Abstract: A prediction device for predicting the growth direction of a crack that occurs in a subject includes: an obtainer that obtains video of the subject; a derivation unit that derives displacement of each of a plurality of regions in the obtained video; a selector that selects, from among the plurality of regions, two or more regions each having displacement similar to displacement of a reference region included in the plurality of regions; and an identification unit that identifies, as the growth direction, the longitudinal direction of a collective region made up of the two or more selected regions.

Abstract: A method is for testing the structural integrity of a metal joint such as a weld. The method includes applying stress to the metal joint, and measuring a resistance of a circuit including the metal joint during application of the stress to the metal joint. A structural integrity of the metal joint is determined by comparing the measured resistance with a baseline resistance.

Abstract: An estimation device includes mixed amount acquisition part 110, 201 configured to acquire a foreign matter mixed amount in a fluid that lubricates meshing elements G1 to G4, a fatigue damage degree estimation unit 202 configured to estimate fatigue damage degrees received by the meshing elements G1 to G4 per unit traveling of a vehicle based on the acquired foreign matter mixed amount, and a cumulative fatigue damage degree estimation unit 203 configured to estimate cumulative fatigue damage degrees of the meshing elements G1 to G4 based on the estimated fatigue damage degrees and at least one of a traveling distance and traveling time of the vehicle.

Abstract: An intelligent rolling contact fatigue testing system and testing method therefor, including a main testing system (3), a loading system (4) and a subsidiary testing system (7), and further including a testing device, wherein the testing device includes a light source (S3), a CCD camera (S5) and a monitoring assistance device (S2), and during testing, a roller test specimen (306) and an subsidiary testing piece (706) are provided in the monitoring assistance device (S2) after being rolled in contact with each other for a certain time, and the roller test specimen (306) and the rotating brush (S210) are rotated simultaneously in a state in which the lubricating oil is sprayed, and the CCD camera (S5) dynamically collects the surface image of the roller test specimen (306), and then performing quantization evaluation on a fatigue failure state by image preprocessing, image processing and image post-processing.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer programs encoded on a computer storage medium, for using machine learning to generate precision predictions of readiness. In some implementations, a database is accessed to obtain status data that indicates activities or attributes of a subject. A set of feature scores is derived from the status data for the subject, the set of feature scores including values indicative of attributes or activities of the subject. The set of feature scores to one or more models that have been configured to predict readiness of subjects to satisfy one or more readiness criteria. The one or models can be models configured using machine learning training. Based on processing performed using the one or more machine learning models and the set of feature scores, a prediction regarding the subject's ability to achieve readiness to satisfy the one or more readiness criteria is generated.

Abstract: A method of controlling a wind turbine is provided. The method comprises determining a target fatigue life consumption for each of one or more components of the wind turbine; comparing the target fatigue life consumption with a measure of fatigue life consumption for each of the one or more turbine components; and controlling the turbine power output based upon the comparison. The target fatigue life consumption is determined by combining data indicative of a target rate of accumulation of fatigue damage over at least a portion of the operating life of the wind turbine and data indicative of an expected rate of accumulation of fatigue damage caused by seasonal variations in turbine operating conditions. A corresponding wind turbine controller and wind power plant controller is also provided.

Abstract: Test fixture grips for testing quasibrittle materials, such as fiber-polymer composites are provided having increased mass and stiffness relative to standard test grips to provide for obtaining postpeak measurements. The design is based on static analysis (using the second law of thermodynamics), confirmed by dynamic analysis of the test setup as an open system. Dynamic analysis of the test setup as a closed system with PID controlled input further indicates that the controllability of postpeak softening under CMOD control is improved not only by increasing the grip stiffness but also by increasing the grip mass.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a simulation-signal generation device includes a charge/discharge-condition acquirer to acquire a charge/discharge condition of an energy-storage system; a signal-characteristic-amount acquirer to acquire a plurality of charge/discharge-signal characteristic amounts for the energy-storage system; a characteristic-signal generation processor to generate a plurality of characteristic signals respectively having the plurality of charge/discharge signal characteristic amounts, based on the plurality of charge/discharge signal characteristic amounts; and a simulation-signal generator to synthesize the plurality of characteristic signals to generate a simulation signal serving as a command signal of charge/discharge for the energy-storage system.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and a system for determining body's readiness to respond to physical exercise and for providing feedback to a user. In the method the user starts to perform an exercise, an earlier performance level is determined before starting a performance check having steps of: an instant performance level of the user is determined, the earlier performance level is compared to the instant performance level, a readiness index is determined according to the said comparison and optionally with background and/or training history of the user, a feedback is given according to the determined readiness index.

Abstract: A destructive inspection method of a vitreous silica crucible for pulling a silicon single crystal evaluates a crack state of an inner surface of the vitreous silica crucible supported by a graphite susceptor when a load is instantaneously applied to at least one point on the inner surface via an automatic center punch while pushing the tip portion of the automatic center punch against the inner surface. The destructive inspection method can inspect the vitreous silica crucible under conditions as close to the actual conditions of use as possible.

Abstract: A test rig combining high-frequency tribological stress and low-cycle fatigue. The test rig includes a first test piece which is fixed to a frame and defines at least one bearing surface, a second test piece which is connected to an actuator for loading the second test piece so that it bears against the at least one bearing surface of the first test piece, a heater configured for heating the test pieces and a vibration generator, such as a shaker, for loading the test pieces in a vibratory manner so as to carry out a fretting fatigue and low-cycle and high-cycle fatigue test. One of the test pieces includes a portion in the shape of a turbine engine rotor blade root and which is inserted in a groove having a shape that is substantially complementary to the other test piece so as to reproduce a turbine engine blade-disc attachment.

Abstract: A method for optimizing a low cycle and optionally high-cycle fatigue test rig includes selecting variable geometric parameters of the support member and/or of the workpiece of the rig, in addition to ranges of variation of these parameters, selecting at least one aim or design objective to be achieved, a variation in the values of at least a part of the abovementioned parameters having an influence on this aim or design objective, and testing one or a plurality of the values of the abovementioned parameters, in the respective ranges of same, and determining those values that make it possible to achieve the aim or design objection. With those values, the method including producing or modifying a support member and/or a workpiece on the basis of the optimized parameters.

Abstract: An anti-tampering system and method typically featuring a printed circuit board with anti-tamper protection circuitry powered by a power source. Switching circuitry is coupled between the power source and the anti-tamper protection circuitry. A transducer outputs a signal to the switching circuitry electrically connecting the power source to the anti-tamper protection circuitry in response to a tampering event. The switching circuitry otherwise disconnects the power source from the anti-tamper protection circuitry to save power.

Abstract: An apparatus for generating sinusoidal waves may includes a look-up table storage unit including a plurality of sampling points with respect to a base frequency, a waveform-synthesizing unit calculating an integer ratio between an input target frequency and the base frequency and loading at least some of the plurality of sampling points from the look-up table storage unit according to the integer ratio, a correction unit substituting a digital value of at least one sampling point among the sampling points loaded from the look-up table with a digital value of a sampling point among the plurality of sampling points included in the look-up table storage unit having a maximum value, and a sinusoidal generation unit generating sinusoidal waves using the sampling points changed by the correction unit.

Abstract: A potentiostat data link (PDL) unit is provided which can remotely monitor the formation and growth of cracks in metal structures. A PDL includes a sealed box containing two or more modified potentiostats, a power supply, a CPU, a memory device, and computer networking capability. The PDL can be mounted in a remote, difficult-to-access location. Each potentiostat has a lead to a sensor affixed to a structure to be analyzed for the presence of growing cracks due to metal fatigue in a metal structure.

Abstract: An exemplary testing device includes a shell, a motor, a wheel rotating eccentrically, a testing plug, and a sliding assembly. The sliding assembly is configured to move back and forth along a first direction in a first accommodating space of the shell. A periphery of the wheel abuts against two opposite sides of the sliding assembly. An eccentricity e defined between a eccentric hole of the wheel and the center of the wheel causes the sliding assembly to move back and forth along the first direction when the wheel rotates eccentrically. The testing plug connects to the sliding assembly and moves back and forth in unison with the sliding assembly, such that the testing plug can be inserted into the interface of the electronic device more than once.

Abstract: High cycle fatigue testing is required with regard to a large number of components in order to evaluate their performance and capabilities. Typically such components are mounted such that an excitation mechanism such as through use of air jets can be utilized in order to stimulate vibration. In order to isolate a desired vibration mode generally, an isolation device is utilized. The isolation device presents an edge to a node within the component in order to inhibit vibration modes other than that of interest. Unfortunately, prior isolation elements tend to wear resulting in spurious results. By providing an isolation element within an isolation device, a fatigue test arrangement can be achieved in which both axial movement in the direction of a spring upon which the element is presented as well as lateral movement can be achieved.

Abstract: A system measures the load on a bridge when being used by a vehicle. The system has at least one measuring module with a plurality of measuring channel units which have associated separate sensors, preferably DMS sensors, which are intended to be fitted to the bridge. The sensors transmit measurement signals, preferably by wire, to the measuring channel units which are associated with each of the sensors and derive digital measurement data from the measurement signals. The measuring module also has an associated transmission interface in order to transmit the digital measurement data to a remote evaluation unit.

Abstract: A cable test bench for testing a test cable to establish service life, replacement age, number of flex cycles, and/or winding behavior, has a deflection system including at least one deflector roll to deflect the test cable, one test cable drive to wind and unwind the test cable via the deflection system, and one test load to load the test cable. The cable test stand has an additional cable test drive for winding and unwinding a safety cable and/or the named test cable, and a control device for controlling the additional cable drive and/or the test cable drive in a manner wherein the two are adjusted to each other, in such a manner that the load of the test cable can be adjusted differently for different test cable segments and/or different winding directions and/or different winding cycles and/or different phases of a winding cycle.

Abstract: A method of determining material constants of a hardened metal object being exerted to load cycles, and a method of indicating fatigue damage rate of a hardened metal object in relation to load cycles, N, exerted on the hardened metal object, wherein material dependent constants of the hardened metal object are determined according to the method of determining material dependent constants of the hardened metal object. Methods for indicating fatigue and predicting life of a metal object are disclosed.

Abstract: A compression testing assembly for compression testing of a test material includes a testing stage with a first surface and a second surface. The test material is disposed between the first and second surfaces. The assembly also includes a thickness detector that automatically detects a thickness of the test material. Moreover, the assembly includes an actuator that moves at least one of the first and second surfaces toward the other of the first and second surfaces to compress the test material to a predetermined percentage of the detected thickness of the test material. Additionally, the assembly includes a load detector that detects a compression load of the test material and that detects a change in the compression load over time.

Abstract: A sample for fatigue and/or crack growth testing, including an axisymmetric or cylindrical gage section with a concentric hole running from a first end, and terminating within the gage section, with one mode of loading introduced at the terminus of the hole, and reacted at the end where the hole originates. A second mode of loading is optionally introduced at a second end of the specimen. Use of the specimen is described in both in the context of an apparatus for fatigue/crack growth testing described in the referenced parent application, as well as with conventional test machines.

Abstract: An apparatus (100) for fatigue testing test articles (104) including wind turbine blades. The apparatus (100) includes a test stand (110) that rigidly supports an end (106) of the test article (104). An actuator assembly (120) is attached to the test article (104) and is adapted for substantially concurrently imparting first and second forcing functions in first and second directions on the test article (104), with the first and second directions being perpendicular to a longitudinal axis. A controller (130) transmits first and second sets of displacement signals (160, 164) to the actuator assembly (120) at two resonant frequencies of the test system (104). The displacement signals (160, 164) initiate the actuator assembly (120) to impart the forcing loads to concurrently oscillate the test article (104) in the first and second directions. With turbine blades, the blades (104) are resonant tested concurrently for fatigue in the flapwise and edgewise directions.

Abstract: An apparatus for fatigue and/or crack growth testing, including a cyclic loading device and a preferred sample mounted at one end. An embodiment of the device has at least two concentric and coaxial load frames, with guiding interfaces between adjacent load frames to maintain alignment. Solid state actuation systems, which deform in response to the application of energy, are mounted at the end opposite the sample between adjacent load frames to provide up to two modes of actuation, including tension, compression, or torsion. The preferred sample includes a cylindrical gage section with a concentric hole running from a first end, and terminating within the gage section, with one mode of loading introduced at the terminus of the hole, and reacted at the end where the hole originates. A second mode of loading is optionally introduced at a second end of the specimen. Mount hardware for conventional specimens is also presented.

Abstract: An exemplary testing device includes a shell, a motor, a wheel rotating eccentrically, a testing plug, and a sliding assembly. The sliding assembly is configured to move back and forth along a first direction in a first accommodating space of the shell. A periphery of the wheel abuts against two opposite sides of the sliding assembly. An eccentricity e defined between a eccentric hole of the wheel and the center of the wheel causes the sliding assembly to move back and forth along the first direction when the wheel rotates eccentrically. The testing plug connects to the sliding assembly and moves back and forth in unison with the sliding assembly, such that the testing plug can be inserted into the interface of the electronic device more than once.

Abstract: An apparatus for applying at least one cyclical load to an elongate specimen, comprising at least two reciprocating mass means 1 each comprising a mass (6) and an actuator (16), wherein the actuator (16) is (5) operatively associated with the mass (6) to move the mass (6) along a linear displacement path, mounting means (2) for mounting each actuator (16) to a specimen, and a control system operatively associated with each actuator (16), the control system operating each actuator (16) to reciprocate its corresponding mass (6) along its respective linear displacement path, wherein the reciprocating mass means (1) are spaced apart such that the actuators (16) move their corresponding masses (6) on separate, and substantially parallel, linear displacement paths is disclosed.

Abstract: Apparatus for fatigue or mechanical friction damping measurement testing a specimen the apparatus including a body having opposing arms defining between them a space for receiving the specimen, one of the opposing arms having a fixture for securing the specimen, another of the opposing arms having a further fixture for securing the specimen, the fixture and the further fixture being adjustable to increase or decrease the relative distance therebetween, wherein the body includes an assigned vibration location to which excitation signals are applied during testing.

Abstract: A method for indicating fatigue damage rate of a hardened metal object in relation to load cycles, N, exerted on the hardened metal object, wherein the hardened metal object presents a temperature essentially corresponding to the operating conditions of the hardened metal object is disclosed. It comprises calculating the fatigue rate based on an effective activation energy parameter for the dislocation climb process, Q, shear stress amplitude, T, the absolute local temperature of the hardened metal object, T, and load frequency, f. Methods for indicating fatigue and predicting life of a metal object are disclosed.

Abstract: A method and testing apparatus including first and second load adjusting mechanisms for cyclically applying and reducing first and second tensile loads on a specimen and first and second controllers connected to the first and second load adjusting mechanisms for independently cycling the loads which are additive. Cycling the first and second loads for peak loading and over-peak loading the specimen respectively and controlling first and second loading rates and first and second dwell periods of first and second cycles for peak loading and over-peak loading respectively. The second load adjusting mechanism may include an inflatable over-peak device resting on a plate mounted to a frame of the apparatus. The device includes a hollow housing for supporting the second load, an inflatable bladder within the housing, and a bladder lower portion extending out of an opening at a bottom of the housing when the bladder is inflated.

Abstract: High cycle fatigue testing is required with regard to a large number of components in order to evaluate their performance and capabilities. Typically such components are mounted such that an excitation mechanism such as through use of air jets can be utilised in order to stimulate vibration. In order to isolate a desired vibration mode generally, an isolation device is utilised. The isolation device presents an edge to a node within the component in order to inhibit vibration modes other than that of interest. Unfortunately, prior isolation elements tend to wear resulting in spurious results. By providing an isolation element within an isolation device, a fatigue test arrangement can be achieved in which both axial movement in the direction of a spring upon which the element is presented as well as lateral movement can be achieved.

Abstract: A machine motion control system includes a number of moving parts for securing test electronic devices, a machine and an axis control card mounted on the machine. The machine includes a number of servo modules and a number of sensing units. The servo modules drive and control the corresponding moving parts on the machine. Each sensing unit is electrically connected to a corresponding moving part; the sensing units are operable to sense and transmit location information of the moving parts and the machine. The axis control card is electrically connected to the moving parts, the machine, and the sensing units. The axis control card receives location information of each moving part and processes the location information to generate a corresponding command signal, and transmits the generated command signal to the servo modules to control and adjust the moving parts.

Abstract: A loading device is provided, including a first member, a second member, a first clamping member, a second clamping member, and an actuator. The first member includes a first surface, where the first surface contacts a first side of a test piece. The second member includes a second surface, for contacting a second side of the test piece. The first clamping member includes a first clamping surface for contacting the second side of the test piece. The second clamping member is fixedly secured to the second member. The actuator exerts a predetermined force driving the second member in a first direction away from the first member, and a second direction towards the first member.

Abstract: Apparatus for fatigue or mechanical friction damping measurement testing a specimen the apparatus including a body having opposing arms defining between them a space for receiving the specimen, one of the opposing arms having a fixture for securing the specimen, another of the opposing arms having a further fixture for securing the specimen, the fixture and the further fixture being adjustable to increase or decrease the relative distance therebetween, wherein the body includes an assigned vibration location to which excitation signals are applied during testing.

Abstract: An apparatus for forming stress corrosion cracks comprises a heating unit which includes a conductive member and a heating coil disposed adjacent to the conductive member to generate steam pressure in the tube specimen, an end holding unit, and a control unit for controlling the heating unit and the end holding unit. The stress corrosion cracks occurring in the equipment of nuclear power plants or apparatus industries during operation can be directly formed in a tube specimen using steam pressure under conditions similar to those of the actual environment of nuclear power plants, thus increasing accuracy for analysis of properties of stress corrosion cracks which are in actuality generated, thereby improving reliability of nuclear power plants or apparatus industries and effectively assuring nondestructive testing capability, resulting in very useful industrial applicability.

Abstract: An aircraft landing gear comprising a fibre optic load sensor for monitoring load in a component of the landing gear, such as an axle. The fibre optic cable is mounted on an inner surface of the component of the landing gear. Typically the fibre optic load sensor comprises one or more Bragg Grating sensors.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for predicting freeze-thaw durability of a cementitious composition specimen including cycling the specimen below and above the freezing point of water contained in the specimen and identifying the contraction and/or expansion of the specimen during the cycling.

Abstract: The present invention is intended to provide a method for assessing remaining lifespan of a bolt with higher precision than conventional methods, which can be applied to a bolt comprising a high alloy with fewer tissue changes caused by creep damage. The present invention provides a method for assessing the remaining lifespan of a bolt used at high temperatures, including: carrying out a creep test for a bolt material that constitutes a bolt to be assessed and determining a life-time and a life-elongation rate; determining a time-temperature parameter based on the life-time and the creep test temperature; creating a lifespan-assessment diagram by plotting the time-temperature parameter with respect to the life-elongation rate; measuring a elongation rate between before and after the use of the bolt to be assessed; and assessing the remaining lifespan of the bolt with the use of the elongation rate between before and after the use of the bolt to be assessed and the lifespan-assessment diagram.

Abstract: A control system is disclosed for controlling a mechanical test comprising a flow control valve that controls a fluidic mechanical muscle having a sheath and a bladder disposed within the sheath, and a servo-controller that controls the operation of the flow control valve based on an output signal from a master controller based on an input signal corresponding to a desired test profile. A method of controlling a component test is disclosed comprising the steps of programming a test profile in a logic controller, supplying a signal to a master controller, supplying a signal from the master controller to a servo-controller, and controlling the flow of a fluid into a fluidic mechanical muscle having a sheath and a bladder disposed within the sheath for applying and reducing mechanical loads on a test specimen.

Abstract: A system is disclosed for testing components comprising a loading system capable of applying and reducing mechanical loads on a test specimen, the loading system comprising a fluidic mechanical muscle coupled to a lever arm, the fluidic mechanical muscle having a sheath and a bladder disposed within the sheath and a control system that controls the operation of the fluidic mechanical muscle. An apparatus is disclosed comprising a frame, a lever arm associated with the frame, a fluidic mechanical muscle coupled to the lever arm, the fluidic mechanical muscle having a sheath and a bladder disposed within the sheath; and a control system that controls the operation of the fluidic mechanical muscle.

Abstract: The invention includes a method for forecasting fatigue damage of a solid rocket motor through ignition, where over the lifetime of the motor it can be exposed to a plurality of stressing events, which may have a broad spectrum of mechanical loads with multiple modes. For instance, a mode may be a change in the thermal contraction or a change in a direct mechanical load. The method expresses all stressing events in terms of a common mode. The thermal contraction is the selected common mode measured in units of stress. The stress is proportionally adjusted according to the conditioning temperature, the stress free temperature, the pressures, and the age. Cumulative damage for the time before and after ignition is determined. Finite element analysis reference points are adjusted for the stressing events.

Abstract: A method and system for controlling machining processes are provided. The system includes a computer system communicatively coupled to a database. The computer system is configured to receive data relating to manufactured part processes, identify at least one machining process used to manufacture a part and a parameter of the at least one machining process, receive survey data relating to the manufacturing process parameters used during the at least one machining process, and receive identification data for the manufactured part. The computer is further configured to receive data relating to a design of experiment (DOE), determine an low cycle fatigue (LCF) life distribution, identify process parameters that affect the LCF, and determine an allowable range for each identified process parameters for safe operation. The computer system is further configured to output the process window embodied in a specification associated with at least one of the part and the process.

Abstract: A self-powered sensor is provided for fatigue monitoring and other low power requirement applications. The self-powered sensor is comprised of: a piezoelectric transducer; a non-volatile memory comprised of at least one floating gate transistor; and a current reference circuit adapted to receive a voltage signal from the piezoelectric transducer and operable to output an injection current into the non-volatile memory. The current reference circuit may employ a floating gate transistor operating in a weak-inversion mode.

Abstract: A method of determining material constants of a hardened metal object being exerted to load cycles, and a method of indicating fatigue damage rate of a hardened metal object in relation to load cycles, N, exerted on the hardened metal object, wherein material dependent constants of the hardened metal object are determined according to the method of determining material dependent constants of the hardened metal object. Methods for indicating fatigue and predicting life of a metal object are disclosed.

Abstract: A testing device suitable for testing an electronic device is provided. The electronic device has a first body and a second body, wherein the first body is suitable for rotating relative to the second body. The testing device includes a carrying platform, a fixed frame, a clamping element, a first driving element, and a second driving element. The carrying platform carries the first body. The fixed frame is pivoted to the carrying platform. The clamping element is pivoted to the fixed frame for clamping the second body. The first driving element is disposed between the carrying platform and the fixed frame for driving the fixed frame to pivot relative to the carrying platform. The second driving element is disposed between the clamping element and the fixed frame for driving the clamping element to pivot relative to the fixed frame.

Abstract: An apparatus for forming longitudinal thermal fatigue cracks. A heating unit has an induction coil disposed adjacent to an outer circumference of one side of a tubular test piece, on an inner surface of which a notch is formed. A cooling unit has a cooling water pump and a cooling water hose which forcibly injects cooling water from a cooling water storage source into an inner circumference of the tubular test piece. A control unit controls operation of the heating and cooling units. A cooling block partially encloses the outer circumference of the tubular test piece so as to control a magnitude of y-axial stress, is supplied with a cooling source of fluid or gas from an outside so as to repetitively cool the tubular test piece heated by the heating unit to adjust a temperature gradient, and has a longitudinal slit for controlling crack positions.

Abstract: A loading device is provided, including a first member, a second member, a first clamping member, a second clamping member, and an actuator. The first member includes a first surface, where the first surface contacts a first side of a test piece. The second member includes a second surface, for contacting a second side of the test piece. The first clamping member includes a first clamping surface for contacting the second side of the test piece. The second clamping member is fixedly secured to the second member. The actuator exerts a predetermined force driving the second member in a first direction away from the first member, and a second direction towards the first member.

Abstract: Prostheses are fatigue tested using an apparatus under simulated physiological loading conditions. A fluid housing defines an entrance chamber having fluid outflow ports and an exit chamber having opposing fluid inflow ports and a central flow conduit in communication with the entrance chamber and the exit chamber. A plurality of housing tubes into which prosthesis are deployed may extend between the fluid outflow and inflow ports. Alternatively, tubular prostheses may be connected directly between the inflow and outflow ports. A reciprocating linear drive pump having a flexible diaphragm is provided to cyclically pressurize fluid through a common closed loop within the fluid housing and drive the pressurized fluid through the prosthesis being tested. The test system is capable of rotation independent of the motor drive for accurate diameter measurements of all test samples at elevated frequencies.

Abstract: The object of the invention is to provide an alternative method for durability testing of an engine block. The engine block comprises cylinder cavities, which cylinder cavities are separated from each other by intermediate walls, each intermediate wall comprising a bolt hole. The method comprises the step of: removing a test specimen from an area of the intermediate wall of the engine block, such that the test specimen comprises the bolt hole.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method of dimensioning and producing stiffened structural components (4) comprising at least one shell component (6) and at least one stiffening component (8) which can be connected thereto, in which the shell component (6) and the at least one stiffening component (8) is dimensioned on the assumption of intactness of the at least one stiffening component and having regard to a predetermined safety factor and/or a predetermined structural inspection interval in which a predetermined maximum crack progression in the shell component is not to be exceeded and/or the strength of the structural component is not to fall below a predetermined minimum residual strength, and in which the at least one stiffening element (8) of the structural component dimensioned by this method is equipped with at least one structural condition sensor (30) for detecting intactness; as well as the use of structural condition sensors in an aircraft, in particular a passenger aircraft.

Abstract: A sensor apparatus for measuring environmental degradation of a structures making use of exposed sacrificial material coupons mounted in the immediate vicinity of magnetic sensor elements in the environment of the monitored structure.