Abstract: A tension testing apparatus and system is disclosed in which the tension testing apparatus includes a first box including a first outer plate and a first inner plate, a second box including a second outer plate and a second inner plate, and a test sample holding system coupled to the first inner plate and the second inner plate. The first outer plate and the first inner plate may be coupled together by at least two rods. The second outer plate and the second inner plate may be coupled together by at least two other rods. The test sample holding system may be configured to hold a test sample. The at least two rods of the first box may be configured to pass through the second inner plate. The at least two rods of the second box may be configured to pass through the first inner plate.

Abstract: A system for testing properties of a sample, the system including a test cell. The test cell includes a cell casing having a first end piece, a second end piece, and at least one wall extending between the first end piece and the second end piece. The cell casing defines a pressure boundary enclosing an interior region of the cell. The test cell further includes a sample chamber, a first reservoir, and a second reservoir disposed within the pressure boundary. The sample chamber defines an interior region. The first reservoir fluidly connects to the interior region of the sample chamber. The second reservoir fluidly connects to the interior region of the sample chamber. The test cell also has a piston assembly having a piston fluid chamber and a piston with a stem extending into the piston fluid chamber. The piston partially defines the sample chamber.

Abstract: An apparatus for investigating mechanical operational characteristics of a gas turbine variable vane actuation system includes coaxial inner and outer annular casings corresponding to inner and outer casings of a gas turbine engine. The apparatus includes a circumferential row of vane substitutes, each extending between an inner end at the inner casing and an outer end at the outer casing, and rotatable about an axis extending through its ends to emulate the rotation of a variable vane in the engine. The apparatus includes respective loading devices for the vane substitutes, each applying a mechanical load to its vane substitute between the inner and outer ends as the vane substitute rotates to emulate the aerodynamic loading on a variable vane in the engine and to generate resulting frictional loading at the inner and outer ends which emulates resulting the frictional loading at the ends of the variable vane in the engine.

Abstract: A testing system and method for evaluating the time required for shutting in a well after packing fractures in the well with a proppant having curable resin. At the well site, a sample of the proppant is compressed and heated in a portable unit. While the sample is being heated and compressed, its properties are being monitored to determine if the resin in the proppant has cured. Recording the time required for the proppant to cure provides an indication of how long to shut in the well after packing the fractures with the proppant. The portable unit includes a gas to fluid intensifier for compressively stressing the sample and a heat source for heating the sample. Sensors adjacent the proppant sample monitor the properties.

Abstract: A vehicle test apparatus includes: a test article installation vehicle body to which four axles corresponding to four wheels that are a left front wheel, a right front wheel, a left rear wheel and a right rear wheel are attached, and on which a test article is installed; a first motion base that supports the test article installation vehicle body, and that allows the test article installation vehicle body to make motions of six degrees of freedom; and four second motion bases each of which supports a corresponding one of the axles, and each of which allows a corresponding one of the axles to make motions of six degrees of freedom.

Abstract: A method for load relieving a test object, wherein a load is applied by a multiplicity of hydraulic devices positioned side by side each introducing a partial load into the test object such that the test object has a minimum deflection in an area close to its fixation and a maximum deflection in an area far away from the fixation, wherein the load is reduced sequentially from the maximum deflection to the minimum deflection. A test rig is provided that enables an autonomous and non-synchronical load relief of a test object based on pressure difference. A test rig is provided that enables an autonomous and non-synchronical load relief of a test object based on a delay time and a control system for such test rigs.

Abstract: An assembly for testing a durability of a soft body armor system includes a top mounting assembly, a bottom mounting assembly, the soft body armor system being fixedly disposed between the top mounting assembly and the bottom mounting assembly, a rotary actuator coupled to the top mounting assembly, the rotary actuator configured to rotate the top mounting assembly in a range of approximately +90 degrees to and including ?90 degrees, a linear bearing on each end of the bottom mounting assembly, and a bearing rod on which each linear bearing is configured to ride. A rotation of the top mounting assembly induces torsional, axial and bending forces substantially simultaneously on the soft body armor system.

Abstract: A system for determining load capacity for a photovoltaic module includes a clip to position a photovoltaic module surface at a load test position and a load test device proximate to the clip, including a pressure applicator and an actuator, wherein the actuator is capable of moving the pressure applicator toward the load test position.

Abstract: A nutplate tester is provided. The nutplate tester includes a main body and a holder coupled to the main body. The holder is configured to hold a probe. The nutplate tester also includes a pneumatic actuator coupled to the holder, and an extension frame coupled to the main body. The extension frame includes an attachment portion configured to attach to a post foot that engages a structure that a nutplate is fastened to. The pneumatic actuator is configured to apply pressure against the holder relative to the extension frame to engage the nutplate by the probe held by the holder. The nutplate tester also includes a feed control coupled to the pneumatic actuator. The feed control is configured to control fluid to be supplied to the pneumatic actuator to apply the pressure by the pneumatic actuator against the holder according to at least one of a controlled speed and a controlled pressure.

Abstract: A testing device suitable for testing an electronic device is provided. The electronic device has a first body and a second body, wherein the first body is suitable for rotating relative to the second body. The testing device includes a carrying platform, a fixed frame, a clamping element, a first driving element, and a second driving element. The carrying platform carries the first body. The fixed frame is pivoted to the carrying platform. The clamping element is pivoted to the fixed frame for clamping the second body. The first driving element is disposed between the carrying platform and the fixed frame for driving the fixed frame to pivot relative to the carrying platform. The second driving element is disposed between the clamping element and the fixed frame for driving the clamping element to pivot relative to the fixed frame.

Abstract: A limiting switch suitable for a testing device is provided. The testing device includes a fixed frame and a clamping element pivoted to each other. The limiting switch includes a first rod, a second rod, a first switching element and a second switching element. The first and second rods are fixed to the clamping element. The first and second switching elements are pivotally connected to the fixed frame. When the clamping element is pivoted along a first direction, the second rod pushes the second switching element to pivot and the first rod is moved to contact with the first switching element. When the clamping element is pivoted along a second direction opposite to the first direction, the first rod pushes the first switching element to pivot and the second rod is moved to contact with the second switching element.

Abstract: A direct measuring loaded gage axle assembly that measures track strength by directly measuring constant load on split axles as vertical loads are imposed by a hydraulic ram, and horizontal loads being supplied by horizontal rams through split axles and steel wheels to the railroad tracks enabling improved calibration to measure changes in track gauge indicating track strength condition and further including electronic data recording and comparison.

Abstract: An orthopedic simulator is provided with a plurality of test stations for each holding a test specimen. A plurality of load actuators are provided, with a respective load actuator for each of the test stations. The load actuators are substantially frictionless and configured to apply loads to the test specimens at the test stations.

Abstract: An adjusting unit in a feedback loop for controlling a hydraulically operated-type load mechanism consists of two portions both adapted to effect proportional action and derivative action. Weights are applied to these two portions independently. Hence, an output y can be made to follow sudden changes in a target value r with fast response without the occurrence of overshoots, and the effect of a disturbance input w is alleviated to a maximum. In addition, since integral action is not effected in the adjusting portions, the term of 1/s2 is not included in transfer functions of inputs and outputs, thereby realizing stability of control.

Abstract: A panel testing apparatus is used to test the panel of a mainframe. When the panel is to be opened, the panel separates from the mainframe after the opening apparatus touches the switch. The fastening apparatus can clamp the front side of the panel easily because the lifting apparatus moves the panel to a higher position away from said mainframe. The panel and the rotating apparatus can rotate simultaneously. When closing said panel is desired, the rotating apparatus can push the back side of the panel. The panel and the rotating apparatus rotate toward the mainframe simultaneously until the switch locks the mainframe.

Abstract: A multiaxial high cycle fatigue test system for testing bending, torsion, and tension of a test unit, comprises servo-hydraulic components, including a hydraulic service manifold, two small high frequency actuators along a first axis, and one large main actuator along a second axis The large main actuator is used to apply a radial centrifugal force, and the two small actuators are used to apply vibratory loading; the two small side actuators being offset independently of each other, to enable the machine to apply both bending loads and torque to the test unit. The test unit is subjected to torsion loading when the traverse actuators move in phase, that is when both actuators move either in or out at the same time. The test unit is subjected to bending loading when the actuators move out-of-phase, that is one actuator moves in when the other moves out or vice-versa.

Abstract: An panel testing apparatus is used to test the panel of a mainframe. When the panel is to be opened, the panel separates from the mainframe after the opening apparatus touches the switch. The fastening apparatus can clamp the front side of the panel easily because the lifting apparatus moves the panel to a higher position away from said mainframe. The panel and the rotating apparatus can rotate simultaneously. When closing said panel is desired, the rotating apparatus can push the back side of the panel. The panel and the rotating apparatus rotate toward the mainframe simultaneously until the switch locks the mainframe.

Abstract: An adjusting unit in a feedback loop for controlling a hydraulically operated-type load mechanism consists of two portions both adapted to effect proportional action and derivative action. Weights are applied to these two portions independently. Hence, an output y can be made to follow sudden changes in a target value r with fast response without the occurrence of overshoots, and the effect of a disturbance input w is alleviated to a maximum. In addition, since integral action is not effected in the adjusting portions, the term of 1/s2 is not included in transfer functions of inputs and outputs, thereby realizing stability of control.

Abstract: A loading assembly for applying a load to a test specimen includes a container having a volume of compressible fluid for providing a spring. A cylinder having a bore operably connected to the container. A piston is slidable in the bore and is operably coupleable to the test specimen. A valve fluidly coupled to the bore selectively provides fluid to the bore to displace the piston. A controller controls the valve to cause nonresonant displacement of the piston.

Abstract: A stress testing apparatus includes a cylinder block 2 with twelve cylinders 4, each housing a piston 14. Hydraulic pressure is provided to each of the cylinders 4 by a common supply bore 6 for urging each piston 14 out of its respective cylinder 4. A stress testing device 16 is mounted over each cylinder 4 and piston 14. For tensile testing (see FIG. 3) of a specimen (X), a piston (14a) acts on the housing (28a) of the device (16a) through pins (26), to push the housing (28a) away from the cylinder block 2. The specimen X is mounted between the housing (28a) and the cylinder block 2. For compressive testing (see FIG. 4), of a specimen Y the housing (28b) is rigidly secured to the cylinder block 2, and the cylinder (14b) acts to compress the specimen Y between the housing (28b) and the cylinder block 2 through a shaft (22b).

Abstract: The present invention relates to a two dimensional stress relaxation testing device in which a plus shaped sample is stretched in mutually perpendicular directions simultaneously to monitor the stress and also the relaxation process of any sheet material in both axes. In view of this advantage, the present device provides the closest approximation to the in situ failure of the material.

Abstract: Shale reactivity is evaluated by testing a preserved test plug of shale sample in a triaxial test machine, the test plug being prepared by collecting a downhole shale sample and keeping it all times immersed in a preserving mineral oil so as to avoid dehydration, then applying radial and axial pressure on the test plug surrounded by mineral oil up to equilibration to overburden pressure, the test fluid being then contacted with the sample and the interaction of fluid and sample being evaluated by axial and radial deformations as measured by a triaxial detector apparatus sensitive to vertical and radial strains occurring across the shale sample, while the shale sample is subjected to any of a set of different conditions including a temperature or thermal potential, a hydraulic potential and/or a chemical potential. Only one fluid is tested on each sample.

Abstract: A material testing machine includes a control system for feedback-controlling, during material testing, the operation of a servo system including an actuator for applying a load to a test piece. During the mounting of the test piece to the testing machine, a target displacement of a movable part of the actuator is corrected in accordance with the actual load applied to the test piece so as to prevent the actual load from being excessive. While the amplification factor of an amplifier for detecting the controlled variable is being changed over during the material testing, a control output value supplied from a digital controller of the control system to the servo system is maintained at a value obtained just before the changeover of the amplification factor, whereby the detection scale factor in detecting the controlled variable can be maintained at a constant value.

Abstract: The major object of this invention is to provide a heat build-up/fatigue measuring method for a viscoelastic body and a hydraulic servo flexometer, that enable direct measurement of a strain (displacement) and a stress (load) applied to a test piece and realize highly precise measurement by controlling the stress and the strain applied to the test piece by hydraulic servo feedback control based on the measured strain and stress.The hydraulic servo flexometer of this invention includes an upper anvil (22) and a lower anvil (18) having opposing parallel flat surfaces that form test piece holding surfaces, a hydraulic servo cylinder (19) having a piston rod (21) which is coupled to the upper anvil (22) or lower anvil (18) and which actuates in a direction perpendicular to the test piece holding surfaces, and a hydraulic servo mechanism for applying static and dynamic loads to the test piece (23).

Abstract: A method and apparatus for applying a force, displacement, or both to specimens, components, or systems by using a remote variable load/deflection device. The method enables testing of materials under actual in-service conditions. A displaceable container with a heating or heating and cooling element inside is provided. As heat is applied to the element, it expands thermally and causes the container to displace and apply force to specimens, components, or systems. The load/displacement of the container is modified by heating or cooling the element material. The container may be attached to in-service specimens, components, or systems and used to study the material behavior during in-service operation.

Abstract: A test rig for testing motor-vehicle assemblies includes a loading device for inducing vertical forces, lateral forces, longitudinal forces and braking or driving forces in the motor-vehicle assembly. The test rig includes a control device for controlling the loading device in such a way as to ensure that the vertical forces, lateral forces, longitudinal forces and braking or driving forces are induced in the motor-vehicle assembly according to a predetermined control loading programme. The control loading programme causes different loading cases of the motor-vehicle assembly, which are realistic in terms of the physics of driving, to be simulated repeatedly in a temporally consecutive sequence. The control loading programme is a standardised basic programme adapted, with the aid of vehicle-and/or axle-specific conversion values and test-rig-specific conversion values, to the given motor-vehicle assembly to be tested in the given case.

Abstract: A test frame has an upper end traverse, a lower end traverse below the upper end traverse, a pair of parallel upright tie rods having upper ends fixed in the upper traverse and lower ends fixed in the lower traverse, and a middle traverse between the upper and lower end traverses. Respective cylinders fixed on the middle traverse surrounding the tie rods are vertically slidable on the tie rods and each define with the respective tie rod a substantially closed chamber. A piston provided on each tie rod inside the respective cylinder subdivides the respective chamber into an upper compartment and a lower compartment. A source of fluid having a high-pressure side and a low-pressure side is connectable by a pair of respective valves to either of the respective compartments. A mechanical controller connected to both valves synchronously operates same to synchronize the position and movements of both cylinders.

Abstract: Describes a process for applying non-destructive cyclical mechanical stress to planar items in order to simulate the effects of cyclical thermal stresses. Latent defects are accelerated and screened early in a manufacturing process.

Abstract: An encapsulated actuator for testing specimens includes a housing contain a wall defining first and second chambers. The specimen under test is arranged in one of the chambers and vent holes are provided in the wall in order to equalize the pressure within the chambers. An actuator is arranged in the second chamber for generating a mechanical force and a force transmitting device is connected between the actuator and the specimen. The force transmitting device passes through an opening in the housing wall and transmits the mechanical force from the actuator to the specimen. Because the actuator is encapsulated within the housing, it is subjected to the same confining pressure as the specimen.

Abstract: Device for carrying out tests on materials such as rock samples for example, on which triaxial stresses are exerted.The device comprises an extended body with a central cavity where a first part (6) of a sonic sonde, a sole piece (9) carrying a cubic sample (12) for example, jacks (13) which are introduced along the lateral faces of the sample by connecting them with channels (25) supplying fluid under pressure are successively placed. A centering piece (27) containing a box (26) for another part (28) of the sonic sonde and elements (31, 32) forming a cover are placed above. A piston (35) allows to apply stresses to the sample by means of the box (26). Lateral sensors (22) pick up the displacements of the sample.Application to the examination of rocks taken from a subterranean formation for example.

Abstract: The invention provides a device for testing trailer couplings which transmit a traction to a trailer by way of a trailer coupling ring on the drawbar of the trailer, the test being carried out under loading conditions similar to those occurring in practice, preferably with inclusion of the construction for fixing the trailer coupling, in particular the tail cross-member to which the trailer coupling is attached and optionally frame parts adjoining the tail cross-member. A longitudinal force generating device which produces a longitudinal force acting in the direction of traction of the connection between the trailer coupling and the trailer coupling ring and a vertical force generating device which produces a vertical force extending perpendicularly or approximately perpendicularly to the direction of action of the traction are coupled to a force transmitting connecting member to which can be attached the trailer coupling ring which is connected to the trailer coupling.

Abstract: Methods are provided for determining mechanical and petrophysical properties (density, porosity, bulk compressibility, Young's modulus, Poisson's Ratio) of a material undergoing mechanical deformation studies with an imaging (CT, NMR) apparatus. The methods may also be used to measure and depict any fractures in the material.

Abstract: Apparatus is provided for performing mechanical deformation studies of a sample of material to determine mechanical and petrophysical properties of such a sample. The apparatus is useful in conjunction with an imaging (NMR or CAT) apparatus.

Abstract: A triaxial test cell and pressure balanced piston therefor that includes a housing containing a vessel wherein a test specimen is located, immerged in a confining fluid. The housing includes a passage wherein the piston is installed to slide so as to move an end thereof into the vesel, which passage includes an annular area formed intermediate therealong wherein a collar portion of the piston is fitted. The piston collar portion includes a face whose surface area is equal to the area of the piston end face that travels into the vessel, and the annular area above that collar upper face is connected by an open passage to that vessel. The piston and passage include appropriate ring seals for providing a pressure seal above and below the passage annular area and that annular area is separated by a pressure seal arranged around the piston collar, with the annular area below that collar vented to atmosphere.

Abstract: A testing machine reproduces road excited vibrations for the purposes of testing vehicle wheel support specimens, for example McPherson strut assemblies used in front wheel drive vehicles, the system permits force inputs of horizontal, steering, vertical, and wheel hop loads, as well as, optionally, simulating braking loads. The loading fixture is compact, and substantially eliminates cross coupling of horizontal loading due to steering motion of the device, even though the steering motions provide for large steering excursions. The loading is tire coupled to simulate actual conditions, including wheel hop that occurs during road travel, and further provides for inherent cross coupling compensation to permit easy instrumentation and very close simulation of road induced vehicle vibrations during the testing process. The entire steering linkage can be tested, including tie rods, tie rod ends, and the wheel suspension mechanism.

Abstract: A triaxial compression test apparatus includes a cylindrically-shaped sample disposed in a fixed-hydraulic cylinder with the sample's ends disposed between a first piston and the fixed cylinder's base. An annular space for hydraulic fluid surrounds the remaining surface of the sample. The first piston, located in the fixed cylinder, includes a rod mechanically coupled to the housing of a floating hydraulic cylinder housing a second piston therein. A single force applied to the second piston, 1. transmits a first force, via the first piston, along the longitudinal axis of the sample and 2. transmits a second force along the axial axes of the sample via a hydraulic fluid coupled from the floating cylinder to the annular space of the fixed cylinder. A constant ratio is maintained between the two forces.

Abstract: A device to permit easily preloading a grip used in specimen testing by providing load carrying links and means for stressing the links to a load level higher than that encountered during the normal loading of the grip, and providing mechanical compressive load carrying surfaces between the load applying member and the grip which are held in compression under the prestress load. Specifically, the link is formed as part of the piston rod in a hydraulic test system and a separate hydraulic chamber is subjected to pressure to load the link after which the grip can be hand threaded down into a metal surface to metal surface abutting relationship with the load applying member. Once the pressure is relieved in the auxiliary cylinder the full force of the stress in the link will hold the load applying member and the grip in contact.

Abstract: A test system for testing axles and wheel spindles directly in place on vehicles such as automobiles, which simplifies the loading to obtain the necessary information for testing axles and spindles using two sets of actuators, each set comprising a pair of actuators each operating to control loads on the spindle along two different orthogonal components of normal movement of the vehicle. The actuator arrangement saves space, permits testing without removing automotive sheet metal and simplifies the compensation factors necessary for controlling such systems.