Abstract: An ultrasonic sensing technique and a signal interpretation method based on a spectral element multiphase poromechanical approach overcomes critical gaps in permafrost, frozen soil, and saturated soil characterization. Ultrasonic sensing produces high-quality response signals that are sensitive to the soil properties. A transfer function denoting a ratio of induced displacement and applied force in the frequency domain, is independent of the distribution of the stress force applied by the transducer to the sample, and allows interpretation of the measured electrical signal using a theoretical transfer function relation to efficiently determine the most probable properties from response signals using an inverse spectral element multiphase poromechanical approach. This ultrasonic sensing technique enables rapid characterization of soil samples in terms of both physical and mechanical properties.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for testing combined dynamic-static loading strength of a rock-like material are provided. The apparatus and the method can test the combined dynamic-static loading strength of the rock-like material. The apparatus comprises an explosion load loading device, a static load loading device, and a stress wave rod transferring device. The explosion load loading device is connected with one end of the stress wave rod transferring device. The stress wave rod transferring device is connected with a rock-like material specimen. The stress wave rod transferring device is connected with the static load loading device.

Abstract: A double-cross composite fabric membrane biaxial tensile strength test piece is provided, including a core region and four cantilevers. The four cantilevers extend outwards around the core region and form a cross shape. Each cantilever is connected to the core region via an edge transition region. An end portion of the cantilever is a clamping section. The clamping section is provided with a clamping end rubber rod. The clamping end rubber rod is used for connecting to a clamp of a biaxial tensile testing machine. The clamping section is three-layered. The cantilever and the edge transition region are double-layered. The core region is single-layered. The edge transition region is in the shape of a quadrangle rounded at four corners. A manufacturing method of the test piece is also provided.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for extracting one or more mechanical properties for a material based on one or more indentation parameters for the material. The method comprises receiving load-displacement data from one or more instrumented indentation tests on the material, determining, by at least one computer processor, the indentation parameters for the material based, at least in part, on the received load-displacement data, providing as input to a trained neural network, the indentation parameters for the material, determining, based on an output of the trained neural network, the one or more mechanical properties of the material, and displaying an indication of the determined one or more mechanical properties of the material to a user of the computer system.

Abstract: The present disclosure discloses a rock high-stress high-temperature micro-nano indentation test system, comprising: an X, Y, Z three-direction macroscopic adjustment module, an indentation precision loading module, an indentation test module and an indentation data processing module. The rock high-stress high-temperature micro-nano indentation test system further comprise a two-dimensional horizontal stress loading device, a temperature control device and a vacuum device 13. The rock high-stress high-temperature micro-nano indentation test system provided by the present disclosure has distinctive features of modularity and structuralization, and its test results have high accuracy. The rock high-stress high-temperature micro-nano indentation test system is easy to operate, and provides a theoretical and technical system support for testing the mechanical characteristics of the rock under the high-stress and high-temperature environment in the deep region.

Abstract: A cutting tool, a turning machine including the cutting tool, and an associated method are provided. The cutting tool includes a tool, a cutting head, a strain gauge, and an accelerometer. The cutting head is located at the tool bar and has a cutting edge. The strain gauge measures strain at the tool bar. The accelerometer measures acceleration at the tool bar or the cutting head. Deflection of the cutting edge is estimated based on output from the strain gauge and the accelerometer. In some embodiments, the accelerometer is arranged close to the cutting edge, while the strain gauge is arranged where the tool bar is susceptible to the largest strain. In some embodiments, low frequency vibrations of the cutting edge are estimated based on measured strain, high frequency vibrations are estimated based on measured acceleration, and medium frequency vibrations are estimated based on output from both sensor types.

Abstract: A power measurement assembly mounted within an axle. In a specific example, the axle is a spindle that is interconnects the cranks of a bicycle, exercise, bicycle, or other fitness equipment. The power measurement assembly may include strain gauges connected with an appropriate circuit (e.g., Wheatstone bridge) that provides an output of the force on the axle by a rider pedaling the crank. In the case of an axle, the strain gauges measure the torsion due to the applied torque on the crank. The value is converted to a power value by a processor and that value is then wirelessly transmitted for display. The processor and/or the transmitter may be mounted within the axle. A separate power measurement assembly may be mounted on one of the cranks, which may include its own processor and transmitter or may take advantage of the processor and transmitter within the axle.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for testing strength of a metal roofing material, the metal roofing material comprising: a front substrate made of a metal sheet; a back substrate arranged on the back side of the front substrate; and a core material filled between the front substrate and the back substrate, the method comprising the steps of: tightening the metal roofing material 1 to a base 50; and applying a load 52L for uplifting an end portion 1E of the metal roofing material 1 tightened to the base 50 to the end portion 1E and measuring an uplift amount of the end portion 1E corresponding to the load 52L.

Abstract: A p-y curve-based element test device is provided. An upper support plate is located above a lower support plate and is fixedly connected to the lower support plate through truss supports symmetrically arranged on left and right sides, and at least one truss support is arranged on each side. A sample container, a servo consolidation mechanism and multidirectional servo actuators are connected to the truss support on the two sides. The servo consolidation mechanism is located above the sample container, and the multidirectional servo actuators are arranged above the servo consolidation mechanism and below the sample container, respectively. Identical loads are synchronously applied from above and below to realize horizontal movement of a pile element to simulate the load condition of a soil body, and a pressure is applied by a servo consolidation device to simulate the stress condition of the soil body at a certain depth.

Abstract: A soil shear testing device having a frame with a first plate and a second plate spaced apart from the first plate and fixed with respect to the first plate for defining a gap therebetween, the first plate having a first plate aperture formed therein and the second plate having a second plate aperture formed therein and being coaxial with the first plate aperture. A movable plate being insertable into the gap, having a movable plate aperture formed therein, the moveable plate being insertable into the gap into a receiving position where the moveable plate aperture is coaxial with the first and second plate apertures for allowing the device to accept a soil sample column, the gap having a depth for permitting the movable plate to be displaced past the receiving position for shearing the soil sample column at two separate shearing planes defined by opposite sides of the moveable plate.

Abstract: A force detecting device having a first axis and a second axis orthogonal to each other, the first axis being a force detection axis, the force detecting device including a laminated body formed by laminating a first electrode, a first quartz plate, a second electrode, a second quartz plate, a third electrode, a third quartz plate, a fourth electrode, a fourth quartz plate, and a fifth electrode in this order and a force detection circuit configured to detect a force in a direction of the first axis based on an electric charge output from the second electrode and an electric charge output from the fourth electrode.

Abstract: A system for in-situ testing of mechanical properties of materials in static and dynamic load spectra, that includes: an Arcan biaxial clamping subsystem, a press-in test subsystem, a biaxial fatigue test subsystem, a biaxial pre-tension loading subsystem, a signal detection subsystem, and a support and adjustment subsystem. A combined guide mechanism in the Arcan biaxial clamping subsystem is rigidly connected to a guide mechanism support block, an x-direction three sensor base and a y-direction force sensor base in the support and adjustment subsystem by threaded connections, respectively. A laser transmitter, a voice coil motor and a laser receiver in the press-in test subsystem are rigidly connected to a two-degree-of-freedom electric moving platform for the laser transmitter, a two-degree-of-freedom electric moving platform for the voice coil motor and a two-degree-of-freedom electric moving platform for the laser receiver in the support and adjustment subsystem by threaded connections, respectively.

Abstract: Method and blade monitoring system for monitoring bending moment of a wind turbine blade. The method comprises obtaining a first sensor set signal indicative of a first bending moment at a first sensor position different from the tip end along the longitudinal axis of the wind turbine blade, and estimating a bending moment at a first estimation position along the longitudinal axis based on the first sensor set signal, wherein the first sensor position is different from the first estimation position along the longitudinal axis. The blade monitoring system comprises a processing unit and an interface connected to the processing unit, the processing unit being configured for performing the method.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to an apparatus and methods for applying a force on a sample. In particular, the present disclosure relates to a stress cell (200) comprising a frame (205); an actuator arrangement (210) coupled to the frame; and a coupler (220) for coupling the actuator arrangement to the sample (230). The coupler (220) includes a first coupler portion connected to the actuator arrangement (210) and a second coupler portion connectable to the sample (230). The first coupler portion is flexibly coupled to the frame. The actuator arrangement (210) comprises a first element (214) having a first variable length and a second element (212) having a second variable length, and is adapted to vary a difference between the first length and the second length to provide the force.

Abstract: A sensor system for sensing deformation of a flexible structure includes a beam structure that will be coupled to a surface of the flexible structure having a natural frequency fs, an axial strain ?axialstructure, and a shear strain ?xystructure associated therewith. The beam structure has an axial strain ?axialbeam and a shear strain ?xybeam associated therewith. The beam structure satisfies criteria defined by minimization of a root mean square difference between ?axialstructure and ?axialbeam and minimization of a root mean square difference between ?xystructure and ?xybeam. Fiber optic strain sensors are coupled to and distributed in a spaced-apart fashion along the beam structure. The beam structure is more flexible than the flexible structure such that a combination of the beam structure, the fiber optic sensors, and the flexible structure has a natural frequency fc defined by (0.95)fs?fc?(1.05)fs.

Abstract: A test piece includes a tensile testing part and load applying pieces that are respectively connected to sides of the tensile testing part. Grooves are formed on bottom surfaces of the load applying pieces. Grooves are formed on upper surfaces of the load applying pieces. These grooves respectively partition the upper and lower surfaces of the tensile testing part and the load applying pieces.

Abstract: The application relates to an apparatus (100) for fatigue testing a wind turbine blade, and to a system and method using such an apparatus (100). The apparatus (100) comprises a base (110) for supporting a first end (12) of the wind turbine blade (10), and an edgewise actuator assembly (120). The edgewise actuator assembly (120) includes a ground-supported edgewise actuator (130) and a flexible cable assembly (140) for connecting the edgewise actuator (130) to the blade (10). The edgewise actuator (130) and the flexible cable assembly (140) are adapted to cyclically deflect the blade (10) relative to the base in the edgewise direction by repeatedly pulling the blade (10) in a substantially horizontal direction.

Abstract: Disclosed is a folding display device comprising: a display panel. and a folding shaft. The display play can be configured to be folded along the display device. The folding shaft can be configured to partition the display panel into a first display portion and a second display portion, and a folding state detecting electrode is a capacitive detecting electrode and is provided on the first display portion and/or the second display portion. According to the disclosure, the problem of the prior art that a detecting unit in a folding display device is difficult to determine the specific degree of folding of the folding display device may be solved. Thereby, the degree of folding of a folding display device can be accurately detected.

Abstract: Provided is a method for predicting the remaining life of a hose and a method for diagnosing the deterioration level of a hose that can be easily performed without breaking the hose. The disclosure includes: a testing step of performing a hose bending test; and a predicting step of predicting the remaining life of a hose subject to prediction, wherein during the hose bending test, either a value of an external force required to displace a hose portion in a direction of the external force by a predetermined displacement amount, or a value of a displacement amount in a direction of the external force of the hose portion when the external force of a predetermined magnitude is exerted on the hose portion is measured, and the measured value is obtained as the test result.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to hoists such as cranes which instead of steel wire ropes use high-strength fiber ropes. The invention relates in particular to an arrangement for detecting the discard state of a high-strength fiber rope when used on such hoists, with a means for detecting at least one rope parameter and an evaluation unit for evaluating the rope parameter, and providing a discard signal depending upon the evaluation of the rope parameters. According to the invention, the detection means comprises torsional stiffness detection means to determine the torsional stiffness of the rope, whereby the evaluation unit provides the discard signal depending on the determined torsional stiffness of the rope.

Abstract: The present subject matter is directed to a method for operating a wind turbine. The method includes calculating one or more blade root loads, e.g. a blade root resultant moment, of at least one rotor blade of the wind turbine. Another step includes estimating a span-wise loading of the rotor blade based at least partially on the one or more blade root loads. The method also includes determining a deformation margin of the rotor blade based at least partially on the span-wise loading and one or more estimated deformations occurring on the rotor blade. Another step includes controlling the wind turbine based on the deformation margin.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for measuring properties of a cantilevered member according to various aspects of the present technology may utilize a test stand comprising a chuck configured to secure a first end of a test member or shaft such that a second end of the test member is cantilevered outward from the chuck. A loading system may be configured to apply a force to the test member causing the test member to deflect in response to the load. An image capturing system is configured to acquire one or more images of the deflected test member and a data acquisition system may analyze the collected data and images to calculate one or more properties of the test member.

Abstract: The invention relates to an insert holder for a tool for turning a machine tool, comprising an insert holder body (2), the head (22) of which is intended to receive a cutting insert (3), characterized in that at least two measurement recesses (4, 5) are provided in the insert holder body (2) on the side of the head (22), said measurement recesses (4, 5) being arranged symmetrically relative to the neutral fiber (6) of the insert holder body (2) and centered on the neutral fiber (6). The measurement recesses (4, 5) have, respectively, a planar bottom (41, 51) that is parallel to the direction (Y) of the component of the tangential cutting force of the insert holder to be measured, and parallel to the longitudinal direction (X, Z) of the insert holder body (2). The insert holder also comprises at least one first strain gauge (71, 72, 73, 74) configured such as to measure the change in shape of the planar bottom (41, 51) of at least one of the measurement recesses (4, 5).

Abstract: The disclosure is directed at a system for applying a displacement, strain, stress or load to a test specimen. The system includes an interface manufactured from a deformable material which is connected to an actuator and to the test specimen. Application of a displacement by the actuator causes the test specimen to displace in multiple directions.

Abstract: A film adhesion detection device comprises: a testing member, which comprises: a carrier, which is on the testing member and is capable of vacuum suction to adsorb a testing sample, the carrier can raise, move, rotate, and position; a testing cutting tool, which is on the testing member and is capable of dismantling from the testing member; a counterpoise, which is on the testing cutting tool to provide a suitable weight to the testing cutting tool according to the strength and thickness of the testing sample; and a tape adhesion testing device, which is on the testing member and has a tape-outputting wheel, a counterpoise and a tape recovery wheel, the tape adhesion testing device provides a suitable adhesion force to the testing sample via the counterpoise, the tape recovery wheel tears off a tape after the tape is on a film.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for testing a ceramic socket insert for hip joint implants having a receiving device, a pressure piece and optionally having a plunger, wherein the receiving device has a recess with a positioning region for receiving the socket insert and the recess has a receiving cone in the positioning region. According to the invention, in order for the device to be universally applicable to all socket inserts (monolithic, modular, pre-joined) and therefore replace all current devices, an annular ductile adapter piece having a conical outer surface contacting the receiving cone and an inner surface contacting the socket insert is arranged in the positioning region between the receiving device and the socket insert, wherein the friction between the receiving device and adapter piece is lower than between the adapter piece and socket insert.

Abstract: A testing apparatus for a strut having a cylinder portion and a rod portion is provided. The testing apparatus includes a frame assembly, a loading mechanism, and a rotating assembly. The frame assembly includes a retainer portion configured to hold the cylinder portion of the strut about a first axis. The loading mechanism includes two actuators angularly disposed between the frame assembly and the rod portion of the strut. The actuators can cooperatively load the strut along the first axis. The rotating assembly is coupled between the frame assembly and the rod portion of the strut. The rotating assembly can rotate the rod portion relative to the cylinder portion.

Abstract: A system (1100) for fatigue testing wind turbine blades (1102) through forced or resonant excitation of the base (1104) of a blade (1102). The system (1100) includes a test stand (1112) and a restoring spring assembly (1120) mounted on the test stand (1112). The restoring spring assembly (1120) includes a primary spring element (1124) that extends outward from the test stand (1112) to a blade mounting plate (1130) configured to receive a base (1104) of blade (1102). During fatigue testing, a supported base (1104) of a blade (1102) may be pivotally mounted to the test stand (1112) via the restoring spring assembly (1120). The system (1100) may include an excitation input assembly (1140) that is interconnected with the blade mounting plate (1130) to selectively apply flapwise, edgewise, and/or pitch excitation forces.

Abstract: Disclosed is a local antistress test platform, comprising a test frame and a weight test rod for providing a local stress to a tested panel by adding weights. The local antistress test platform further comprises a movable test hole table for fixing the weight test rod; the movable test hole table is removably jointed to the test frame. The present invention also relates to local antistress test apparatus. The local antistress test platform and the test apparatus can easily locate the antistress test position and be adaptable to panel test for panels of different sizes.

Abstract: Method for adjusting or improving or optimising the usage properties of filler(s)-containing, flowable dental material, which involves relating to at least one measuring value representing the tackiness to at least one measuring value representing the texturing or plasticity or consistency. Flowable, usage-optimised, usually non-polymerised dental composites contain, as fillers, at least one glass filler and at least one filler from the group of chipped polymers or pre-polymer fillers based on ground polymer that is pre-polymerised together with inorganic particles, and, as additive(s), at least one compound represented through formula H—Y—Z (I), where: Y?—O—, —S—, —CO—, —OSi(OR1)2—, —OE Z?H, OH, SH, NH2, COOH, COOR2 E=—CnHmOp- R1?H, C1-C4-Alkyl R2?C1-C15-Alkyl, interrupted by one or more O atoms.

Abstract: A media tester including a test body having an axial bore configured to receive media having a minimum bend radius, an adjustment member connected to the test body, the adjustment member configured for rotation about the axial bore of the test body, and a media engaging member connected to the adjustment member, the media engaging member configured to receive the media.

Abstract: A glass substrate for a magnetic disk of the invention is a disk-shaped glass substrate for a magnetic disk where the substrate has a main surface and end face and is subjected to chemical reinforcement treatment, and is characterized in that the penetration length in the uppermost-portion stress layer on the main surface is 49.1 ?m or less, and that assuming that an angle between the main surface and compressive stress in the stress profile by a Babinet compensator method is ?, a value y of {12·t·ln(tan ?)+(49.1/t)} is the penetration length in the uppermost-portion stress layer or less.

Abstract: The invention is an indenter tip that is modified to permit both compression testing and tensile testing on samples having dimensions smaller than approximately 1 ?m. The modified indenter tip has both a surface that can be used to apply compressive forces, and tines that can be used to engage a free end of a specimen to be tested in tension. The apparatus used to perform the tests includes elements of a scanning electron microscope that permit visualization of the specimen to be tested and the modified indenter tip, so as to permit appropriate alignment and engagement of the same. The apparatus also includes elements of a microindenter that provide mechanical manipulation of the relative position and orientation of the modified indenter tip and of the specimen to be tested, as well as the necessary controls and instrumentation to perform the test and to collect, record and manipulate data.

Abstract: An instrument-equipped bicycle component has a detection unit for detecting at least one parameter representative of a stress exerted upon the component. The component may have a single piece or multiple parts that do not move relative to one another. The component may be mobile with respect to the bicycle frame while the bicycle is traveling, and the detection unit moves as a single piece with the component with respect to the bicycle frame. The detected parameter may be the torque applied by the cyclist to the aforementioned component through the bicycle pedals.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for continuously determining the alignment of one or more machines. A method includes measuring one or more stresses on a first component of a first machine coupled to a second machine during operation of the first machine, wherein the first machine is coupled to the second machine, and determining alignment of the first machine based on stress measurements of the first machine.

Abstract: Systems and methods for determining material properties of elastomers for the Mullins effect are described. In one aspect of the present invention, material properties of an elastomer membrane specimen are obtained using a system comprising a bi-axial test device, a pump, a fluid reservoir, a linear variable differential transformer, a pressure transducer and a computer. The bi-axial test device comprises a top plate and a bottom plate. The top plate has an elliptical shape hole configured to allow the specimen to be expanded up by pressures of the inflating fluids. The hole is so dimensioned that the specimen can be expanded with a relatively low pressure. The bottom plate is a solid plate configured with a fluid intake at one side and a fluid outlet at the other end. The fluid intake is connected to the fluid reservoir. Fluids stored in the fluid reservoir are pumped into the bi-axial test device by the pump. The fluid outlet is connected to the pressure transducer.

Abstract: The invention is a method for obtaining the displacement of a flexible structure by using strain measurements obtained by stain sensors. By obtaining the displacement of structures in this manner, one may construct the deformed shape of the structure and display said deformed shape in real-time, enabling active control of the structure shape if desired.

Abstract: The force exerted by a reciprocating actuator is estimated as a weighted sum of three quantities: a reaction-mass acceleration, a baseplate acceleration, and a relative acceleration of the reaction-mass relative to the baseplate. In one embodiment, acceleration sensors measure the reaction-mass acceleration and the baseplate acceleration; and a displacement transducer measures a relative displacement of the reaction-mass relative to the baseplate. A double-differentiator generates the value of the relative acceleration from the second derivative of the relative displacement. In the sum, the relative acceleration is weighted by factor representative of the ratio of the difference between the masses of the reaction-mass and the baseplate to the sum of the masses of the reaction-mass and the baseplate.

Abstract: The apparatus has an elongate and vertically running carrier (90) for pressure sensors (50), which precedes a group of levers (71 ). The cross section of this carrier (90) is arcuate, so that it has two flanks (93, 94 ). During the testing of a leg garment (80), this carrier (90) simulates the region of the shin. The apparatus has, furthermore, moldings or stays (88) which are carried by the levers and which simulate the rear face of the calf or of the thigh of a leg. The width of these stays corresponds to the width of the calf or of the thigh of a leg. The apparatus also comprises two longitudinally running groups (50) of pressure sensors, one of which is in each case assigned to outside of one of the flanks (93, 94) of the carrier (90). The leg garment (80) to be tested, in order to test it, is slipped over this apparatus in such a way that it lies on the outer faces both of the carrier (90) and of the stays and exerts pressure on the pressure sensors (51).

Abstract: A hybrid bioreactor for cell culture is disclosed. To simultaneously apply compressive strain for cell differentiation and shear strain for cell proliferation to cells, the hybrid bioreactor includes a plurality of reactor tube assemblies (100), a compressive strain motor (5), a shear strain motor (25), a lower anchor mount (20) having a plurality of toothed anchors (70) to respectively anchor the lower ends of the reactor tube assemblies (100) to the lower anchor mount (20), a ball screw (90) operated in conjunction with the compressive strain motor (5), an upper anchor mount (60) which engages with the ball screw (90) to vertically move upward and downward and having a plurality of compressive strain anchors (80) to anchor the upper ends of the reactor tube assemblies (100) to the upper anchor mount (60), a power transmission unit to transmit the rotating force of the shear strain motor (25) to the toothed anchors (70).

Abstract: Systems and methods for determining material properties of elastomers for the Mullins effect are described. In one aspect of the present invention, material properties of an elastomer membrane specimen are obtained using a system comprising a bi-axial test device, a pump, a fluid reservoir, a linear variable differential transformer, a pressure transducer and a computer. The bi-axial test device comprises a top plate and a bottom plate. The top plate has a circular hole configured to allow the specimen to be expanded up by pressures of the inflating fluids. The circular hole is so dimensioned that the specimen can be expanded with a substantially low pressure. The bottom plate is a solid plate configured with a fluid intake at one side and a fluid outlet at the other end. The fluid intake is connected to the fluid reservoir. Fluids stored in the fluid reservoir are pumped into the bi-axial test device by the pump. The fluid outlet is connected to the pressure transducer.

Abstract: An instrument-equipped bicycle component has a detection unit for detecting at least one parameter representative of a stress exerted upon the component. The component may have a single piece or multiple parts that do not move relative to one another. The component may be mobile with respect to the bicycle frame while the bicycle is traveling, and the detection unit moves as a single piece with the component with respect to the bicycle frame. The detected parameter may be the torque applied by the cyclist to the aforementioned component through the bicycle pedals.

Abstract: The invention concerns a multiaxial universal testing machine, which allows evaluating the mechanical behaviour and performance of materials with planar structures, such as fabrics, composites and laminates. The machine comprises 4 horizontal axes at 45°, with 8 gripping jaws displaceable along slide rails and moved by the action of 8 independent motors. The connection between a gripping jaw and its respective motor is assured by a linear actuator. The test specimen is fixed by the gripping jaws and can be subject to tensile, compression and fatigue testing, making possible the analysis of the materials behaviour under simultaneous multi-directional loads.

Abstract: A material testing machine includes a load mechanism for applying a load to a test piece, and a plurality of detectors for detecting physical values associated with the applied load. An A/D converter receives the output measurement data of each of the detected physical values, and digitalizes the received output data. The A/D converter has multiple channels, and can select use/nonuse of each of the multiple channels based on an external selection signal. Since the detecting rate and/or the detecting accuracy are inversely proportional to the number of multiple channels in use at one time, the machine enables a user to prioritize between the number of channels in use, the detecting rate, and the detecting accuracy.

Abstract: A method of compensating for hysteresis in a load cell, by: (a) pre-calibrating a load cell by: measuring load cell deflection under progressively increasing loads; determining a first set of coefficients correlating the deflection of the load cell to the measured load under the progressively increasing loads; measuring load cell deflection under progressively decreasing loads; determining a second set of coefficients correlating the deflection of the load cell to the measured load under the progressively decreasing loads; and then (b) compensating for hysteresis in the load cell, by: selecting the first set of coefficients if the load on the load cell has been progressively increasing, or selecting the second set of coefficients if the load on the load cell has been progressively decreasing; and applying a formula using the selected first or second set of coefficients to the measured load cell deflection at the particular load, thereby determining an accurate load cell deflection, and thus compensating for h

Abstract: An orthopedic simulator is provided with a mechanism with a plurality of sub-mechanisms that generate relative motions between the portions of orthopedic devices, such as spinal disc implants. The sub-mechanisms are configured to be nested so as to place the sub-mechanism with the highest required performance closest to the specimen.

Abstract: An apparatus (10) for testing attachment features (26,28,30,32) of components (12,14) comprises a first member (16) having a first end (18), a second end (20), a first edge (22) and a second edge (24). The first edge (22) has a first firtree slot (26) to receive a first component (12) and the second edge (24) has a second firtree slot (28) to receive a second component (14). The first component (12) has a firtree attachment feature (30) to fit the first slot (26) and the second component (14) has a firtree attachment feature (32) to fit the second slot (28). The first end (18) of the first member (16) has flanges (34,36) extending laterally and the second end (20) of the first member (16) has flanges (38,40) extending laterally such that the first member (16) is substantially H-shaped in cross-section.

Abstract: A method of simulating life of a rotor blade mounting feature mounted in a complementary rotor disc mounting feature comprises the steps of providing two specimen mounting features (37) each having portions defining pressure faces matching in profile respective faces of the rotor blade mounting feature; providing a fixture (38) having two opposed mounting features (39) each having portions defining pressure faces (78) matching in profile respective faces of the rotor disc mounting feature; mounting the specimen mounting features (37) in the fixture mounting features (39); applying a first load to the specimen mounting features (37); measuring a strain in a region (86) of the fixture (38) between the fixture mounting features (39); applying a second load to the fixture (38), the second load being substantially perpendicular to the first load; and controlling the second load in response to the measured strain. A high cycle load may simultaneously be applied to the specimen mounting features (37).

Abstract: A flexible detection/test tape includes a first flexible conductive layer, and a second flexible conductive layer positioned opposite the first conductive layer. A plurality of at least one of sensors, actuators or transducers are positioned between and are bonded to the first flexible conductive layer and the second flexible conductive layer. An insulative material is inserted around the plurality of at least one of the sensors, actuators or transducers. An electrical contact network connects to the first flexible conductive layer and the second flexible conductive layer, whereby power and control signals are provided to the flexible detection/test tape.

Abstract: A method for calculating a fatigue usage factor of a component in a nuclear reactor includes determining a flow scaling factor for each stress component of a stress cycle, applying the flow scaling factor to rapid cycling stress conditions, and performing a fatique evaluation by calculating a fatigue usage factor using the flow scaling factor. The flow scaling factor is a ratio of a temperature fluctuation ratio at a first reactor operating condition divided by a temperature fluctuation ratio at a second reactor operating condition. The temperature fluctuation ratio is defined as a ratio of the metal temperature range over the fluid temperature range.