Abstract: A device for detecting thermally caused linear expansions of a machine element, wherein the device includes a temperature sensor placed along an expansion direction. The temperature sensor includes a first metallic conductor having an electrical resistance that is proportional to an average temperature of an area to be monitored and a plurality of trimmer tracks in the form of further metallic conductors placed next to the first metallic conductor. The temperature sensor further includes electrical connections selectively interconnecting the plurality of trimmer tracks with the first metallic conductor and wherein the plurality of the trimmer tracks have an effective electrical resistance that is proportional to the average temperature of the area to be monitored.

Abstract: A method for determining the thermal expansion coefficient of a substance comprises, determining at each of two or more temperatures the absolute position of more than one resonant interference peaks of a Fabry-Perot etalon whose optical path is defined by said substance and calculating said coefficient from observed difference(s) in wavelength or frequency of said positions at said two or more temperatures.

Abstract: Thermally reactive elements of an intumescent material that expands when heated above a trigger temperature are arranged in an enclosed space, e.g a freight compartment of an aircraft. An optical sensor in the enclosed space has a field of view encompassing the elements. An evolving fire heats one of the elements above the trigger temperature so the intumescent material expands. This expansion of the element is sensed by the optical sensor, for an early detection of the fire at temperatures substantially below 300° C. With the elements arranged in a predefined pattern, the location of the fire can be determined based on the element(s) that has/have expanded. The intumescent material may be an adhesive tape adhered onto the ceiling of the freight compartment. Light sources or optical targets arranged along lines of sight behind the elements enhance the unambiguous recognition of the thermally expanded condition of a respective element.

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 calibration device for performing a temperature calibration of the temperature in an oven, especially an oven adapted for thermal treatment of a dental product, includes at least one metallic

Abstract: The invention comprises: a rest base (1) for a sample (2) to be examined, at least a first and a second optical systems (3, 4), identifying two optical paths located at a predetermined distance one from another. The at least a first and a second optical systems (3, 4) are commandable and are able to focus, with a predetermined enlargement, on two ends of the sample (2). The at least a first and a second optical systems (3, 4) are arranged and maintained on parallel planes which are also parallel to the rest base (1). The invention also comprises at least a monitoring and measuring device able to gather images sent by the at least a first and a second optical systems (3, 4). The apparatus is structured to carry out measurements of dimensions of a sample (2) while completely eliminating any influence on the measurements by the measuring system and the rest base for the sample.

Abstract: A method for determining an “effective” thermal coefficient of a machine comprises the steps of installing one or more temperature sensors (110) at various locations on the machine, positioning a first machine member (60) at a “known” reference Location, relative to a second machine member (42), installing a linear position measuring device (120) to detect changes in position of the first machine member (60) relative to the second machine member (42) along a first axis of movement, periodically acquiring readings from each of the temperature sensors (110) and from the linear position measuring device (120) during a test cycle and compiling the temperature and linear position data into a table.

Abstract: In order to precisely analyze thermal deformation of a substance which thermally shrinks over time, the amount of deformation of a substance is determined by separate steps of calculation of elasto-plastic deformation during temperature increase (step S12); calculation of creep deformation from the time when the temperature increase is completed till the time when the temperature decrease is started (step S14); and calculation of elasto-plastic deformation during the temperature decrease (step S16). When calculating the creep deformation, it is assumed that deformation due to the thermal shrinkage of the substance over time occurs simultaneous with the creep deformation, and strain rate is calculated as the time derivative of the total strain which is the sum of creep strain and the strain produced by thermal shrinkage. The creep deformation is then calculated by integrating the strain rate over the time from when the temperature increase is completed until the time when the temperature decrease is started.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a cooking thermometer which can measure a temperature in contact with foodstuffs directly or around foodstuffs during the cooking process. Particularly, the present invention relates to a cooking thermometer which inhibits the proliferation of bacteria on the surface of the thermometer and is coated with an antibacterial compound such as titanium dioxide.

Abstract: The invention comprises: a rest base (1) for a sample (2) to be examined, at least a first and a second optical systems (3, 4), identifying two optical paths located at a predetermined distance one from another. The at least a first and a second optical systems (3, 4) are commandable and are able to focus, with a predetermined enlargement, on two ends of the sample (2). The at least a first and a second optical systems (3, 4) are arranged and maintained on parallel planes which are also parallel to the rest base (1). The invention also comprises at least a monitoring and measuring device able to gather images sent by the at least a first and a second optical systems (3, 4). The apparatus is structured to carry out measurements of dimensions of a sample (2) while completely eliminating any influence on the measurements by the measuring system and the rest base for the sample.

Abstract: A method for determining the thermal expansion coefficient of a substance comprises, determining at each of two or more temperatures the absolute position of more than one resonant interference peaks of a Fabry-Perot etalon whose optical path is defined by said substance and calculating said coefficient from observed difference(s) in wavelength or frequency of said positions at said two or more temperatures.

Abstract: A piezo-resistive thermal detection apparatus for detecting the temperature of fluid inside a cavity device, such as the temperature of ink inside an inkjet print head. The apparatus includes a detection region and a plurality of piezo-resistive devices. The detection region is disposed on the inkjet print head in the form of a rectangle and made of a semiconductor material. The piezo-resistive devices are disposed on centers of each side of the detection region, wherein stresses produced by deformation of the piezo-resistive devices are exerted on the piezo-resistive devices. When the temperature of the ink rises, the surface of the inkjet print head is heated and expands, resulting in the deformation of the thermal detection apparatus. The piezo-resistive devices experience large amounts of stress due to the deformation of the thermal detection apparatus and thus the resistances of the piezo-resistive devices change.

Abstract: A life estimation device which numerically measures the damage to a machine such as an engine accurately to estimate, the life of the machine accurately without requiring skill. A load map (B) of the two-dimensional distribution of the operation parameters of an engine is made. In accordance with the weighted integration time &agr;i·ki at each level (Bi) of the load map (B), the actual damage &dgr;=&Sgr;&agr;i·ki to the engine for a certain lapse of time &tgr; is calculated. By operating the engine beforehand, a correspondence relation L2 between the magnitude of the damage &dgr; and the life H is predetermined. The life H1 corresponding to the calculated actual damage &dgr;1 is determined in accordance with the predetermined correspondence relation L2 and the H1 is outputted as the estimated life of the engine.

Abstract: In order to precisely analyze thermal deformation of a substance which thermally shrinks over time, the amount of deformation of a substance is determined by separate steps of calculation of elasto-plastic deformation during temperature increase (step S12); calculation of creep deformation from the time when the temperature increase is completed till the time when the temperature decrease is started (step S14); and calculation of elasto-plastic deformation during the temperature decrease (step S16). When calculating the creep deformation, it is assumed that deformation due to the thermal shrinkage of the substance over time occurs simultaneous with the creep deformation, and strain rate is calculated as the time derivative of the total strain which is the sum of creep strain and the strain produced by thermal shrinkage. The creep deformation is then calculated by integrating the strain rate over the time from when the temperature increase is completed until the time when the temperature decrease is started.

Abstract: Methods and devices for improved measurement of the thermal expansion and/or chemical reactivity of aggregates used in concrete and for similar substances. Aggregate is placed into the chamber of a metallic container having an enlarged opening. The aggregate is placed in a water bath, and a tightly sealable lid is placed onto the container. The lid carries a linear variable differential transducer (LVDT). A thermocouple for sensing temperature is also retained within the lid so that a sensor on the thermocouple contacts the water bath when the lid is secured onto the container. The LVDT is operationally interconnected with a storage or recording device. In a preferred construction the lid retains a tower member having a float that is freely moveably mounted upon a guide rod. Movement of the float is indicative of a volumetric change in the aggregate and water.

Abstract: A method to accurately evaluate a thermal cycle life of an article with a restraint rate as an evaluating parameter without providing a thermal cycle under actual service conditions to the article subjected to the thermal cycle.

Abstract: Techniques for evaluating curvatures in line features embedded in a different material layer formed on a substrate. A model based a uniform layer formed over a substrate may be used to represent a structure with parallel line features embedded in a layer formed over the substrate. The curvatures of the uniform layer due to an elastic distortion along a first direction substantially parallel to the line features and along a second direction orthogonal to the first direction are determined. Next, the curvatures of the uniform layer may be used as respective curvatures of each of the line features.

Abstract: A method of determining a thermal coefficient of expansion of a substance, the method including providing a first liquid holder containing a solution including the substance, and a second liquid holder containing a liquid in which the substance is not present; applying a pressure perturbation to the solution in the first liquid holder and to the liquid in the second liquid holder at a known temperature; determining a differential heat effect between the first and second liquid holders in response to the pressure perturbation; calculating, from the differential heat effect, the heat effect of the substance in response to the pressure perturbation; and determining, from the calculated heat effect, the thermal coefficient of expansion of the substance at the known temperature.

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: The apparatus comprises: a holder for a test piece; at least two optical systems, identifying two optical paths located at a predetermined and known reciprocal distance, which are able to focalize, with a predetermined degree of magnification, images of two ends of the test piece; the at least two optical systems being aligned with the holder; at least one viewing and measuring device able to collect the images which are focalized by the at least two optical systems. The apparatus is structured to perform measurement of a size of a test piece while completely eliminating any influence on such measurement on the part of the holder or the measuring system.

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: 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 for estimating the thermal displacement of a rotatable component of a machine tool is provided which includes the steps of: (A) generating a signal representative of the temperature of at least one rotatable component of a machine tool, the component being rotatable having a variable rotational speed and a variable temperature; (B) converting the signal representative of the temperature into a numerical value; and (C) estimating the thermal displacement of the rotatable component based on the numerical value using an operational expression. In this method, the operational expression includes a coefficient which is a function (f(n)) that changes with time or the number(n) of compensation operations performed, with the function (f(n)) determined by a relational expression T(N)) relating the time constant (T .delta.) of the thermal displacement and the rotational speed (N) of the rotatable component.

Abstract: By employing a "modulated-temperature" heating program composed of a series of heat-isotherm stages, it is possible to separate the change in dimensions of an oriented material during heating into two contributions: a thermally "reversing" component which is due to linear thermal expansion and a "non-reversing" part arising from relaxation to the disordered state on heating above T.sub.g. Some preliminary results for biaxially drawn poly(ethylene terephthalate) film are presented.

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: Test apparatus heats or cools a small chamber according to a given thermal profile based on data from a thermal sensor; and the change of a component put in the chamber is measured in real time by a measuring sensor and the relationship between temperature and change in shape is displayed as its measurement results.

Abstract: A thermomechanical analyzer capable of performing, in addition to thermomechanical measurement, thermogravimetry of a sample of several grams or more only by switching parts of the analyzer. A thermomechanical analyzer has a heating furnace, a temperature detector for detecting temperature of the sample that is placed within the heating furnace, an attachable/detachable detecting rod and a sample holding member, wherein the sample is held between the detecting rod and the sample holding member. A load applying instrument applies an external force to the sample via the detecting rod. A displacement detector detects displacement of the detecting rod relative to the sample holding member. The thermomechanical analyzer is provided with a control computing apparatus for adjusting an output from the load applying instrument to bring an output from the displacement detector closer to a fixed value.

Abstract: A gap measurement device includes a first roller and a second roller. The first roller and the second roller define a gap which varies due to thermal expansion and contraction of the rollers. A first optical probe measures a first distance to the first roller and generates a first-distance signal indicative of the first distance. A second optical probe measures a second distance to the second roller and generates a second-distance signal indicative of the second distance. An electronics module generates a gap-width signal indicative of the gap based on the first-distance signal and the second-distance signal. The invention can also measure roller velocity, roller runout, roller registration, and the thickness of liquid on a roller.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for calculating the area of an image, including the steps of selecting an image and determining a first radial line segment from the center of the image. The second step is locating at least one local minima along the first radial line segment, the minima being located by measuring the average brightness for a region immediately adjacent to it. The darkest region of the image is followed through a plurality of angles theta covering 360 degrees about the center by finding the local minimum on a ruler which is closest to the local minimum of a radial line segment adjacent to the segment for angle theta -1. The area is determined by summing the areas of individual wedge shaped slices defined by theta and theta -1.

Abstract: A device for measuring the thermal expansion of a sample comprises a measurement radiation generator, a base member incorporating a reference groove and a furnace. The furnace has an external reference contour adapted to cooperate with the reference groove, an internal reference contour adapted to cooperate with a sample and an aperture through which the measurement radiation passes.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for measuring the temperature of articles such as semiconductor wafers in a sealed chamber of a processing apparatus such as a batch preheating module of a semiconductor wafer processing cluster tool. Wafers of generally known nominal diameter and coefficient of thermal expansion are placed at a known initial temperature into a processing chamber which is then sealed. A pair of beams of parallel light are passed by opposite edges of the wafer and the uninterrupted light from both beams are detected and summed. When the wafer is heated in processing, light from the beams is measured again. Expansion of the wafers changes the amount of uninterrupted light detected, and the changed amount of light is measured. From the measurement, the initial temperature, the nominal diameter and the known coefficient of expansion, processing temperature is calculated and displayed or used to control chamber heaters.

Abstract: A temperature measuring system that utilizes an electronic control unit and a rod made of a first material with a first thermal coefficient of expansion, the rod being attached at one end within a tubular device made of a material having a second coefficient of expansion. A reflecting surface is on the outer end of the rod of first material. At least one optical fiber is associated with the tubular member and is located so as to create a gap between the optical fiber and the reflecting surface. The first and second materials are chosen based upon their respective coefficients of thermal expansion such that a change in temperature of both materials will cause the length of the gap to either increase or decrease, thereby causing a change in the amount of light that is reflected and detected by the optical fibers.

Abstract: A novel method for determining a coefficient of moisture expansion of a single, identified workpiece or coupon. The method includes the steps of positioning the workpiece in a chamber having known environmental parameters; determining a workpiece length change .DELTA.L caused by a chamber induced change in the workpiece moisture content .DELTA.M, by positioning first and second transformers to opposite ends of the single workpiece; and, measuring a chamber induced change in the workpiece moisture content .DELTA.M, by weighing the workpiece.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for determining the temperature of an object, such as a semiconductor wafer by measuring the physical change in a dimension of the semiconductor wafer is disclosed. This physical change is then correlated to the temperature using the coefficient of thermal expansion for the wafer.

Abstract: A laser beam-transmitting section of a laser measuring instrument of dimensional change is arranged at one side of a specimen heating furnace, a laser beam-receiving section is arranged at the opposide side of the furnace, a slit fixture for shielding within-the-furnace radiation heat and light is provided inside a measuring window, a heat insulating material having a slit for shielding within-the-furnace radiation heat and light is provided inside said slit fixture, and a within-the-furnace radiation light shielding slit plate and a within-the-furnace radiation light reducing optical filter are disposed at the end faces of said respective laser beam-transmitting section and said laser beam-receiving section whereby measuring errors caused by the light and heat generated within the furnace are prevented (the interior of a specimen heating furnace core pipe can be replaced by various kinds of atmospheres as necessary, and it is possible to measure the dimensional change of small-size specimens of ceramics or t

Abstract: An apparatus and method for measuring coolant quenching rates includes a metallic disk supported on a ceramic tube, the metallic disk including a plurality of thermocouples therein. The metallic disk is heated from above by a torch and coolant is sprayed on the underside of the disk. Changes in temperature throughout the metallic disk are detected by the thermocouples to measure various quenching parameters. The metallic disk may be surrounded by insulating material to maintain heat flow through the disk in a predetermined manner. By heating, insulating and cooling the metallic disk, temperature measurements can be quantified into heat transfer rates to investigate various heat transfer mechanisms and different types of coolants.

Abstract: An isobaric mercury dilatometer for measurements of volume changes of solid specimens under a constant hydrostatic pressure either as a function of time or as a function of temperature. It includes structures for minimizing entrapment of air in the system, accurate computerized measurements in spite of the presence of some air. A two-piece stainless steel container is equipped with a horizontally situated volume-measuring stem, a filling device, an air vent and a temperature sensor. The specimen to be studied is placed in the container which is subsequently filled with mercury up to the stem. The volume changes of the specimen is reflected to the capacitance signals of an aluminum sleeve around the stem, while the temperature sensor generates temperature-related electronic signals. Both signals are received by a computer which translates them into volume and temperature data.

Abstract: In order to determine a rail's neutral temperature, the length of an unconstrained piece of steel (or "gage") is compared with a similar length of railroad track rail which is constrained and thereby deflected at most temperatures because of the track structure's tie-in to the earth's surface. The gage represents the length that the counterpart piece of rail would be if it were not constrained by the track's connection to the earth's surface. The difference in length is an analog of an associated rail characteristic, such as the number of degrees that the rail's instantaneous temperature (e.g., in degrees F) is above or below the rail's neutral temperature. Length comparisons are made with precision measuring devices configured to directly read out in conventional units the rail characteristic being considered, such as pounds of force or rail neutral temperature in degrees F.

Abstract: A technique for measuring the coefficient of thermal expansion of calcined petroleum coke. This technique involves pressing a pellet of calcined coke to determine the coefficient of thermal expansion. It has the advantage of eliminating the graphitization and machining steps resulting in reduced manpower and turnaround time and requires less sample which allows CTE determination of laboratory scale cokers. Results show good correlation between this technique and traditional extrusion techniques.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for optically measuring coefficient of thermal expansion includes an optical dilatometer system. The system provides a housing having a chamber defined therein and a transparent end adapted for receiving a focused laser beam into the chamber. The housing is adapted for maintaining a vacuum in the chamber. The optical dilatometer system further provides an interferometer comprising first and second interference surfaces, the interferometer being positioned within the chamber. The system further provides a test sample positioned between the first and second interference surfaces. The method includes the step of transmitting a focused laser beam through the transparent end and to the interferometer, thereby generating an interference pattern defined by Newton rings. The Newton ring interference pattern is utilized to determine the coefficient of thermal expansion of the test sample.

Abstract: An apparatus for measuring and monitoring a change in the dimension of a sample being heated by microwave energy is described. The apparatus comprises a microwave heating device for heating a sample by microwave energy, a microwave compatible dilatometer for measuring and monitoring a change in the dimension of the sample being heated by microwave energy without leaking microwaves out of the microwave heating device, and a temperature determination device for measuring and monitoring the temperature of the sample being heated by microwave energy.

Abstract: An assembly for providing alignment growth measurements for coupled shafts includes laser alignment measurement equipment and a mounting assembly for attaching the laser alignment measurement equipment to bearing housings of cooperating coupled shafts. The mounting assembly includes a bracket for attaching directly to the bearing housing. A first mounting disk is attached directly to the bracket. A second mounting disk is attached to the first mounting disk and is universally pivotally adjustable about a center pivot ball between the mounting disks. Tilt-adjusting screws are placed at equally spaced quadrantal positions to effect the pivoting of the second mounting disk. A cylindrical insert is attached to the second mounting disk and receives a detachable end cap. The end cap is adapted to receive the laser measuring assembly. Accurate measurement data is provided by a plurality of pairs of cooperating tooling balls. An outside micrometer is used to measure the gap.

Abstract: A device and method for measuring the deformations of a sample, which deformations particularly result from the relaxation of the stresses to which the samples was previously subjected. The device and method include the use of a cell inside which the sample is placed with the cell containing a thermal mass whose heat capacity and/or thermal conductibility are appreciably greater than those of air under normal temperature and pressure conditions.

Abstract: Dimensional change in a tire cord (13) under thermomechanical stress is determined by a device (10) including an oven (12) for receiving and controlling the temperature of a preselected length of the cord (13), grips (14,15) for holding and selectively positioning the entire preselected length of cord (13) within the oven (12), and means (16) including an angular displacement transducer (51) for measuring changes in the preselected length of cord (13). Means (16) may also include weights (52,53) for the selective application of mechanical stress to the material. The steps employed in determining such dimensional change include inserting a length of cord (13) into grips (14,15), positioning the entire length of cord (13) (including the portion of grips (14,15) holding the cord (13)) within oven (12), controlling the temperature of the cord (13) in the oven (12), and measuring changes in the length of cord (13).

Abstract: A method and apparatus for optically measuring coefficient of thermal expansion includes an optical dilatometer system. The system provides a housing having a chamber defined therein and a transparent end adapted for receiving a focused laser beam into the chamber. The housing is adapted for maintaining a vacuum in the chamber. The optical dilatometer system further provides an interferometer comprising first and second interference surfaces, the interferometer being positioned within the chamber. The system further provides a test sample positioned between the first and second interference surfaces. The method includes the step of transmitting a focused laser beam through the transparent end and to the interferometer, thereby generating an interference pattern defined by Newton rings. The Newton ring interference pattern is utilized to determine the coefficient of thermal expansion of the test sample.

Abstract: A high-pressure microdilatometer is provided for measuring the sintering and fusion properties of various coal ashes under the influence of elevated pressures and temperatures in various atmospheres. Electrical resistivity measurements across a sample of coal ash provide a measurement of the onset of the sintering and fusion of the ash particulates while the contraction of the sample during sintering is measured with a linear variable displacement transducer for detecting the initiation of sintering. These measurements of sintering in coal ash at different pressures provide a mechanism by which deleterious problems due to the sintering and fusion of ash in various combustion systems can be minimized or obviated.

Abstract: An improved dilatometer suitable for testing the coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE) of a workpiece. The workpiece having a CTE in the range of -0.2.times.10.sup.-6 inch/inch .degree.F. to 0.2.times.10.sup.-6 inch/inch/.degree.F. The improvement includes a reference structure means for positioning and isolating the workpiece, and for maintaining an independent reference temperature, uninfluenced by a required workpiece temperature differential. The temperature independent reference structure means helps assure that measurements of expansions/contractions of the workpiece, as a function of temperature, are uniquely that of the workpiece, and not that of the reference structure means, or any other ambient temperature determinant. The improved dilatometer is particularly useful for determining the CTE of a workpiece having a relatively low value, e.g., a CTE less than 0.1.times.10.sup.-6 inch/inch .degree.F.

Abstract: An assembly and method suitable for determining the coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE) of a workpiece. The assembly includes a dual channel laser interferometer system placed in operative association with the workpiece, and a vacuum, heating and cooling chamber surrounding the workpiece. The assembly is particularly useful for determining the CTE of a workpiece having a relatively low value, e.g., a CTE less than 0.1.times.10.sup.-6 inch/inch .degree.F. It is therefore advantageously employed for determining the CTE of a workpiece comprising a composite, like a graphite/epoxy composite, that may have a CTE in the range of .+-.0.2.times.10.sup.-6 inch/inch .degree.F.

Abstract: A thermomechanical analysis apparatus includes a probe assembly supported in substantially weightless contact with a sample material over a range of displacement of the probe by means of a linear motor controlled from a constant current source. The probe assembly is automatically weighed by measuring and storing the value of the current needed to raise the probe, that value is thereafter employed during the analysis mode to maintain the probe assembly in a substantially weightless condition.

Abstract: A high temperature extensometer system carries specimen contact rods of substantial length which pass through openings in a furnace to engage a specimen in such furnace. The rods are supported at the exterior of the furnace on a paralleogram linkage support frame made to provide an output indicating specimen strain as the contact rods separate and also made with parallel beams which shift so the rods can move differentially in longitudinally axial direction. The rods shift axially when the specimen and test loading grips shift in position, for example when the grips and specimen are initially heated.