Abstract: A non-contact material assessment system and method are provided. In embodiments, a system includes: a radiation source generating a pattern of diffracted elements; a detector configured to: capture a first image of a first diffracted element when a sample is in an initial state, and a second image when the sample is in a second state; and capture a first image of a second diffracted element when the sample is in the initial state, and a second image when the sample is in the second state; and a controller to: determine a displacement of the first diffracted element based on the first and second images of the first diffracted element; determine a displacement of the second diffracted element based on the first and second images of the second diffracted element; and determine a characteristic of the sample over based on the displacement of the first and second diffracted elements.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for multiple degree-of-freedom fatigue testing of a specimen. The apparatus includes a first platform, a second platform, a plurality of actuator assemblies, a load cell, a mounting plate, a specimen support, a direct-strain imaging system, and a local sense and control system. Each actuator assembly includes a servo-control, a position encoder, and a piston that is constructed to move in a linear direction in accordance with the servo-control. Each piston is rotatably connected to the second platform. The load cell is connected to the second platform and constructed to output force measurements in three orthogonal directions and torque measurements about the three orthogonal directions. The mounting plate is constructed to hold a portion a specimen. The specimen support is constructed to hold another portion of the specimen. The direct-strain-imaging system includes a camera that is constructed to record a plurality of images of the specimen during fatigue testing.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for multiple degree-of-freedom fatigue testing of a specimen. The apparatus includes a first platform, a second platform, a plurality of actuator assemblies, a load cell, a mounting plate, a specimen support, a direct-strain imaging system, and a local sense and control system. Each actuator assembly includes a servo-control, a position encoder, and a piston that is constructed to move in a linear direction in accordance with the servo-control. Each piston is rotatably connected to the second platform. The load cell is connected to the second platform and constructed to output force measurements in three orthogonal directions and torque measurements about the three orthogonal directions. The mounting plate is constructed to hold a portion a specimen. The specimen support is constructed to hold another portion of the specimen. The direct-strain-imaging system includes a camera that is constructed to record a plurality of images of the specimen during fatigue testing.

Abstract: An additive manufacturing device includes a container bed configured to contain material powder; a printing bed over which material is deposited and heat applied; one or more heating elements configured to hold material on the printing bed and material on the container bed at temperatures higher than ambient; one or more actuators; and a two-dimensional array of heat deposition devices configured for a 2D space filling movement by the one or more actuators in a plane generally perpendicular to an optical axis of the heat deposition devices.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method to measure a non-electrical property of an object using an electrical property measurement, and applications for the method. The invention is also directed to a transducer, and uses for the transducers.