Abstract: The present subject matter discloses a method of measuring a peak load, including the steps of placing an indenter between a first surface and a second surface, exerting a load on at least one of the first and second surfaces, measuring at least one of a width, depth, radial chord length, and cross-sectional area of an indentation formed by the indenter in at least one of the first and second surfaces; and converting the measured parameter into a load value. Certain methods further include the steps of converting the measured parameter into a load per length value and obtaining a load value by integrating along a circumferential length of the indentation. In still other methods, the exerted load is a compressive load.

Abstract: An integrated machine for making, in laboratory, slabs made of a controlled-compaction bituminous mix in a mold and for making wheel tracking tests on the same, the compaction is performed by two idle disks which slide and press the side extensions of an array of vertical plates overlapping the mix, the wheel tracking test is performed by a wheel located between the disks; after having removed the array of plates, the wheel can be presented to the mix, since the disks are located at a distance greater than the mold width.

Abstract: A method of measuring the elastic modulus and hardness of a thin film on substrate using nanoindentation technique is provided. The method includes calculating a series of experimental corrected stiffness and contact radius pairs associated with one or more presumed parameters and information obtained from a loading curve associated with the thin film and substrate. Also, the method includes calculating a series of theoretical corrected stiffness and contact radius pairs associated with the same one or more presumed parameters and information obtained from the loading curve associated with the thin film and substrate. Furthermore, the method includes using results obtained from the experimental and theoretical corrected stiffness and contact radius pairs to compute the elastic modulus and hardness of the film material.

Abstract: Method for evaluating an asymmetric residual stress for a material by the indentation test comprises applying the residual stresses with an uniaxial and an symmetrical biaxial tensions on the material and then performing an instrumented indentation test indenting an asymmetric indenter on the material; and comparing a slope of indentation load-depth curve when the long diagonal direction of the asymmetric indenter is perpendicular to the direction of the largest residual stress with that in stress-free state, and then a slope of indentation load-depth curve when the long diagonal direction of the asymmetric indenter is parallel to the direction of the largest residual stress with that in stress-free state, so as to evaluate the asymmetric residual stress for the material.

Abstract: Disclosed is a hardness testing instrument which measures a hardness of a specimen, the hardness testing instrument including: a load applying section with the indenter or a flat indenter mounted thereon; a driving section to move the load applying section; a specimen table on which an object to be pressed is placed; a specimen table height adjustment section to adjust a height position; an indentation depth amount storage section to measure the indentation depth amount when the indenter is pressed to a reference block and to store the amount; a deformation amount storage section to measure the deformation amount of a load measuring instrument when the flat indenter is pressed to the load measuring instrument and to store the amount; a height position obtaining section to obtain a height position of the specimen table; and a calibration section to calibrate the load.

Abstract: A creep tester for a precise and accurate creep test includes a movable actuator capable of loading corresponding to change in length of a specimen, a cam actuator operated in association with the movable actuator, and a self weight actuator. The movable actuator includes upper and lower spherical adjusting seats to hold upper and lower portions of the specimen, a spring disposed on the upper spherical adjusting seat to correspond to a minute deformation of the specimen, upper and lower movable tables respectively contacting the spring and the lower spherical adjusting seat, a load cell and a stationary table disposed on the upper movable table, and a movable loading table disposed below the lower movable table to apply a predetermined load to the specimen. The creep tester can perform a precise creep test by continuously applying a constant load without supplementation of hydraulic pressure.

Abstract: A method for testing poles (1) including the steps of applying a first load to a pole (1), measuring the movement of the pole (1), at least partially de-loading the pole (1) to a second load, measuring the movement of the pole (1), and using the change in the movement measurements under the respective loads to calculate the pole (1) stiffness.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of measuring residual stress and, more particularly, to a residual stress measuring method using a continuous indentation tester. Due to pile-up and sink-in of a material or a blunted tip, a conventional residual stress measuring method cannot compensate for error of a real contact (indentation) depth or directly remove stress through a thermal or mechanical technique in the conventional method of measuring residual stress of a weldment, so that it is very difficult to estimate a stress-free reference curve or to quantitatively measure residual stress. However, the present invention can precisely estimate a stress-free curve of a weldment using an indentation strength ratio (OIT ratio) of a stress-free base metal to the weldment, and compensates for error, occurring in the measurement of a material having a weldment or an anisotropic stress structure, based on the indentation strength ratio, thereby more precisely measuring residual stress.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of measuring residual stress and, more particularly, to a residual stress measuring method using a continuous indentation tester. Due to pile-up and sink-in of a material or a blunted tip, a conventional residual stress measuring method cannot compensate for error of a real contact (indentation) depth or directly remove stress through a thermal or mechanical technique in the conventional method of measuring residual stress of a weldment, so that it is very difficult to estimate a stress-free reference curve or to quantitatively measure residual stress. However, the present invention can precisely estimate a stress-free curve of a weldment using an indentation strength ratio (OIT ratio) of a stress-free base metal to the weldment, and compensates for error, occurring in the measurement of a material having a weldment or an anisotropic stress structure, based on the indentation strength ratio, thereby more precisely measuring residual stress.

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: A method to determine the compression factor of powders for processing by roller presses with a roller diameter of 100-400 mm. A rotating press-roller (2), a matrix (4) and a piston (11) for measurement of the compression factor are used in the inventive method. The device to carry out the inventive method consists of a rotating press-roller (2) which is connected to a groove (5) in a displaceable matrix (4) and a piston (11) connected to a ruler (17) and a pointer (15) by means of a guide element (12) and a guide rod (13), whereby the depth of the groove is greater than the 20° angle tangent on the press-roller (2) when measured from the horizontal center axis.

Abstract: To predict residual settlement quantity and residual horizontal deformation quantity of ground where a liquefaction phenomenon has occurred due to earthquake. Soils in situ (stratum B to stratum D) are sampled from ground, and are made to be element test object stratums. A stratum whose characteristic is well-known, or the like may be substituted for a numerical model (stratum A). Next, setting of input conditions is performed, and vertical stress, horizontal stress and initial shear stress, which are equivalent to applied load that the ground at a depth of the point suffers, are worked on to each stratum. This recreates a stress status of soil before earthquake occurs. Then, shear displacement and the movement quantity of interstitial water by earthquake are given to the test piece, and the quantity of shear stress and pore water pressure, which have occurred, is obtained.

Abstract: A pole support for ground poles, such as telephone poles and power poles, is disclosed. The support can be driven into the ground next to the pole. It has a pair of spaced apart longitudinal end plates which are interconnected intermediate their ends by an intermediate plate. The end plates are spaced apart to allow the ground pole to pass at least partially between the end plates. Each end plate has a front longitudinal edge which, in use, is adjacent to the pole and a rear longitudinal edge which, in use, is directed away from the pole. The pole support has means to reduce sharp edges on the rear longitudinal edges. Also disclosed is a method for testing pole strength which comprises applying a load to the pole and either measuring its displacement or observing if it withstands the load. The amount of load applied to the pole and the degree of displacement is undergoes can be used to calculate the residual strength of the pole.

Abstract: An adjusting method and apparatus is provided for optimizing the CB of casting sand relative to the deformation properties of a casting mold. The method consists of measuring compactibility of casting sand by compactibility measuring means 4 and a value of compressive deformation of a sample mold 10 corresponding to the compactibility by compressive deformation measuring means 5, repeating the measuring step at least three times, and operating the optimum compactibility, at which the value of compressive deformation of the sample mold 10 is the minimum, by operation means 7.

Abstract: An apparatus for measuring elastomeric properties of a specimen during a test procedure includes a first compression member. The apparatus also includes a second compression member. Moreover, the apparatus includes a load cell having a body and a movable probe. The body is fixed in relation to the first compression member. The apparatus also includes a load transferring member positioned in contact with the probe. The specimen is interposed between the load transferring member and the second compression member. The apparatus also includes a bolt which contacts both the first compression member and the second compression member so as to maintain a constant distance therebetween during the test procedure. A method for measuring elastomeric properties of a specimen during a test procedure is also disclosed.

Abstract: A fixture for testing the resiliency of vehicle bulb-type weatherstripping before and after the weatherstripping has been heat treated includes a base and a holder movably positioned on the base for holding the weatherstripping. A ram is movably disposed on the base opposite the holder for motion between a compressed position, wherein the ram abuts the weatherstripping to compress the weatherstripping, and a release position, wherein the ram is distanced from the weatherstripping. A laser device is positioned for directing laser light onto the weatherstripping as it recovers from a compressed configuration to a relaxed configuration. As the weatherstripping recovers, the laser light is reflected off of the weatherstripping, detected, and a detection voltage is correlated to a distanced moved by the weatherstripping as a function of time. Thereby, a measure of the resiliency and recoverability of the weatherstripping is provided.

Abstract: A method is provided for accurately and easily measuring properties of sand. This method includes the steps of measuring contraction properties of the sand, determining a molding parameter for molding a test piece of the sand having a known size based on the measurements of the contraction properties before the test piece is press-molded, press-molding the test piece by compacting a feed of the sand in accordance with the molding parameter, and measuring the properties of the sand by measuring properties of the test piece.

Abstract: Foundry sand testing apparatus, method and system are provided for testing foundry sand. A computer foundry sand testing system includes at least one sensor for sensing predetermined characteristics of the foundry sand and for generating a signal. A processor coupled to the sensor processes the generated signal. A display is operatively controlled by the processor for displaying predetermined test information responsive to the generated signal. Predefined displays for receiving user selections and for displaying of test information are automatically generated. The generated displays of test information include real-time stress-strain curves and multiple calculated values utilizing the stress-strain curves.

Abstract: A method is disclosed to accurately and easily measure the amount of an active clayey component contained in molding greensand. A test piece is produced by feeding a predetermined amount of the molding greensand into a testing receptacle. The test piece is then tested to obtain its compressive strength. The amount of the active clayey component contained in it is determined from the measured compressive strength by using previously obtained data on the relation between the compressive strength and the active clayey component of molding greensand which is used on a mold-producing line or at a factory.

Abstract: The present invention has an object of simply and accurately measuring a load applied to a mechanical press. A test billet obtained from material of which the mechanical strength is uniform and which is finished precisely is placed on the press and pressed between a slide and a bed of a press, whereby an upsetting amount and a pressure at that time of pressing the billet are measured by a load cell. As a result, a press load, which may be calculated by establishing as functions such elements as material, deformation amount, and working speed of a test billet, can be accurately obtained by a simple measurement of the test billet to which established properties have preliminarily been given.

Abstract: A method for inspecting a cold expanded fastener hole in a structural part to confirm that the hole has been expanded by a desired amount involves determining the degree to which the hole has been expanded as a function of the out-of-plane deformation in material surrounding an entrance or exit of the hole formed as a result of the cold expansion process. Out-of-plane deformation at either of the entrance or exit is compared to a model constructed from an array of experimentally or analytically determined out-of-plane deformation profiles for a hole with the same, or substantially the same, dimensions subjected to varying degrees of cold expansion. The degree of expansion of the hole is derived based on this comparison.

Abstract: The object of the invention is a procedure for vulcanization which includes a determination of the vulcanization coefficient of an elastomeric workpiece, and an apparatus for the application of the procedure. Prior art is the measurement of the rapture strength or the penetration depth of a needle and the calculation of the vulcanization coefficient from the measured value. The disadvantage is its restriction to the application for time-consuming measurements of samples taken at not too short intervals. Series testing is excluded. The task consists in defining a procedure which leaves the workpiece undestroyed and where the measuring time is so short that it can be applied in series; and in the development of the appropriate apparatus.

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

Abstract: To determine the filling capacity of tobacco, a predetermined quantity of tobacco is filled into a volume of known cross-section forming part of a press, closed on one side by a movable plunger, and the length of the tobacco column and the force acting on the tobacco during compression of the tobacco by the plunger are measured as a function of time. The output data are processed by at least one computer while the tobacco is being packed into packaging containers by means of the press. The length of the tobacco column is determined from the measured distance covered by the movable plunger of the press which compresses the tobacco and in doing so moves it into the packaging container. The force acting on the tobacco is measured from the pressure required to drive the plunger, or from the supporting force required to hold the packaging container, or from the force occurring at the plunger or its drive elements.

Abstract: A quality undisturbed sample of of cohesionless soil, in which the in-situ state of stress and strain is kept, can be obtained by in-situ freezing of the soil and subsequent removal of the frozen sample for testing. The in-situ horizontal stress in the cohesionless soil can be determined by the thawing the high quality undisturbed sample or, alternately, the frozen hole made in the frozen ground. A test apparatus and procedure for each of the two alternatives adjusts the pressure on the cylindrical sides of the sample or of the cored hole in the ground, to maintain the respective diameter as thawing occurs. The final pressure indicates the horizontal stress. In the case of testing the cylinder-shaped sample removed from the ground, it is loaded axially to reproduce the vertical load conditions at the level in the ground from where it was taken.

Abstract: A device for testing the quality of foundry green sand is described including a delivery structure with an invertible riddle, a testing structure with a compaction plunger, and sensors for measuring the compaction and moisture content of the sample, another testing structure with a sensor for measuring the green compressive strength of the sample, and a specimen tube mounted on carriage which traverses between delivery and testing structures. A strike off device levels the sample within the specimen tube. The floor of the specimen tube can be raised to eject the sample after testing and the same strike off device cleans the raised floor. A control panel activates and coordinates the operation of the device. A data processor analyzes the information yielded by the testing apparatus and automatically initiates the correct addition of any additives as needed.

Abstract: Instead of a measuring chamber with a fixed volume, the present chamber is formed as a cylinder (12) with a piston (3) movable therein. The piston is pressed against the fibre sample (29) with constant compression force, and the respective volume of the measuring chamber is determined individually from the final position of the piston. Then an air stream is conducted through the fibre plug, the effect of the air stream together with the volume of the chamber allowing conclusions to be drawn regarding the fibre fineness. The displaceable piston ensures constant sealing of the fibre sample and makes precise metering of the fibre sample superfluous.

Abstract: A method of measuring the compactibility of a fresh concrete mass, for obtaining information of the applicability of the mass with respect to the strength properties of the cast product. A sample (20) having a determined weight (m) is taken from the mass and compressed in two opposite directions with a constant force (P) and subjected to a shearing compaction between two slanting planes (13, 14) which extend in parallel with each other and alter their positions through rotation. The volume (V, V.sub.t) of the sample is determined at the beginning of the compaction and after a pre-determined compaction work, whereafter the volume change of the sample is compared with experimentally defined limit values. The apparatus comprises a compacting device for subjecting the sample in a container to a shearing compaction, and elements for maintaining the sample under compression during the compaction.

Abstract: Apparatus and a test method for bench scale determination of whether a particulate material will flow under the action of gravity alone from an outlet in the bottom of a container. The apparatus includes a test cell having inclined conical side walls, and that is closed at its larger end by a plug having an inwardly-facing surface that is concave and conforms to a coaxial cone. In this way, cylindrical surfaces are avoided, and the shape of the space within the test cell offers minimal interference with the plastic stress field of the material. This testing method includes the novel step of inverting the test cell after consolidation of the test material but prior to application of the failure load.

Abstract: A device for testing the compactibility of a sample of granular material is described including a delivery structure with an invertible riddle, a testing structure with a plunger to compress the sample and an encoder to measure the compactibility of the sample, and a specimen tube mounted on a carriage which traverses between the delivery and testing structures. A wiper levels the sample within the specimen tube. The floor of the specimen tube can be raised to eject the sample after testing and the same wiper cleans the raised floor. A control panel activates and coordinates the operation of the device.

Abstract: A specific measured volume of a molding compound is placed within a cavity having a certain geometry and a compacting pressure is applied thereto until a predetermined measured pressure is reached on a side of said molding compound opposite the side where the pressure is applied in order to produce a test piece, with the volume of the test piece at the point at whcih the predetermined pressure is reached being determined so that the test piece may be subsequently used for determining other mechanical properties of the compound.

Abstract: There is described an apparatus for determining the behaviour of powder of granular material under stress, comprising, at least one flexible boundary arranged to abut one face of a sample of the powder or granular material, means to apply stress to the sample through the flexible boundary, a detector to detect the position of the flexible boundary as the sample is stressed, and a control to adjust the position of the flexible boundary. The detector may comprise an electrical circuit, advantageously a make and break circuit. There is also described an apparatus for determining the behavior of powder or granular material under stress, comprising at least one flexible boundary arranged to abut one face of a sample of the powder or granular material, means to apply stress to the sample through the flexible boundary, and adjusting members attached to the flexible boundary to cause it to strain as the sample strains under the applied stress.

Abstract: A method for determining the extensibility of selected non-excised tissue of the uterine cervix, ear or skin by:(a) positioning the tissue between two force transmitting members, applying a varying compressive force to the tissue through the force transmitting members, measuring the force applied and the displacement of the non-excised tissue resulting from said force, and calculating the modulus of extensibility curve of the tissue, or(b) positioning the tissue between two force transmitting members, applying a constant compressive force to the tissue through the force transmitting members, measuring the displacement of the tissue resulting from the application of the force, and continuously monitoring the changes in the displacement of the tissue over a period of time to determine the changes in the extensibility of the tissue while the constant force is applied.