Abstract: An apparatus for measuring thickness includes: a chamber; a sound wave transmitter transmitting a sound wave in the chamber; a sound wave receiver receiving the sound wave transmitted from the sound wave transmitter in the chamber; and a supporter between the sound wave transmitter and the sound wave receiver.

Abstract: An ultrasonic flow meter includes measurement flow path where a cross section of a flow path through which a fluid to be measured flows is rectangular, one or more partition plates that divide measurement flow path into a plurality of layered flow paths, and a pair of ultrasonic sensors that are disposed upstream and downstream on the layered flow paths and are capable of transmitting and receiving an ultrasonic signal. In addition, the ultrasonic flow meter includes a flow rate measuring unit that detects a flow rate of the fluid to be measured based on a propagation time, the propagation time being a time period from when one of the ultrasonic sensors transmits the ultrasonic signal to cause the ultrasonic signal to propagate through the fluid to be measured until when an other one of the ultrasonic sensors receives the ultrasonic signal.

Abstract: A device for estimating a mechanical property of a sample is disclosed herein. The device may include a chamber configured to hold the sample; a transmitter configured to transmit a plurality of waveforms, including at least one forcing waveform; and a transducer assembly operatively connected to the transmitter and configured to transform the transmit waveforms into ultrasound waveforms. The transducer assembly can also transmit and receive ultrasound waveforms into and out of the chamber, as well as transform at least two received ultrasound waveforms into received electrical waveforms.

Abstract: A vehicle-body carrying apparatus is configured to house and carry a vehicle body of an unmanned vehicle. The apparatus includes a housing, a data collecting device, a diagnostic device, and an informing device. The housing is capable of housing the vehicle body. The data collecting device is configured to collect data relating to structural soundness of the vehicle body housed in the housing. The diagnostic device is configured to diagnose the structural soundness of the vehicle body based on the collected data. The informing device is configured to inform a user of a diagnostic result obtained by the diagnostic device.

Abstract: A system is provided for testing a component. This system includes a support structure, an excitation system and a sensor system. The support structure is configured to support the component. The excitation system includes a plurality of excitation devices arranged in an array. The plurality of excitation devices at least include a first excitation device, a second excitation device and a third excitation device. The excitation system is configured to respectively control each of the plurality of excitation devices to excite a vibratory response in the component. The sensor system is configured to output data indicative of the vibratory response.

Abstract: A load frame for applying a tensile load to a test sample during a test or measurement includes a first gripper for gripping a first end of the test sample, a second gripper for gripping a second end of the test sample, and a tensioner for applying the tensile load to the test sample. The load frame further includes a first end tube that encircles the first gripper, a second end tube that encircles the second gripper, and a center tube that encircles a mid-portion of the test sample during the test or measurement. A system such as a wave-generating system may be used to measure the test sample through the center tube during a test or measurement.

Abstract: A system is provided for testing a component. This system includes a support structure, an excitation system and a sensor system. The support structure is configured to support the component. The excitation system includes a plurality of permanent magnets and a plurality of electromagnets. The permanent magnets are arranged in an array and configured for rigid connection to the component. Each of the electromagnets is associated with a respective one of the permanent magnets. The excitation system is configured to respectively control interaction of the electromagnets with the permanent magnets to excite a vibratory response in the component. The sensor system is configured to output data indicative of the vibratory response.

Abstract: A load frame for applying a tensile load to a test sample during a test or measurement includes a first gripper for gripping a first end of the test sample, a second gripper for gripping a second end of the test sample, and a tensioner for applying the tensile load to the test sample. The load frame further includes a first end tube that encircles the first gripper, a second end tube that encircles the second gripper, and a center tube that encircles a mid-portion of the test sample during the test or measurement. A system such as a wave-generating system may be used to measure the test sample through the center tube during a test or measurement.

Abstract: A direct field acoustic testing system provides an acoustic field having a higher degree of spatial uniformity. The system includes a control microphone, a controller, a combiner, and at least four acoustic transducers. The controller is operatively coupled to the control microphone such that the controller receives at least one input signal from the control microphone and provides at least four separately controllable controller output signals. The combiner combines the at least four separately controllable output signals to form at least four secondary output signals, each composed of combinations of one or more of the at least four separately controllable controller output signals. Each of the at least four transducers is operatively coupled to at least one of the at least four secondary output signals such that the output of the transducer varies in response to changes in at least two of the at least four separately controllable controller output signals.

Abstract: A system for determining properties and structural integrity of a material comprises a probe including a housing, a source operable to propagate an acoustic energy through a thickness of the material, a source operable to propagate a radio frequency (RF) energy through the thickness of the material, an acoustic member mounted within the housing and operable to measure a response of the material to the acoustic energy, and a radio frequency (RF) member mounted within the hollow interior in a close proximity to the acoustic member and operable to measure a response of the material to the RF energy. A hardware interface device is coupled to both acoustic and RF members. A controller is coupled to the hardware interface and configured to receive the acoustic and RF response signals and includes a processor operable to process the received acoustic and RF response signals.

Abstract: A method for testing and calibrating electronic semiconductor components which convert sound into electrical signals acoustically irradiates the components in a sound chamber whose largest free length is less than half the wavelength of the highest frequency of the sound waves produced during the test.

Abstract: An apparatus for carrying out high cycle fatigue tests of a specimen under high pressure, including: a pressure vessel; a load train including a first horn and a second horn between which a specimen is to be arranged, wherein the load train is arranged within an internal chamber of the pressure vessel; and a converter configured to apply ultrasonic waves into the load train by exciting the first horn to apply a dynamic stress to the specimen. A base part of the second horn is movably seated in the pressure vessel such that two separated chambers are formed within the pressure vessel with the first chamber for the specimen, wherein both chambers can be fed with gas and charged with different gas pressures in order to apply a static stress to the specimen.

Abstract: An acoustical transformer having a last matching section that includes a protective barrier of low permeability. The protective barrier is in contact with a test medium. In one embodiment, the protective barrier comprises one or more low permeability layers, such as a metallic foil or metallic coating(s) disposed on a low impedance layer such as polyimide, so that the low impedance layer and the protective barrier constitute the last matching section of the acoustical transformer. In other embodiments, the protective barrier comprises a fluoropolymer. A method for determining the thicknesses of the various layers of the acoustical transformer for enhanced performance is also disclosed.

Abstract: Method for measuring a target particle property. A suspended microchannel resonator is calibrated to determine the relationship between a detected mass and a resonance frequency shift of the resonator. The target particle is suspended in a fluid and introduced into the resonator, and the resonator frequency shift due to the particle is measured. Target particle mass is calculated from the resonator frequency shift, the target particle density, and the fluid density. A target particle property such as size or volume is determined from the calculated target particle mass.

Abstract: Testing of components for fatigue under vibration conditions is important. Typically an isolation device is utilized in order to isolate a mode of vibration of interest. Isolation is through engaging a node line utilizing isolation elements. By presenting the isolation elements in arms a component can be isolated by engaging the component to one side. The isolation elements are suspended upon springs and allowed to move axially in the direction of the springs as well as laterally through mountings in the arms. The isolation elements are less acceptable to wear and test set up time is reduced by the engaging of component to one side only of the component.

Abstract: A quartz resonator flow cell has a piezoelectric quartz wafer with an electrode, pads, and interconnects disposed on a first side thereof. The piezoelectric quartz wafer has a second electrode disposed on a second side thereof, the second electrode opposing the first electrode. A substrate is provided having fluid ports therein and the piezoelectric quartz wafer is mounted to the substrate such that the second side thereof faces the substrate with a cavity being formed between the substrate and the wafer. The fluid ports in the substrate are aligned with the electrode on the second side of the piezoelectric quartz wafer which is in contact with the cavity.

Abstract: A soft-sided thermal test chamber that is readily mountable upon/over a shaker test table. The test chamber includes four interconnected insulated side walls and a top which define an enclosure. A two-piece bottom receives the side walls to fully enclose the test object upon the table. The two-piece bottom includes an interchangeable center piece which is sized to accommodate various tables or test objects. The side and top pieces are hung from a frame that is readily lifted using an overhead crane or chain fall hoist to allow easy access to the table during set up. The bottom and side walls are interconnected via hook and loop fasteners, which allows for rapid alteration of the set up of the test equipment while maintaining a thermally sealed chamber.

Abstract: A calibration device for calibrating a dynamic pressure sensor includes a power/control box and a portable calibration head disposed in electrical communication with the power/control box. The portable calibration head may include a calibration head housing having a housing opening and a speaker provided in the calibration head housing and communicating with the housing opening. The power/control box may be configured to induce emission of an acoustic calibration signal from the speaker of the calibration head.

Abstract: A mounting pedestal is designed to hold a DUT in position for both electrical testing and vibration testing. The design is such that the pedestal can remain thermally sealed from an environment created within a confined area so as to impart vibration to a DUT positioned within the environmentally protected area, the vibration coming from a vibrator outside the environmentally sealed area. The pedestal, in one embodiment, extends through the base of a DUT holding tray while still preserving the environment within the sealed area. In one embodiment, the pedestal can position the DUT in any of several selected orientations.

Abstract: An ultrasonic test equipment includes a water tank for storing ultrasonic medium, an ultrasonic probe provided in the water tank, an ultrasonic medium temperature sensor configured to measure a first temperature of the ultrasonic medium, a test object temperature sensor configured to measure a second temperature of a test object, and a temperature control device. The temperature control device heats the ultrasonic medium or cools the test object such that the first temperature becomes equal to or higher than the second temperature. Gas bubbles are prevented from emerging on a surface of the test object.

Abstract: The problems inherent with connecting a DUT to a test station have been solved by the use of a tray designed to allow a wide variety of different DUTs to be physically connected individually to a test station using a universal test station connector. The tray allows for the association therewith of a personality module which serves to provide the proper physical connections and to electrically condition the test station to the electrical characteristics of the DUT. The tray allows for sealed environmental testing of the DUT without impacting any physical connections between the DUT and the test station. The tray also allows for the DUT to be vibrated from externally applied motion without interfering with either the sealed environment around the DUT and without imparting motion to the physical connection between the DUT and the test station.

Abstract: An enclosed test stand may be enclosed by at least two reverberant boundary surfaces. Two of said at least two reverberant boundary surfaces may abut against each other to form an edge. A first linear array of microphones may be configured to detect acoustical signals of a sound field. The linear array of microphones may be arranged along the edge. An evaluating unit may be coupled to the linear array of microphones. The evaluating unit may be configured to locate sound sources of the sound field.

Abstract: An ultrasonic wave passes different fuels of different concentrations with different velocities. The present invention provides a detecting and controlling device where, by a non-touching method, a velocity for an ultrasonic wave in a first fuel with a first fuel concentration is measured. The velocity obtained is taken for a comparison with another velocity for the same ultrasonic wave in a fuel with a default fuel concentration so that the first fuel concentration of the fuel can be under controlled.

Abstract: Embodiments include an acoustic source for use in a hemi-anechoic chamber comprising a source assembly and a waveguide assembly for producing sound outside of a measurement hemisphere and channeling the sound into the measurement hemisphere. A waveguide end from which sound emanates is positioned close to the reflecting plane of the chamber and can approximate a point source.

Abstract: The acoustic chamber for the detection of insects provides for the acoustic detection of insects living within the trunk of a tree. The chamber includes an annular shell disposed around the trunk of the tree to define an annular acoustic or sound chamber. Acoustic sensors are mounted in the shell walls. The acoustic sensors may be microphones that extend from the shell to be in direct contact with the tree trunk, or microphones spaced apart from the tree trunk, or other suitable acoustic transducers. The acoustic sensors are connected to data processing equipment for analyzing sounds picked up by the sensors for acoustic signals indicative of insect infestation.

Abstract: A supersonic boom simulator constructed from a directed coherent sound pulse source, a waveguide and a bass trap at the opposite end of the waveguide from the directed coherent sound pulse source.

Abstract: A mounting pedestal is designed to hold a DUT in position for both electrical testing and vibration testing. The design is such that the pedestal can remain thermally sealed from an environment created within a confined area so as to impart vibration to a DUT positioned within the environmentally protected area, the vibration coming from a vibrator outside the environmentally sealed area. The pedestal, in one embodiment, extends through the base of a DUT holding tray while still preserving the environment within the sealed area. In one embodiment, the pedestal can position the DUT in any of several selected orientations.

Abstract: A method for determining the concentration of a large particle component in a multi-component system. The method requires first separating and concentrating the large particle component of the system by acoustic means and then measuring an acoustical parameter of the separated large particle component. The invention also provides for an apparatus for determining the concentration of large particles in a multi-component fluid system. The apparatus is comprised of an acoustic standing wave resonator, at least one acoustic standing wave generating source, electronic circuitry for actuating, controlling and processing the acoustic standing wave generating source and means for measuring at least one parameter of the multi-component system after the large particles have been concentrated and aggregated by the generated standing wave(s).

Abstract: The acoustic chamber for the detection of insects provides for the acoustic detection of insects living within the trunk of a tree. The chamber includes an annular shell disposed around the trunk of the tree to define an annular acoustic or sound chamber. Acoustic sensors are mounted in the shell walls. The acoustic sensors may be microphones that extend from the shell to be in direct contact with the tree trunk, or microphones spaced apart from the tree trunk, or other suitable acoustic transducers. The acoustic sensors are connected to data processing equipment for analyzing sounds picked up by the sensors for acoustic signals indicative of insect infestation.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to apparatus and methods for measuring elastic modulus (Young's modulus) of non-solid materials, including honeycomb ceramic materials used in the filtration and/or treatment of exhaust gasses, through a range of temperatures.

Abstract: An acoustic transducer system for use in the measurement of longitudinal sound velocity in a cement sample that is maintained at high temperature and pressure. The acoustic assembly is separate from the end plugs to optimize acoustic coupling between the individual elements of the assembly, to increase the amplitude and consistency of the acoustic signal and to provide an ability to replace the transducers as a separate assembly. The transducer includes an acoustic transmission line and utilizes a pressure isolation method to optimize the material and the manufacturing process to enhance the acoustic signal required for the measurement. The transducer assembly includes a high temperature piezoelectric ceramic and a load mass that improve the signal amplitude and provide the required electrical connections. The transducer improves the ability to measure the longitudinal wave velocity in a cement sample at elevated temperature and pressure for determining the sample's compressive strength.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for testing a cooling fan are provided. The method includes steps of: providing the testing apparatus including the holder centrally formed with the accommodating space, the vibration absorber disposed around the holder, and the vibration sensor connected to the holder; placing the cooling fan in the accommodating space of the holder; driving the cooling fan to rotate; applying the vibration sensor to detect the vibration value generated from the rotating cooling fan; and applying the vibration absorber to reduce the reaction force generated from the holder vibrated by the rotating cooling fan.

Abstract: Certain example embodiments of the present invention provide a method for detecting a substrate crack by simple equipment and steps. A substrate crack inspecting method may include the steps of (1) producing a sound by providing vibration to a substrate, (2) determining a power spectrum by capturing the produced sound and carrying out an acoustic analysis for the captured sound, and (3) judging whether or not a substrate crack exists based on a spectral intensity of a predetermined frequency region.

Abstract: Methods for determining a vibratory excitation spectrum are tailored to physical characteristics of a structure having critical elements located thereon to be subjected to vibration testing, such as a PCB to which connectors, resistors, capacitors, inductances, Integrated Circuits (IC) or Ball Grid Array components (BGA) are mounted. The physical characteristics includes a frequency response function corresponding to a testing environment temperature and defined in term of power spectral density amplitude over a global excitation frequency range for the vibratory excitation spectrum and characterized by a plurality of power spectral density amplitude peaks corresponding to a plurality of natural resonance frequencies, each being associated with respective mode shape and damping factor.

Abstract: A mobile testing environment is adapted for detecting drive line system imbalances in an automotive vehicle and includes an enclosed trailer for providing insulation from ambient weather, temperature and noise. The trailer also has a hitch for attachment to a towing vehicle for transport. An angular position and speed sensor is adapted to generate a signal responsive to speed and angular position of a drive shaft. Vibration sensors are adapted to detect drive line vibration and generate a signal responsive thereto. A signal analyzer is adapted to receive signals generated by the angular position and speed sensor and the vibration sensors to calculate any imbalance in the drive line system and present counterbalance weight and position parameters for correcting any system imbalance. The angular sensor comprises a pair of perceptron cameras adapted to send a pair of signals to the signal analyzer.

Abstract: A vibration testing system using acoustical waves having a testing unit including a main enclosure defining a main acoustical cavity and having a baffle provided with a main opening which is aligned with a set of acoustical insulation bands receiving an article to be tested that are clamped on a fixture secured to the baffle, so that the main opening is substantially closed by the article and the acoustical insulation bands. The apparatus includes a main acoustical source comprising a main acoustical transducer such as a loudspeaker which is acoustically coupled to the main acoustical cavity, and a subsystem for driving the loudspeaker which generates acoustical waves imparting vibration to the article accordingly. The apparatus preferably also includes a further acoustical source in the form of one or more further loudspeakers facing the main loudspeaker with the baffle extending therebetween, the further loudspeakers showing complementary frequency operating ranges.

Abstract: A method and system for testing a test object, such as a satellite, is disclosed. High energy acoustic testing is performed on the object by assembling an acoustical system about the test object rather than transporting the test object to a specially configured acoustic chamber. The acoustic system of the present invention preferably provides and directs acoustic energy directly to the surfaces of the test object rather than providing the test object in a high energy acoustic environment where a substantial amount of the acoustic energy is randomly directed within a chamber having the test object. Additionally, the present invention further provides for mechanical vibration tests concurrently or serially with acoustic testing, wherein the object is not required to be transported.

Abstract: A testing apparatus is provided for testing a product in various climatic conditions. The testing apparatus includes a testing cabinet defining a first testing chamber for receiving the product therein and a vibration chamber. A vibration table is positioned within the testing apparatus and has an upper surface communicating with the testing chamber and a lower surface. A plurality of vibrators are operatively connected to the lower surface of the vibration table and are disposed in the vibration chamber. A climate control structure communicates with the vibration chamber for controlling the environment thereof.

Abstract: A floorboard 5 is supported on bridge gate shaped piers 2 so as to move horizontally by rollers 4 provided at the corners of the floorboard. Rubber members 7 installed between the floorboard 5 and the piers 2 restoring force to restitute elastically the floorboard to a neutral position when the floorboard moves horizontally. A shaker 8, which is fixed on the floorboard 5, excites the floorboard linearly and reciprocally by a weight 12 movable along a ball screen shaft 11 with a motor 10. The inertia force of the floorboard 5 generates, in a real-size and real-time scale, vibration for a main structure to which a vibration-controlling damper 15 is installed. The vibration of the floorboard 5 is inputted to the damper 15 and the dynamic response of the damper is observed by a computer 14.

Abstract: A method and system for testing a test object, such as a satellite, is disclosed. High energy acoustic testing is performed on the object by assembling an acoustical system about the test object rather than transporting the test object to a specially configured acoustic chamber. The acoustic system of the present invention preferably provides and directs acoustic energy directly to the surfaces of the test object rather than providing the test object in a high energy acoustic environment where a substantial amount of the acoustic energy is randomly directed within a chamber having the test object. Additionally, the present invention further provides for mechanical vibration tests concurrently or serially with acoustic testing, wherein the object is not required to be transported.

Abstract: A system for monitoring the behavior and environmental conditions of a high precision electronic apparatus comprising a measuring device section (M) including a plurality of sensors (12, 13, 14, 15, 16 and 17) arranged around said high precision electronic apparatus (P) which is mounted on a vibration preventing mount (B) for detecting environmental conditions as analog data signals, and means for filtering and amplifying each of said analog data signals (20,21 and 22), and a computer system section (C) connected with said measuring device section (M) having an A/D convertor (32) for converting said analog data signals into ditigital data signals, a data collection circuit (34) for collecting said digital data, means (38)for recording and setting prescribed allowable environmental condition data, means (39) for comparing said allowable environmental condition data with said digital data, means (40) for producing warning signal if abnormalities between said allowable environmental condition data and said digit

Abstract: An apparatus for optimizing the design of a product or component by subjecting the product or component to multiple stimuli, such as temperature, vibration, pressure, ultraviolet radiation, chemical exposure, humidity, mechanical cycling, and mechanical loading, is described. Also described is a method for determining design maturity, technological limits, technological design maturity, predicted technological design maturity, and system target limits of products, components, and systems, respectively.

Abstract: An acoustic test assembly for testing an underwater vehicle includes a high pressure source joined by a high pressure pipe which extends into a fluid filled testing structure. A vibration shielding flange is joined to the sting structure wall where the flange supports the high pressure pipe. At least one acoustic barrier is positioned around the pipe inside the testing structure to isolate vibrations from the high pressure pipe. In further detail, the high pressure pipe is a pipe surrounded by thermal insulation and a sleeve preventing fluid from affecting the insulation. The acoustic barrier has a barrier joined by spacer means to the sleeve member.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is described for optimizing the design of products, such as but not limited to mechanical products, by simultaneously subjecting the products to multiple stimuli, such as but not limited to temperature, vibration, pressure, ultraviolet radiation, chemical exposure, humidity, mechanical cycling, and mechanical loading.

Abstract: A testing apparatus which has a test chamber located within a chamber frame. The apparatus includes a computer controlled ergonomic system which can vary the temperature of the test chamber. Within the test chamber is an adjustable ceiling that can be moved to vary the volume of the chamber. Extending around the outer edge of the ceiling is an inflatable seal which seals the chamber when the ceiling is moved to a new position. The ceiling and walls have a plurality of adjustable vents that direct fluid flow into the chamber. The doors of the apparatus are each constructed from an inner wall that is coupled to an outer wall by a plurality of floating joints. The floating joints allow the inner wall to contract or expand relative to the outer wall without creating a corresponding stress on the outer wall or the joints.

Abstract: A microscopy-thermal wave microscopy apparatus for measuring crack propagon resistance based on the lateral crack system induced by forming a hardness indentation in an opaque material the resistance and crack extent providing a quantitative measure of the spalling propensity of the opaque material.

Abstract: A stack of piezoelectric crystals is placed on a shaft that is rotated to test a component on the shaft. An electrical signal is supplied to the stack, causing the crystals to vibrate, sending vibrations to the component as it spins. The component is enclosed in a vacuum chamber in order to provide a reduced pressure and thereby to reduce the power required to spin the component.

Abstract: A analytical method is provided for predicting human evaluation response to the quality of sounds produced by the operation of the power door lock actuator assembly involving the computation of predicted sound preference from recorded data on certain sound parameters of a sample or samples of the power door lock actuator mechanism.

Abstract: A shaker table (10) for testing and quality control of devices attached to the table is shown. The mounting table has pneumatic exciters (50) attached thereto. The mounting table (20) provides uniform distribution of forces applied by the pneumatic exciters (50). The forces are evenly distributed in all directions from the impact of the exciters on the mounting table. The mounting table (20) is supported on a foundation (2) by adjustable supports (4). The mounting table (20) is supported in a thermal chamber (172) by adjustable hangers (170). The exciters are supplied with pressurized air from a source (12) through an airline (14).

Abstract: A vehicle wheel cover noise testing machine comprises a test wheel mounted for rotation in the compartment of a first housing. A wheel cover is attached to the test wheel. A drive wheel is mounted in the compartment of a second housing. The housings are supported adjacent to one another in a cage and have adjacent walls provided with registering openings. The drive wheel is in frictional peripheral contact with a tire on the test wheel through the openings so that the test wheel may be rotated by the drive wheel. A microphone in the compartment for the test wheel detects wheel cover noise.