Abstract: A creep testing fixture and method for applying a precise amount of constant tensile stress to a creep test specimen to allow for precise measurement of creep in the test specimen. The fixture includes first and second mounting grips for holding opposite ends of a test specimen. A frame supports the mounting grips for relative reciprocal movement toward and away from each other. A tensile spring is connected between the first and second mounting grips. The frame subjects a test specimen held between the mounting grips to tensile stress in response to axially inward force that the tensile spring applies to the frame.

Abstract: A tensile test fixture for applying constant tensile forces to a tensile test specimen comprises two mounting grips, each mounted to one of two lever arms in a pivoted lever arm frame structure. One end of each lever arm is pivotally attached to a compression column while the other end of each lever arm is attached to one end of a force-applying assembly. The mounting grips are pivotally attached to their respective lever arms between the compression column and the force-applying assembly and are designed to hold opposite ends of a tensile test specimen. The force-applying assembly comprises stress and strain modules that are interchangeably installable into the force-applying assembly to selectively subject tensile test specimens to constant strain and constant stress.

Abstract: Automobile panels and body parts are manufactured using a core element (10, 10'). The core element (10, 10') may be blow molded into a hollow core member for use in liquid resin molding. The core element (10') may include molded channels (26) extending longitudinally therealong to facilitate the flow of liquid about the core element (10') during the molding process. The core element (10') may also or alternatively include a corrugated portion (32) to allow bending of the rigid core (10') during placement within the mold (34). After placement in a mold (34), a liquid molding process is initiated to form the automobile panels and body parts.