The heating slide plate has a second heating area and a second replaceable fixture. The second heating area is used to heat the molding compound, and the second replaceable fixture has a cavity for accommodating the molding compound. The fixing bracket is used to fix the heating slide plate above the heating platform.

Abstract: A MEMS system, such as a biosensor, includes a micromechanical resonator and a piezoresistive sensing element which includes an organic semiconductor, such as an organic thin film transistor.

Abstract: Shape-memory polymer is a new kind of material utilizing shape memorizing mechanism of elastomer of polyurethane family. These materials exhibit novel properties such as sensing (thermal), actuaton, high damping, adaptive responses, super-elasticity capability and air permeability. Recently, they are used and applied to finish textiles and garments. Although there are some characterization methods for shape memory polymers, there is currently no characterization method to evaluate the effects of shape memory fabrics. This invention provides a method to determine the shape memory coefficient of fabrics. The fabric is first deformed from the original state to a deformed state and then subjected to a switch temperature. Different parameters are measured at the original state before and after the fabric is subjected to the switch temperature to determine the shape memory coefficient.

Abstract: A method for processing thermography signals. A time series of radiometric data is measured from a surface (104) of an object (102) over a period of heating and subsequent cooling, and a mathematical curve (1, 2) is fit to the data. An amplitude aspect and one or more shape aspects are identified for each curve. The amplitude and shape aspects are then used together to characterize features such as defects in the object. The amplitude and shape aspects for an array of such data may be combined in a single noise-free visual display (100) by associating hue (color) with the shape-aspect and luminance (brightness) with the amplitude aspect. Optionally, a second shape aspect may be identified and associated with saturation on the display. A visible image of the object may be overlaid on the display.

Abstract: A active thermographic method for detecting subsurface defects in a specimen, particularly kissing unbond defects, includes heating a specimen, applying a force to the surface of the specimen to shift and separate the walls of the defect, and obtaining thermographic images of the specimen over time to monitor the heat flow through the specimen and detect thermal discontinuities. Because kissing unbond defects normally have good physical contact, and therefore good thermal conductivity, between its walls, these defects can go undetected in conventional active thermographic methods. By distorting the surface of the specimen, the kissing unbond defect is enlarged enough to generate sufficient thermal contrast for the defect to appear in the thermographic images.

Abstract: A method of measuring a thermal resistance of laminated resin sandwiched by a first member and a second member according to the present invention includes measuring, as thermal resistance of resin, a sum of thermal resistance of an interface between the resin and the first member, thermal restistance of an interface between the resin and the second member, and thermal resistance caused by conduction of heat through the resin.

Abstract: A method for determining the Coefficient of Thermal Expansion of a specimen. The specimen is placed in the tester and a tensile force is applied to the specimen. The specimen is equilibrated at a first temperature and then elongated. After reaching a desired elongation, the specimen is equilibrated at another temperature. The tensile force on the specimen is changed to a predetermined value or until the specimen fails. A force-displacement curve is generated from the stressed specimen. The force-displacement curve is converted into a stress-strain response, from which the Coefficient of Thermal Expansion is determined.

Abstract: A slit for probe-changing is provided above an opening for changing a test piece on a side of a test piece tube for installing test pieces. Probes are then taken out and inserted via this slit. Probes can therefore be changed without taking out the test piece tube or a thermocouple. This improves work efficiency and means that the work can be carried out in a confined space because the probes are pulled forward towards an operator and inserted in the opposite direction.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for evaluating thermal barrier coating material on a surface of a part or component that is subjected to transient heat/thermal cycles. A pulsed laser heating apparatus that preferably uses lenses and optical fiber focusing components simulates conditions of brief heating on the test specimen. In the method of the invention, the temporal shape, spatial distribution, and total energy of the laser pulse are designed to produce a spot of uniform illumination and heat absorption on the test specimen that closely approximates the thermal loading that the specimen is expected to receive during use. The test specimen is then examined for thermally induced changes.

Abstract: In a method of evaluating a semiconductor wafer to provide an index as to whether slip generation is likely or not, the in-plane temperature distribution of the wafer is varied at a prescribed temperature and the condition of the temperature distribution at which slip line generation occurs is detected. The temperature distribution is varied using plural concentric heaters and is measured using a radiation thermometer. The temperature distribution is correlated to thermal stress in the wafer. In this manner, a range of tolerable thermal stress is specified, at which a slip line will not be generated. Dependent on the applied temperature distribution and the determination of whether a slip line has been generated in connection with that temperature distribution, it is determined whether the periphery of the wafer has a tangential residual stress that is compressive or tensile.

Abstract: A system and method for performing localized mechanothermal analysis with scanning probe microscopy (“MASM”) is disclosed. In a preferred embodiment an image of the surface or subsurface of a sample is created. A localized region of the sample is selected from the image. Using a scanning microscope, an active or passive thermal probe is positioned at the selected region. A temperature ramp is applied to the localized region. In addition, a dynamic or modulated stress or strain is applied to the localized region. Force data resulting from the applied temperature and stress or strain is collected and processed to produce a graph or fingerprint of the dynamic mechanical and/or calorimetric properties of the selected localized region.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for measuring viscous heating/heat build-up of viscoelastic materials, such as rubber and polymer compounds. Temperature changes in the viscoelastic material are measured during application of a shearing force to the viscoelastic material. The shearing force is applied by rotating a second die plate relative to a first die plate, which remains stationary. Temperature changes in the viscoelastic material attributable to friction between the first die and an adjacent sealing ring are accounted for, and subtracted out of the final temperature values. The present invention provides an accurate, quantifiable, and repeatable measure of viscous heating/heat build-up of a viscoelastic material.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for performing combined single differential thermal analysis and dynamic mechanical analysis of a sample relative to a reference, using either one reference measurement for a sequence of material measurements--whereby the reference can also be represented by an empty weighing pan--or by the use of a mathematical model which is so determined that it takes the real behavior of the thermal analytical apparatus into account. Reference temperature curves are generated relative to time of an empty furnace or a reference sample contained in the furnace, and temperature curves of a sample to be measured are taken at the exact same location in the furnace. The reference and sample temperature curves are compared to determine the temperature difference.

Abstract: A pump system for producing high and exactly controllable pressure levels includes a piston pump which has a piston (32) connecting to a spindle shaft (22), a spindle nut (44) on said spindle shaft, a cylinder block (34) having a bore (36) for receiving said piston, a mechanism (14, 16, 26) for imparting relative rotational and axial motions between said piston and said cylinder block including a device for causing relative rotary motion of said spindle and spindle nut. A helical spring (46) or other resilient element is connected between said cylinder block (34) and said spindle nut (44) to compensate the reaction force generated by a pressurized fluid sample in said cylinder bore (36) when put under compresion. A flexible element (30) is connected between the piston (32) and the spindle shaft (22) to compensate for any axial misalignment of the piston and the cylinder bore. Methods for operating such a system under adiabatic, isothermal, isobaric and isochoric conditions are described. (FIG. 3).

Abstract: A system for thermomechanical characterization of material using an induction heating system capable of reaching a temperature of 3300.degree. C. in not more than 20 seconds. This fast heating device comprises induction coils laid out at least partly around the sample (21) and generating induced currents, a susceptor placed between the sample and induction coils to transform induced currents into heat radiation, a thermal protection shield placed between the induction coils and susceptor shield to protect the induction coils from hear radiation emitted by the susceptor and an insulation material globally surrounding the induction coils. The invention has utility in fields using new materials, such as in the aeronautical and automotive industries.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for the simultaneous measurement of rheological and thermal characteristics of a test specimen subjects the test specimen to stress for rheological measurements, while at the same time subjecting the same test specimen to controlled temperature changes for the measurement of temperature differentials indicative of thermal characteristics of the test specimen while the test specimen is being stressed for the rheological measurements, and a measuring cell for measuring the thermal characteristics of a specimen.

Abstract: A gas convection assembly is disclosed for maintaining a desired temperature gradient on a test portion of a test specimen. The assembly includes a housing having a chamber defined by bounding walls. The chamber is accessible through apertures in the housing. The housing is positioned relative to the test specimen such that the apertures are substantially aligned along a longitudinal axis of the test specimen with the test portion located in the chamber and end portions of the test specimen that extend out the apertures. A fan is provided to force gas into the chamber to heat or cool the test portion.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method and apparatus of indentation testing of variable types of specimens which includes mounting an indenter member onto a thermally expandable member, mounting the specimen to be tested on a pedestal, loading the specimen with the indenter member by thermally expanding the thermally expandable member and measuring applied force to and displacement of the specimen so as to determine the hardness or other material properties of the specimen. The indenter member is thermally insulated from the thermally expandable member prior to thermally expanding the thermally expandable member. The thermal expansion driven indentation system in the present invention allows for controlled application of precise and continuous reproducible loads to produce stress-strain plots. Continuous indentation testing with this system has yielded results which correlate well to Rockwell fixed load hardness tests on standard test blocks.

Abstract: Method for observation of vibration mode in which a substance inclusive of structures and materials to be observed in vibration mode is vibrated, heat generated by giving vibration is held at the vibrating parts, infrared emission energy emitted from the substance is optically detected to visually display the distribution of temperature change at each vibrating part as thermal imagery.

Abstract: A method for accumulating stress damage induced by temperature differentials in a rotor of a high pressure steam turbine utilizes a representation of stress damage corresponding to a period of continuous temperature change. A counter variable associated with the representation of stress damage is incremented each time there is a significant change in direction of change in stress induced in the rotor. Accumulated stress damage is calculated by summing the products of each counter variable times a coefficient of stress damage corresponding to that counter variable. Accumulated stress damage is added to previously accumulated stress damage, calculated prior to resetting of the counter variables, to produce total accumulated stress damage. The total accumulated stress damage is printed on a permanent storage medium, such as paper, and it is compared with an alarm setpoint. If the alarm setpoint is exceeded, a message is sent to the operator and the operation of the steam turbine may also be adjusted.

Abstract: The invention provides a non-destructive method of testing a weld made by pressure welding two metal parts (2, 3) at forging temperature. After heating to a temperature of about 1100.degree. C. and applying a forging pressure (F1) to form the weld, the method consists in applying a tensile strength (F2) to the weld perpendicularly to the junction plane (P) between the two ducts (2 and 3) while the weld is still hot at a temperature of, for example, about 600.degree. C., in order to enlarge any defects present at the junction surface (4) and thus make them detectable by a conventional fault detection means.

Abstract: A rheometer having relatively movable shearing elements (4,5) for imposing shear forces on a sample of material placed between such elements, is provided with heating means comprising an induction heating coil (18) heated to permit induction heating of the elements (4,5) during use.

Abstract: An object stress analyzing system includes a scanning head with a detector, a variable gain amplifier and a control unit which controls the scanning head and which acquires stress-related data from the amplifiers. The control unit responds to detector overload conditions by automatically adjusting the gain of the amplifier, rescanning a portion of the object and rescaling data acquired prior to occurrence of the overload condition.

Abstract: A method of and an apparatus for measuring the softening point of a vitreous specimen in which the viscosity variation as a temperature function is determined by applying torsion to the specimen and measuring the transmitted torque as a function of temperature.