Abstract: Apparatus and methods for clock synchronization and frequency translation are provided herein. Clock synchronization and frequency translation integrated circuits (ICs) generate one or more output clock signals having a controlled timing relationship with respect to one or more reference signals. The teachings herein provide a number of improvements to clock synchronization and frequency translation ICs, including, but not limited to, reduction of system clock error, reduced variation in clock propagation delay, lower latency monitoring of reference signals, precision timing distribution and recovery, extrapolation of timing events for enhanced phase-locked loop (PLL) update rate, fast PLL locking, improved reference signal phase shift detection, enhanced phase offset detection between reference signals, and/or alignment to phase information lost in decimation.

Abstract: A fatigue test assessment method for assessing a suspension point of a cylinder block by means of a fatigue test includes: fixing a suspension point of a cylinder block test piece by using a power assembly installation approach; applying a load to the suspension point of the cylinder block test piece in a preset direction; and determining whether the suspension point of the cylinder block fails. The method can ascertain, by means of assessment during a stage of parts testing, whether the structural strength of a suspension point of a cylinder block meets user requirements, so as to predict and prevent breakage of and faults in the suspension point of the cylinder block, thereby enhancing overall test validity.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a test system and method capable of simultaneously carrying out a high-throughput test of mechanical properties for miniature specimens. The system comprises one workstation (17) and a plurality of specimen test modules (16) installed horizontally or vertically on a workbench (15), wherein the workstation (17) comprises an operation interface, a data processing unit and a load output unit; each specimen test module (16) comprises a drive unit (5), an interchangeable clamp unit (8), a displacement sensor (2), and a load sensor (14); the workstation (17) controls the drive unit (5) of the specimen test module (16) and receives detection data of the displacement sensor (2) and the load sensor (14); each specimen test module (16) optionally performs mechanical property testing independently; and the workstation (17) controls simultaneously started testing of a plurality of specimens (9).

Abstract: A system for determining the thermal properties of rocks under high pressure conditions in deep sea includes a first pressure vessel having a data collecting unit and a second pressure vessel having a chamber being filled with seawater, communicating with a drain valve, and having a rock sample disposed therein. First and second temperature sensors are respectively disposed in the center and on the surface of the rock sample. A third temperature sensor and a pressure sensor are disposed in the chamber. Outputs of the temperature sensors and the pressure sensor are communicated with inputs of the data collecting unit via watertight cables. Determining the thermal properties of rocks under high pressure conditions in deep sea includes rapidly opening the drain valve for instant loading of the rock sample and introducing an established finite element numerical inversion model. No heat source for electrical heating nor booster pump is needed.

Abstract: A dynamic mechanical analyzer and a sample fixture for a dynamic mechanical analyzer that attaches fixed clamps in the sample fixture to a rigid frame using mounts that are compliant in the direction perpendicular to the sample displacement but which at the same time are resistant to rotation about the transverse direction of the sample. The compliant mounts include a pair of flexures that are attached to each fixed clamp and to the frame of the sample fixture. In an embodiment, the pair of flexures are thin flat members such that each pair constitutes two parallel leaf springs. The flexures flex to allow the fixed clamps to move perpendicularly to the sample displacement, but at the same time prevent rotation of the fixed clamps.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to the treatment of non-metallic sucker rods, made of metal, particularly to the method of reclamation of used rods already used in the mechanical deep-pumping extraction of oil. The method of remanufacturing of standard length rods includes subjecting used non-metallic sucker rods to a destructive pull test.

Abstract: When an air supply conduit is connected to an empty space portion inside an endoscope and air is fed to the empty space portion to perform a leak determination based on a change in the internal pressure of the endoscope which is caused by the air, a surface temperature of the endoscope that is measured by a temperature measurement portion is maintained at a temperature at the time that the leak determination starts, through energy supply control that irradiates far infrared rays onto a surface of the endoscope from a far-infrared ray irradiation portion.

Abstract: A system for measuring change in length and/or deformation force on a sample in a longitudinal direction. The system is useful in thermomechanical analysis and/or dynamic-mechanical analysis, and comprises a pushrod extending in the longitudinal direction which exerts force on the sample, and a device measuring movement of the pushrod resulting from the change in length or deformation of the sample in the longitudinal direction. The measuring device includes: a pushrod base mounted on a stationary base with a guide so as to be movable in the longitudinal direction; a controllable drive for moving the pushrod; a detector measuring the force exerted by the pushrod on the sample; and a path sensor for measuring the movement of the pushrod.

Abstract: Methods are disclosed relating to the assessment of fatigue damage in objects that include for example, subjecting a fatigued object to a cyclic mechanical stress, measuring a rate of temperature rise in the fatigued object, and assessing a degree of fatigue of the fatigued object based on the rate of temperature rise in the fatigued object. Methods of measuring internal structural characteristics and methods of correlating fatigue damage to results from excitation tests are also taught.

Abstract: Concerns a process to execute thermal cycling tests on odontological materials in a specific equipment, with the basic goal of accelerating the decay of the interface between different materials, and the intrinsic decay of the test object itself, and of simulating oral conditions, keeping the test object fixed in the interior of a test chamber, isolated from the external environment, and the internal environment being adjusted to the desired temperature by way of liquids in diverse temperatures, contained in vats.

Abstract: To generate a combined model for isothermal and anisothermal fatigue life of a material, multiple strain-controlled fatigue tests are performed on the material. For each test, test data is generated that includes a normalized load and a number of cycles to occurrence of crack initiation in the material under a normalized load which is a function of multiple instantaneous load levels determined at different points in time during the test. Each individual instantaneous load level is determined by normalizing a measured stress at an instant with a value of a temperature dependent property of the material corresponding to a temperature of the test at that instant. The test data from the plurality of strain-controlled tests are processed to generate a combined lifetime model defining a response of the number of cycles to occurrence of crack initiation to the normalized load.

Abstract: A compressor drive torque estimating device to be adapted for a system provided with a refrigeration cycle in which a refrigerant is circulated by a compressor driven by a drive source mounted in a vehicle, comprising heat load detecting means for detecting a heat load of the refrigeration cycle, a storage unit storing a plurality of estimated drive torque characteristics establishing correlation between a drive torque change characteristic of the compressor and an elapsed time from a time of start of operation of the compressor, an estimated drive torque characteristic selecting means for selecting the one of the plurality of estimated drive torque characteristics stored in the storage unit based on detected values detected by the heat load detecting means, and an estimated drive torque calculating means for calculating an estimated drive torque of the compressor based on the estimated drive torque characteristic selected by the estimated drive torque characteristic selecting means.

Abstract: According to one embodiment of the invention, a testing apparatus for executing highly accelerated life testing on at least one test subject includes at least one structure operable to thermally stress the test subject via conduction and at least one pneumatic hammer operable to input imparting vibrations to the test subject. According to another embodiment of the invention, a method for executing highly accelerated life testing of at least one test subject includes applying a thermal stress to the test subject via conduction at a rate of change of at least 8° C. per minute and imparting vibrations to the test subject at a rate of at least 3 Gs rms.

Abstract: A test cell for testing a sample cement composition includes a test chamber and a variable stress system. The test chamber is configured to hold a sample cement composition for a wellbore. The variable stress system communicates with the test chamber. Performance of the sample cement composition is tested for a wellbore using the variable stress system.

Abstract: The invention involves the use of thermal imaging equipment to take infrared images of a steam turbine during start-up. The exterior temperatures developed from the infrared images are correlated with turbine vibration data to determine which insulation temperature patterns reflect insulation poor enough to cause packing seal teeth to rub and the turbine to vibrate during operation or shut-down. From the thermal images and vibration data, control limits are developed for insulation surface temperature. Insulation is added, before the steam turbine is shut down, in accordance with the obtained data and control limits.

Abstract: An apparatus for measuring the breathability and comfort level of a shoe, comprising a rigid structure that duplicates the contour of a foot, divided into at least three thermally insulated regions from each other, for the shoe to be tested, resistors heating the regions of the rigid structure to a presettable temperature, at least one cladding of a soft material permeable to liquids, that absorb water and distributing it over the entire surface of the structure, sensors for sensing the temperature of cladding regions corresponding to the contour regions, a metering pump to supply water to the structure, and a power measuring device.

Abstract: A method to accurately evaluate a thermal cycle life of an article with a restraint rate as an evaluating parameter without providing a thermal cycle under actual service conditions to the article subjected to the thermal cycle.

Abstract: A method for testing an electronic module to evaluate solder joint failures caused by thermally induced stress includes determining a thermal shock endurance test profile that represents field temperature conditions, estimating time/cycles to failure of solder joints in the module using numerical simulation techniques, selecting a design life duration for the module, comparing the design life duration of the module with the estimated time/cycles to failure of the weakest solder joint in the module, determining between robust, marginal, and non-robust module designs based on the design life duration of the module and the estimated time/cycles to failure of the at least one solder joint in the module, and determining an accelerated thermal shock endurance test specification having a test duration for testing the electronic module upon determining a marginal module design.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for measuring viscous heating/heat build-up of viscoelastic materials, such as rubber and polymer compounds. Temperature changes in the viscoelastic material are measured during application of a shearing force to the viscoelastic material. The shearing force is applied by rotating a second die plate relative to a first die plate, which remains stationary. Temperature changes in the viscoelastic material attributable to friction between the first die and an adjacent sealing ring are accounted for, and subtracted out of the final temperature values. The present invention provides an accurate, quantifiable, and repeatable measure of viscous heating/heat build-up of a viscoelastic material.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for testing the mechanical durability of a test surface finish of an object, such as a cooking vessel. The apparatus consists principally of a sliding support fixture operated by a gearmotor with an eccentric drive providing alternative forward and rearward movement to the fixture, scrapers for contacting the surface finish in a predetermined path, and individually operated coil springs for applying constant pressure to the scrapers during the test scraping cycle. A cam and lever combination is also supplied to raise the scrapers above the surface finish as they are returned to initial start position during cyclical test operation.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for approximating the life of a gasket used in a predetermined environment is provided which allows for the long-term exposure to the environment to be simulated over a shortened period of time. The method and apparatus utilize the steps of placing a gasket sample in a test assembly, clamping the gasket sample within the test assembly at a predetermined clamping pressure whereby a chamber is formed within the interior of the gasket sample, filling the chamber with a gas at a predetermined pressure from a gas fill system, changing the temperature of the gasket sample over a predetermined number of temperature cycles, and measuring the amount of the gas which leaks from the chamber. The apparatus may also include a pressure control system for changing the pressure within the chamber over a predetermined number of pressure cycles or in response to predetermined temperature conditions.

Abstract: Apparatus for measuring stress at a point on an object comprising: means for applying a cyclically varying load of period T to the object; detector means for collecting and measuring thermal radiation from said point over a sample time interval t, wherein t<T; means for determining the phase of the first interval t with respect to the cyclic variation of thermal radiation produced by said point in response to said applied load and, from said collected and measured value of thermal radiation and said phase, for providing a measure of stress at said point.

Abstract: A tension type dynamic viscoelasticity measuring apparatus composed of a strain detector for detecting changes in length of a specimen, an electromagnetic force generator for applying a force to the specimen, a moving mechanism for moving the electromagnetic force generator, a movement control unit for controlling the amount of movement of the moving mechanism, and a monotone function calculation unit for outputting a movement control timing to the movement control unit. The monotone function calculation unit performs a monotone function operation on the data of distance by which the moving mechanism has been moved and uses the calculation result as a movement control timing for the next movement control of the moving mechanism. As a result, this viscoelasticity measuring apparatus has a movement control loop that considers relaxation phenomena in connection with a change in length of the specimen due to stress relaxation and creep that occur in the specimen while driving the moving mechanism.

Abstract: In a method of testing a sample of viscoelastic material held under pressure between two opposing, temperature-controlled dies, the sample is subjected to an oscillatory, rotary shearing force which has a predetermined amplitude and a frequency within the range 0.001 to 2 Hz, and a torque which is indicative of the response of the sample to the shearing force is measured, at least one measurement of the torque being made when the predetermined amplitude is at least .+-.10.degree. but not greater than .+-.360.degree..

Abstract: An object stress analyzing system includes a scanning head with a detector, a variable gain amplifier and a control unit which controls the scanning head and which acquires stress-related data from the amplifiers. The control unit responds to detector overload conditions by automatically adjusting the gain of the amplifier, rescanning a portion of the object and rescaling data acquired prior to occurrence of the overload condition.

Abstract: A rheometer of the type which includes a chamber (26) in which, in use, a sample of rubber or of a synthetic elastomer which is to be tested is held under pressure in contact with a rotor (27), and means for measuring torque applied to the rotor (27) as it is rotated in contact with the sample, is provided with a driving mechanism (35) for rotating the rotor (27) driven by two pulse-operated electric stepping motors (40, 41) operating through pinions (44, 49) and a differential gear (46). The use of two stepping motors (40, 41) and the differential gear (46) enables the rheometer to test the sample in various ways. Firstly the rotor (27) may be rotated in one direction to strain the sample beyond its maximum recovery and then be rotated in a reverse direction step by step until there is zero torque on the rotor and the total reverse rotation then indicates the total angular recovery of the sample.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for testing samples of viscoelastic materials are shown, in which the sample is contained under pressure between two dies and the forces involved in rotating one die with respect to the other. The method uses different frequencies of oscillatory rotation at different temperatures. The apparatus uses dies with discontinuous protrusions which overlap each other.

Abstract: An external force is periodically applied to an object to be measured, a two-dimensional surface of the object is resolved and scanned by suitable infrared radiation detection means, and the infrared radiation at the times of maximum and minimum loading by the external force are detected for the respective resolved zones. The difference between the infrared radiation at the maximum and the minimum loading times is then calculated for every resolved zone. Further, the calculated values are multiplied by correction values corresponding to the shape, material, infrared radiation rate and so forth of the object. The thus obtained values are suitably visibly indicated in the positions of the respective zones. This indication is ordered by suitably slicing the levels of the thus obtained values to identify and display them in accordance with an ordering scheme.

Abstract: An apparatus to test a rotating metal part at a cryogenic temperature is disclosed. This apparatus includes an inner chamber wherein a metal part can be mounted for rotation and brought to a cryogenic temperature and then placed in a vacuum. The container wall is formed to contain a cryogenic liquid and a cover is placed over the container which also includes a cryogenic liquid. Insulating material is used around the container and control valves and conduits provide for fluid transfer within the apparatus.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for indicating stress in an object comprising viewing the temperature variation of part of the surface of the object as it is stressed. An infra-red detector detects small changes of temperature and the stress may be applied by natural loading or by cyclic stressing imposed by a vibrator.