Abstract: The invention relates to a method (110) for producing an electrically conductive connection (112, 112?) on a substrate (114), comprising the following steps: a) providing a substrate (114), wherein the substrate (114) is configured for receiving an electrically conductive connection (112, 112?); b) providing a reservoir of an electrically conductive liquid alloy, wherein the reservoir has a surface at which the alloy has an insulating layer; c) providing a capillary (120) configured for taking up the electrically conductive liquid alloy; d) penetrating of a tip (122) of the capillary (120) under the surface of the reservoir and taking up of a portion of the alloy from the reservoir; and e) applying the portion of the alloy at least partly to the substrate (114) in such a manner that an electrically conductive connection (112, 112?) is formed from the alloy on the substrate (114), wherein the alloy remains on the substrate (114) by adhesion.

Abstract: Provided is a method for evaluating brittle crack arrestability of a steel plate by using a large test piece, in which a notch is disposed on one edge in a central portion, in which an embrittled region having a predetermined length L is formed at a tip of the notch or formed so as to include the tip, and in which a fusion zone spaced from the embrittled region is disposed. The fusion zone is formed on one side or both sides of the embrittled region at a distance d from the embrittled region, where d is determined in relation to a thickness t of the steel plate, and a length of the fusion zone is determined by adding ?L1 (0.3L to ?0.3L) to a length L of the embrittled region and by subtracting ?L2 (0 to 0.4L) from the length L.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods of evaluating brittleness by measuring force applied to an electrode specimen by simulating a wound state of a jelly-roll type electrode assembly are disclosed herein. In an embodiment, a brittleness evaluation apparatus includes a jig unit, a driving unit, and a measurement analyzing unit. The jig unit includes two jigs, a groove formed between the jigs, a pressing plate, and guides. The jigs facing each other and have top surfaces formed in a horizontal plane and configured to receive a specimen arranged on the top surfaces along a length direction extending between and along the top surfaces. The pressing plate is arranged perpendicular to the length direction and configured to cause the specimen to bend by descending into the groove. The guides are located on each of the top surfaces of the jigs and configured to prevent distortion of the specimen during descent of the pressing plate.

Abstract: Provided is a classification optimization method for steel grade family of a steel rolling model, including: step 1: calculating the deformation rate and deformation resistance of a rolled piece according to rolling process data; step 2: reversing the “equivalently measured” deformation resistance according to the measured roll force; step 3: drawing a scatter plot of data on a graph, and judging whether layer division is reasonable according to distribution characteristics; and step 4: for the unreasonable division of steel grade family, optimizing the existing classification of steel grade family using a new algorithm called line clustering, determining steel grade codes that need to be divided into new family, searching for the shortest distance from a sample point to the curve of each cluster centre based on a Nelder-Mead algorithm, dividing all data points into k subsets according to the principle of proximity, fitting a power curve to each data subset using a least square method, repeating the above ste

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention include a fracture ring sensor and a method of using the same to detect out of tolerance forces. Aspects of the invention include a product having a defined an out of tolerance force, a fracture ring sensor, and a mounting assembly coupling the fracture ring sensor to the product. The fracture ring sensor is patterned with a conductive trace and is manufactured to break when subjected to a predetermined amount of force. The predetermined amount of force is substantially equal to a percentage of the out of tolerance force of the product.

Abstract: An electro-mechanical fuse is provided and includes a chassis component, an extrusion disposed on a monitored component which is disposable proximate to the chassis component and a sensor. The sensor is mounted to the chassis component. The sensor is mechanically breakable in power-on and power-off conditions by the extrusion as a result of a predefined action of or relative to the monitored component. The sensor electrically signals an occurrence of the mechanical breakage during power-on conditions following mechanical breakage.

Abstract: An electro-mechanical fuse is provided and includes a chassis component, an extrusion disposed on a monitored component which is disposable proximate to the chassis component and a sensor. The sensor is mounted to the chassis component. The sensor is mechanically breakable in power-on and power-off conditions by the extrusion as a result of a predefined action of or relative to the monitored component. The sensor electrically signals an occurrence of the mechanical breakage during power-on conditions following mechanical breakage.

Abstract: A testing method of bending stress and a testing apparatus thereof are provided. The method includes the following steps. A stress distribution model of a structure to be tested is built. Next, a testing sample of the structure to be tested is provided, and a force is applied on two ends of the testing sample to bend the testing sample till it breaks at a breaking point, so as to obtain a first distance between the two ends of the testing sample when the testing sample breaks, or a second distance from the breaking point to a closer end of the two ends. Next, a maximum principle stress value of the stress distribution model or a break point principle stress value at the breaking point of the stress distribution model is obtained according to the first distance or the second distance.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for evaluating a semiconductor wafer concerning a breaking strength of a notch portion of the semiconductor wafer, comprising: applying a load to a notch portion of the semiconductor wafer to be evaluated toward the center of the wafer such that the notch portion of the semiconductor wafer is broken; and evaluating the breaking strength of the notch portion. The present invention provides a method and an apparatus for evaluating a semiconductor wafer that can evaluate the breaking strength of a notch portion of a semiconductor wafer with higher precision and higher sensitivity.

Abstract: A method for use in determining hydrogen embrittlement in a plated sample is provided. The method includes positioning the plated sample between a first holding member and a second holding member, moving the second holding member towards the first holding member to bend the plated sample, and applying a static load to the plated sample for a predetermined duration of time. The static load is applied by bending the plated sample to a distance between the first and second holding members that is a predetermined percentage of a baseline ultimate failure distance of the plated sample.

Abstract: Apparatus, systems and methods for testing brittle articles, such as glass or ceramic articles are disclosed. The testing is provided by a test apparatus that imposes a bending test to a brittle article. The testing is also well suited for testing small scale brittle articles which are too small to utilize conventional multi-point testing or ring-on-ring testing. In addition, the testing is also well suited for testing brittle articles that have one or more apertures (or holes) therein which can impact their ability to resist breakage. For example, the quality of one or more apertures provided in brittle articles can affect breakage levels and thus can be monitored and/or adjusted through testing.

Abstract: A testing method of bending stress and a testing apparatus thereof are provided. The method includes the following steps. A stress distribution model of a structure to be tested is built. Next, a testing sample of the structure to be tested is provided, and a force is applied on two ends of the testing sample to bend the testing sample till it breaks at a breaking point, so as to obtain a first distance between the two ends of the testing sample when the testing sample breaks, or a second distance from the breaking point to a closer end of the two ends. Next, a maximum principle stress value of the stress distribution model or a break point principle stress value at the breaking point of the stress distribution model is obtained according to the first distance or the second distance.

Abstract: A compact pipe specimen applicable to a fracture toughness test used to evaluate physical properties of a pipe material is provided. The compact pipe specimen includes: a pipe having a notch portion formed in a circumferential direction and a crack portion formed at the edge of the notch portion; and first and second jigs having openings to which a pressurizing unit is coupled so as to cause a bending load on the pipe, having the notch portion therebetween, and attached to the exterior surface of the pipe, respectively. It is unnecessary to correct the influence of a constraint effect due to varying sizes and shapes of the specimen. There is no restriction to the curvature and thickness of a pipe. A fracture behavior of a pipe crack portion can be precisely simulated.

Abstract: A binding force testing device for testing the binding force of a hinge, includes a control chassis for controlling the binding force testing device; a platform mounted on the control chassis; a support mounted on the control chassis above the platform; a first driving device mounted on the support; a main holder mounted on the first driving device facing the platform; and a second driving device mounted on the support and connected to the first driving device. The first driving device drives the main holder to move relative to the platform in a first direction; the second driving device drives the first driving device to move relative to the platform in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction.

Abstract: Structural health monitoring apparatuses and methods are disclosed. One or more structural health sensors may be used to disconnect and/or connect one or more RFID chips to an antenna such that wireless communication with the one or more RFID chips (or the absence of wireless communication) through the antenna indicates the structural health status. Example structural health sensors may be moisture detecting or fracture detecting. A remote reader may be used to establish the wireless communication with the one or more RFID chips to determine the structural health. The sensors and RFID chips may be passive and powered through the wireless communication from the remote reader. Such apparatuses and methods may be applied to any large structures requiring regular inspection, such as aircraft, ships, automobiles or buildings.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for testing shafts, such as golf club shafts. In one embodiment, the invention can be characterized as a shaft tester comprising: a frame; a first shaft support supporting a first portion of a shaft at a first fixed position; a second shaft support supporting a second portion of the shaft at a second fixed position; and a third shaft support supporting a third portion of the shaft at a third fixed position. An actuator couples to the third shaft support to displace the third portion relative to the first and second portions to deflect the shaft. A sensor couples to one of the first, second and third supports outputting a signal corresponding to a force exerted by the shaft due. A controller controls displacement of the shaft. In some embodiments, the shaft is rotated while being deflected.

Abstract: Each spot weld in a structure is represented by a cluster of at least one solid element in a finite element analysis model of the structure. Each spot weld is used for tying together two parts. Each of the two parts are generally represented or modeled as a number of two-dimension shell elements. Since the tie-connection between the spot weld and the two parts can be located arbitrarily within the respective part, the shell elements representing the two parts do not have to be aligned in space. The only requirement is the two shell elements must be overlapped each other such that the spot weld can tie the two shell elements (i.e., one from each part) together. A spot weld failure criterion used for determining failure including shear and axial stresses acted on the spot weld, shell element size and spot weld location sensitivity scale factors and strain rate effect.

Abstract: A compact pipe specimen applicable to a fracture toughness test used to evaluate physical properties of a pipe material is provided. The compact pipe specimen includes: a pipe having a notch portion formed in a circumferential direction and a crack portion formed at the edge of the notch portion; and first and second jigs having openings to which a pressurizing unit is coupled so as to cause a bending load on the pipe, having the notch portion therebetween, and attached to the exterior surface of the pipe, respectively. It is unnecessary to correct the influence of a constraint effect due to varying sizes and shapes of the specimen. There is no restriction to the curvature and thickness of a pipe. A fracture behavior of a pipe crack portion can be precisely simulated.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for testing the fatigue of an implantable lead by simultaneously bending and un-bending it at a plurality of successive positions wherein the bending and un-bending positions comprise a substantial length of the lead and wherein the bending radius and sector angle are substantially optional.

Abstract: A flow verification system is adapted to verify flow characteristics just after a flow control device starts flow control by verifying a flow rate in a gas piping system which includes a first cutoff valve, the flow control device installed downstream from the first cutoff valve, and a pressure sensor for measuring pressure downstream from the flow control device, flow verification is made based on the pressure measured by the pressure sensor. The flow verification system also includes a benchmark storage device for storing a benchmark which is calculated by integrating the pressure values measured by the pressure sensor during a normal flow control operation, and an abnormality detection device for detecting an abnormal flow of process gas.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for testing shafts, such as golf club shafts. In one embodiment, the invention can be characterized as a shaft tester comprising: a frame; a first shaft support supporting a first portion of a shaft at a first fixed position; a second shaft support supporting a second portion of the shaft at a second fixed position; and a third shaft support supporting a third portion of the shaft at a third fixed position. An actuator couples to the third shaft support to displace the third portion relative to the first and second portions to deflect the shaft. A sensor couples to one of the first, second and third supports outputting a signal corresponding to a force exerted by the shaft due. A controller controls displacement of the shaft. In some embodiments, the shaft is rotated while being deflected.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for testing shafts, such as golf club shafts. In one embodiment, the invention can be characterized as a shaft tester comprising: a frame; a first shaft support supporting a first portion of a shaft at a first fixed position; a second shaft support supporting a second portion of the shaft at a second fixed position; and a third shaft support supporting a third portion of the shaft at a third fixed position. An actuator couples to the third shaft support to displace the third portion relative to the first and second portions to deflect the shaft. A sensor couples to one of the first, second and third supports outputting a signal corresponding to a force exerted by the shaft due. A controller controls displacement of the shaft. In some embodiments, the shaft is rotated while being deflected.

Abstract: A testing device applies a load controlled bending moment which is constant along a length of an elongated member. The testing device also includes a drive system which rotates the elongated member while the bending load is applied to rapidly find defects which may only appear at a particular rotational position to determine whether the bending stiffness is uniform about the entire diameter of the elongated member.

Abstract: The invention relates to a testing device for hull shells, wherein the test specimen is joined to a complementary structure with legs, having a U-shape in cross section, and at the ends of the legs there are provided lengthwise flanges in the lengthwise direction of the complementary structure with means of attaching the hull shell to the complementary structure and of applying and absorbing corrective forces, while at the borders of the complementary structure in the lengthwise direction there are provided transverse flanges for applying and absorbing of test forces in six degrees of freedom. The complementary structure (1) is formed as a soft box of composite materials and the U-shaped cross section of the complementary structure (1) consists of a horizontal straight segment (11) and two ellipsoidal segments (12) adjoining each side, forming the legs (3) of the U-shaped complementary structure (1).

Abstract: A failure analysis system (900) for printed circuit board (600) includes testing equipment (100) and a monitor (200). The testing equipment includes a base (120), a fixing body (180), a supporting arm (140) and a micrometer (160). The fixing body and the supporting arm are both firmly fixed on the base. The printed circuit board is fastened to the fixing body. The micrometer is slidingly attached to the supporting arm. The micrometer has a pin (1612) at one end thereof for resisting one end of the printed circuit board. The monitor electronically connects with the printed board for receiving signals from the printed circuit board. When the pin of the micrometer reaches a certain position, the signal transmitted to the monitor is broken.

Abstract: The invention provides method for metallic nanonstructures self-assembly methods and materials testing. Preferred embodiment methods permit for the formation of individual nanonstructures and arrays of nanostructrues. The nanostructures formed can have a metal alloy crystal structure. Example structures include slender wires, rectangular bars, or plate-like structures. Tips can be shaped, single layer and multiple layer coatings can be formed, tips can be functionalized, molecules can be adhered, and many testing methods are enabled.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for testing shafts, such as golf club shafts. In one embodiment, the invention can be characterized as a shaft tester comprising: a frame; a first shaft support supporting a first portion of a shaft at a first fixed position; a second shaft support supporting a second portion of the shaft at a second fixed position; and a third shaft support supporting a third portion of the shaft at a third fixed position. An actuator couples to the third shaft support to displace the third portion relative to the first and second portions to deflect the shaft. A sensor couples to one of the first, second and third supports outputting a signal corresponding to a force exerted by the shaft due. A controller controls displacement of the shaft. In some embodiments, the shaft is rotated while being deflected.

Abstract: MRI/RF compatible leads include at least one conductor, a respective conductor having at least one segment with a multi-layer stacked coil configuration. The lead can be configured so that the lead heats local tissue less than about 10 degrees Celsius (typically about 5 degrees Celsius or less) or does not heat local tissue when a patient is exposed to target RF frequencies at a peak input SAR of at least about 4 W/kg and/or a whole body average SAR of at least about 2 W/kg. Related leads and methods of fabricating leads are also described.

Abstract: A testing device applies a load controlled bending moment which is constant along a length of an elongated member. The testing device also includes a drive system which rotates the elongated member while the bending load is applied to rapidly find defects which may only appear at a particular rotational position to determine whether the bending stiffness is uniform about the entire diameter of the elongated member.

Abstract: A failure analysis system (900) for printed circuit board (600) includes testing equipment (100) and a monitor (200). The testing equipment includes a base (120), a fixing body (180), a supporting arm (140) and a micrometer (160). The fixing body and the supporting arm are both firmly fixed on the base. The printed circuit board is fastened to the fixing body. The micrometer is slidingly attached to the supporting arm. The micrometer has a pin (1612) at one end thereof for resisting one end of the printed circuit board. The monitor electronically connects with the printed board for receiving signals from the printed circuit board. When the pin of the micrometer reaches a certain position, the signal transmitted to the monitor is broken.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for determining failure of a test component. The apparatus, according to a selected method, is able to determine the embrittlement potential of a selected procedure for a selected material. The apparatus is able to determine the embrittlement potential in a substantially quick and non-human fallible manner.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for predicting a score-line cracking propensity of a multi-ply substrate. The method includes the steps of: bending the multi-ply substrate; acquiring tensile load data from the multi-ply substrate during bending; and computing a material property of a top ply of the multi-ply substrate based on the acquired tensile load data. The material property must show a strong correlation to the score-line cracking propensity of the multi-ply substrate. The material property which is computed is the energy consumed in plastic deformation of the top ply during the fracture process. The measurement results can be used to predict score-line cracking propensity in multi-ply board systems, such as multi-ply paperboard.

Abstract: A bend-test device for wire harnesses capable of handling a plurality of samples at the same time. The bend-test device includes a fixed frame unit, a hinge unit with a fulcrum axis, and a mobile frame unit connected to the fixed frame unit via the hinge unit in a freely pivotable manner around the fulcrum axis. The fixed frame unit includes fixed-side panels respectively including holder holes, each of which holds a grommet carrying a wire harness. The fixed-side panels are arranged in a parallel relation to each other, and aligned perpendicular to the direction of the fulcrum axis, in a freely mountable and removable manner. Likewise, the mobile frame unit includes mobile-side panels respectively including holder holes, each of which holds another grommet carrying the wire harness. The mobile-side panels are arranged as mentioned above, so that each of the mobile-side panels can be opposed to a corresponding one among the fixed-side panels.

Abstract: A tensile test apparatus and method for testing a circumferential weld on a tubular member wherein the tube region of the weld is completely supported by a mandrel and the tubular specimen is gripped on both sides of the weld along the specimen's longitudinal length with a very small separation distance between the tensile test grips. If there are any non-bonded defects in the weld, they are captured by the weld fracture surface as mesa or void features with an orientation different from that of a well bonded region.

Abstract: A method for testing the stability of vertically braced masts wherein the relevant mast is subjected to the load of a bending force starting from a defined initial value, and increasing to a maximum pre-set testing force above its bracing, the mast thereby being laterally displaced. The load is then removed from the mast and is subjected to a restoring force which reduces to zero. The mast is evaluated in conjunction with the load removal procedure to determine damage to the mast and/or its bracing. The mast is subjected to an additional bending force in the opposite direction of the first bending force, and the load is once again removed from the mast in a second test procedure. A possible remaining displacement of the mast/bracing system is evaluated in conjunction with the highest mast loads to determine the type of possible damage to the mast.

Abstract: An apparatus for testing the life expectancy of a straw having a test straw holder, an upper jaw, a lower jaw, and a frame. One end of the test straw is connected to the test straw holder and the other end is disposed between an upper jaw and a lower jaw. The upper jaw is movable along a vertical axis above the straw. The upper jaw engages the straw in a first position and is disengaged from the straw in an second position. The other end of the straw is attached to a pull body. The pull body pulls the straw away from the upper jaw, as the upper jaw engages the straw, to create a pulling stress. The pull body is connected to a grinding rod. The grinding rod pulls the pull body along with the lower jaw sideways as it moves away from the straw to create a grinding stress on the straw. Thus, the apparatus simulates a biting stress, a pulling stress, and a grinding stress on the straw.

Abstract: A sheet metal component, obtained by press-forming a one-piece metal sheet comprised of two metal sheets into a desired shape, has an expanding portion having an external appearance varying in dependence on a weld state of a weld portion of the one-piece metal sheet at which the two metal sheets are welded at their confronting ends. In manufacturing the sheet metal component, the one-piece metal sheet is transferred between upper and lower dies of a pressing machine and is positioned such that its metal sheet section including part of the weld portion is disposed between a punch formed in the lower die and a recess formed in the upper die so as to face the punch. The metal sheet section is pressed by the punch to be subject to plastic deformation, whereby the expanding portion is formed.

Abstract: The invention provides a method of simulating and estimating the minimum lifetime under repeated bending for a wire harness containing a plurality of electrical cables, by applying a compact and lightly equipped device. To this end, representative electrical cables, contained in the wire harness, are subjected to flexing and stretching until they fail under repeated bending, so that the number of bending cycles is obtained for each representative electrical cable. The minimum lifetime for the wire harness can then be estimated on the basis of the shortest cable lifetime that can be found among all the representative electrical cables tested.

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: The invention is a performance testing system for wood-based panels. The testing includes performance of a material under a load concentrated in a single area, performance of edge support systems under a concentrated load and performance of a material under static bending conditions. The system is computerized and automatically applies a load to a panel to be tested, reads and records deflection of the panel without operator involvement, and provides a printed test report.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method and apparatus for obtaining data relating to the compressive failure characteristics of a liner of a board sample which includes the following. A sample is aligned within a pivotal retaining mechanism of a testing device adapted to rotate about a line. A displacement force is applied at a constant rate to at least one edge of the liner such that the rotatable retaining mechanism allows self-positioning of the sample. Measurements are taken regularly of load and/or deflection observed until the liner fails.

Abstract: A method for testing the integrity at least two test objects, each object is made of a plastically deformable material, by a. contacting a moving means with the objects at a first point in time, the moving means at a first position and the objects at a first position, the moving means having a shaped portion; b. shifting at least a portion of the objects to a second position at a second time, subsequent to the first time, wherein at least a portion of the objects were displaced during the interval between the first time and the second time; c. evaluating the objects after the shifting in step b. 22.

Abstract: A tire which, during use is subjected to one or more severe stresses lead to an appreciable reduction of its potential lifetime of use under nominal conditions. In order to be able to determine whether a tire has undergone such severe conditions, the tire is provided with a monitoring device, containing at least one means sensitive to a given stress and capable of memorizing a piece of information, according to the stress to which the component has been subjected for at least a given time or a given number of cycles.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a compression test device for a paper strip, including means for laterally holding the strip to limit its buckling during the testing. The lateral holding means include a tube in which the strip is freely rolled with more than one turn.

Abstract: An apparatus for evaluating the ultimate strength of a plate of material includes a fixture for holding the plate and a loading element for applying a load to the plate, The fixture has a support element for supporting the plate at first and second points on the plate. The loading element is capable of applying a load to the plate at a third point interior to the first and second points on the plate. Another embodiment is a method for evaluating the ultimate strength of a plate of material having a front side and a back side. The method includes supporting the plate at first and second points on the plate and gradually applying a load substantially perpendicular to the back side of the plate at a point on the plate interior to the first and second points. The load is applied to the plate until the plate breaks, and the amount of load at which the plate breaks is noted to evaluate the ultimate strength of the plate.

Abstract: A rising step-load test apparatus for subjecting the notched region of a fracture specimen to tension by applying four-point bending to the specimen, and having an adaptor that can fit into the test apparatus in four-point bending and convert the bending load to an axial tensile load on a second specimen for which the adaptor serves as a fixture. The test apparatus applies four-point bending to either the fracture specimen or the adaptor through two oppositely situated simple supports at one end of the fracture specimen or adaptor and two other oppositely situated simple supports at the other end of the fracture specimen or adaptor. The adaptor employs two pivotally attached linking members attached to the two ends of the second specimen to transfer a pure axial tension to the second specimen for testing in axial-tension mode. A chemical bath is provided for an accelerated test of hydrogen embrittlement.

Abstract: A rising step-load test apparatus for subjecting the notched region of a fracture specimen to tension by applying four-point bending to the specimen, and having an adaptor that can fit into the test apparatus in four-point bending and convert the bending load to an axial tensile load on a second specimen for which the adaptor serves as a fixture. The test apparatus applies four-point bending to either the fracture specimen or the adaptor through two oppositely situated simple supports at one end of the fracture specimen or adaptor and two other oppositely situated simple supports at the other end of the fracture specimen or adaptor. The adaptor employs two pivotally attached linking members attached to the two ends of the second specimen to transfer a pure axial tension to the second specimen for testing in axial-tension mode. A chemical bath is provided for an accelerated test of hydrogen embrittlement.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for determining the strain developed in a coated surface. A beam with a coating on a surface thereof is mounted as a cantilever and a force is applied to the free end of the beam to cause deflection of the beam until the coating on the beam fails. The strain in the beam, and hence in the coating at the point of failure, is determined based on the dimensions of the beam, the point along the beam where failure of the coating occurs and the amount of deflection of the beam, and this determination is made independently of the temperature of the beam and the material from which the beam is made. The determination is made based on the equation E=1.5.sub.x /1.sup.3, where E is strain, h is the beam thickness, d is the beam deflection, x is the distance from the free end of the beam to the point where failure of the coating occurred, and l is the length of the beam.

Abstract: There is disclosed a printed circuit board text fixture and method for testing printed circuit boards. The test fixture and test method is designed to establish statistical information concerning the breaking force for and deflection of a printed circuit board when the printed circuit board is broken along pre-existing score lines. In particular, the test fixture comprises a support surface for the circuit board to be tested, a clamp for holding the circuit board in place, an alignment target for locating the score line on the circuit board with respect to the clamp, a force gauge for exerting and measuring a downward force on the circuit board until the circuit board breaks along the score line, and a travel indicator for indicating the maximum flex experienced by the circuit board just prior to breaking.

Abstract: A method of determining fracture mode transition behavior (FMTB) of solid materials by using stress field modified miniature specimens. The method is an improvement in the method of determining mechanical behavior information from specimens only so large as to have at least a volume or smallest dimension sufficient to satisfy continuum behavior in all directions. FMTB of the material is determined from the measurements taken during the loading of the specimen resulting in the formation of cracks and/or the further propagation of cracks in the miniature specimen and/or fracture. The specimens are provided with grooves that induce additional stress field modifying stress components in the specimens during the test. These additional stress components result in a desired stress state in the specimens which could not be achieved otherwise. The methods are useful in determining FMTB for the material, when the specimen thickness is smaller than previously thought necessary for valid FMTB determinations.