Abstract: A rock damage mechanics test system for high temperature and high pressure deep earth environment includes an MTS triaxial test machine and a control system connected therewith. The MTS triaxial test machine is composed of a rigid frame, a high temperature and high pressure triaxial chamber, and a triaxial chamber base. The control system includes a workstation for data processing and a manual controller for controlling the workstation and a master controller. The system improves mounting and dismounting efficiency of an MTS triaxial force sensor, enhances reliability of lifting and solves the problem of aligning holes during the force sensor mounting process, thus improving the mounting efficiency.

Abstract: A triaxial high temperature and high pressure rock mechanics load test platform includes a base, a lifting seat, and an intermediate connecting seat arranged between the base and the lifting seat. A hydraulic assembly is arranged between the base and the intermediate connecting seat; the intermediate connecting seat is connected with the lifting seat by means of a group of connecting rods; the lifting seat is enclosed by a side wall and a base plate to form a receiving groove with an upward opening; and a limiting device is arranged on the side wall of the lifting seat for preventing an MTS triaxial force sensor from disengaging from a support disk.

Abstract: An array substrate, a display panel and a display device are provided. The array substrate includes a display region and a frame region surrounding the display region. The frame region includes multiple bridge pressure sensing units and multiple first heat conductive sheets. Each of the multiple bridge pressure sensing units includes a bridge electrode, a first power supply line electrically connected to a power supply terminal of the bridge electrode, and a detection line electrically connected to a detection terminal of the bridge electrode. Each of the multiple first heat conductive sheets is arranged opposite to the bridge electrode, and a vertical projection of the first heat conductive sheet on the bridge electrode covers the bridge electrode.

Abstract: Disclosed are a flexible organic light-emitting display panel and an electronic device. The flexible organic light-emitting display panel comprises: a display region and a non-display region surrounding the display region, wherein the non-display region comprises a bendable region and a non-bendable region; at least one metal bridge pressure-sensitive detection unit, which is at least partially provided in the bendable region and extends along a bending direction of the flexible organic light-emitting display panel; a plurality of semiconductor pressure-sensitive detection units, which are at least provided in the non-bendable region.

Abstract: A method for determining material parameters includes applying a character grid over a planar sample, clamping the planar sample in a frame in accordance with directions of orthotropy of the planar sample; collecting a first set of data that describes a first position of the character grid; applying predetermined normal and shear stresses to the planar sample thereby bringing the planar sample into a deformed state and changing the position of the character grid; collecting a second set of data that describes a second position of the character grid, determining a relative position change of the character grid by correlating the collected first set of data and the second set of data; determining a relative displacement and a current distortion state of the planar sample; determining a deformation equilibrium of the deformed state of the planar sample; and calculating the material parameters from the deformation equilibrium.

Abstract: An integrated experimental system of hydrofracturing, water jet slotting, seepage and gas displacement under true triaxial stress, including: a true triaxial stress loading experimental frame, a loading system and a monitoring system. The true triaxial stress loading experimental frame and the loading system are connected by oil pipes; the monitoring system is connected to the true triaxial stress loading experimental frame and the loading system by signal lines; the true triaxial stress loading experimental frame comprises a main experimental bench and six flat jacks; a loading cavity for test block is equipped in the main experimental bench; the six flat jacks are set in the loading cavity; and a space of regular hexahedron is formed by the six flat jacks.

Abstract: A system and method of adjusting a zero reference may comprise retracting ram of an actuator coupled to a load cell from a first position to a second position. The system and method may comprise reporting a measurement by a load cell, in response to the actuator being in a second position. The system and method may comprise calculating a force being measured by t the load cell. The system and method may comprise creating a zero reference offset value based on the calculation, in response to the force calculation resulting in a non-zero force calculation. The system and method may comprise adjusting a zero reference value of the load cell by the zero reference offset value.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for static load-bearing capacity testing of helical piles is provided.

Abstract: A system, device and method for fitness tracking include one or more insoles, the one or more insoles having embedded therein a plurality of sensors; a computer having a processor and memory; and one or more code sets stored in the memory and executing by the processor, which, when executed, configure the processor to: receive, as inputs, data collected from the plurality of sensors embedded in the one or more insoles; filter the data; execute an evolutionary algorithm on the data, wherein the evolutionary algorithm converges the data from the plurality of sensors; and determine, based on the converged data, a total weight applied to the one or more insoles.

Abstract: Disclosed is an active skin including: a tactile sensor substrate which includes a first film including a dielectric elastic material and formed with a plurality of sensing points, and a pair of first electrodes respectively formed on upper and lower sides of the sensing point; a tactile actuator substrate which includes a second film including a dielectric elastic material and formed with a plurality of actuating points, and a pair of second electrodes respectively formed on upper and lower sides of the actuating point; and an insulating layer which is interposed between the tactile sensor substrate and the tactile actuator substrate and couples the tactile sensor substrate and the tactile actuator substrate. With this, a tactile sensor and a tactile actuator are integrated, so that there is provided an interactive tactile interface to not only feel like a human's skin but also actively move like a muscle.

Abstract: A text fixture apparatus for testing structures with a compression testing machine. The test fixture apparatus includes a support plate assembly and a load plate assembly. The support plate assembly includes two parallel support plates and has sloped surfaces to support a first and second structures and angles of equal magnitude and opposite slope. The load plate assembly is configured to oppose the support plate assembly, includes at least one load plate, and allows the load plate assembly to apply a load to the structures in response force on the support plate assembly, load plate assembly, or a combination thereof in a direction other than perpendicular to the sloped surfaces. A vertical force applied by the assemblies results in substantially equal and opposite horizontal components of force on the first structure and the second structure. Methods of testing and of making the apparatus are provided.

Abstract: A system for sulfide stress cracking testing comprises an enclosed testing chamber including a fluid bath comprising a liquid saturated with hydrogen sulfide gas. In addition, the system comprises a test fixture disposed in the testing chamber and at least partially submerged in the fluid bath. The test fixture includes a housing having an internal chamber in fluid communication with the fluid bath and a test assembly disposed in the internal chamber. The test assembly comprises a first upper support and a second upper support, a first lower support and a second lower support, and a first platen engaging each of the upper supports and adapted to transfer an applied vertical load to the upper supports. Further, the system comprises a test specimen mounted in the test assembly between the upper supports and the lower supports.

Abstract: Disclosed are systems and methods for evaluating the properties of material used in the manufacture of pulling rolls. In one embodiment, a method is provided for aligning plates comprising the material along an axis and compressing the plates to form a cartridge. The plates can be compressed by a piston. The cartridge can be rotated by a motor. In one embodiment, the cartridge, while rotating, is contacted with a cutting surface to produce a surface finish on the cartridge. Properties such as compressibility, recovery and resiliency, and hardness can be measured.

Abstract: An apparatus for continuous measurement of a geomaterial is disclosed. The apparatus includes a measuring device and a flat bed operatively coupled to the measuring device. The measuring device includes a moving head configured to move in a longitudinal direction relative to a core section of the geomaterial and a first probe coupled to the moving head and configured to continuously measure a property of the core section. The flat bed includes a load actuator configured to secure the core section during the continuous measurement and axially rotate the core section, as well as a core holder assembly configured to apply confining pressure on a length of the core section.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for assembling an exhaust treatment device such as a catalytic converter employs post calibration to achieve a desired bulk gap density of a support mat surrounding a substrate in the device housing. The mat is gauged under pressure to a thickness yielding the target bulk gap density and the pressure is saved for use in comprising the device housing against the mat after soft stuffing of the mat/substrate subassembly into the housing.

Abstract: A sensor is disclosed for sensing an applied load. The sensor includes a rigid substrate. A strain sensitive resistor is mounted to the substrate. The resistor has a pair of ends. The resistor has a length and a width that defines an area. A pair of conductors are connected to the end of the resistor. A dielectric layer is mounted over the resistor. A load transfer device is mounted to the dielectric layer. The load transfer device transfers the applied load directly to the strain sensitive resistor such that the resistor is compressed. The resistor changes resistance in response to the applied load.

Abstract: This invention provides for a tool that produces, and directly and accurately measures, an axial force used to assemble two members of a modular implant, specifically, a modular hip implant.

Abstract: A method for determining the thickness of a layer of insulation comprises the steps of: contacting a top surface of a portion of the layer of insulation, compressing the portion of the layer of insulation until a predetermined compressive load is achieved, measuring a distance through which the top surface is moved during the compressing step, and determining the thickness of the layer of insulation based on the measured distance. Apparatus is provided for performing the method.

Abstract: A sensor is disclosed for sensing an applied load. The sensor includes a rigid substrate. A strain sensitive resistor is mounted to the substrate. The resistor has a pair of ends. The resistor has a length and a width that defines an area. A pair of conductors are connected to the end of the resistor. A dielectric layer is mounted over the resistor. A load transfer device is mounted to the dielectric layer. The load transfer device transfers the applied load directly to the strain sensitive resistor such that the resistor is compressed. The resistor changes resistance in response to the applied load.

Abstract: A toner evaluation method that enables accurate evaluation of fixation performance of toner such as low temperature fixability and offset resistance, and a toner cartridge and an image forming apparatus adopting the toner positively evaluated by the evaluation method are provided. Toner is formed into a disc-shaped pellet. After preserved at a predetermined temperature, the pellet is compressed by a predetermined amount at a constant speed. If the maximum load (compression resistance) measured during the compression is a predetermined value or below, the minimum fixing temperature of the toner is relatively low.

Abstract: Apparatus is disclosed for testing the mechanical properties of a material. The apparatus comprises a sample container (10) adapted to be filled with a sample of the material, and a housing (20) within which the sample container (10) is, in use, fixedly mounted. The sample container (10) has a first, open face via which a compressive load can be applied to the sample and a second face (19) disposed orthogonally to the first, open face. At least a portion of the second face (19) is resiliently displaceable, outwardly of the sample container (10), in response to deformation of the sample brought about by application of the load.

Abstract: Disclosed is a triaxial system for testing particulate matter under substantially dry triaxial load conditions comprising: a housing means fillable with confining fluid for providing confining pressure on a sample of dry particulate matter to be tested, the housing having a channel for introduction therein and removal therefrom of the confining fluid, a load piston sealingly extends for providing a load on the sample, sample mounting means for mounting the sample within the housing, the sample mounting means including a top end platen for mounting at the top and a button end platen for disposition at the bottom of the sample, at least one flexible, impermeable membrane for enclosing the surface of the sample other than its ends, fluid passage means connecting the housing to a volume change sensor for freely delivering confining fluid thereto, and a volume change sensor adapted to measure the volume of confining fluid delivered thereto through the fluid passage means.

Abstract: There is provided an apparatus (LCPA) for measuring a load applied to a quantity of material. The LCPA includes a load cell assembly sandwiched between an inner plate and an outer plate. The load cell assembly measures the load applied to the quantity of material when a force is exerted against the outer plate. Preferably, the load cell assembly includes three equally spaced apart load cells. In one aspect, the LCPA is a part of a gyratory compactor such that the LCPA measures the load applied to a paving material test specimen when a ram exerts a force against the outer plate during the compaction and gyration process. In one aspect, the location of the resultant force exerted by the ram on the specimen is calculated so that the performance of the test specimen may be evaluated.

Abstract: A dynamometric tool uses a four-mandrel press. The press head is provided with a specific press geometry which is predefined by the mandrels. The dynamometric tool produces a tool which can determine the actual force of compression in an easy-to-handle manner. The dynamometric tool also has two levers which are joined together and adapted to the geometry of the press head, and which interact upon a pressure sensor during compression.

Abstract: This invention provides for a tool that produces, and directly and accurately measures, an axial force used to assemble two members of a modular implant, specifically, a modular hip implant.

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: A method for screening fabric handle of an array of fabric samples (i.e., a plurality of fabric materials) comprising providing an array of at least two fabric samples, protruding the fabric samples through openings, and monitoring response of said fabric samples to the protrusions.

Abstract: Disclosed is a triaxial system for testing particulate matter under substantially dry triaxial load conditions comprising: a housing means fillable with confining fluid for providing confining pressure on a sample of dry particulate matter to be tested, the housing having a channel for introduction therein, and removal therefrom of the confining fluid, a load piston sealingly extends for providing a load on the sample, sample mounting means for mounting the sample within the housing, the sample mounting means including a top end platen for mounting at the bottom of the sample, at least one flexible, impermeable membrane for enclosing the surface of the sample other than its ends, fluid passage means connecting the housing to a volume change sensor for freely delivering confining fluid thereto, and a volume change sensor adapted to measure the volume of confining fluid delivered thereto through the fluid passage means. Also disclosed is a test method for employing the above system to test particulate matter.

Abstract: There is provided an apparatus (LCPA) for measuring a load applied to a quantity of material. The LCPA includes a load cell assembly sandwiched between an inner plate and an outer plate. The load cell assembly measures the load applied to the quantity of material when a force is exerted against the outer plate. Preferably, the load cell assembly includes three equally spaced apart load cells. In one aspect, the LCPA is a part of a gyratory compactor such that the LCPA measures the load applied to a paving material test specimen when a ram exerts a force against the outer plate during the compaction and gyration process. In one aspect, the location of the resultant force exerted by the ram on the specimen is calculated so that the performance of the test specimen may be evaluated.

Abstract: A tribological test apparatus has a supporting structure, to which are fitted a central shaft rotating about a respective axis, and three peripheral shafts rotating about respective axes equally spaced angularly about the axis of the central shaft; the central shaft and peripheral shafts respectively support a central specimen and three peripheral specimens facing one another radially; and the apparatus has three actuators, each for exerting on a relative peripheral specimen a force directed towards the central specimen, and a guide and slide device associated with each peripheral shaft to enable each peripheral specimen, in use, to translate radially towards the central specimen and exert a contact pressure on the central specimen by virtue of the force generated by the relative actuator.

Abstract: A method for high throughput mechanical property and bulge testing of materials libraries. A plurality of samples on a substrate are monitored for their response to a force from a fluid.

Abstract: The invention provides a method and apparatus for determining a relationship between hydrostatic stress and volumetric strain in a sample of compressible material, where the sample is immersed in a fluid medium having a density. The method includes steps of varying the hydrostatic stress on the sample by changing the density of the fluid medium over a range of densities, determining a change in apparent weight of the sample as the density of the fluid medium is changed, and determining the volumetric strain in the sample based on the change in apparent weight of the sample and the change in density of the fluid medium.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for screening combinatorial libraries of materials by measuring the response of individual library members to mechanical perturbations is described. The apparatus generally includes a sample holder for containing the library members, an array of probes for mechanically perturbing individual library members, and an array of sensors for measuring the response of each of the library members to the mechanical perturbations. Library members undergoing screening make up a sample array, and individual library members constitute elements of the sample array that are confined to specific locations on the sample holder. During screening, the apparatus mechanically perturbs individual library members by displacing the sample array (sample holder) and the array of probes. Typically, all of the elements of the sample array are perturbed simultaneously, but the apparatus also can also perturb individual or groups of sample array elements sequentially.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for determining bulk material constants such as Poisson's ratio and the ratio of shear modulus to bulk modulus for elastomeric materials, including, but not limited to elastomers, rubbers, gels and sealants is disclosed. The bulk material properties are determined by measuring the pressure change of the elastomeric material when the elastomeric material is subjected to an applied pressure. The changes in the bulk material property due to temperature or a the addition of a diluent may also be determined. The apparatus includes a container that holds the elastomeric material. A pressure sensor is located in the container and is positioned to measure the pressure of the elastomeric material. The signal from the pressure sensor along with the applied pressure is used to determine a bulk material property such as Poisson's ratio or the ratio of shear modulus to bulk modulus for the elastomeric material.

Abstract: A sensor for detecting the presence of a force exerted by a persons foot on the ground is provided in a shoe, the sensor being interposed between the foot and the ground in the region of the sole of the shoe. The sensor includes a resilient compressible elastomeric middle layer of insulating material disposed between a lower conductive fabric layer and a plurality of upper conductive fabric layer portions. The resilient elastomeric layer includes a plurality of embedded electrically conductive metal filaments extending from a first surface towards a second surface of the elastomeric layer. In regions of the sensor compressed by force ‘F’ due to a persons weight the thickness of the elastomeric layer is reduced and so the metal filaments are of sufficient length to provide electrical continuity through the elastomeric layer between the lower and upper conductive fabric.

Abstract: A uniform pressure type three-dimensional pressure bearing surface measuring instrument structure includes a housing, multiple measuring rods, multiple height sensors, multiple connection support cylinders, and multiple connection pipes. The connection support cylinders are connected with the connection pipes which are connected with each other, so that the connection support cylinders and the connection pipes may form a pressure connection system. Thus, the three-dimensional pressure bearing surface measuring instrument structure may be used to the pressure distribution of the user's hip by measuring the height variation of the measuring rods, thereby forming a three-dimensional spatial curve of a constant pressure so as to make a seat cushion of a constant pressure according to the three-dimensional spatial curve, so that the seat cushion may satisfy the ergonomic design.

Abstract: A novel apparatus and method are disclosed for testing piles for load bearing capacity. The novel means and method of the present invention include applying a static compressive force on a pile or group of piles to be tested for load bearing capacity, receiving an equal and opposite reaction force on an I-beam, providing at least two reaction anchor assemblies on opposite sides of the pile, and bracing the I-beam by the two reaction anchor assemblies to hold the I-beam stationary in counter-action against the opposite reaction force on the I-beam. In one aspect, each reaction anchor assembly has an anchoring head, a pipe column, a center, a pulling rod passing through the center, a pair of the swingable anchoring plates, and a frusto-cone for pivoting the swingable anchoring plates. In one aspect, the pipe column has four fins welded longitudinally along the pipe column. In one aspect, the reaction anchor assembly is preassembled for transportation to a pile test site.

Abstract: There is provided an apparatus (LCPA) for measuring a load applied to a quantity of material. The LCPA includes a load cell assembly sandwiched between an inner plate and an outer plate. The load cell assembly measures the load applied to the quantity of material when a force is exerted against the outer plate. Preferably, the load cell assembly includes three equally spaced apart load cells. In one aspect, the LCPA is a part of a gyratory compactor such that the LCPA measures the load applied to a paving material test specimen when a ram exerts a force against the outer plate during the compaction and gyration process. In one aspect, the location of the resultant force exerted by the ram on the specimen is calculated so that the performance of the test specimen may be evaluated.

Abstract: A construction and a method for measuring the clamping force exerted by a fastener securing together two bodies. The construction includes a piece of material the same as that of a first of the bodies and a stack of at least two pieces of the same material as the second body. The overall height of the stack is equal to the thickness of the second body. A fastener secures all the pieces together. By measuring the force required to move a piece of the stack relative to the other pieces of the stack, an indication of the force exerted by the fastener is provided.

Abstract: A new apparatus and method for applying a biaxial load to a flat plate test specimen is disclosed. A rhombus-shaped four-bar linkage is attached at one vertex to a fixed attachment point and a uniaxial tensile force is applied to the opposite vertex. The test specimen is placed inside the four-bar linkage and is attached to the four bar linkage by load transfer members connected at one end to the links of the four bar linkage and at their other end to grips holding the test specimen. In one embodiment, load transfer members parallel to the applied uniaxial tensile force are attached to test specimen grips adjacent to the link attachment points of the load transfer members and perpendicular load transfer members are attached to test specimen grips opposite their link attachment points. Application of the uniaxial tensile force then produces a biaxial tensile force in the test specimen.

Abstract: A device for measuring the levitation force of a high temperature superconductor sample with respect to a reference magnet includes a receptacle for holding several high temperature superconductor samples each cooled to superconducting temperature. A rotatable carousel successively locates a selected one of the high temperature superconductor samples in registry with the reference magnet. Mechanism varies the distance between one of the high temperature superconductor samples and the reference magnet, and a sensor measures levitation force of the sample as a function of the distance between the reference magnet and the sample. A method is also disclosed.

Abstract: A thin film stress sensor measures the maximum compressive stress between two elements that are compressed together. The sensor is formed from a thin RTV film impregnated with microballoons and reinforced with carbon fibers to restrain the lateral deformation of the RTV so that more uniform pressure can be exerted on the microballoons when the sensors are uniaxially compressed.

Abstract: A thin film stress sensor measures the maximum compressive stress between two elements that are compressed together. The sensor is formed from a thin RTV film impregnated with microballoons and reinforced with carbon fibers to restrain the lateral deformation of the RTV so that more uniform pressure can be exerted on the microballoons when the sensors are uniaxially compressed. The testing method includes applying a compressive stress up to an maximum compressive stress to rupture a first portion of the microballoons, and then applying an interrogating pressure causing acoustic emissions emitted by a second portion of the microballoons when the interrogating pressure equals the equivalent maximum compressive stress, so as to determine the maximum compressive stress.

Abstract: A method and device for determining the green tack of rubber blends. To obtain reliable and reproducible measurement results it is proposed to use two specimens (40') of rubber blends, the green tack of which is to be determined. Each of the specimens (40') comprises a measurement surface area (42) having a convex curvature, with which the specimens (40') are placed one on the other. During a predetermined time the specimens (40') are compressed at a predetermined pressure and subsequently parted from each other at a constant rate to determine the maximum parting force. The curved measurement surface areas (42) are generated by a specimen (40) being placed on the specimen platform (34) of a specimen mount (26, 28). Subsequently an orifice disk (36) is placed on the specimen (40) and locked in place in the compressed condition, for instance, by being firmly bolted in place.

Abstract: The invention is intended to provide a stress measuring device for a structure, wherein a plurality of stress sensors are composited or integrated to provide an integrated single-packaged stress composite sensor, the latter being used to deliver X-axis, X- and Z-axis or X-, Y- and Z-axis direction stress signals produced in the structure or deliver stress signals in selected directions, so as to make it possible to measure stresses.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for determining the force-displacement diagram of pairs of punches in a rotary pelleting machine involving measuring and storing the course of compression of punch pairs for each individual angle step, storing said data and preparing a correction table in a computer which is compared to the theoretical values of displacement.

Abstract: Apparatus for determining compressive stress in an in-situ roof support pillar may comprise a convergence meter positioned in one of the two entries for measuring the total entry convergence, i.e., roof sag and floor heave, and for generating an output signal related thereto. A computer system connected to the convergence meter is responsive to the output signal and calculates the compressive stress in the pillar based on the total entry convergence and based on whether the pillar is being subjected to at least one of a number of load types including a first front abutment load, a second front abutment load, and a side abutment load.

Abstract: An optical fiber preform manufacturing apparatus which continuously monitors the weight of a preform during manufacturing by a load cell without increasing the offset amount of the preform. The preform manufacturing apparatus includes a rotary chuck unit vertically moved by an elevating unit and a rod gripped by the rotary chuck unit and vertically extending downward. At the time of manufacturing a preform, the elevating unit and the rotary chuck unit are driven to rotate and move a starting rod suspended from the lower end of the rod upward. A support plate is fixed to the rotary chuck unit. Three or more load cells are arranged between the support plate and an elevating plate of the elevating unit. The rotary chuck unit is firmly supported by these load cells, so that the rotating shaft is not inclined. A hole is formed in the elevating plate, and the rotary chuck unit extends through the hole with a gap therebetween.

Abstract: The present invention is intended to provide a stress detecting and measuring method wherein in order to measure a shearing strain alone associated with a stress acting in an intended direction, the stress being one of the stresses acting on an axle of a vehicle or a structure having a fixed support point adjacent the axle, the conditions for the optimum position where a stress sensor is to be mounted are indicated. Further, the invention is intended to provide a stress detecting device which accurately measures a shearing strain alone associated with a stress acting in an intended direction by further separating a plurality of stresses acting on a stress sensor. For example, in the case where stresses are applied in two directions to a structure having a fixed support point, in order to measure a shearing strain alone associated with a stress acting in an intended direction, a stress sensor should be mounted in a position which is a transformation knot zone for the other stress strain, i.e.

Abstract: A biaxial compression testing device formed by two modified beams joined ether to form an X-shape with the support structure, such as webs and upper flanges, removed in the region of the X intersection, thereby leaving a rectangular opening. The rectangular opening has dimensions slightly greater than the widths of the beams and is open from the upper surfaces downward to the lower surfaces which are joined together forming an X-configuration. This configuration has a flexing characteristic in the direction perpendicular to the plane of the joined beams. A test specimen support plate is attached to the underside of one of the upper surfaces and is located so as to slide below the opposing upper surface during flexing of the x-beam assembly. Each beam is supported by a roller pin. Additional roller pins are located on the specimen support plate between each beam upper flange and a specimen to be tested. These roller pins prevent any torsional load from reaching the test specimen.