Abstract: A system and a method evaluate the effect of proactive utilization of a spatial stress field in laboratory. The system includes a rock sample placement device for placing a rock sample, a confining pressure control device for applying a set confining pressure to the rock sample, a fracture imaging device, a fracturing fluid injection device for injecting fracturing fluid into the perforation in the wellbore of the rock sample to form fractures within the rock sample, a stress measurement device, and a processing device for calculating a stress field proactive utilization coefficient of the rock sample.

Abstract: The invention provides a multi-functional true triaxial shear test device and method for hard rocks, the device comprises a hydraulic system, a left-end combination tangential loading oil cylinder, a right-end combination tangential loading oil cylinder, a front-end combination lateral loading oil cylinder, a rear-end combination lateral loading oil cylinder, an upper normal loading oil cylinder, a lower normal loading oil cylinder, an annular framework, a lateral auxiliary push-and-pull framework, an annular framework support platform, a horizontal support platform and a test chamber. The stiffness of the device is improved, and besides, a total section stress covering loading manner of the rock samples in a shear process is guaranteed. Through improving a temperature reduction manner of front ends of the oil cylinders, the situation that high temperature does not enable the temperature of hydraulic oil in the oil cylinders to rise to affect normal motion of the actuator can be guaranteed.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for determining three-dimensional in-situ stress based on displacement measurement of borehole wall, including the following steps: selecting a testing borehole section for in-situ stress testing; arranging 6-9 measurement points in the testing borehole section; using a coring drill to perform a radial cut around the displacement measurement device to relieve the stress at the measurement point; cutting off the drilled core by the coring drill; recovering the sidewall coring device and removing the cores, and then measuring the elastic deformation parameters of each core; The beneficial effect of the technical scheme proposed in this disclosure is: the method provided by this disclosure overcomes the disadvantage that the measurement can only be performed at the bottom of a borehole and thus it has a wider application range.

Abstract: A method capable of accurately measuring, in an object including a columnar shaft section and a tabular section projecting outward radially beyond an outer circumferential surface of the shaft section, a distribution of residual stress near a fillet surface interconnecting the shaft section and the tabular section. The method includes repeating a measurement cycle, which includes cutting the object to form a new cutting surface and measuring residual stress in a plurality of parts on the cutting surface. The cutting surface is a conical or cylindrical surface concentric with the axis of the shaft section, being through a reference position unchanged in the repeated measurement cycle. The reference position is desirably the center position of an arc of the fillet surface having the largest diameter on the central longitudinal cross-section of the object.

Abstract: A load cell includes a flexural element in which a Roberval mechanism is formed by a pair of top and bottom parallel beams each including two thin sections at a back and a front in a longitudinal direction, which are integrated with a fixed portion and a movable portion, and strain gauges bonded to the thin sections. Strain gauges are bonded to one of the thin sections of pulling side and to one of the thin sections of compressing side, and circular apertures are formed through the remaining two thin sections. The performances of the load cell such as the reduction of the measurement error and of the period of time before the start of the measurement are achieved.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for estimating a rock strength profile of a formation is disclosed. A tool having a testing surface is conveyed into a wellbore in the formation. The testing surface is propelled to impact the formation at a plurality of depths in the wellbore. A measurement of hardness of the formation is obtained from a rebound of the testing surface from the formation at the plurality of depths. The rock strength profile of the formation is estimated using the obtained measurements of hardness at the plurality of depths. A parameter for drilling the wellbore can be affected using the estimated rock strength profile.

Abstract: A process for measuring the through stress distribution (12) in a workpiece (10) by taking progressive cuts (14, 16) and measuring the deflection of the workpiece at the cut point.

Abstract: This document generally describes technology to verify the calibration of a materials testing system, such as a compact tension testing system. The calibration of a materials testing system can be verified based on the results generated from the materials testing system running one or more tests on a calibration specimen with one or more known characteristics.

Abstract: A sensor detects relative mechanical movement between two components. The sensor has two arms, and is to be mounted on one of the two components. Each of the arms has pins received in an opening in two fuse portions. The arms are pivotal within a fuse bracket. The two fuse portions include a thin portion to allow each to fracture. The fuse portions are designed to be distinct such that a distinct amount of relative movement between the first and second arms is allowed before each of the fuse portions fracture.

Abstract: The invention relates to a cell for testing geomaterials on cylindrical specimens, of rock, ground or materials manufactured on sampling sites, including at least one piston for subjecting a specimen to a stress directed along the longitudinal axis of the specimen. According to the invention, the cell has, in addition, means for shearing the specimen, capable of cracking the specimen while it is being compressed in said at least one piston.

Abstract: A method for determining the plasto-elastic properties of a test sample, which can be affected by the action of pressure, includes pressing a test body against a surface of the test sample with a defined force. Plasto-elastic changes of the surface resulting therefrom are recorded during and/or after the pressure application. A centrifugal force generated by rotating the test body around an axis is utilized as a pressure force which is generated by radially movably guiding the test body, which is disposed between the test sample and the axis, relative to the radially fixed test sample.

Abstract: A sensor detects relative mechanical movement between two components. The sensor has two arms, and is to be mounted on one of the two components. Each of the arms has pins received in an opening in two fuse portions. The arms are pivotal within a fuse bracket. The two fuse portions include a thin portion to allow each to fracture. The fuse portions are designed to be distinct such that a distinct amount of relative movement between the first and second arms is allowed before each of the fuse portions fracture.

Abstract: A detection device for shocks on a part comprises a base intended to be fixed by a lower face onto a surface of the part where the occurrence of a shock is to be detected and comprises one or more detectors fixed at the base and protruding with respect to the base, a detector being deformed in a persistent way with a magnitude equal to or greater than a threshold magnitude when it is subjected to a shock with an energy equal to or greater than a threshold energy. Under the effect of such a shock with energy or greater, a detector is simply deformed or broken such that the visual inspection allows the occurrence of the shock to be detected.

Abstract: The invention is an improved technique for measuring near surface attributes of the ground while conducting a seismic survey. The improved technique is enabled by an electric vibe using a number of linear electric motors that direct a rod or piston to contact the ground in a recurring fashion. By applying constant force on the rods of the linear electric motors against the ground, the penetration into the ground may be measured for both rate and overall deformation. This information provides an accurate indication of viscosity and stiffness. In addition shear velocity and compression velocity may be measured and in some conditions, even the type of prominent shear wave may be identified for the area.

Abstract: A slat disconnect sensor includes a base. First and second arms are spaced apart from one another and are operatively supported by the base. At least one of the first and second arms have an end mounted to the base and is rotatable relative thereto at a pivot between connect and disconnect conditions. A mechanical link includes first and second link portions respectively secured to the first and second arms. The link interconnects the first and second arms and includes a weakened area providing a frangible connection in the connect condition and is configured to break at the frangible connection in the disconnect condition. A fuse includes first and second fuse portions operatively mounted to the first and second arms. The fuse is interconnected between the first and second arms providing continuity in the connected condition, and continuity is broken between the first and second portions in the disconnect condition.

Abstract: A device for measuring rigidity, flexibility, and other properties associated with deformation of a thin planar material sample such as carpeting is described. The device is portable and can be manually operated. The device includes a movable testing assembly which is used to urge a testing member against a sample and measure compressive force(s) relative to deformation of the sample.

Abstract: A process for measuring the through stress distribution (12) in a workpiece (10) by taking progressive cuts (14, 16) and measuring the deflection of the workpiece at the cut point.

Abstract: In order to detect the stop of the yarn unwinding from a yarn feeder provided with a stationary drum and with a sensor generating a pulse per each yarn loop unwound from the drum, a threshold time interval is continuously computed, which corresponds to the maximum interval between two successive pulses, above which it should be regarded that an accidental stop of the yarn has occurred. The threshold time interval is updated in real time as a function of the yarn-drawing speed. Then the delay from the last pulse is continuously measured and compared with the updated threshold time interval. The machine is stopped when the measured delay overcomes the updated threshold interval.

Abstract: A method for determining the plasto-elastic properties of a test sample, which can be affected by the action of pressure, includes pressing a test body against a surface of the test sample with a defined force. Plasto-elastic changes of the surface resulting therefrom are recorded during and/or after the pressure application. A centrifugal force generated by rotating the test body around an axis is utilized as a pressure force which is generated by radially movably guiding the test body, which is disposed between the test sample and the axis, relative to the radially fixed test sample.

Abstract: A device for non-destructive testing of a component by analyzing radiation dissipation when the component is stressed by mechanical stresses. The device includes measuring means for determining a surface radiation field of the component. The measuring means are integrated in a flexible housing for covering a region of the surface of the component to be tested. The device enables an initial crack upon stress concentration on a surface of the component and the presence of a crack upon propagation of the crack to be detected. The disclosed embodiments are useful for non-destructive testing of aircraft components, but may be used in all industrial sectors where testing the integrity of components is important, such as the automotive, railway, marine and nuclear industries.

Abstract: A method and device is provided for measuring springback of a vehicle panel within a deformation press. This avoids the need for removing the panel from the press and fabricating a dedicated measuring fixture. A trim die in the deformation press is retrofit to perform an additional function, namely securing a deformed panel in a position such that a measurement of the panel can be made. The trim die is retrofit by modifying existing apertures and adding additional aperture(s) in required positions. In the process, after bending the panel into the press and, using the trim die, undesired material is trimmed from the deformed panel. The panel is raised and at least three fixture posts are placed in apertures in the trim die. The panel rests on the posts with one post securing the panel in either one, two or three directions. The panel is then scanned or otherwise measured to determine springback in the panel.

Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus and method for measuring the diametral change in a cylindrical component by monitoring and measuring bending (compression and tension) effected by the diametral change in a plane perpendicular to the diameter of the cylindrical component. The apparatus for effecting the method comprises at least one web, but typically two webs, defining planes perpendicular to the diameter of the cylindrical component and strain measuring elements mounted on the web planes and arranged to sense and measure the compressive and tensile (bending) action of the strain-gauge-mounted webs.

Abstract: A sealed sensor includes a test body configured as a deformable simple parallelogram, including a one-piece test body having a generally H- or X-shaped central opening extending therethrough, whose shape determines four hinge positions of the parallelogram, between the end of each arm of the opening and one face of the test body, and the thickness thereof. At least one hinge is a measuring hinge on one side of the test body. The outer face of the body has a recess and housing for strain gauges and circuits. At least one pair of side cavities define therebetween the width of the measuring hinge(s) and the thickness of the sheets of material connecting side edges of this measuring hinge to side edges of the test body corresponding to the hinge, preventing strains generated in the measuring hinges from being affected by strains from the side edges of the test body.

Abstract: A sensor assembly for sensing relative movement between adjacent panels includes a base and first and second arms pivotally mounted to the base. An electrical connecting element is attached to the first and second arms and holds the first and second arms in a first position to indicate a first condition. When the first and second arms have moved relative to each other by a predetermined amount, the electrical connecting element breaks to indicate a second condition.

Abstract: In order to detect the stop of the yarn unwinding from a yarn feeder provided with a stationary drum and with a sensor generating a pulse per each yarn loop unwound from the drum, a threshold time interval is continuously computed, which corresponds to the maximum interval between two successive pulses, above which it should be regarded that an accidental stop of the yarn has occurred. The threshold time interval is updated in real time as a function of the yarn-drawing speed. Then the delay from the last pulse is continuously measured and compared with the updated threshold time interval. The machine is stopped when the measured delay overcomes the updated threshold interval.

Abstract: A vibration excitator is described, comprising: a main body (2); a stinger (3) which is adapted to move relative to the main body (2), in a particular working direction; an actuator (5) coupled to the main body (2) and the stinger (3); wherein the stinger (3) has a first end (3a) that is coupled to the main body (2), and an opposite second end (3b) that is intended for attachment to an object (V) to be examined; wherein the stinger (3) has an elastic centre point (Me); wherein the main body (2) has a centre of gravity (G); and wherein L1=L3 applies, wherein L1 is the distance between the elastic centre point (Me) and the second stinger end (3b), measured along the said working direction; and wherein L3 is the distance between the centre of gravity (G) and the second stinger end (3b), measured along the said working direction.

Abstract: The load on an aircraft component is measured. In one embodiment, the system is a contactless, all-weather displacement measuring system including a processing unit and a plurality of pairs of controllable microwave emitters and microwave detectors. When the aircraft component is subjected to a load, relative movement of the emitter and detector is caused. The detector generates signals which convey information concerning the relative positions of the emitter and the detector of the pair, the signals being received and processed by a signal processor of the processing unit. The processing unit may, for example with the use of triangulation techniques, provide an output signal representative of the load sustained by the aircraft component. The system may be used to control braking in dependence on the output signal so as to maximise braking efficiency without overloading the landing gear leg.

Abstract: A method of computing an energy loss generated in a viscoelastic material, including analyzing a dynamic behavior of a to-be-analyzed object composed of the viscoelastic material by a numerical analysis method; and computing the energy loss of the object momently when the object makes the dynamic behavior by a viscous component of the object. The energy loss computed by the energy loss computing method is visualized by a golf ball-hitting simulation to momently evaluate the energy loss generated in the golf ball.

Abstract: A method of assisting a wiring design of a wiring structure includes the steps of: regarding the wiring structure constituted by a plurality of pieces of line streak members as an elastic body which has a circular section and in which a plurality of beam elements a linearity of which is maintained are coupled with each other; applying information concerning a shape characteristic, a material characteristic and a constraining condition of the wiring structure as a predetermined condition to a finite element method; calculating a predicted shape of the forcibly displaced wiring structure such that the predetermined condition is satisfied; and outputting the calculated predicted shape.

Abstract: Systems and methods for analyzing structural test data are disclosed. In one embodiment, a method includes applying a sequence of loads to a test article, receiving raw test data indicative of the applied loads from at least one sensor operatively associated with the test article, receiving predicted test data indicative of the predicted loads on the test article, filtering out invalid test data, cycle counting to pair loads in the test data, performing a first fatigue damage computation based on the raw test data, performing a second fatigue damage computation based on the predicted test data, and comparing the first and second fatigue damage computations. The filtering, cycle counting, and performing of the first and second fatigue damage computations, and the comparison of the first and second fatigue damage computations, may be performed simultaneously using a spreadsheet program.

Abstract: A method in which engineers having no experience and technical storage can preliminarily easily and accurately predict an amount of dimensional accuracy defect which occurs at the time of press-forming a metal sheet before press-forming without having expertise such numerical value simulations and mathematics. In predicting an amount of dimensional accuracy defect at the time of press-forming a metal sheet, as a stress-strain relationship, an elastic-perfectly plastic solid model having a fixed stress value after being yielded is adopted and a value which is equal to or less than a tensile strength and exceeds a yield strength is used as an apparent yield strength.

Abstract: A method, system and computer program product are provided for automated fatigue and structural analysis of a structural element. The method, system and computer program product consolidate and manage the fatigue and structural analysis tools and are responsive to user requests for fatigue and structural analysis of elements based upon user-provided information regarding the element. As such, the appropriate fatigue and structural analysis tools are automatically selected and run, and the output of the tools is automatically evaluated to provide immediately useful fatigue and structural analysis results to the user without requiring further manual input. Thus, people without specialized training can quickly obtain fatigue and structural analysis results for an element. In addition, because the fatigue and structural analysis tools are integrated, the tools may be accessed from remote locations via a computer network.

Abstract: A method is provided for performing wedge analysis for assessing wedge occurrence and instability in underground openings, such as mines, caves, and the like. The method scales full-span wedge predictions, accounting for both occurrence and instability potential of possible wedge geometries. The method also generates predictions for wedge failure potential and support demand to result in more economical support design for wedges.

Abstract: A device implements a method of determining a cut resistance of a sample. The device includes a blade wherein the blade and the sample are relatively movable and a first apparatus that transfers energy to at least one of the sample and the blade to cause relative movement thereof in a direction parallel to a surface of the sample such that the blade contacts and cuts the sample until the imparted energy is expended and relative movement is terminated. A second apparatus measures a parameter of the relative movement to obtain an indication of the cut resistance of the sample.

Abstract: A free-state diameter, upon cutting each metal ring, is set so that when the ratio of a continuously variable transmission is a value in a TOP state and a metal ring receives a severe load, a corrected amplitude of a stress on an outer peripheral surface of the metal ring calculated from an amplitude and a middle value of the stress on the outer peripheral surface of the metal ring is equal to a corrected amplitude of a stress on an inner peripheral surface of the metal ring calculated from an amplitude and a middle value of the stress on the inner peripheral surface of the metal ring. Therefore, an appropriate free-state diameter is set in consideration of a stress based on a tensile load of the metal ring and a stress based on the bending load of the metal ring.

Abstract: Disclosed is an evaluation method of a golf club, where a rear end portion of a club shaft is vibrated in a state where a tip portion of the club shaft is fastened to measure a frequency per unit time, and a golf club using the club shaft is evaluated based on the frequency.

Abstract: An atomic force microscope including a cantilever, a transferring device and a displacement detecting device is used for conducting a material test of a test member based on a load amount and a displacement amount. The test member may be fixed to the cantilever or may be entirely replaced with the cantilever. The transferring device, which is normally used for transferring the cantilever or the sample in accordance with a shape of the sample, constitutes a load applying device for applying a load to the test member, and a displacement of the test member is detected by the displacement detecting device. The load applying device can apply slight displacement and load to the test member, so that the material test for the small material can be conducted.

Abstract: A method for measuring permanent length deformations in materials includes determining a change of an initial distance between two measuring points on the material surface. A first pair of impressions is formed on a portable impression body that corresponds to these two measuring points prior to the expected deformation and a second pair of impressions is formed after a critical loading of the material. The distances between the first and the second pairs of impressions are then compared. A device for carrying out the method uses a fixed portion arranged on the material being measured and a portable impression body. The fixed portion of the device is provided with a pair of measuring elements which correspond to the measuring points disposed at a mutual distance from each other, and the portable impression body of the device has an impression face adapted for receiving the impressions that are created by the measuring elements.

Abstract: A method of predicting rupture failure for corroded transmission pipelines uses a model that accounts for the effects of residual and thermal stresses, and settlement of the pipe following installation. The pressure required for failure under a fixed bending moment is different from the pressure required wherein the same bending moment is produced by the settlement of the pipe because the bending compliance increases with plastic straining. The failure criterion depends upon whether or not the hoop strain exceeds the difference between the ultimate hoop strain limit of the material and the remaining hoop strain capacity needed for the material to shed the axial stresses due to bending.

Abstract: A golf club shaft blank is clamped at its butt end and deformed at its tip end to establish the longitudinal deformation characteristics of the shaft blank. The shaft is repositioned relative to the clamp and then reclamped at a new location which, when deformed, has the desired longitudinal deformation characteristics. The shaft is sawed to the desired length by removing material from the butt end and the tip end of the shaft.

Abstract: A material testing device 1 is constituted by a test piece 2, the mechanical properties of which are to be measured and which is connected to the test piece 2, a pair of torsion bars 4 operating as an elastic support portion of the rotary lever 3 and a frame 5 functioning as a rigid support portion of the test piece 2 and the torsion bars 4 and forming an outside frame, the mechanical properties of the test piece 2 are measured by applying an uniaxial tensile force on the test piece 2 in a direction of arrow marks A--A by applying a vertical load W on one end of the rotary lever 3. The test piece 2 is integrally formed with the frame 5 and the rotary lever 3 and therefore, the mechanical property values can easily be measured with no direct contact to the test piece 2.

Abstract: A gauge for measuring an out-of-plane surface displacement profile around a cold-worked fastener hole in relation to the distribution of residual compressive stresses around the hole and related fatigue life. The gauge has a deformable strain sensor positionable to be deformed in accord with the out-of-plane surface of the structural material circumferentially surrounding the cold-worked hole. A measurement reporting readout device is in communication with the strain sensor and relates three-dimensional surface-profile measurement data in accord with strain sensor deformation to determine or verify the cold expansion magnitude, uniformity and consequent fatigue life through three-dimensional elastoplastic finite element comparative analyses and/or experimental measurements for a hole in any material of given thickness.

Abstract: A device for detecting deformations in solids includes a casing constructed and arranged to be insertable in a solid. The casing has walls defining a substantially closed container. The container has an inner dividing wall separating the container into an upper enclosed section and a lower enclosed section. A fluid substantially fills the lower enclosed section and is in fluid communication with the interior walls of the lower enclosed section. A first strain-sensing system is in fluid communication with the lower enclosed section of the container such that deformation of the walls causing pressure changes in the fluid are detected by the first strain-sensing system. A second strain-sensing system is disposed in the upper enclosed section. The upper enclosed section is at least partially filled with fluid. A valve fluidly couples the second strain-sensing system to the lower enclosed section.

Abstract: A hose fatigue indicator including a hose fitting defining an opening. A fracturable diaphragm is positioned adjacent the opening. The diaphragm is in communication with fluid flowing through the fitting. The diaphragm fractures upon exceeding a predetermined fatigue limit due to exposure to the fluid flowing through the fitting. Indicator means provides an indication that the diaphragm has fractured.

Abstract: A recoverable, multiple position borehole strainmeter is provided. The strainmeter includes at least two anchors having pistons for releasably engaging the borehole whereby to mount the strainmeter in the borehole. A pneumatic actuator for controllably, independently actuating the pistons to engage the borehole is provided. A biasing mechanism prevents the pistons from engaging the borehole when the pistons are not being actuated by the actuator, and a relative displacement sensor senses changes in relative displacement between adjacent anchors whereby to monitor relative mass displacement axially along the borehole between the anchors.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for measuring ambient stress states and material properties in underground media includes a borehole probe having a cylindrical tube formed of soft, elastic polymer material secured about a central mandrel. An upper end cap assembly removably secures the probe to a service module to provide high pressure hydraulic fluid and sensor connections. A distal end cap seals the tube to the mandrel, so that hydraulic pressure causes diametrical expansion of the tube. The end cap includes an annular seal formed of elastic polymer material and helical springs that are embedded therein in the circumferential direction. The interiors of the helical springs are filled with steel pins or balls to prevent deformation of the springs. High strength fibers are bonded in the outer surfaces of the annular seal and oriented longitudinally to permit radial expansion of the seal assembly without hydraulic leakage or extrusion of the soft polymer of the cylindrical tube.

Abstract: A device positionable in a borehole for determining rock mass deformability, comprises a generally cylindrical body having at least one pair of diametrically opposed, elongated expandable wall portions for pressure contact engagement with the borehole wall, the wall portions being radially outwardly expandable in diametrically opposite directions along a predetermined axis extending transversely to the longitudinal axis of the borehole. An elongated core is arranged in the body and extends longitudinally thereof. A chamber is associated with a respective one of the expandable wall portions and is defined between the respective expandable wall portion and the core, the chambers associated with the at least one pair of expandable wall portions being in fluid communication for receiving a fluid under pressure.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for simulating a mechanical operation is based on the finite element method and uses a particle flow model. Evaluation of contact boundary between a die and a material and remeshing operation are unnecessary. Particles (6) are moved on fixed elements to change material properties therein. The elements per se are not deformed.

Abstract: A method for measuring the three dimensional stress in rock surrounding a borehole comprises the steps of cutting slots into the wall of a borehole at different angles relative to the borehole axis so as to effect stress relaxation and strain deformations which are representative of the stresses normal to the angle of the respective slots, and measuring the respective strain deformations adjacent to the slots that are being cut into the borehole wall at a sufficient number of angles to satisfy the mathematical requirement of six independent equations to solve for the three dimensional stress tensors so as to determine the three dimensional stress field surrounding the borehole from measurements in a single borehole.

Abstract: A method for obtaining in-situ stress measurements in a well is accomplished by installing a membrane packer on a drill string. The packer membrane is attached near the drilling tool and is capable of being radially expanded by fluid pressure to abut against the borehole. When a measurement of the in-situ stress is desired, a 3 way valve is actuated to divert drill string fluid into the packer until the membrane contacts the borehole. Further increments of fluid addition at this point are accomplished only by large increases in inflation fluid pressure. Pressure is increased (with little increase in volume) at a ramp rate until it reaches a value equal to the least principal stress, at which point the formation microfractures. The microfracture(s) result in a decreased pressure and/or volume ramp rate, which indicate their presence. Further pressurization would generate similar indications of fractures resulting from intermediate and maximum principle stresses.