Abstract: Provided is a jig for a vibration test of a rotor blade, for use in the vibration test for evaluating high cycle fatigue characteristics of the rotor blade for an aircraft engine, and the jig is provided with a jig body holding a dovetail portion of a fan blade and fixed onto an excitation table of a shaker, and a hydraulic jack that applies a load in a blade span direction to the fan blade to fix the fan blade to the jig body. Consequently, in the vibration test for evaluating the high cycle fatigue characteristics of the rotor blade, a test simulating an actual operation state can be carried out, the rotor blade can be efficiently excited to reach a large deformation region, and high cycle fatigue failure can occur without any increase in test cost.

Abstract: A vehicle may be configured with an adjustable horizontal planar platform for receiving a load, such as a boom arm of a crane and transporting the load to a new location. In some cases, the platform is configured to swivel and tilt in order to maintain an alignment with a second vehicle during transport of a load.

Abstract: Provided is an apparatus for fatigue testing a bulge tool having a WH-type skeleton, the apparatus including: a fixing bracket having tool holes penetrated through opposite sides thereof; a tool housing coupled to the tool hole of the fixing bracket and having the bulge tool inserted and installed therein; a moving rail installed at one side of the fixing bracket in a lengthwise direction of the tool housing and providing a reciprocating movement path facing the tool housing; a moving bracket reciprocating along the moving rail; a pusher protrudingly installed from the moving bracket toward the tool housing and moving in and out of the bulge tool; a measurement means installed between the pusher and the moving bracket, measuring a load applied to the bulge tool; and a drive means for generating power reciprocating the moving bracket on the moving rail.

Abstract: A high-speed tensile testing machine conducts a tensile test on a test piece by applying a test force to the test piece. The high-speed tensile testing machine includes a detection unit configured to detect a test period indicating a time from when the test piece starts to deform under action of the test force to when the test piece breaks, and a determination unit configured to determine validity of a test result of the tensile test, on the basis of the test period and natural vibration of the high-speed tensile testing machine. Specifically, in the case where the test period is a predetermined multiple or more of a specific cycle indicating a cycle of the natural vibration of the high-speed tensile testing machine, the determination unit determines that the test result of the tensile test is valid.

Abstract: A manufacturing method that includes fabricating a component using an additive manufacturing process, and fabricating a coupon using the additive manufacturing process. The coupon includes a main portion and a grip portion. Fabrication of the coupon includes fabricating the main portion concurrently with the fabrication of the component, fabricating the grip portion dissociatedly from the fabrication of the component, and coupling a first end of the main portion with the grip portion to form the coupon.

Abstract: A padeye tester is used for testing the condition of padeyes on underwater structures. The padeye tester has a frame having feet to engaged with an underwater structure, and a hook for engaging with a pad eye. The hook is moved under hydraulic pressure to provide a tensile force on the padeye, and the response to this tensile force indicates the padeye condition.

Abstract: Gripping claws and pairs of arched angular profiles are arranged along the perimeter of a cylindrical surface segment so as to grip the edges of a fuselage panel, closing the opening of a pressurizable chamber.

Abstract: A test tool assembly for use in testing a tubular component, such as a pipe section, is mounted on the exterior surface of the pipe section. The assembly includes a force-generating arrangement for generating and applying an axial load to the pipe section. One end of the force-generating arrangement is secured to an outer surface of the pipe section by a split sleeve clamp mounted on an external gripping member. The other end of the arrangement features sockets which engage nuts provided on studs which extend into bolt holes in the pipe section. The force-generating arrangement further includes an array of hydraulic actuators mounted around the pipe section between the split sleeve clamp and the sockets. The tool assembly will typically be used in combination with a pressure test tool.

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: A test tool assembly for use in testing a tubular component, such as a pipe section, is mounted on the exterior surface of the pipe section. The assembly includes a force-generating arrangement for generating and applying an axial load to the pipe section. One end of the force-generating arrangement is secured to an outer surface of the pipe section by a split sleeve clamp mounted on an external gripping member. The other end of the arrangement features sockets which engage nuts provided on studs which extend into bolt holes in the pipe section. The force-generating arrangement further includes an array of hydraulic actuators mounted around the pipe section between the split sleeve clamp and the sockets. The tool assembly will typically be used in combination with a pressure test tool.

Abstract: The invention relates to methods of measuring the overall elasticity of skin and determining the portion of the overall elasticity that is due to elastic properties and the portion of overall elasticity that is due to viscoelastic properties of the skin and correlating the results of the measurement to an individual's chronological age. The invention also relates to methods of measuring improvements in a person's skin health by measuring elasticity before, during and after human clinical trials of topical and/or oral treatment compositions. The parameters for determining elasticity are based on areas that are defined on a deformation/relaxation curve and require that an inflection point be determined for each skin sample analyzed.

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: A hydraulic threaded bolt clamping device for tightening and releasing threaded bolts has a pressure medium supply connected to a pressure medium connector. A cylinder rests against a machine part that is to be clamped and a periodically pressure-loaded piston is guided seal-tightly in the cylinder and rests against a threaded bushing screwed onto the threaded bolt. A control device actuates the pressure medium supply for supplying pressure medium to the bolt clamping device. After a nominal value corresponding to a nominal prestressing force has been reached the pressure medium supply is switched off. The nominal screw prestressing force or a corresponding nominal pressure of the pressure medium supply is preset by an input device. A measuring device measures relative displacement of the threaded end of the bolt relative to the cylinder. An evaluation device determines residual actual screw prestress after pressure relief of the bolt clamping device.

Abstract: A system which cyclically applies and reduces a load on a test specimen and which can use an apparatus comprising: (a) a frame; (b) a load adjusting section having a fluidic mechanical muscle that contracts and extends in length to cyclically apply and reduce a load; (c) a load train section frame for subjecting a test specimen to the load; and (d) a lever arm configured to apply and reduce the load from the loading adjusting section to the load train section. The system and apparatus can be used in a method for cyclically applying and reducing a load on a test specimen to thereby subject the test specimen to tensile testing and can also comprise a mechanism for decoupling at least a portion of the load from the test specimen when the load is reduced.

Abstract: A force gage for measuring a tensile force in a pneumatically-operated device, includes a parallelogram linkage having a pair of longitudinal arms in spaced-apart parallel disposition, and a pair of transverse arms in spaced-apart parallel disposition and hingedly interconnecting the longitudinal arms, with a first one of the longitudinal arms being acted upon by a tensile force and movable by the tensile force in the direction of the tensile force, whereby the pair of longitudinal arms is oriented in a direction parallel to the tensile force. A probe is positioned between the transverse arms and securely fixed to a second one of the longitudinal arms for generating a pneumatic pressure signal commensurate with the tensile force. The probe has a casing and a sensing element which projects out of the casing and is acted upon in dependence on the tensile force by a force-applying structure which may be either the first longitudinal arm or one of the transverse arms.

Abstract: The tension in a stud is verified by determining the elongation of the stud while attached to a stud tensioner during the tensioning step. The pressure of hydraulic fluid in a hydraulically actuated tensioner is increased from a first low pressure to a higher pressure for elongating the stud while correlating the increase in pressure of the hydraulic fluid with the quantity of hydraulic fluid in the tensioner or with the displacement of a tensioner puller bar or piston. After a nut is tightened on the stud, the pressure of the hydraulic fluid is reduced from the higher pressure to a second low pressure while correlating the decrease in pressure of the hydraulic fluid with the travel of the puller bar or piston or correlating the decrease in pressure of the hydraulic fluid with the change in fluid volume.

Abstract: A deformable structure is subjected to a plurality of reduced pressures, causing a bulge in the surface of the deformable structure above a separation in the deformable structure. The cross sectional area of the bulge is measured for each reduced pressure in a plane parallel to the surface of the deformable structure. When the cross sectional area of the bulge does not increase with a reduction in the pressure, the cross sectional area of the bulge approximates the area of the separation. The depth of the separation is calculated using the change in cross sectional area of the bulge per change in pressure.

Abstract: A deformable structure is subjected to a plurality of reduced pressures, causing a bulge in the surface of the deformable structure above a separation in the deformable structure. The cross sectional area of the bulge is measured for each reduced pressure in a plane parallel to the surface of the deformable structure. When the cross sectional area of the bulge does not increase with a reduction in the pressure, the cross sectional area of the bulge approximates the area of the separation. The depth of the separation is calculated using the change in cross sectional area of the bulge per change in pressure.

Abstract: An apparatus for single-axis examinations of micro samples in a tensile testing machine having opposite pull rods between which the apparatus is mounted for the application of tensile forces to a micro-sample includes a load frame for the connection to the pull rods which load frame comprises two parallel spring frame structures in the form of serially arranged cantilever beams defining multiple S structures interconnecting a bottom and a top frame part, sample mounting means mounted on one of the parts, a force measuring element mounted on the other frame part and including hydraulic sample mounting means and flexible means which bend depending on the pulling force applied thereto and which have tension measuring means to measure the bending extent and means for sensing the movement of the second mounting means relative to the one frame part.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for applying a force, displacement, or both to specimens, components, or systems by using a remote variable load/deflection device. The method enables testing of materials under actual in-service conditions. A displaceable container with a heating or heating and cooling element inside is provided. As heat is applied to the element, it expands thermally and causes the container to displace and apply force to specimens, components, or systems. The load/displacement of the container is modified by heating or cooling the element material. The container may be attached to in-service specimens, components, or systems and used to study the material behavior during in-service operation.

Abstract: A device for measuring woven fabric stress. The device includes a vacuum chamber having high rigidity; a vacuum pump for reducing the pressure in the vacuum chamber; a pressure gauge; a fabric displacement measuring device; and a fabric stress calculator. The vacuum chamber has an opening for sealing engagement with a surface of a fabric under atmospheric pressure. Upon evacuating the air from the vacuum chamber, the atmospheric pressure against the opposite surface of the fabric distends a portion of the fabric into the vacuum chamber. The measure of fabric distension and the reduced pressure reading in the vacuum chamber are transmitted to the fabric stress calculator, which compares the readings to compute a fabric stress reading.

Abstract: Testing machine for the mechanical testing of material samples comprising a first and a second force engagement device, a first and a second sample engagement device, a first force measuring device which is positioned between the first sample engagement device on the one hand and the force by-pass device together with the first force engagement device on the other hand, an actuator to create the force to be applied, a force by-pass device which is connected to the first force engagement device and which tranfers an applied prestress force acting on one of the force engagement devices to the other while by-passing the sample positioned between the two sample engagement devices, whereby the force by-pass device is stiff, the second sample engagement device is, by way of a length adjustment device, slidably mounted in the direction of the application of force relative to the end of the force by-pass device which is not connected to a force engagement device and whereby the length adjustment device is connected t

Abstract: Apparatus and a method are provided for tensile-impact and penetration testing of sample elements, utilizing hydraulic flows to accelerate a lead-in piston inside a cylindrical hydraulic chamber in controlled manner to thereby deliver a predetermined amount of energy to a lighter piston mounted on a slidable piston rod to convey the desired force to the sample with minimal distortion of the measured parameters of interest on account of any extraneous oscillations caused by recoil of the elements. The penetration testing is performed preferably by mounting a sample element in a bell-shaped sample-holding element that is easily mounted to an end of the piston rod. A number of penetration sample elements, each held in an individual sample-holding element, can be brought to a selected predetermined temperature and each is readily mountable to the apparatus to enable quick, convenient and inexpensive, reproducible testing of a plurality of samples.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a self-aligning axial/torsional loading mechanism for testing the strength of brittle materials which are sensitive to bending moments. Disposed inside said self-aligning loading mechanism is a frictionless hydrostatic ball joint with a flexure ring to accommodate torsional loads through said ball joint.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for determining and comparing the stretchability of fabrics. The apparatus and method comprise a support tube upon which is mounted one or more annular, inflatable bladders. A stretchable fabric sample is pulled over the support and the deflated bladder and secured in place by a collar. Air is directed from a pressure source through the support tube to inflate the bladder at a fixed rate. Electronic sensors measure the air pressure required to inflate the bladder and expand the fabric as a function of time during inflation and this inflation data is applied to a computer. The computer plots the air pressure required to inflate the bladder as a function of time for both cases, where fabric is and is not in place. The deformation characteristic of one or more fabric samples can thereby be observed.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, a low in weight, portable, mechanical property testing machine is provided in which no special testing machine foundation is required, and a standard power supply may be used. The applied load to test the specimen is applied by the action of a rod making a single stroke within a cylinder containing hydraulic fluid. The inside diameter of the cylinder is significantly greater than the diameter of the rod. The hydraulic fluid transmitted from the cylinder is substantially ripple free and applies an even load to the specimen being tested through a second fluid cylinder and piston acting therein. The use of valves, as used in the prior art may thus be avoided, thus achieving simplicity of operation. To absorb the shock created by the specimen breaking, a dash pot is provided out board of the second piston as a shock absorber.

Abstract: A material tester which allows for material characterization under hydrodmic loading including very high rates of loading such as found in ballistic applications, and which includes various interchangeable fittings to allow the tester to simultaneously subject a test specimen to (1) radial compression and axial tension, or (2) radial compression and axial compression, or (3) radial compression and axial shearing stress.

Abstract: A tensile test grip for holding a specimen has a pullrod that is mounted in an annular bore, and carries a piston head that fits within a piston chamber, and both the pullrod and piston head are sealed on their outer surfaces with respect to the body forming the piston chamber, to form an enclosed chamber in which hydraulic fluid can be provided to permit swiveling alignment of the pullrod and the piston head relative to the housing that is a function of the direction of loading between the pullrod and the housing. The seal on the pullrod and the seal on the piston head with respect to the respective surfaces on which they seal is on a very short part spherical land to permit the pullrod and piston head to shift with respect to the housing and provide self alignment. The pullrod and piston can swivel freely for a limited amount to provide alignment during tensile loads.

Abstract: Apparatus providing a device for testing the properties of material specimens at high temperatures and pressures in controlled water chemistries includes, inter alia, an autoclave housing the specimen which is being tested. The specimen is connected to a pull rod which couples out of the autoclave to an external assembly which includes one or more transducers, a force balance chamber and a piston type actuator. The pull rod feeds through the force balance chamber and is compensated thereby for the pressure conditions existing within the autoclave and tending to eject the pull rod therefrom. The upper end of the push rod is connected to the actuator through elements containing a transducer comprising a linear variable differential transformer (LVDT). The housing and coil assembly of the LVDT is coupled to a tube which runs through a central bore of the pull rod into the autoclave where it is connected to one side of the specimen.

Abstract: A fatigue test apparatus in which a specimen to be tested is attached at its ends to a pair of opposing pistons positioned within a pair of opposing cylinders. The cylinders are attached to a support frame such that the specimen is oriented substantially vertically. In a preferred embodiment, the specimen is enclosed in a heat chamber to test at high temperatures. Each of the pistons is attached to a shaft having a weight at its end and the weights are drivingly connected to a pair of shakers which are actuated to vibrate 180.degree. out of phase with each other. The cylinders are pressurized to exert a static tensile load on the specimen, and the shakers are actuated to exert a dynamic tensile load which is superimposed on the static load and travels through the weights, shafts and pistons to the specimen.

Abstract: The multipurpose vehicle of the present invention is designed to operate in and around dry docks and wharfs and its capable of lifting and moving propellers from propeller shafts within areas confined by a ship's rudder and to carry the propeller to an area away from the ship to be lifted to the wharf by crane. The propellers may weigh as much as 75,000 pounds and be 23 feet in diameter. The vehicle may also be used to accurately position keel blocks and haul blocks weighing up to 25,000 pounds in positions to support a ship. The vehicle may be lifted by crane out of dry dock to test padeyes for safety and certification by applying up to a 50,000 pound pulling force to the payeyes. The vehicle's upper arm can be extended to about 40 feet high or can be lowered to a level permitting the vehicle to pull or carry articles into buildings on the wharf.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a self-aligning grip housing assembly that can transmit an uniaxial load to a tensil specimen without introducing bending stresses into the specimen. Disposed inside said grip housing assembly are a multiplicity of supporting pistons connected to a common source of pressurized oil that carry equal shares of the load applied to the specimen irregardless whether there is initial misalignment between the specimen load column assembly and housing axis.

Abstract: Disclosed is a testing machine for testing specimens such as lumber which may have varying overall lengths. The testing machine includes the frame having an elongated longitudinal member which can be pivotally mounted with respect to stands. Two sets of transverse arms are connected to the longitudinal member at appropriate points. One set of transverse arms is pivotable. The transverse arms extend outwardly from the longitudinal member and have an extendible and contractible force member for increasing and decreasing the distance between the arms along one side of the frame. Jaw sets are pivotally mounted to the transverse arms opposite from the force member for engaging a specimen being tested. The jaw sets are preferably hydraulically closed, using the same hydraulic supply as used to extend the force member, thus automatically proportioning the gripping force of the jaws with relationship to the applied load to the specimen.

Abstract: A device for testing the tensile strength of fiberglass rods. A hydraulic ram system applies force through specially shaped holders to the ends of fiberglass sucker rods having end connectors mounted by a combination of adhesive and compression joints.

Abstract: A high volume valve for controlling flow of fluid from a source of fluid under pressure, such as in an accumulator, to an actuator used for testing specimens under high rates of loading. The valve includes a poppet type valve piston that is normally held in a closed position by hydraulic pressure behind the poppet, and when the pressure holding the poppet closed is released, the main supply of fluid under pressure acts on the poppet to open it very quickly. A second accumulator open to the opposite side of the poppet from the main source of pressure is utilized for controlling speed of opening of the valve. The amount the poppet opens also can be adjusted for controlling the rate of flow of fluid from the main source of pressure to the actuator.

Abstract: A rapid opening valve assembly utilized in high rate specimen test systems which require that an actuator load a specimen at rates in the range up to one thousand inches per second and with deflections up to three inches. The high rate valve utilizes a poppet or valve piston member that rapidly opens once it is triggered. The ports may be very large and as shown the valve body is used in connection with a closely coupled accumulator pressure source that is ported directly to the actuator to provide adequate flow capacity. The specimen is generally for testing of metals, plastics, and elastomers under tension or compression.

Abstract: The level of heat treatment of metal strip in a process line is determined by first strain gauge producing a voltage proportional to longitudinal strip tension; selective means deflecting the strip in a lateral direction without materially effecting tension; second strain gauge producing a voltage proportional to lateral force and an amplifier means combining such voltages; setable means coupled to amplifier means output for establishing a predetermined output signal for a specific strip size; means producing voltage proportional to the lateral deflection; means differentiating between a voltage indicative of a gradual strip difference and a voltage resulting from sudden strip deflections; and means combining differentiated signal and latter voltage to produce a combined signal indicative of heat treatment level.