Abstract: A method for producing a molded article of a fiber-reinforced plastic include molding a fiber-resin mixture containing an inorganic reinforcing fiber and a thermosetting resin under heat and pressure. The elapsed time since the thermosetting resin reached a molding temperature at which a hardening reaction proceeds is measured, the loss angle ? of the thermosetting resin is measured in a dynamic viscoelasticity measurement, and the relationship between the elapsed time and the loss angle ? is evaluated to calculate the range of the elapsed time, within which the loss angle ? is 0.55 to 1.57 rad after the loss angle ? reached the maximum value, as the pressurization start range. The fiber-resin mixture is heated to the molding temperature and pressure application to the fiber-resin mixture is started within the pressurization start range, to obtain the molded article of the fiber-reinforced plastic.

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 disc tribometer for measuring tribological, mechanical and thermal phenomena including at least a first rotary support for receiving a test sample, a second rotary support for receiving a second test sample, means for measuring torque applied to each of the supports, and at least one induction coil positioned to heat one of the test samples.

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 rheometer has temperature control means which include a bath through which liquid is circulated, so that it will completely immerse both the upper and lower probes or plates between which a sample, whose rheological are being investigated, is located. This allows the temperature of the sample to be closely controlled to within 0.2.degree. C. of a selected temperature. The rheometer is particularly suitable for measuring the properties of bitumous materials which are extremely temperature sensitive.

Abstract: A rheometer die assembly includes a lower oscillating or rotating die adapted for engagement with a stationary upper die. The lower die has an O-ring circumferentially positioned about a top surface thereof and in alignment with an annular planar sealing surface in the upper die. Engagement between the sealing surface and the O-ring defines a cavity between the two dies. A groove about a circumferential edge surface of the lower die is exposed when that die is received in a holder, such groove accepting the insertion of a tool for removing the die from the holder.

Abstract: A series of thermomechanical workings such as temperature-controlled torsional strains are applied to a specimen of steel at strain and temperature levels and interpass times selected to simulate rolling mill conditions. The measured stress values are compared with the temperatures of the steel during the working periods during which the respective values were obtained. Thermomechanical working schedules are repeated at selected varying starting and terminating temperatures thereby to obtain a series of possible rolling schedules. These simulations are selected so that a varying number of reduction passes in the sequence occur at steel temperatures below temperature A.sub.r3. The value of a selected parameter of the worked steel, e.g. yield strength, is measured at ambient temperature.

Abstract: In an apparatus for measuring viscoelasticity, dies are provided in their working face with a plurality of grooves arranged in a radial pattern, each groove cut to increase in width toward the periphery of the die face. Because of this groove design, air bubbles are unlikely to remain in the specimen. In addition, the specimen is far much less likely to slip between the opposed die faces in rotational oscillation generated therein for purposes of measurement, so that reduction in oscillatory angle, lessening of torque and friction disturbances that might otherwise occur as a result of slippage, are prevented. Since the shearing stresses generated in the specimen are transmitted to a torque detection die accurately as torques, precise detection of torque as a function of the viscoelastic stress in the specimen becomes possible.

Abstract: A rheometer and process of curing and testing rubber samples precisely controls each cure and test. The maximum resistance, or more specifically, maximum torque at peak stress, is predicted for each sample automatically as curing progresses. Each cure and test is terminated as soon as maximum resistance is predicted, thereby shortening each cure and test from about one-quarter to one-third.

Abstract: The invention comprises a device which performs the functions of both a Mooney Viscometer and an Oscillating Disk Rheometer to measure the visco-elastic properties of rubber and rubber-like materials. Rotational and oscillating motion are transmitted to a shaft by means of a sprocket and a hub connected to an eccentric. Rubber samples having a wide range of stiffnesses can be accommodated by a provision for changing the thickness of the sample.

Abstract: A curemeter has dies maintainable at a substantially uniform vulcanization temperature, the dies being arranged to be separable and for closure, and which when closed define a cavity for accommodating a sample of compounded rubber, means for subjecting the sample of compounded rubber to oscillating shear strain and means for obtaining a signal derived from such oscillation and correlating with the degree of vulcanization of the sample. The curemeter of the invention is characterized by also having separable dies maintainable at the same substantially uniform vulcanization temperature as the first said dies, and which when closed define at least one cavity for accommodating a further sample of the compounded rubber for vulcanization under static conditions.