Abstract: A testing apparatus includes a support unit that supports a lower surface side of a test piece, a pressing unit having an indenter that presses the test piece supported by the support unit, a drive unit that raises and lowers the pressing unit, a load measurement instrument that measures a load generated when the indenter presses the test piece supported by the support unit, and a controller that controls raising and lowering of the pressing unit. The controller is configured to be capable of stopping movement of the indenter when a measurement value of the load measurement instrument has turned from a rise to a fall after the indenter has started pressing of the test piece.

Abstract: A device is for detecting compaction and shear strength characteristics of an asphalt mixture during construction compaction. The device includes a fixed frame and a detection system. The detection system includes a display, a control panel, a test claw, an electric motor, a lift switch, a torque sensor and a temperature sensor. The control panel includes a power switch for controlling the electric motor and a speed regulator for controlling a rotation speed of the test claw. An output end of the electric motor is connected to an input end of the torque sensor, and an output end of the torque sensor is connected to an input end of the test claw. An output end of the test claw is provided with a claw-shaped blade. The claw-shaped blade is provided therein with the temperature sensor.

Abstract: Seat members 31 are held in a state of being movable with respect to first slide members 21 or second slide members 22 correspondingly. By rotating screws 39 in directions to increase the distances d between surfaces A of the first slide members 21 or the second slide members 22 and surfaces B of the seat members 31, chucks 25 are moved in directions to increase the distance between the chucks to apply pretension to a test piece correspondingly. When backlash in a force transmission system from a support part to the respective chucks 25 is eliminated, a biaxial tensile test is started.

Abstract: A gyratory compactor apparatus adapted to interact with a mold that defines a mold axis is provided. The gyratory compactor apparatus includes a frame defining a frame axis, a pivoted support carried by the frame, and a mold-engaging device carried by the pivoted support and having a carriage plate spaced-apart from the pivoted support for receiving the mold. The carriage plate is movable relative to the frame axis by rotation of the pivoted support. At least one actuator is in engagement with the carriage plate for imparting translation to the carriage plate relative to the frame axis.

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 system and method for determining the compressive strength of pellets are presently disclosed. A system includes a moveable feed tray adapted to support a plurality of pellets to be tested, a platen below the moveable feed tray and opposite a ram capable of applying compressive force to a pellet, a drive motor engaging the moveable feed tray, and a compressive force monitoring system including a force sensor. A method includes providing a feed tray and positioning a ram at a first position above a platen, advancing the feed tray to position a pellet at a test position between the ram and the platen, detecting the non-arrival of the pellet at the test position, retracting the ram from the first position, advancing the feed tray and operating the ram to determine the compressive strength of the pellet. Also disclosed is a calibration method for a compression test system.

Abstract: The invention is a device for dynamically load testing a sample that comprises a bearing, to which the sample can be directly or indirectly connected in a detachable manner, as well as a counter-bearing that can be effectively connected to the sample by means of at least one actuator element. The at least one actuator element introduces dynamic mechanical loads into the sample which Act along a load path that is directed between the bearing and the counter-bearing and extends through the sample. The at least one actuator element features a multifunctional solid body conversion material system that undergoes deformations due to the supply of energy, and wherein the deformations are at least one cause for the mechanical loads occurring within the sample. The device according to the invention uses at least one actuator element that may be configured in two alternative forms.

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: Devices and methods for providing a known resistance load and measuring an internal gyration angle of a mold in a gyratory compactor. A device in one form has a cylindrical body with protrusions through which a known resistance force is applied by the gyratory compactor, and probes which extend from the body to measure an internal angle of gyration of a mold within a gyratory compactor. The device is placed into a cylindrical mold which is placed into a gyratory compactor. Mold end plates may or may not be required depending on the gyratory compactor configuration and construction of the device body. As the mold is tilted on its axis to an operative gyration angle, the protrusions on each end of the body apply a moment force to the mold which produces a known resistance force on the gyratory compactor frame. Measurement of an internal angle of gyration is made while the resistance force is applied to the compactor frame and while the gyratory compactor gyrates the mold.

Abstract: A part that is subject to at least a cyclic thermal stimulus is numerically simulated to determine extremum states of stress therein that would be suitable for an associated life cycle test. The assembly of the part in a fixture is then numerically simulated to determine a part holding condition by the fixture, and first and second test rotational speeds of the part and fixture as necessary to create states of stress in the part that are comparable to the extremum states of stress. The part is assembled in the fixture in accordance with the part holding condition, and the fixture and part are rotated in accordance with a control schedule by which the rotational speed thereof is isothermally cycled between the first and second test rotational speeds for a predetermined number of cycles so as to simulate a cyclic stress condition in the part that is representative of a life cycle test.

Abstract: An in-plane shear and multi-axial tension or compression testing apparatus having four-bar linkages pivotable to two sleeves on an opposite vertices with the sleeves of each vertex rotationally attached to each other. Lateral links of each linkage are pivotally attached to load transfer plates in which the plates secure a test specimen. Each linkage is rotatable to the other linkages while the vertices are subjected to a compression or tensile load. The vertices are also capable of rotation by a testing machine for shear testing. During compression or tension of the vertices of the apparatus, the plates respectfully move toward or away from each other thereby applying compression or tension to the specimen. The bars of one linkage can be rotated with respect to the other, thereby applying torsional loading to the specimen.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for testing the strength of ceramic honeycomb structures are described. The apparatus includes a chamber that utilizes a flexible, generally cylindrical member including integral flanges to apply compressive force to the periphery of the honeycomb structure. According to some embodiments, a portable apparatus with an open chamber is provided to allow for rapid testing of multiple honeycomb structures.

Abstract: Subject of the invention is a method to measure the compaction properties of soil and other similar masses. A mass specimen is placed in a cylinder. The mass specimen is then pressed with standard pressure between an upper platen and a lower platen, and the height of the specimen is measured. Also subject of the invention is a device to measure the compaction properties of soil and other similar masses. Characteristic to the method and apparatus according to the invention is the fact that there is a specimen cylinder (2) attached to the frame (1) to be rotated mainly with respect to its central axis.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for analyzing bituminous concrete mixes to predict the likelihood of early rutting is disclosed. A test head designed to be used in a gyratory compactor uses the compaction provided by the gyratory compactor to analyze bituminous mixes to determine whether they are likely to prematurely rut. A test specimen of bituminous mix is prepared to a specified air void content and then heated to a constant temperature and placed in the gyratory compactor. The test head, which consists of a hard rubber block in the shape of a truncated cone mounted in the direct center of a flat, metal circular disk, is placed on top of the specimen in the gyratory compactor with the rubber head down and engaging the test specimen. Once compaction is completed, mix specimen compaction data is analyzed to ascertain the degree of mix deformation for a specified number of gyrations, to thereby predict whether the mix is likely to prematurely rut.

Abstract: By measuring the pressure distribution between fabricating equipment and a product formed in that equipment, and optionally the sequence in which the pressure is applied, the quality of product formation may be optimized. In an illustrated embodiment, pressure sensors are placed between a turn-up bladder and a tire apex in tire building equipment, and the pressure applied by the equipment, and the sequence of pressure application are observed and are correlated with product quality.

Abstract: A force transducer assembly for measuring compressive and tensile loads applied to a force transmission device, the assembly includes a housing, a sleeve assembly and a sensor device. The housing has a hollow interior. The sleeve assembly is coupled within the interior of the housing. The sensor device is secured within the interior of the housing between a portion of the sleeve assembly and a portion of the housing. The sensor device includes first and second sensors each including an isolation diaphragm at least partially defining an oil-filled cavity, and a piezoresistive sensor positioned so as to be effected by a change in pressure in the oil-filled cavity. When a first force is applied to the apparatus in a first direction via the force transmission device, one of the isolation diaphragms is deflectable in response thereto, and when a second force is applied in a second direction opposite to the first direction, the other of the isolation diaphragms is deflectable in response thereto.

Abstract: This invention relates to a gyratory shear press of which the compression means are disposed in the lower part of the chassis and of which the gyration means are provided in the upper part of the chassis which is in the form of a casing. The mould is introduced in the casing via an opening provided in the upper wall of the casing and adapted to be closed by a lid. The gyration means comprise two concentric sleeves separated from the casing and the mould by bearings. The inner sleeve is mounted to oscillate in the outer sleeve and is inclined by means of a vernier.

Abstract: The system provides frame means, mechanical loading means, electronic control means and perfusion chamber means in which an accurately cut human or animal trabecular bone sample can be maintained in a viable state for an extended period. A chamber is provided which permits perfusion of the trabecular bone sample with suitable media. Mechanical means are provided for loading of the sample under controlled specified conditions. Second messenger and growth factors may be collected from the perfusion chamber effluent to enable study of samples under a wide variety of perfusion and loading conditions. The system allows viability of the sample to be maintained for in excess of 14 days and permits the study of rate of bone formation and the rate of resorption of trabecular bone.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for testing rutting susceptibility of test specimens. The apparatus includes a specimen holder having cavities for receiving one or more test specimens having an exposed surface for testing. A load bearing surface is positioned above the specimens to prevent friction from effecting the rutting analysis. A load device including at least one loading wheel is positioned adjacent the specimen holder wherein the loading wheels matingly engage the load bearing device. A motive sources provides relative rotational movement between the specimen holder and the loading wheels whereby a load is repeatedly applied to the test specimens under a constant velocity. The method includes testing rutting susceptibility of test specimens by providing a rotational load thereupon whereby the load reflects a linear or constant load across the predetermined path of travel of the loading wheels over the exposed surface of the test specimens.

Abstract: An apparatus for compacting a material sample, such as paving material, including a cylindrical compaction mold and a mold support arranged to support one end of the mold. The mold support includes a turntable mounted for rotation about a rotational axis and a pair of mold-engaging members, such as rollers, extending from the turntable to engage the mold along its periphery and impart a gyratory motion to the mold as the turntable rotates. A mold retainer is also provided that includes a plurality of mold restraints spaced apart from one another about a central axis and arranged to engage the mold about the mold periphery at the end of the mold opposite the mold support. One of the mold restraints is attached to a movable latch that moves the mold restraint between an open position and a closed position. The open position locates the mold restraint out of engagement with the mold to allow the mold to slide into position inside the compactor apparatus.

Abstract: A strength evaluation method for evaluating the strength of brittle material pieces by applying momentary loading a plurality of times, the momentary loading momentarily applying a tensile stress to a brittle material piece; and gradually decreasing the peak load value of the subsequent momentary loading.

Abstract: A testing system for determining the water sensitivity of a compacted asphalt concrete specimen under various conditions isolates the specimen on a test stand in an environmental cabinet by an impervious shroud and end platens connected to an external fluid circulating system. The specimen is loaded via a load cell by a pulsating actuator and a transducer on the specimen measures axial deformation. Data is transferred from the load cell and transducer to a micro-computer system for analysis.

Abstract: A cyclic fatigue testing apparatus intended for testing the cyclic fatigue of samples such as ceramic or the like, in which it comprises a vibration plate assembly comprising a flex plate provided with piezoelectric element layer(s) on at least one surface thereof, a sample supporting member disposed on the vibration plate for supporting the sample and a loading member for forcing the samnple onto the supporting member. The apparatus can operate over a wide frequency range by adjusting the position of the sample supporting member with respect to the flex plate and selecting the frequency of an alternating voltage to be applied to each piezoelectric element layer.

Abstract: In a process for measuring the variations in volume, especially shrinkage measurements in duroplastics during the hardening, the material to be measured is acted upon by such a pressure that a fully homogeneous test piece is obtained without any fractures or blisters. Simultaneously and independently from one another, the impinging pressure, the pressure exerted through the test piece on the floor, the temperature in the test piece and in its environs and the volume of the test piece are measured under non-isothermal conditions and fed into a digital unit.