Abstract: There is provided a method for estimating a hardness of a cold worked component including: preparing a test piece for hardness measurement having a dent portion of a shape corresponding to a shape of the contact surface of the punch by using a mounting base on which a test piece is mounted and a punch of which a contact surface to be in contact with the test piece is a curved surface, and compressing the test piece mounted on the mounting base using the punch; measuring hardnesses of the test piece for hardness measurement at a plurality of hardness measurement positions in a measurement direction while taking, as the measurement direction, a direction in the dent portion in which a sheet thickness changes; performing numerical analysis to calculate equivalent plastic strains of the test piece for hardness measurement, and acquiring a hardness-equivalent plastic strain curve on the basis of the hardnesses and the equivalent plastic strains at the hardness measurement positions; and specifying a hardness from

Abstract: Disclosed herein are systems, devices and methods for creep testing selected materials within a high-temperature molten salt environment. Exemplary creep testing systems include a load train for holding a test specimen under a load within a heated inert gas vessel. An extensometry system can be included to measure elongation of the test specimen while under load. The extensometry system can include fixed members and axially translating member that move along with the elongation of the test specimen, and the system can include a sensor to measure the relative axial motion between such components to measure elongation of the test specimen over time. The test specimen can include a cylindrical gage portion having an internal void filled with a molten salt during creep testing to simulate the corrosive effect of the molten salt on the specimen material during testing.

Abstract: A high temperature fixture, said fixture comprising: at least three noble metal electrodes arranged in parallel, among which two adjacent noble metal electrodes are used for clamping a test sample; noble metal wires connected to the noble metal electrodes at one end, and to a test device at the other end for transmitting test signals generated by the test sample to the test device through the noble metal electrodes; and a thermocouple for measuring the temperature of the test materials.

Abstract: A sensor comprises a matrix switch that includes a number of switching elements configured in a matrix configuration. The sensor comprises one or more sensor elements configured in a sensor matrix configuration. A controller operates to dynamically select one or more signal routes via the switching elements to communicate data from one or more sensor elements of the sensor matrix. The matrix switch can operate to dynamically route multiple signal routes between sensor elements of the sensor to another component based on a set of criteria.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to lifting gear such as cranes which use high-strength fiber ropes instead of steel ropes. In this respect, the invention in particular relates to an apparatus for recognizing the discard state of a high-strength fiber rope in use at such lifting gear comprising a detection device for detecting at least one rope parameter as well as comprising an evaluation unit for evaluating the rope parameter and for providing a discard signal in dependence on the rope parameter evaluation. In accordance with the invention, the detection device of the apparatus for recognizing the discard state comprises a plurality of differently configured detection means for a magnetic, mechanical, optical and/or electronic detection of a plurality of different rope parameters which can be evaluated by the evaluation unit individually and/or in combination with one another for recognizing the discard state.

Abstract: A composite material includes a structural material and a shape-memory alloy embedded in the structural material. The shape-memory alloy changes crystallographic phase from austenite to martensite in response to a predefined critical macroscopic average strain of the composite material. In a second embodiment, the composite material includes a plurality of particles of a ferromagnetic shape-memory alloy embedded in the structural material. The ferromagnetic shape-memory alloy changes crystallographic phase from austenite to martensite and changes magnetic phase in response to the predefined critical macroscopic average strain of the composite material.

Abstract: A method of determining the non-propagation threshold of fatigue cracks at high frequency, wherein cyclic loading is exerted on at least one testpiece having an elliptical hole in a testpiece zone, the elliptical hole having a notch at one end and the testpiece being held between two rigid masses with two rigid pre-stress plates being arranged on either side of the at least one testpiece and each fastened at its two ends to the two rigid masses, which cyclic loading is at a frequency that is selected as being equal to the resonant frequency of the assembly including the testpiece, the masses, and the stress plates, so as to generate a fatigue crack from the notch, and then once it has been observed that the crack has stopped propagating, the final length of the crack is measured and a chart is used to determine the non-propagation threshold.

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: An apparatus and method for determining the standardized melt elasticity (sME) force of a thermoplastic polymer needed to stretch a strand of melted polymer at a speed about thirty three times faster than the speed of strand formation from a body of melted polymer under constant stress from an unencumbered dead weighted piston.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for determining the standardized melt elasticity (sME) force of a thermoplastic polymer needed to stretch a strand of melted polymer at a speed about thirty three times faster than the speed of strand formation from a body of melted polymer under constant stress from an unencumbered dead weighted piston.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of and a device for detecting the flatness of a metal band product at high temperature, using a measuring roll (1) having a cylindrical external face (13) comprising an angular contact sector with the band and a free sector. According to the invention, the roll (1) is cooled down forcibly by circulating a heat exchanging fluid along at least one portion of the free sector of the external face (13) of the roll (1) and one determines the parameters responsible for the cooling efficiency such as the opening angle (B) of cooling sector, the temperature and the circulation flow rate of the heat exchanging fluid, so that the external face (13) of the roll (1) is brought back, at each revolution, to a pre-set equilibrium temperature. The invention applies especially to the hot rolling of ferrous and non-ferrous metals.

Abstract: The present invention is a method to eliminate the influence of clamp dimensional changes on the displacement measurement during the measurement of the coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE) of samples in tension. In a first embodiment clamp dimensional changes can be eliminated by making clamps from a material with near zero CTEs. In another embodiment clamp dimensional changes can be reduced by minimizing the CTE of the clamp material. Finally clamp dimensional changes are taken into account. This is achieved directly by subtracting a prerecorded baseline from the measurements; or by determining the CTE measurement for various sample lengths and obtaining the slope of a straight line through the points on a MD (measured displacement)/DT (temperature range of displacement measurement) versus sample length plot. The slope is the corrected CTE.

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: The described embodiments relate to methods and systems for forming die packages. In one exemplary embodiment, the method for forming die packages contacts interface areas of a die assembly to keep the interface areas free of an insulative material. The method distributes a flowable insulative material around portions of the die assembly.

Abstract: A modular materials characterization apparatus includes a sensor array disposed on a substrate, with a standardized array and contact pad format; electronic test and measurement apparatus for sending electrical signals to and receiving electrical signals from the sensor array; an apparatus for making electrical contact to the sensors in the standardized array format; an apparatus for routing signals between one or more selected sensors and the electronic test and measurement apparatus and a computer including a computer readable having a computer program recorded therein for controlling the operator of the apparatus. The sensor array is preferably arranged in a standardized format used in combinatorial chemistry applications for rapid deposition of sample materials on the sensor array.

Abstract: The present invention is a method to eliminate the influence of clamp dimensional changes on the displacement measurement during the measurement of the coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE) of samples in tension. In a first embodiment clamp dimensional changes can be eliminated by making clamps from a material with near zero CTEs. In another embodiment clamp dimensional changes can be reduced by minimizing the CTE of the clamp material. Finally clamp dimensional changes are taken into account. This is achieved directly by subtracting a prerecorded baseline from the measurements; or by determining the CTE measurement for various sample lengths and obtaining the slope of a straight line through the points on a MD (measured displacement)/DT (temperature range of displacement measurement) versus sample length plot. The slope is the corrected CTE.

Abstract: A glass transition temperature Tg measurement system includes a probe point penetrating into a sample under test that has been heated by a heater to a temperature where the sample undergoes a phase change from a solid to a semisolid. A thermocouple is used to measure the temperature while a motion transducer is used to measure the amount of penetration. The penetration amount sharply increases at the glass transition temperature. A portable unit can be used in the field to test the Tg properties of various composite materials used, for example, in structures including buildings and bridges.

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 convertible tensile test machine having a dual capability for selectively testing a specimen in an open environment or in solution including a frame having an upper portion and a lower portion and a central portion therebetween, a support plate on the central portion of the frame, a carriage on the frame above the support plate on the upper portion of the frame, a load cell transducer on the carriage, a drive for driving the carriage toward and away from the support plate, an upper grip on the load cell transducer, a lower grip on the lower portion of the frame below the support plate, an opening in the support plate, a connector member connected to the upper grip and extending through the opening in the support plate for connection to the upper end of a specimen, the lower end of which is connected to the lower grip for open environment testing, a shelf mountable on the lower portion of the frame for supporting a vessel for solution testing, a second lower grip, a carrying member attachable to the support

Abstract: A thermomechanical analyzer including a vertical probe secured to a probe holding bar. The probe and the probe holding bar are coupled to a force generator for supplying a force in the vertical direction, a differential transformer for detecting the degree of movement in the vertical direction, and two supports each composed of a pair of wires and a coil spring in the horizontal direction. The force generator is located between the two supports. Thus, the movement of the probe holding bar in a radial direction is controlled. The size of the instrument becomes compact. As the movement of the probe holding bar in a radial direction is controlled to be very small, the moving range of the probe becomes broader and a large sample deformation can be measured with precision.

Abstract: A depth measuring system for a slickline utilized in a well bore operation where the slickline is in a non-slip relationship with the circumference of a calibrated measuring wheel and the revolutions of the wheel are utilized to provide a first length measurement. A load cell is provided to measure tension in the slickline so that length elongation of the slickline due to tension can be determined. A temperature differential determination is made so that corrections in length can be made for the temperature effects. The temperature differential can be temperature effects on the measuring wheel and/or temperature effects of the slickline in the well bore. The measuring wheel determination of length is algebraically summed with the tension elongation and changes due to temperature to provide a more accurate indication of the depth measurement in the well bore.

Abstract: A fixture for performing tensile tests on advanced materials at extremely high temperatures (greater than 2500 degrees fahrenheit). The fixture allows gripping a specimen without introducing thermal gradient in the specimen. It incorporates a self aligning feature while avoiding thermal stress problems inherent in using different materials at elevated temperatures.

Abstract: An attachment for placement between a test specimen and a remote clip gage extensometer providing improved fracture toughness tests of materials at elevated temperature. Using a cylindrical tube and axial rod in new relationship, the device transfers the displacement signal of the fracture toughness test specimen directly to a clip gage extensometer located outside the high temperature furnace. Virtually frictionless operation is assured by having the test specimen center one end of the rod in one end of the tube, while the clip gage extensometer arms center the other end of the rod in the other end of the tube. By providing positive control over both ends of both rod and tube, the attachment may be operated in orientations other than vertical.

Abstract: This machine comprises a thermally insulated enclosure, with which are associated a control unit, a temperature source, a device for making the temperature uniform, a specimen holder disposed inside the enclosure and measurement units, means being provided for mounting the various control or monitoring components fixed to the enclosure, whilst permitting the thermal expansions of the enclosure due to temperature differences.Application to the monitoring of components made of shape-memory alloys.

Abstract: Mechanical properties of short test specimens are tested in tension and fatigue using an improved electrical resistance heating furnace having a short length that mounts between the grips of a typical testing machine. The furnace includes a ceramic inner liner having an oval cross-section to reduce heat loss at the ends. The furnace is divided into a plurality of individually controlled heating zones. Provision is made to supply an inert gas to the volume around the specimen in the center of the furnace.

Abstract: A ballistic test device for simulating propellant and/or bond and/or strain conditions in a high pressure, high strain rate rocket motor. The device uses internal compliant sleeves which allow radial expansion or growth of propellants, liners and insulation or any combination of all three.

Abstract: A Miniaturized Bend Test (MBT) capable of extracting and determining mechanical behavior information from specimens only so large as to have at least a volume or smallest dimension sufficient to satisfy continuum behavior in all directions. The mechanical behavior of the material is determined from the measurements taken during the bending of the specimen and is processed according to the principles of linear or nonlinear material mechanics or both. In a preferred embodiment the determination is carried out by a code which is constructed according to the finite element method, and the specimen used for the determinations is a miniature disk simply supported for central loading at the axis on the center of the disk.

Abstract: A device for, and a method of, applying an incremental strain to a test specimen of a solid propellant which is at the stress-free temperature, while simultaneously subjecting the test specimen to an incremental temperature change above and below the stress-free temperature. The device includes a frame assembly in which a captive "strain multiplier" is used to apply the thermally induced loads to the test specimen of the solid propellant that is mounted within the device. Temperature changes, above or below the stress-free temperature, cause volume changes of the rubber members of the "strain multiplier" and result in the "strain multiplier" axially loading the mounted test specimen in simulation of the loading conditions that occur in a case-bonded solid rocket grain. When the temperature is raised, the rubber members expand and exert an axial compressive load on the mounted specimen; and, when the temperature is lowered, the rubber members contract and exert an axial tensile load on the mounted specimen.

Abstract: A device for assisting in the prediction of the effects that a treatment, e.g. heat-setting, will have upon a textile fabric comprises a frame which defines an interior area, securing members for securing a textile fabric to the frame so as to cover the interior area, and an angularly displacable portion of the frame to vary the dimensional characteristic of the interior area so as to impart proportional and varying tension and extension to the fabric thereby aiding in the determination of the effects of the treatment thereon over a wide range of tension and extension parameters. The fabric is positioned on the frame, the frame is angularly displaced a predetermined amount and subsequently treated, and the treatment's effect are determined.

Abstract: An assembly as used to test material in a specimen within a high temperat range. The specimen or workpiece is clamped into a clamping mechanism having two clamping heads that are movably disposed with respect to each other. A divided workpiece end holder is disposed within an inwardly enlarged opening form on the facing front walls of each clamping head. A measuring apparatus including two elongation measurement holders are disposed at two laterally displaced locations along the length of the workpiece or specimen. A shoulder configuration is located at the laterally displaced locations on the workpiece. As the specimen is pulled apart by the clamping mechanisms located at each end thereof, the material between the shoulders is elongated. A particular rod and tube arrangement is used to measure the relative movement occurring between the elongation measurement holders disposed at the shoulder locations on the workpiece.