Abstract: An apparatus for measuring mechanical properties of a rock formation. The apparatus includes force application fixtures configured to apply opposing compressive forces to a disc-shaped sample of a core plug specimen from the rock formation. Each of the force application fixtures include an applicant portion having an end cap. The end cap has a shaped surface that is configured to conform with a portion of a non-planar side of the disc-shaped sample such that substantially an entire volume of the disc-shaped sample experiences a compressive stress when the opposing compressive forces are applied to the portions of the non-planar side. A system and method for measuring mechanical properties of a rock formation are also disclosed.

Abstract: An apparatus for use in testing the bulk crush characteristics of pellet materials. The apparatus constructed such that opening and closing can be conducted without complex binding and unbinding requirements. The apparatus may be used in combination with a universal testing machine fitted with compression test plates and a load cell capable of measuring force in a vertical direction.

Abstract: A rock sample is nano-indented from a surface of the rock sample to a specified depth less than a thickness of the rock sample. While nano-indenting, multiple depths from the surface to the specified depth and multiple loads applied to the sample are measured. From the multiple loads and the multiple depths, a change in load over a specified depth is determined, using which an energy associated with nano-indenting rock sample is determined. From a Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) image of the nano-indented rock sample, an indentation volume is determined responsive to nano-indenting, and, using the volume, an energy density is determined. It is determined that the energy density associated with the rock sample is substantially equal to energy density of a portion of a subterranean zone in a hydrocarbon reservoir. In response, the physical properties of the rock sample are assigned to the portion of the subterranean zone.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device and a method for testing tablets. In the process, a tablet is brought onto a rotary disk (1) by a transport rack (6). The rotary disk (1) positions the tablet (7) along one or more positioning surfaces by rotating. The positioning surfaces are preferably an abutment (2) and a stop (3). As soon as the tablet (7) is aligned on a positioning surface, a test of the tablet (7) is carried out by means of a breaking jaw (4). The breaking jaw can test the diameter as well as the breaking resistance of the tablet (7). The transport rack removes the tablet or the tablet debris from the rotary disk (1) after the tablet (7) has been checked.

Abstract: The invention provides a test apparatus for providing axial stresses in a structure, comprising a first set of formations for abutting a first surface of the structure at a first plurality of locations, a second set of formations for abutting a second surface of the structure at a second plurality of locations, and a force actuator, and wherein each set of formations comprises at least three formations and wherein at least two formations in each set of formations are aligned with a notional alignment line along the structure and at least one formation in each set of formations is out of alignment along the structure with said notional alignment line, such that when the force actuator applies a force, loads are applied at different locations, causing the structure to bend biaxially and thereby providing biaxial stresses in the structure.

Abstract: The invention relates to a tablet testing device for testing tablets with at least one tablet testing station suitable for carrying out at least one test procedure, and preferably at least one apparatus suitable for receiving, and possibly also crushing, the tablet, and also at least one device for positioning a test specimen in accordance with the procedure. The device in accordance with the invention for positioning the tablet includes at least one movable positioning surface, preferably a flap, and at least one further surface that interacts with this positioning surface for the purpose of positioning the tablet.

Abstract: The invention relates to a cell for testing geomaterials on cylindrical specimens, of rock, ground or materials manufactured on sampling sites, including at least one piston for subjecting a specimen to a stress directed along the longitudinal axis of the specimen. According to the invention, the cell has, in addition, means for shearing the specimen, capable of cracking the specimen while it is being compressed in said at least one piston.

Abstract: There are provided a method, an apparatus and a sample for evaluating bonding strength, the method including setting a micro-region including a bonded interface in an evaculated sample, forming a first groove in a circumferential portion of the micro-region to have a predetermined depth, processing a side of the micro-region to form a second groove connected to the bonded interface, and applying pressure on the micro-region to measure a critical point at which a delamination of the micro-region is generated.

Abstract: Maximum allowable load values of a welded portion in respective fracture modes of a load fracture, a moment fracture, and a nugget interior fracture are found based on at least one of a sheet thickness t, a tensile strength TS, an elongation El, and a chemical composition of a nugget portion in each of spot-welded steel sheets, a nugget diameter d of a welded portion, an effective width B of the welded portion determined by a distance between adjacent welded portions, edges or ridge lines, and a sectional height H. Then, according to these fracture modes, an allowable load value at every moment after the maximum allowable load value of the welded portion is reached is found, and a displacement or a time at which the allowable load value becomes 0, that is, at which a complete fracture occurs is found, thereby finding a fracture limit.

Abstract: An apparatus for fatigue testing an article includes a base having a platform for receiving an article to be tested, a shaft extending toward said platform for applying a force to said article, a coupling assembly connected to said shaft, said coupling assembly comprising a joint that pivots about an axis, and flex pivots disposed to be aligned with said axis about which said joint pivots

Abstract: A method for testing compressive strength of multiple molds filled with a liquid settable grout wherein samples of the liquid settable grout are taken at selected filling intervals and poured into a container, and the container is sealed and the time, date and location information regarding the mold then being filled is recorded on the container. The sample container is then left in the same environment as the mold being sampled. A curve is generated which projects a final compressive strength based on compressive strengths at various cure times. The sample is removed from its container after a selected cure time and subjected to a series of Schmidt hammer tests, and these compressive strength readings are used to determine the projected final compressive strengths of the sample based on the cure time from the established curve.

Abstract: Systems and methods provide for testing a cement by applying force in a first direction until the first portion of the cement sample fails in compression or tension; and applying force a second direction opposite the first direction until the second portion of the cement sample fails in tension or compression.

Abstract: According to the present invention, there is provided an apparatus for positioning a specimen to be tested relative to an external force applicator. The external force applicator is adapted for engaging the specimen for test purposes. A defined path extends between a first position away from the external load applicator and a second position underneath the external load applicator. A carriage positioned on the defined path moves relative to the external force applicator between the first position which is a loading position away from the external force applicator and the second position which is an engagement position. When the specimen is in the second engagement position, the external force applicator can engage the specimen to conduct the test.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for measuring the unconfined yield strength and time unconfined yield strength of bulk granular materials and powders. A sample of bulk material is consolidated under controlled pressure in a sample cup with a hole or holes in the bottom. A moveable base smaller than the internal cup dimensions covers the hole(s) to prevent material from escaping the cup and to provide a base for removing the consolidated sample from the cup. After a predetermined time, the consolidated sample is removed from the cup by lifting the base relative to the cup walls through the hole(s) in the bottom of the cup. Once removed from the cup, the strength of the consolidated sample is measured by applying pressure to the top of the sample until the sample breaks. For time tests, the sample is consolidate with weights over predetermined time periods.

Abstract: An apparatus for conducting demonstrations of the softness properties of consumer products and other materials, plus a method for conducting such demonstrations, is provided. A sample of paper towels, toilet tissue, or facial tissue, or other consumer products is placed in the apparatus. The apparatus drops an egg or other fragile object onto the sample, or the egg may be dropped from an operator's hand into the apparatus and onto the sample. By displaying the egg or fragile object as it either lands safely on a sample or is destroyed on impact, the operator can visually demonstrate to an average consumer either the softness properties of the sample, or the lack thereof. A method of preparing samples in a consistent manner is also provided to ensure that results are as fair, uniform and repeatable as possible.

Abstract: There are provided a method for measuring strength of a chemically strengthened glass, that reflects the state of actual drop fracture more appropriately, and can reproduce slow cracking in the chemically strengthened glass, a method for reproducing cracking of a chemically strengthened glass, and a method for producing a chemically strengthened glass. Load is applied to an indenter having a tip formed into a sharp shape having a minimum angle ?min of cross-section of less than 120° , the indenter is pushed into a chemically strengthened glass under a static load condition such that the tip is vertical to a surface of the chemically strengthened glass, and the load when the chemically strengthened glass cracks is measured.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses are provided for testing and quantifying structural durability characteristics of bridging materials. Embodiments include sieving bridging materials to create uniform batches having particles within a predefined range. Embodiments further include selecting a batch and drying the batch, separating the dried batch into dry samples, and selecting a test sample having an initial mass. Embodiments include sealing the test sample, a volume of liquid, and a rod in a cylindrical testing cell and rotating the cylindrical testing cell containing the rod such that the rod rolls in relation to an inner wall of the cylindrical testing cell and applies force partially crushing the test sample. Embodiments further include sieving a resulting sample to create a durable sample having particles within the predefined range and drying the durable sample.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for measuring the unconfined yield strength and time unconfined yield strength of bulk granular materials and powders. A sample of bulk material is consolidated under controlled pressure in a sample cup with a hole or holes in the bottom. A moveable base smaller than the internal cup dimensions covers the hole(s) to prevent material from escaping the cup and to provide a base for removing the consolidated sample from the cup. After a predetermined time, the consolidated sample is removed from the cup by lifting the base relative to the cup walls through the hole(s) in the bottom of the cup. Once removed from the cup, the strength of the consolidated sample is measured by applying pressure to the top of the sample until the sample breaks. For time tests, the sample is consolidate with weights over predetermined time periods.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses are provided for testing and quantifying structural durability characteristics of bridging materials. Embodiments include sieving bridging materials to create uniform batches having particles within a predefined range. Embodiments further include selecting a batch and drying the batch, separating the dried batch into dry samples, and selecting a test sample having an initial mass. Embodiments include sealing the test sample, a volume of liquid, and a rod in a cylindrical testing cell and rotating the cylindrical testing cell containing the rod such that the rod rolls in relation to an inner wall of the cylindrical testing cell and applies force partially crushing the test sample. Embodiments further include sieving a resulting sample to create a durable sample having particles within the predefined range and drying the durable sample.

Abstract: The invention relates to a cell for testing geomaterials on cylindrical specimens, of rock, ground or materials manufactured on sampling sites, including at least one piston for subjecting a specimen to a stress directed along the longitudinal axis of the specimen. According to the invention, the cell has, in addition, means for shearing the specimen, capable of cracking the specimen while it is being compressed in said at least one piston.

Abstract: A measuring instrument for indicating the load in a gyratory crusher includes a first measuring device for measuring at least one instantaneous load on the crusher, a second measuring device for measuring the gyrating position of the inner shell relative to the outer shell, and a correlating device adapted to match said at least one instantaneous load on the crusher with a corresponding measured gyrating position of the inner shell relative to the outer shell.

Abstract: There is disclosed a method for measuring the strength of a honeycomb structure provided with an insertion hole preferably without generating any chipping. In the strength measuring method of the honeycomb structure, the strength is measured while a rubber plug is inserted into the insertion hole. The rubber plug has a hardness of 45 or more and 90 or less, a clearance between the inserted rubber plug and the inner surface of the insertion hole parallel to the depth direction of the insertion hole is 0.2 mm or more and 2.6 mm or less, and the protruding height of the inserted rubber plug from the peripheral surface of the honeycomb structure is 0.5 mm or more and 5 mm or less.

Abstract: Apparatus and method are provided for loading a cell for testing crush-resistance of a proppant or other granular material. The apparatus includes a rod valve and one or two screens selected to allow proppant to pluviate into the cell. Stress may be applied to the cell and the amount of proppant crushed by the stress may be measured. Measurements may be repeated to produce mean and variance values. Screen sizes may be varied to select sizes to minimize variance of measurements.

Abstract: A protocol for characterizing a rock is provided. The protocol includes a crushing operation, wherein a test column of the rock in granular form is subjected to a compressive force orientated parallel to the axis of the column. The protocol further includes a measurement operation, wherein the amount by which the axial length of the test column is reduced through the application of the force is measured. The protocol yet further includes a calculation operation, wherein a characteristic of the rock is calculated using the product of the force applied and the amount by which the length of the test column is reduced through the application of the force. A method for characterizing the hardness of a subject rock is also provided.

Abstract: The present invention provides a battery testing device and a battery testing method which can appropriately verify the behavior of a battery when damage occurs. Appropriately verification of battery behavior in a case of battery damage has not been achieved since a completely crushed state of a battery almost never occurs during the sue of a portable device, such as a portable telephone, and a completely crushed state of a battery is not the worst condition when determining an abnormality induced by an internal short. Therefore a secondary battery set on a test stand is partially crushed using a pressing member, and the quality of the secondary battery is determined by measuring the temperature of the secondary battery, whereby battery behavior when the secondary battery is damaged can be appropriately verified.

Abstract: A method for determining the thickness of a layer of insulation comprises the steps of: contacting a top surface of a portion of the layer of insulation, compressing the portion of the layer of insulation until a predetermined compressive load is achieved, measuring a distance through which the top surface is moved during the compressing step, and determining the thickness of the layer of insulation based on the measured distance. Apparatus is provided for performing the method.

Abstract: A method for the analysis of the strength of a test specimen of reducible material that contains iron during the use of an arrangement comprises: a) arranging a test specimen between adjacent contact surfaces of first and second devices of the arrangement; b) continuously reducing the distance between the contact surfaces; c) compressing the test specimen between the contact surfaces while a measurement value that comprises at least the force that is applied to the specimen is collected; d) storing the measured value in a memory; e) increasing the distance between the contact surfaces; and f) removing the compressed test specimen. An arrangement for carrying out the method is also provided.

Abstract: A method for the analysis of the properties of a test specimen comprises: arranging a test specimen between contact surfaces; continuously reducing the distance between the contact surfaces; measuring the diameter of the test specimen when the test specimen makes contact with the contact surfaces; further displacing the contact surfaces in a direction towards each other during the compression of the test specimen until the test specimen disintegrates; storing and continuously recording the force that is applied to the test specimen and the time; recording the maximum forces at all the points of disintegration of the test specimen; increasing the distance between the contact surfaces; and removing the test specimen.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device (17) for the quality control of solid pharmaceutical products such as tablets, comprising a testing means (9) having a sensor for checking one or more parameters of the products. The device (17) consists of a housing (2) and a test chamber (15) that is arranged above said housing (2) and that is formed by a floor (4) and by a protective hood (1) that is placed onto this floor, whereby testing means (9) are located in said chamber. Drives (14) and, if applicable, supply means for the testing means and the transporting means (5, 6, 7) that are arranged in the test chamber (15) are located in the separate housing (2) encapsulated so as to be at least splash-proof and dust-tight vis-à-vis the test chamber (15) and the environment.

Abstract: Apparatus and method are provided for loading a cell for testing crush-resistance of a proppant or other granular material. The apparatus includes a rod valve and one or two screens selected to allow proppant to pluviate into the cell. Stress may be applied to the cell and the amount of proppant crushed by the stress may be measured. Measurements may be repeated to produce mean and variance values. Screen sizes may be varied to select sizes to minimize variance of measurements.

Abstract: A toner evaluation method that enables accurate evaluation of fixation performance of toner such as low temperature fixability and offset resistance, and a toner cartridge and an image forming apparatus adopting the toner positively evaluated by the evaluation method are provided. Toner is formed into a disc-shaped pellet. After preserved at a predetermined temperature, the pellet is compressed by a predetermined amount at a constant speed. If the maximum load (compression resistance) measured during the compression is a predetermined value or below, the minimum fixing temperature of the toner is relatively low.

Abstract: A method of simulating life of a rotor blade mounting feature mounted in a complementary rotor disc mounting feature comprises the steps of providing two specimen mounting features (37) each having portions defining pressure faces matching in profile respective faces of the rotor blade mounting feature; providing a fixture (38) having two opposed mounting features (39) each having portions defining pressure faces (78) matching in profile respective faces of the rotor disc mounting feature; mounting the specimen mounting features (37) in the fixture mounting features (39); applying a first load to the specimen mounting features (37); measuring a strain in a region (86) of the fixture (38) between the fixture mounting features (39); applying a second load to the fixture (38), the second load being substantially perpendicular to the first load; and controlling the second load in response to the measured strain. A high cycle load may simultaneously be applied to the specimen mounting features (37).

Abstract: An apparatus (10) for testing attachment features (26,28,30,32) of components (12,14) comprises a first member (16) having a first end (18), a second end (20), a first edge (22) and a second edge (24). The first edge (22) has a first firtree slot (26) to receive a first component (12) and the second edge (24) has a second firtree slot (28) to receive a second component (14). The first component (12) has a firtree attachment feature (30) to fit the first slot (26) and the second component (14) has a firtree attachment feature (32) to fit the second slot (28). The first end (18) of the first member (16) has flanges (34,36) extending laterally and the second end (20) of the first member (16) has flanges (38,40) extending laterally such that the first member (16) is substantially H-shaped in cross-section.

Abstract: A system and method for assisting in real time alignment of an alignment specimen within a load frame. In one implementation an instrumented alignment specimen is used to provide information from which the deflection of the specimen at various points along the specimen can be determined. The deflection information is then used to calculate deflection values in X, Y and Z coordinate axes in real time. The deflection values are then scaled by a desired factor and then used to generate a three dimensional representation of the alignment specimen. This produces a slightly exaggerated, three dimensional representation of the alignment specimen illustrating its deformation as a result of concentric and/or angular misalignment of the lower head of the load frame relative to the upper head.

Abstract: A device to evaluate the thermoformability of plastics using pressure, vacuum or both is provided. The device includes at least one set of adjustable radiant heater panels laid parallel to the plastic material, a non-contact temperature measuring device, a carriage to move the plastic heated to preset temperature to forming, where a forming die attached to an end of mechanical device moves downwards or upwards at an adjustable speed forcing the heated plastic material to conform to the outer shape of the die while providing the actual force required to push the hot plastic as function of time or forming distance. A processor under the control of software measures the thermoforming characteristics of the sample.

Abstract: An apparatus for direct shear stress testing of a sample includes a base plate, a supporting member, a fixing member, and a sliding member. The supporting member includes a supporting plate. The fixing member includes a stationary shear plate having a first receiving hole. The sliding member includes a movable shear plate interposed between and in sliding contact with the supporting plate and the stationary shear plate. The movable shear plate has a second receiving hole. The movable shear plate is slidable relative to the stationary shear plate to align the first and second receiving holes so as to receive the sample therein, and to misalign the first and second receiving holes so as to cause the sample to yield. The direct shear stress of the sample can thus be tested accordingly.

Abstract: A testing module for destructively testing the crush strength of objects. Radially arranged fingers are moved against the object by rotation of a cam ring engaged against cam followers on the fingers. A hydraulic cylinder is connected to the cam ring, to rotate the cam ring. A load cell in one of the fingers records the force applied to the object until the object fails structurally.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for the accurate monitoring of a granule during compression testing is provided and enables the study of breakage mechanisms that cause particle failure during compression. The method involves compressing a granule or particle with the apparatus and the apparatus is a spring device that combines a spring in parallel with the granule or particle and a spring in series with the granule or particle. Under failure conditions, sudden deformation of the granule or particle results in fast relaxation of the granule or particle during breakage and allows very careful granule breakage. Measuring or recording devices coupled to the apparatus provide for the detailed study of breakage conditions at the moment of failure and lend incite into the compression strength characteristics of the granule or particle.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and a device for conducting a hardness test on test specimens (7, 7′, 7″, 28, 28′), specially tablets. The direction in which the hardness test is conducted by pressing a pressure piston (3, 3′, 3″, 26, 26′) and a thrust bearing (4, 4′, 4″, 27, 27′) against each other, is actively adjusted to the preferred axis (12, 2′, 12″) of the test specimen (7, 7′, 7″, 28, 28′). This enables measurement errors to be avoided, specially in relation to asymmetrical test specimens, resulting from variations in the direction of testing (13, 13′). The position and orientation of the test specimen (7, 7′, 7″, 28, 28′) are detected by means of a position signaling device (10).

Abstract: An indicator device is provided for indicating that a set value of a clamping force of a tightenable clamp has been reached. The clamp has an approximately C-shaped clamp strip with first and second circumferential ends facing one another in a circumferential direction of the clamping strip and axial ends extending in the circumferential direction from the first circumferential end to the second circumferential end. The axial ends have radially inwardly projecting end face walls with a radially inner edge. Clamping jaws are connected to the first and second circumferential ends. The indicator device has at least one breakable indicator element for each one of the end face walls, wherein the breakable indicator elements can be placed onto the radially inner edge of the end face wall.

Abstract: A test body is compressed a reference measure in the wear test on compression pincers. The test body is compressed preferably between two compression jaws. The test body is a bolt which is compressed to become flat, with at least one volumetric measure, preferably a thickness measure, of the compressed bolt serving as the reference measure of the prevailing test force. The process facilitates simple and dependable wear testing, even at building sites.

Abstract: A pediatric biomechanics model provides accurate information regarding the types and magnitudes of forces that children can apply to products such as toys. The model is used to obtain measurements of the actual forces that children can generate, which permits product designers to design products that will not be easily broken by children. Based on these measurements, manufacturers can design their products to reduce the risk of injury a product may pose to a child as well as to keep the product from breaking.

Abstract: A clearance gauge comprises a thin foil rolled into a tubular coil at one end and having a flat tab extending from the coil, the coil windings being secured by a layer of adhesive. The gauge is attached via the tab to one of a pair of relatively movable parts and is deformed by compression between the parts to assume a dimension equal to the clearance between the parts. The foil has a low yield strength so that the coil substantially retains the dimension for later measurement to thereby afford a measure of the clearance.

Abstract: A double cantilever beam (DCB) assembly is disclosed, comprising a fracture specimen having a notch which defines first and second spaced, substantially parallel, outwardly extending beams, terminating at a closed end where crack growth occurs and extending to an open end. The beams are connected to each other along at least a portion of a facing surface of each beam by two, substantially parallel ligaments, spaced from each other on the facing surfaces of the beams. Another disclosed embodiment is a corrosive environment measuring apparatus, comprising a double cantilever beam assembly disposed in an aqueous portion of a reactor vessel, and including the features described above. The reactor vessel is often a constituent of a nuclear reactor, and the DCB assembly is often disposed in a tube which is selectively lowered into the aqueous portion of the reactor vessel. The tube is usually a local power range monitor tube.

Abstract: A device and a method for the determination of a Fractal number representative of the crispiness and crunchiness of various materials, especially edible materials. The material to be tested is crushed by the application of a given force by a piston moving in a cylinder, which crushes such substance, whereby noise is created, recorded and subsequently evaluated. A preferred device comprises a microphone positioned beneath a baseplate in the cylinder of the device, on which plate the sample is positioned, which microphone picks up the noise which is subsequently evaluated. According to a preferred embodiment an opening is provided in the cylinder for inserting and removing the sample to be tested.

Abstract: The present invention provides a fixture for supporting an elongated specimen for crush testing. The fixture comprises a base plate, four guiding rods, a sliding plate, four support rods and two collars. The guiding rods connect to the base plate and extend in a direction substantially perpendicular to the base plate. The sliding plate has linear bearings which encircle the guiding rods and enable translation of the sliding plate along the axis of each guiding rod. The four supporting rods mount to the base plate and also extend in a direction substantially perpendicular to the base plate. Each support rod has a keyway for a wedge which contacts the elongated specimen and holds the specimen in place during crushing. Each collar lies above the sliding plate and holds a pair of support rods on their ends opposite the ends connected to the base plate. A spherical bearing sits on top of the sliding plate and transfers an applied load to the sliding plate, which moves downward and crushes the elongated specimen.

Abstract: Apparatus for testing the collapsibility of a plastic container, the container having a bottom, a peripheral side wall and an upper opening, the side wall formed with at least one peripheral fold line which, upon compression, facilitates telescoping of one portion of the container side wall into another portion of the container side wall, the apparatus comprising a base supporting a platform sized to receive a bottom portion of a container; a tool platen supported above the platform for reciprocating movement toward and away from the platform, the platen mounting a tool sized and shaped to engage the upper opening of the container; and a force gauge operatively attached to the platform for measuring force required to move the container from an upright, extended condition to a collapsed condition.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for evaluating the stability of a disperse solid material against caking. The apparatus includes a chamber for storing a sample of the disperse solid material, the chamber having a diverging cross sectional area along a line of action of a compression load compressing the sample so as to cake a portion of the sample and an opening for enabling separation of the uncaked portion of the sample from the caked portion of the sample, a shutter for selectively sealing the opening during partial aggregation of the sample and a compression load mechanism for applying the compression load. The method includes the steps of providing a known weight of a sample of a disperse solid material, applying a compression load so as to cake a portion of the sample, separating an uncaked portion of the sample from a caked portion of the sample after partial aggregation of the sample and computing an index for the stability of the disperse solid material against caking.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for testing certain physical attributes of a medicinal tablet is provided in which the apparatus automatically positions the tablet in a proper orientation for a hardness test. In the test apparatus, the tablet to be tested is introduced to a linear guide track which moves the tablet from a thickness tester station to a weight tester station and finally to a hardness tester station. In the hardness tester station, the orientation of the tablet is visually inspected by means of a camera. A processing unit compares the orientation of the tablet with a predetermined orientation for a similarly-shaped tablet. The position of the tablet is then rotated so that the tablet is properly oriented. A ram and anvil are then brought into contact with the tablet and the ram and anvil are progressively forced together until the tablet is crushed. The maximum force needed to crush the tablet is measured and recorded.

Abstract: An accurate method for testing the strength of nuclear fuel particles. Each particle includes an upper and lower portion, and is placed within a testing apparatus having upper and lower compression members. The upper compression member includes a depression therein which is circular and sized to receive only part of the upper portion of the particle. The lower compression member also includes a similar depression. The compression members are parallel to each other with the depressions therein being axially aligned. The fuel particle is then placed between the compression members and engaged within the depressions. The particle is then compressed between the compression members until it fractures. The amount of force needed to fracture the particle is thereafter recorded. This technique allows a broader distribution of forces and provides more accurate results compared with systems which distribute forces at singular points on the particle.