Abstract: A device includes a removable load element. The removable load element includes a pin portion and a housing portion. The pin portion extends from the housing portion. The pin portion includes a sensor. The housing portion includes an electronic circuit connected to the sensor.

Abstract: A method for determining properties of a subterranean formation. The method includes determining at least one characterization parameter based on wave velocity measurement data, determining a plurality of elastic coefficients based on the at least one characterization parameter using a plurality of equations, determining an anisotropic stress profile of the subterranean formations based on the stiffness matrix of the subterranean formation comprising the plurality of elastic coefficients wherein the elastic coefficients are approximated using the plurality of equations, and displaying the anisotropic stress profile of the subterranean formations.

Abstract: A method for evaluating local buckling performance of a steel pipe includes obtaining a stress-strain relationship of a material having a yield plateau in the stress-strain relationship; determining the comparison of a starting strain of strain-hardening in the stress-strain relationship obtained and a critical strain of the steel pipe; and evaluating that the steel pipe has a possibility of being applied to a structure that requires plastic design when the critical strain is determined to be larger than the starting strain and evaluating that the steel pipe has no possibility of being applied to a structure that requires plastic design when the critical strain is determined to be not larger than the starting strain.

Abstract: A method of designing a roller bearing is disclosed upon clarifying mechanisms of damage patterns in respect of two kinds of brinelling, involved in the bearing, wherein white-banded flaking (brittle flaking) is a plastic instability phenomenon appearing under high-speed deformation accompanied by adiabatic shear deformation status with the resultant occurrence of adiabatic shear band (also called white band) inside material of the bearing. This enables all of the damage patterns to be determined upon making comparison between shear strain and shear strain rate, occurring inside the bearing, and discriminated values.

Abstract: In a method for the optimization of stress distribution on an object to be tested for flaws by ultrasound excitation and evaluation based on resulting surface temperature distribution, —a simulation is performed under test conditions on a CAD model of the object prior to a testing an object, —vibrational spectra and modal vibrational forms are calculated, —local mechanical stresses are determined from the vibrational modes, whereby—modes to be excited for the real test are selected from the entirety of the occurring modes such that, —the mechanical stress lies in a selected region above a predetermined minimum stress to enable a reliable proof of defect, —the mechanical stress in all other regions of the inspection part, in particular on easily damaged component structures, is smaller than a predetermined maximum stress by a predetermined factor, in order not to damage the component at weak points.

Abstract: A device for monitoring the health state of hydrocarbon production equipment is disclosed. The device has a plurality of targets, which are associated with the hydrocarbon production equipment. A record of the initial target positions and/or dimensions relative to the hydrocarbon production equipment is created. A sensor that is compatible with the targets is used to observe the targets and produce a sensor output. An analysis device uses the record of the initial positions, dimensions and the sensor output to determine one or more health state parameters, which may be used to determine the health state of the hydrocarbon production equipment.

Abstract: A system and method for detecting furniture cruising frequency to monitor gait decline. Embodiments of the invention monitor the frequency of furniture cruising in one's home in such a way that it does not require daily user intervention to operate. Here, shock sensors are attached or integrated into furniture in the normal walking paths for an individual in his or her home. Through the use of these shock sensors, embodiments of the invention are able to monitor the frequency of furniture cruising for the individual. If the frequency of furniture cruising exceeds a certain threshold, an assistive support device such as a walking stick or a walking frame may be required for the individual. Other embodiments are described and claimed.

Abstract: An inspection method and an inspection apparatus that can easily measure a distribution of residual stress on a surface processed by shot peening, including a state of distribution in a depth direction of a material to be treated in a relatively short time without destroying the material to be treated. A coil provided in the inspection circuit is arranged on a surface processed by shot peening of the inspection target, an alternating current signal is input to the inspection circuit with changing a frequency so that frequency response characteristics of impedance of the inspection circuit is measured and acquired as inspection target data, and the inspection target data is compared to frequency response characteristics of impedance acquired from a sample of which a state of generation of residual stress is found.

Abstract: In a method for predicting bending life spans of wires, the wires, temperatures, pre-vibration shapes, and constraint conditions are set, and finite element models of the electric wires are formed using a finite element method. Natural frequencies for the pre-vibration shapes are calculated, and stresses in individual finite elements of the finite element models which correspond to the natural frequencies are calculated, and a maximum stress is retrieved. Predicting functions corresponding to the plural electric wires and the atmosphere temperatures, which are set, are read out. A bending life span corresponding to the maximum stress of each electric wire, is acquired while referring to the predicting functions read out, and a shortest bending life span is obtained from the bending life spans, and output.

Abstract: A method of determining fatigue load of at least one operative wind turbine, comprising: providing a transfer function that associates an obtained at least one measurement value of a first sensor to an obtained at least one measurement value of a second sensor the at least one measurement value of the first sensor and the at least one measurement value of the second sensor being obtained by use of a reference wind turbine at which the first sensor and the second sensor are located; obtaining at least one measurement value of a third sensor, wherein the third sensor is located at the at least one operative wind turbine, and wherein the third sensor corresponds in type and position to the first sensor at the reference wind turbine; calculating at least one transfer function value corresponding to the obtained at least one measurement value of the third sensor by use of the provided transfer function; calculating the fatigue load of the at least one operative wind turbine based on the calculated transfer functio

Abstract: A method and system for monitoring the performance of a pipe containing a pressurised fluid. The pipe is made up of at least one current zone and singular zones. A predetermined number of singular zones are monitored, in order to obtain circumferential expansion information; and the calculation of the effective stiffness of the pipe and of the measured residual steel section of the pipe, using this circumferential expansion information. The pipe is dynamically monitored, in order to obtain information relating to the natural vibration frequencies and modes thereof. The information thus gained indicates whether a maintenance operation need be performed on the pipe.

Abstract: According to exemplary embodiments of the present invention, using a fracture limit stress line obtained by converting a hole expansion ratio into a stress as a criterion for a fracture, the risk of fracture in a material can be evaluated quantitatively by comparing the relationship between data obtained from a numerical analysis using a finite element method and the fracture limit stress line. Thus, when determining a fracture limit in a stretch flange portion in a thin plate in a process including one or more deformation path variations, it is possible to obtain the fracture limit curve easily and efficiently and predict the fracture with high accuracy, and the risk of fracture upon press forming or crash can be evaluated.

Abstract: A stress wave sensor comprising a piezoelectric film and means therein for connection to sensor electronics. The piezoelectric film preferably comprises polyvinylidene fluoride. Also a stress wave sensor system and methods employing one or more such stress wave sensors, preferably attached to a vehicle transparent component, most preferably to the vehicle windshield.

Abstract: According to an aspect of an embodiment of the present invention, a reflow process evaluation device includes, a stress calculation part for calculating an average principal stress acting on a joint portion, wherein a principal stress occurs when a chip and a substrate are joined by solder with a reflow method and a rupture occurrence ratio computation part for computing an occurrence ratio at which the joint portion ruptures based on a relational expression between the occurrence ratio and the average principal stress acting on the joint portion and the average principal stress calculated by the stress calculation part.

Abstract: A strain gauge apparatus for measuring stresses on a rotating blade includes a strain gauge assembly, a shaft connectable to the rotating blade, a slip ring connected to the shaft, and a sleeve for covering lead wires routed along the shaft from the strain gauge and connected to the slip ring. The present invention also relates to a method of determining the fatigue life of a rotating blade.

Abstract: A technique facilitates the monitoring of elongate structures. An elongate structure is combined with an optical fiber deployed along the structure. An interrogation system is operatively joined with the optical fiber to input and monitor optical signals to determine any changes in parameters related to the structure.

Abstract: A method for determining the force at the hub of a wheel of a vehicle while traveling. The wheel includes a rim and at least one deformation sensor directly associated with the rim in at least one predetermined position and arranged according to at least one predetermined orientation. The method includes the steps of detecting at least one deformation component of the rim during travel through the at least one deformation sensor; applying to the at least one deformation component, during travel, a correlation parameter characteristic of the rim, between the force at the hub and the relative deformation of the rim to determine at least one force component at the hub correlated with the at least one deformation component of the rim.

Abstract: A driving force calculating device (1) includes: a setting information acquiring section (23) which acquires (a) muscle specifying information that specifies a target muscle, which is a muscle whose function is assisted or resisted by a driving section and (b) a target value of muscle force to be produced by the target muscle at the time of rotational motion under assistance or resistance of the driving section; and a target muscle force evaluating section (24) which acquires an estimated muscle force table (58) and musculoskeletal model data (53) and evaluates the feasibility of the target value of the target muscle. With this arrangement, it is possible to reduce time required to calculate a driving force of the driving section of the power assisting device.

Abstract: A method for modeling material behavior includes using empirical three dimensional non-uniform stress and strain data to train a self-organizing computational model such as a neural network. A laboratory device for measuring non-uniform stress and strain data from material includes an enclosure with an inclusion in it. As the enclosure is compressed, the inclusion induces a non-uniform state of stress and strain. A field testing device includes a body having a moveable section. When the body is inserted in a material and the moveable section moved, a non-uniform state of stress and strain can be characterized.

Abstract: A target pressure value is determined during the learning mode. Subsequent pressure values are then compared to the target value. For example, a first connection is tightened in a conventional manner, while its pressure is monitored during the learning mode. If the tightening process went well, then an operator pushes a button that tells the monitor to remember how much pressure was used on the tongs to tighten the first connection. The pressure value of that first joint then becomes the target pressure value for any subsequent joints. As additional joints are tightened, the pressure applied to the tongs is monitored and compared to the first one to ensure that all the joints are as good as the first one within an allowable tolerance.

Abstract: A method and system for selecting fluids for compatibility with specified metals exposed to oil field environments. Metal specimens are tested for corrosion and/or cracking behavior by exposing them to fluids under stressful test conditions. The testing is conducted under variable temperature, pressure, pH, fluid density, metallurgical stress, additives, cover gases and combinations thereof. The results from the stress testing are stored in a database. The test results are evaluated using encoded logic embedded in software media. Fluid compatibility evaluation software, developed from the stress test results, is executed to determine the cracking susceptibility of metals exposed to fluids under stressful conditions. A cracking susceptibility index can be developed to provide a quantitative indicator of cracking susceptibility. Fluid recommendation reports utilize the cracking susceptibility index values to rank compatible fluids. The reports also list optional additives to be used with the fluids.

Abstract: A system and method for detecting furniture cruising frequency to monitor gait decline. Embodiments of the invention monitor the frequency of furniture cruising in one's home in such a way that it does not require daily user intervention to operate. Here, shock sensors are attached or integrated into furniture in the normal walking paths for an individual in his or her home. Through the use of these shock sensors, embodiments of the invention are able to monitor the frequency of furniture cruising for the individual. If the frequency of furniture cruising exceeds a certain threshold, an assistive support device such as a walking stick or a walking frame may be required for the individual. Other embodiments are described and claimed.

Abstract: The invention is a method to predict the type of deformation of an object as elastic, plastic or fracture from a time series of specklegram patterns or fringe patterns (the difference of specklegrams). From the recorded patterns, a velocity vector field is calculated. The behavior of the velocity vector, as it evolves in time or space, is used to predict the deformation type. Fracture is predicted at a particular spatial location if the velocity vector file shows the dominate wavelength (or period) as increasing over time at that particular point. Plastic deformation is predicted at a particular spatial location if the maximum excursion of the velocity vector field at that particular location is decaying or distortion tensor parameters begin to depend on locations (they are different at different locations).

Abstract: The apparatus for preparing data to generate simulation model extracts the analysis data of the parts required when a simulation is performed based on the CAD data of the parts forming a product to be processed, prepares data as a source of a simulation model of the product by combining the analysis data. The apparatus acquires the central coordinates of fine parts such as a screw, a screw hole, a boss and so on of the parts deleted from the analysis data, assigns a position name to them, and prepares data as a source of a simulation model by combining analysis data based on the position name and central coordinates.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for the simple, objective and accurate determination the zero point or effective zero point of a material, the point of first contact between an indenter tip and the surface of a material. The zero point is determined by using a sensor having a tip and capable of continuous stiffness measurement. By applying a data shift, which insures that the stiffness versus contact parameter curve is linear and goes through the origin of the graph, it is possible to determine the zero point based on combined data from indentation and from superimposed continuous stiffness measurement oscillations.

Abstract: A system (1) for determining a load of a vehicle such as a HGV. The system (1) comprises a plurality of strain gauges (2) mounted on each axle (3, 4) of the HGV. Each strain gauge (2) is arranged parallel to the longitudinal axis A-A of the axles (3, 4) to measure the strain exerted on each axle (3, 4) in a direction substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis A-A of each axle (3, 4). The strain gauges (2) are mounted on the axles (3, 4) at locations on the axles (3, 4) at which the axles (3, 4) exhibit a substantially linear strain-load relationship. These locations are determined, by performing a finite element analysis of the axles (3, 4). The system (1) also comprises a master control unit (5), carried on-board the HGV5 for calculating the HGV load responsive to the longitudinal strain measured by the strain gauges (2). The load exerted by the HGV on the road surface may then be calculated responsive to the calculated HGV load.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of evaluating the fracture toughness of a material using the continuous indentation technique. In the method of this invention, the stress coefficient, strain hardening modulus and yield stress of the material are determined using the continuous indentation technique and, thereafter, the reduced elastic modulus (Er) of the material is calculated. The effective elastic modulus and the initial elastic modulus are calculated and, thereafter, the damage parameter is calculated using the void volume fraction. The critical elastic modulus and the characteristic fracture initiation point of the indentation depth are determined using the damage parameter and, thereafter, the fracture toughness of the material is evaluated. The present invention is advantageous in that the fracture toughness of a brittle material can be evaluated precisely using a nondestructive evaluation technique.

Abstract: Techniques and devices are described to use spatially-varying curvature information of a layered structure to determine stresses at each location with non-local contributions from other locations of the structure. For example, a local contribution to stresses at a selected location on a layered structure formed on a substrate is determined from curvature changes at the selected location and a non-local contribution to the stresses at the selected location is also determined from curvature changes at all locations across the layered structure. Next, the local contribution and the non-local contribution are combined to determine the total stresses at the selected location. Techniques and devices for determining a misfit strain between a film and a substrate on which the film is deposited are also described.

Abstract: A method, system, and computer program product for calculating the residual stress equilibrium of two elastoplastic cylinders coldworked by expansion to obtain interference fit. The deformation state due to an internal expansion load applied to an inner cylinder that will result in interference of the inner cylinder with the outer cylinder can be calculated. The deformation state due to an unloading of the internal expansion load that will result in assembly of the inner cylinder and the outer cylinder can be calculated. The residual stresses, residual displacement and residual strains in the inner cylinder and the outer cylinder, whether they are eventually interference fitted or not, can all be calculated and recorded.

Abstract: A method for detecting mechanical features of a material, in particular a metal material, provides a preliminary step where a database is created containing a finite number of reference curves (P,h) (52). Such curves are obtained using a finite elements analysis and reproduce the trend of the applied force (P) responsive to the penetration depth (h) during an indentation test. The reference curves (P,h) are obtained for a determined number of different materials having a known elastic modulus E, and values of yield stress (?sn) and strain-hardening coefficient (n) comprised within determined ranges. The tested sample is then arranged at an indenter, for example a ball indenter (52), for being subject to an indentation test. This is started to cause a graduated penetration of the indenter in the material subject to analysis (53). During the indentation test the penetration depth (h) responsive to the penetration force (P) are measured, and a succession of measured couples (P,h) (54) is then recorded.

Abstract: An optical linear strain gage includes a target, a sensor, and a computer, wherein the target contains a gage length defined by end points. The target can be a one-dimensional barcode, the gage length defined between, and perpendicular to, two chosen parallel lines of the barcode. The target, including a gage length, is associated with an object such that deformation of the gage length and deformation of the object are the same; target can emit or reflect a detectable physical quantity. The sensor is compatible with and pre-processes the physical quantity from the target and provides data to the computer. The computer analyzes the data output and calculates the strain directly on the body based on the pre-processed and analyzed data. Measuring strain on an object using the strain gage includes identifying the changes in the gage length as a function of time and load applied and calculating strain.

Abstract: A method for the determination of a strain of a wind energy plant (30), with the following steps: presetting an assignment code, which assigns a characteristic value (K) for the strain of the wind energy plant to each pair of variates of a value for a wind velocity and a value for an acceleration of a component of the wind energy plant, determining a value (v?), which represents a measured wind velocity v, determining a value (a?), which represents a measured acceleration a of a component of the wind energy plant, applying the assignment code to the pair, of variates of the value (v?) for the measured wind velocity v and the value (a?) for the measured acceleration a in order to determine the characteristic value (K) for the strain.

Abstract: A solution for monitoring a property of an object and/or an area using a Micro-ElectroMechanical Systems (MEMS)-based monitoring device is provided. In an embodiment of the invention, the MEMS-based monitoring device includes a MEMS-based sensing device for obtaining data based on a property of the object and/or area and a power generation device that generates power from an ambient condition of the monitoring device. In this manner, the monitoring device can operate independent of any outside power sources or other devices. Further, the monitoring device can include a transmitter that transmits a signal based on the property. The monitoring device can be used to monitor a moving component of a machine, and can be integrated with a health monitoring system of the machine using one or more relay devices.

Abstract: Complex response of tissue is calculated as function of a convolution relationship associated with measured strain with applied stress. In the Fourier or frequency domain, the convolution is a simple algebraic computation, such as multiplication. The complex response provides elasticity and viscosity information, assisting diagnosis. Complex compliance may be directly calculated from the strain and stress. Complex fluidity may be directly calculated from strain rate and stress.

Abstract: In a non-limiting, exemplary system for in-situ monitoring of a composite workpiece, at least one ultrasonic testing transducer is mounted to a surface of a composite workpiece and configured to transmit and receive ultrasonic energy to and from the composite workpiece during mechanical loading of the composite workpiece. An ultrasonic pulser/receiver is operatively coupled to the at least one ultrasonic testing transducer. A computing system is operatively coupled to the ultrasonic pulser/receiver. The computing system includes a data acquisition component configured to acquire data from the ultrasonic pulser/receiver and a data analysis component configured to analyze the acquired data. The data analysis component may be further configured to analyze the acquired data for initiation of failure of the composite workpiece and/or growth of failure of the composite workpiece. Further, failure of the composite workpiece may include cracking and/or delaminating and/or disbonding.

Abstract: Systems and methods for modeling stress intensity solutions of integrally stiffened panels are disclosed. In one embodiment, a method includes serving a process over the internet. The process includes taking a problem definition, automatically forming a finite element model at least partially based on the problem definition, automatically verifying a suitability condition of the finite element model, automatically solving a computational solution using the finite element model and automatically validating the computational solution. In one aspect, providing a problem definition includes at least one of providing a geometry definition, providing a crack definition, and providing load and constraint definition.

Abstract: A method for estimating the magnitude of a back-and-forth-direction force exerted on a tire comprises: using a plurality of strain sensors fixed to a tire sidewall capable of outputting data on the magnitude of a strain occurred at the position of the strain sensor; reading the output data from the strain sensors when come to fixed measuring positions predetermined around the tire rotational axis; in relation to each of the strain sensors at the respective measuring positions, calculating the back-and-forth-direction force as an intermediate result by the use of the data read from the strain sensor and a relational expression, whereby the intermediate results are obtained from the respective strain sensors; and computing a mean value of only the valid intermediate result(s) so as to output it as the estimated magnitude of the force.

Abstract: A system and method for determining remaining fatigue life of a component experiencing stress/strain cycles. In one embodiment the fractional life expended per clock cycle of the component is determined and multiplied by a data type value indicating whether a full cycle, half cycle or no stress/strain amplitude information was present during a given clock cycle. The product is then summed with the result of the previously clock cycle, to produce a running total of the fractional life expended. The running total is then subtracted, at each clock cycle, from an initial fatigue life value, and the output represents the residual fatigue life remaining for the component.

Abstract: A low profile sensor assembly for use in a vehicle occupant sensing system that comprises a base, an upper slide member, and at least one intermediate guide member. Also disclosed is a low profile sensor assembly for use in a vehicle occupant sensing system that comprises a base with an outer step and a receptacle, and the low profile sensor assembly also comprises an upper slide member with a lower flange and a retainer. The outer step is adapted to accept the lower flange, and the receptacle is adapted to accept the retainer. The intermediate guide member, the outer step, and the receptacle each allow the respective upper slide member to move further toward the base. Thus, when the low profile sensor assembly is incorporated into a vehicle seat assembly, the low profile sensor assembly is less likely to detrimentally affect the comfort level of the vehicle seat assembly.

Abstract: A method for modeling material behavior includes using empirical three dimensional non-uniform stress and strain data to train a self-organizing computational model such as a neural network. A laboratory device for measuring non-uniform stress and strain data from material includes an enclosure with an inclusion in it. As the enclosure is compressed, the inclusion induces a non-uniform state of stress and strain. A field testing device includes a body having a moveable section. When the body is inserted in a material and the moveable section moved, a non-uniform state of stress and strain can be characterized.

Abstract: The present invention relates to means, system and method for measurement of stress strain and fatigue forecasting by the means of Integral Strain Gauges (ISGs) capable of recording information from a surface of a tested object, mathematical processor for analysis of the information recorded on the surface of such gauges. Integral Strain Gauges produced from a custom made reaction sensitive materials.

Abstract: A method for determining an occupancy related status relating to a vehicle seat by means of a foil-type pressure sensing mat comprises the steps of determining a raw sensor resistance value of said plurality of pressure sensing cells, determining a raw compensation resistance value of said at least one compensation resistance, calculating a compensated sensor resistance value based on said raw sensor resistance value and said raw compensation resistance value, and determining said occupancy related status based on said compensated sensor resistance value.

Abstract: An integrity monitoring system for monitoring degradation in a composite riser string. The system includes composite riser structures incorporating strain and vibration sensors to measure changes in the stiffness strain on a first orientation and on a second orientation. The system can also include monitoring modules attached to each individual riser and devices to transfer the data from the monitoring module to the surface controller. Additionally, the monitor system can provide for an alarm when predetermined warning limits are exceeded.

Abstract: Stress rotation due to depletion can be estimated in reservoirs having an impermeable reservoir boundary. More specifically, the isotropic change in stress due to depletion, and the uniaxial stress resulting from a change in pore pressure across an impermeable boundary are both modeled as perturbations to an initial stress state. These perturbations can result in a rotation of the principal stress directions. Estimates of the stress rotation are helpful for hydraulic fracturing operations, because fracture tends to occur in a plane perpendicular to the least principal stress.

Abstract: A method for estimating the magnitude of a tire force acting on a rolling tire is disclosed, wherein: using at least seven sensors mounted on a tire sidewall portion, surface strain is simultaneously measured at seven measuring positions; with respect to a combination of the seven measuring positions, a coefficient matrix representing correlation with seven force components is defined, and a equation including the coefficient matrix is defined; using the data on the surface strain measured with the sensors, the equation is computed to find at least one of the seven force components, e.g. air pressure. The estimated air pressure is compared with a reference pressure, to determine whether the tire pressure is dropped or not. Further, a secondary sensor is mounted in a peculiar region where the surface strain is substantially not affected by the vertical load.

Abstract: A method for determination of strain distribution in components, in particular in gas turbine components, is disclosed. In an embodiment, the method includes: a) vibrational excitation of the component and measured recording of a vibrational amplitude distribution of the component for a number of measured points by means of a vibrometer, each measuring point being determined by three coordinates and the measured vibrational amplitude distribution of each measuring point being a vectorial parameter; b) smoothing of the vibrational amplitude distribution recorded by measurement for each measuring point; c) definition of polygonal elements, wherein each measuring point forms a corner of at least one element; d) calculation of a tensor strain condition for each of the polygonal elements from the tensor vibrational amplitude distributions present in the corners of the elements; and e) calculation of the strain distribution in the corners of the elements from the strain conditions of the elements.

Abstract: A method, apparatus and computer program product are provided in which information identifying a stress/strain range cycle and the time duration of the stress/strain range cycle associated with the component is received. The maintenance value based upon the actual service life expended during the stress/strain range cycle and the time duration of the stress/strain range cycle is then determined. As such, the component need not be prematurely retired and appropriate compensation or other accounting may be provided for the effective extension in the service life of the component. The determination of the maintenance value may be based on the time duration of the stress/strain range cycle, a residual lifetime and a total number of life cycles for the identified stress/strain range cycle. The retirement of a component may also be recommended in certain instances.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for measuring stress or strain in a portion of a ferromagnetic member is disclosed in which advantage is taken of the fact that the magnetic properties of a ferromagnetic member change with applied tensile or compressive stress. A magnetic hysteresis loop is measured in a portion of a ferromagnetic member and a model of a magnetic hysteresis loop is fitted to the measured magnetic hysteresis loop by varying at least one stress or strain dependent model variable and the fitted at least one variable is used to determine the stress or strain of the portion. The particular model disclosed is a predator/prey pursuit model wherein the prey is the applied field and the predator is the flux density.

Abstract: According to one embodiment of the invention, a method for early qualification of semiconductor device includes performing initial testing on a semiconductor device, receiving fail data on the semiconductor device, determining a solution model for the semiconductor device based on the fail data, storing the solution model, performing subsequent testing on the semiconductor device, and comparing a result of the subsequent testing to the solution model.

Abstract: A transmission chain comprises has a data collection device mounted on at least one of the links. A strain gauge sensor is mounted on the inwardly facing surface of an outer link plate symmetrically about a centre link thereof and measures the strain on the link plate. The measurements are compared to a threshold and a visual indicator mounted on the chain is activated if the threshold is exceeded. The data collection device can be controlled by a first controller device that simply switches it between a quiescent state to an overload detecting state or a second controller type can be used for data-logging and analysis.