Abstract: The present invention relates to a miniature rheometer, a parallel rheometer, and improved force sensor elements which may advantageously be used in combination with the miniature rheometer and the parallel rheometer. The miniature rheometer is adapted to determine rheological characteristics of materials which are provided in the form of small quantity samples. The miniature rheometer comprises an actuating element, a sensing element and a feedback circuit to provide rebalance of the shear force applied by the sample to the sensing element, which insures an exceptional stiffness in determining the shear strain so as to allow measurements of high accuracy. The parallel rheometer of the present invention allows simultaneous measurements of a plurality of samples so as to allow of a plurality of samples within a short time period. The force sensor element according to the present invention allows simultaneous measurement of a shear force and a normal force applied to the sensor element.

Abstract: Micro electromechanical components in a novel configuration to allow wireless normal direction pressure transducers to be used for oblique or shear forces. The invention includes a novel cantilever beam configuration and algorithm, the readings of the MEMS sensors are averaged to reduce the experimental variability, to estimate the shear stress that may occur between a human and external equipment or possibly between materials. The shear force component is calculated via the formula: Shear Force=Vt={square root over ({overscore (V)})}23+4+ . . . +n1−{overscore (V)}21+2+ . . . +n2.

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: An apparatus for direct shear stress testing of a sample includes a base plate, a supporting member, a fixing member, and a sliding member. The supporting member includes a supporting plate. The fixing member includes a stationary shear plate having a first receiving hole. The sliding member includes a movable shear plate interposed between and in sliding contact with the supporting plate and the stationary shear plate. The movable shear plate has a second receiving hole. The movable shear plate is slidable relative to the stationary shear plate to align the first and second receiving holes so as to receive the sample therein, and to misalign the first and second receiving holes so as to cause the sample to yield. The direct shear stress of the sample can thus be tested accordingly.

Abstract: A shear test apparatus for testing a shear characteristic of a curved panel is provided. The shear test apparatus includes a frame made up of first and second curved side bearing members for bearing a pair of curved sides of the curved panel and first and second flat side bearing members for bearing a pair of flat sides of the curved panel. The second curved side bearing member has an arm extending in a direction perpendicular to the face of the curved panel. The arm has an external force loading point in a position coincident with the center of shear of the curved panel, to prevent twisting of the curved panel.

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 deflection compensated roll has a stationary support structure and a shell rotatably arranged around it by means of slide bearings. The shell is additionally supported on the support structure with hydraulic loading devices by which the axial profile of the shell can be controlled. In the procedure, at least the pressure acting in the main bearing elements of the slide bearings effective in oppsite directions in the nip plane is measured by conducting pressure data from a pressure space between a control valve associated with the main bearing elements and each main bearing element by means of measurement ducts outside the roll where the pressure data is passed to a pressure sensor.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a miniature rheometer, a parallel rheometer, and improved force sensor elements which may advantageously be used in combination with the miniature rheometer and the parallel rheometer. The miniature rheometer is adapted to determine rheological characteristics of materials which are provided in the form of small quantity samples. The miniature rheometer comprises an actuating element, a sensing element and a feedback circuit to provide rebalance of the shear force applied by the sample to the sensing element, which insures an exceptional stiffness in determining the shear strain so as to allow measurements of high accuracy. The parallel rheometer of the present invention allows simultaneous measurements of a plurality of samples so as to allow of a plurality of samples within a short time period. The force sensor element according to the present invention allows simultaneous measurement of a shear force and a normal force applied to the sensor element.

Abstract: A rheometer 1, an example of which is shown in FIG. 1, comprising an upper die 2 and a lower die 3. Extending on the vertical axis of this die arrangement is a pneumatic cylinder shaft 6, which is connected to the heater element 4 and insulator layer 5 of the upper die 2. The lower die 3 is supported by a bearing 8 which allows a lower die to rotate about an axis which is in line with that of the pneumatic cylinder 6. A lower die 3 is caused to oscillate in a rotation manner of at a vertical axis in line with the pneumatic cylinder, which is also connected to a transducer 12 which measures the force needed to keep the upper die to substantially stationary as rotation occurs. Alternatively, a lower die 2 can be have substantially stationery while a rotor head 16 holds the material to be tested. This case the forces required to maintain oscillation of the rotor head 16 in the material are tested by the transducer 12.

Abstract: The present invention is formed by detecting the charged particles generated during film peeling and fragility breaking, so that it is possible to specify a peel occurring time and a fragility breaking time, with a high sensitivity and a high accuracy. In this way, it becomes possible to correctly measure the peel strength and the fragility breaking strength. The method of the invention comprises the steps of pressing an indenter into a test object and measuring an indentation load as well as an indentation depth, while at the same time detecting charged particles omitted from a peel starting point or a breakage starting point; specifying a peel occurring time and a fragility breaking time when charged particles are increased; measuring a peel strength and/or a fragility breaking strength.

Abstract: A portable device for measuring the shear properties of a material specimen under applied dynamic circumferential forces against the specimen perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of said specimen. The device may further apply a dynamic force against an end of the specimen. The device includes clamps that hold the specimen at its proximal and distal end, wherein the circumferential force applied to the specimen is affectively applied between the two clamps. The temperature of the specimen may be held constant by controlling the temperature within an environmental chamber through the use of a closed loop PID control system. The force against the specimen is dynamically loaded by a dynamic load reaction frame consisting of a shear load actuator and load reaction structure. A microprocessor-based controller operates the dynamic load reaction frame under closed loop control.

Abstract: A stress sensor is provided that is suited for measurement of stress between adjacent mated bodies, such as at an interface. The stress sensor permits measurement of stress, preferably a shear component of the stress substantially exclusive of the normal component. A system including the stress sensor and a method of measuring stress, especially the shear component of stress, using the sensor are also provided.

Abstract: In this invention, a contact type micro piezoresistive shear-stress sensor is fabricated by the micro-electro-mechanical (MEMS) technology, and its main sensing part is a 2-X shaped with a flange structure, for measuring the shear stress distribution between socket of above-knee (AK) prostheses and the soft tissue of amputee's stump. Comparing with a conventional shear stress sensor, this invention owns the following characteristics: piezo-resistivity of the monolithic silicon will be utilized to convert shear deformation of the sensor into electrical signal and a micro sensor which can measure the shear force vector acting the sensing flange.

Abstract: A fixture is provided for testing the shear strength of a longitudinal weld which interconnects a plurality of planar blanks forming a tailor welded blank. The fixture includes a first pair of triangular shaped face plates connected to one side of the tailor welded blank and a second pair of triangular shaped face plates connected to the other side of the tailor welded blank. Each of the face plates includes a transverse edge which extends across the longitudinal weld connecting the planar blanks. The fixture further includes each of the transverse edges having a first portion and a second portion spaced from and parallel to the first portion. The fixture also includes an isolation portion interconnecting the first and second portions of the transverse edges adjacent the longitudinal weld for isolating a portion of the weld whereby the isolated portion of the weld is tested for shear resistance by applying a tensile load to the first and second pair of face plates.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for creating dynamic shear within metallic and non-metallic test sample materials under controlled conditions related to high ballistic impact includes the use of test sample having an end face with non-symmetrically placed surfaces extending away from a leading edge of the end face.

Abstract: A method of measuring shear friction factor between a workpiece material and a forming tool through a backward extrusion process. The method includes steps of: positioning the workpiece material at a groove previously manufactured on the forming die by turning; pressurizing the workpiece material to form an extruded product by pressure of a downwardly moving punch; forming tip on the extruded end of the extruded product; measuring an external diameter of the extruded product and a diameter of the tip, and obtaining a perpendicular distance by subtracting the diameter of the tip from the external diameter and dividing the subtracting result by two; and acquiring shear friction factor by calculating predetermined coefficients and a normalized perpendicular distance non-dimensionalized by thickness value of the extruded product. The thickness is defined as an interval between the external diameter of the extruded product and an external diameter of the punch.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a sensor for measuring the instantaneous rate of mass flow and the cumulative mass flow in steady or unsteady flows of single-phase liquids or gases in a duct. By measuring the shear stress or the streamwise pressure gradient at the duct wall, and relating it to mass flow through solutions to the Navier Stokes equations of fluid mechanics, information on mass flow through the entire duct cross sectional area is deduced.

Abstract: The inventive stress test rig for helicopter transmission comprises a first test rig transmission (16) which is driven by a motor (38) and forms a closed stress circuit via shafts (4, 14, 54), connecting couplings (12) a stress mechanism (40, 42), a second test rig transmission (52) and a test transmission (2) having a rotor shaft (4) on the output side. To house the test transmission (2), it has a clamping plate (23) which by means of at least one actuator (22) can be rotated about the rotor shaft axis of the test transmission to compensate load-induced displacements at the connecting couplings (12) of the test transmission.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for creating dynamic shear within metallic and non-metallic test sample materials under controlled conditions related to high velocity ballistic impact; metallurgical analysis techniques for studying the resultant sheared regions, analytic models for interpretation and characterization of the shear phenomena, and resulting constitutive relations are described. The test sample and receptor or target shapes together with the physical arrangement and conditions of impact are varied to provide a unique shear localization within the samples such that the shear process occurs along controlled and specific directions. The shear is observed and characterized through use of newly developed preparation techniques so that the samples and the localized shear can be examined with standard metallurgical instruments such as metallography and electron microscopy.

Abstract: A deflection compensated roll has a stationary support structure and a shell rotatably arranged around it by means of slide bearings. The shell is additionally supported on the support structure with hydraulic loading devices by which the axial profile of the shell can be controlled. In the procedure, at least the pressure acting in the main bearing elements of the slide bearings effective in oppsite directions in the nip plane is measured by conducting pressure data from a pressure space between a control valve associated with the main bearing elements and each main bearing element by means of measurement ducts outside the roll where the pressure data is passed to a pressure sensor.

Abstract: A method for improving the archiving of a curve plotted from at least N (N≧5) measured experimental values of a dynamic parameter P of a viscoelastic material where this parameter is a function of the deformation q at a given temperature, characterized in that it comprises the following stages: a) the acquisition of N experimental measurements of the said dynamic parameter P of the said viscoelastic material where this parameter is a function of the deformation q at a predetermined temperature; b) the determination, by successive approximations, of the values P0, P1, q1, P2, q2, which, when inserted in the relation P ⁡ ( q ) = P 0 + P 1 ⁢ ⅇ

Abstract: A micro-dimensional sensor measures the shear force, both in magnitude and direction, at the surface of a solid boundary as a fluid flows over that boundary. The sensor is a micro-mechanical capacitor-transducer system that includes a micro-dimensioned floating upper plate above a fixed lower plate supported on a substrate. The floating upper plate is mounted and held over the substrate by a number of zig-zap form supporting arms. The flow passing over the upper plate displaces the upper plate in a downstream direction, which results in a measurable change of the capacitance in the capacitor-transducer system. The direction and magnitude of the shear forces can then be obtained from the measured capacitance through specially designed circuitry.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for measuring the shearing action in the core of a sandwich structure, for instance a hull. The device comprises a sensing means, e.g. a cylindrical rod, and a measuring instrument. The rod is adapted to be inserted into a cylindrical hole which is bored in the hull preferably perpendicular to the surface thereof so as to extend a distance into the core and which has a diameter corresponding to that of the rod. By means of the measuring instrument, an angle between the rod and a reference plane is measured, which is determined by three points on the surface of the hull or the change of this angle when the hull is subjected to a change in load. This angle can be converted into a measure of the current shearing load.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus and a method to apply a load to an adherend, which is bonded to a substrate, to allow an accurate measurement of the bond between an adherend and substrate. The strength of the bond is tested by shearing the adherend from the substrate and measuring the force per unit area required to fail the bond. This is accomplished by positioning a crosshead at the base of the adherend and applying a load, which is parallel to the surface of the substrate against the base of the adherend. The strength of the bond is the force per unit area required to shear the adherend from the substrate. The accuracy of the measurement is enhanced by minimizing the surface area of the crosshead that is in contact with the substrate and by ensuring that the adherend is not fractured during testing. Fracturing and deformation of the adherend is limited by using a notch to test with rather than a straight chisel.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for forming an adherend and bonding the adherend to a test piece. A bonding and molding platform is used to form a cylindrically shaped adherend that is bonded to the test piece. The bonding and molding platform limits the bond site to a particular area on the test piece. The bonding and molding platform forms an adherend that is substantially cylindrically shaped and substantially perpendicular to the substrate.

Abstract: A method of measuring the representative shear friction factor at the interface between a workpiece material and forming die during bulk forming processes through a backward extrusion process is disclosed. In this measuring method, the workpiece material is primarily positioned at a predetermined groove location within the forming die of the extrusion tool-set and is pressurized by a punch. This process forms an apex at the backward extruded end of the extruded product. Thereafter, the perpendicular distance “d” from the external side surface of the extruded product to the apex is measured and used to calculate the representative shear friction factor “mf”. In the above method, the diameter of the workpiece material is equal to the average of the outer diameter of the punch and the inner diameter of the forming die. It is also positioned such that its central axis is aligned with the central axes of both the punch and the forming die.

Abstract: The present invention is a device to measure the parallel shear force on a mattress. The device has a motor, a weighted object, a high friction material pad, and a load cell. The motor moves by pushing and pulling the weighted object on the high friction material pad which is on the mattress. The load cell measures the peak shear force when the weighted object is pulled and when the weighted object is pushed.

Abstract: The measuring platform according to the invention, for recessing into road surfaces, consists of a base plate and cover plate supported in cross section on two supporting points fitted with piezoelectric shear crystals, enabling the shear force of an overrunning wheel to be measured. If the supporting points are equipped with piezoelectric pressure crystals, it is possible to measure the axle load with the same platform arrangement. This offers new possibilities, especially on or after gradients, for verifying the functional efficiency of braking and ABS systems and taking out of service vehicles with defective braking equipment.

Abstract: A computer controlled shear cell (CCSC) tester for bulk solids, especially powders, that allows the determination of a Yield Locus curve from a single test procedure. The principle of the CCSC is that yield states can be maintained in a test cell over a range of normal and shear stresses in the same test. This leads directly to a Yield Locus curve. With its flexible design, the CCSC can also be used as a Jenike shear cell or a direct shear cell. Use of the CCSC allows the testing time and amount of material needed for testing to be reduced as compared to current testing methods.

Abstract: First and second case assemblies with their respective sensing elements stored into and fixed to the interior portions thereof are respectively stored into the first and second middle diameter portions of a shackle pin which not only are respectively located nearer to the two ends of a through hole so formed as to extend from the one end of the shackle pin to the other end thereof but also are respectively so formed as to correspond in shape to the first and second case assemblies. In the outer peripheral portions of the shackle pin which respectively correspond to the first and second middle diameter portions, in more particular, in the portions thereof shifted in phase by 180.degree. in the peripheral direction of the shackle pin, there are formed long grooves which respectively extend in the axial direction of the shackle pin.

Abstract: A 15 mode piezoelectric sensor with mechanical amplification is provided. e sensor consists of two piezoelectric members mounted on an electronically inert, rigid substrate. The two members have an electronically inert amplification device connected between them. When acoustic energy passes through the two members, they develop an electric charge which results in the upper ends of the members moving away from each other. Since the lower ends are anchored in the substrate, this causes a shearing response in the members. The shearing is amplified by the attached amplification device, yielding a strong piezoelectric response. In detection mode, incoming acoustic waves cause a mechanical flex in the attached amplification device. The flex of the amplification device causes a shearing response in the two attached piezoelectric members. This shearing causes a generation of electric charge.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for measuring wall shear stress in pipe as a result of fluid flow therethrough employs a glass flow tube, magnetic particles of sufficiently small size such that the form drag force on the individual particles is orders of magnitude smaller than the viscous shear forces on the particle, and a magnet of known magnetic field strength. The glass flow tube with a known coefficient of friction allows visual inspection of particle release and further allows for the determination of the frictional forces on the particles. The magnetic particles are placed inside the tube with the magnet held in close proximity to the exterior wall of the tube. With the particles in place, fluid flow is initiated. The magnetic field strength at the surface of the flow tube is then reduced until the magnetic particles are hydrodynamically dislodged from the interior of the glass tube.

Abstract: An apparatus for determining lateral tire tread stiffness includes a holding fixture that is coupled to a loading fixture. The holding fixture includes a frame on which is mounted a rotary table that carries the tire tread specimen to be tested. The loading fixture includes a loading plate that can apply a normal loading force and a lateral loading force to the tire tread specimen. A processor receives data from a monitoring device which provides an indication of the deformation of the tire tread specimen as a lateral load is applied thereto. The processor also receives data from a load cell which monitors the amount of force applied to the tread specimen and correlates this data with the displacement data to determine stiffness properties of the tread specimen. The processor also controls the angular position of the rotary table to further analyze the tread stiffness of particular tire tread geometry.

Abstract: The present invention generally provides a double-interface shear device for measurement of interface strength between geosynthetics and geomaterials. The device provides for the convenient application of normal loads, for the measurement of interface strength prior to and following deformation along the interface, and for the measurement of volume changes of the specimen normal to the interface. In addition, the invention provides methods of measuring shear strength of the interface between geoengineering materials.

Abstract: A portable device for measuring the shear properties of compacted asphalt mixes under applied dynamic loading conditions. The device includes first and second material retaining members which form a material receiving pocket for containing the compacted asphalt mix. The first and second material retaining members are connected via flexure assemblies which allow movement of the first and second material retaining members only along the longitudinal axis of the compacted asphalt mix. A dynamic load is applied to the flexures, thereby creating a shear condition parallel to the longitudinal axis of the compacted mix. The temperature of the asphalt mix may be held constant by controlling the temperature within an environmental chamber through the use of a closed loop PID control system.The specimen is dynamically loaded by a dynamic loading frame consisting of a servo pneumatic actuator and load reaction structure. A microprocessor-based controller operates the dynamic loading frame under closed loop control.

Abstract: A piece of single crystal silicon is embedded in a material such that the licon is flush with the surface thereof. The silicon is illuminated with infrared radiation having a wavelength in the range of 800-1100 nanometers. Isochromatic fringe patterns projected from the silicon are monitored as a direct indication of the amount of stress experienced at the surface.

Abstract: The extrusion moldability of particle-reinforced composites under fresh cition relative to the extruding pressure and extruding velocity can be pre-estimated from the cohesion and the coefficient of internal friction of the composite which can be calculated from the relationship of, when a frame divided into the upper and lower halves are filled with the composite and the upper and lower halves of the frame are displaced relative to each other in the horizontal direction under a pressure on the composite filling the frame, the shear stress of the composite against slip deformation.

Abstract: A sensing element in a load measuring device includes two cylindrical holders, each having a hole along the central axis; and a plate-shaped member provided between the two cylindrical holders, the plate-shaped member having protrusions at both ends, a coil being provided on a center portion of the plate-shaped member, wherein the cylindrical holders is welded to the plate-shaped member with the protrusions engaged with the holes in the two cylindrical holders.

Abstract: A test apparatus for testing hem flanges that join automotive body panels is provided. This testing apparatus operates by engaging a hook member with a first body panel such that the first body panel is maintained in a held relationship with respect to the hook member. A ram member then extends from the testing apparatus and engages with and loads a second automotive body panel member. As a result, a tensile load is applied to the hem flange, permitting the hem flange to be analyzed for defective construction.

Abstract: The invention provides a method and apparatus for testing the chew-out strength of paperboard cores. The apparatus of the invention includes a clamping element for clamping a tubular core to prevent rotation thereof; a splined chuck element in the form of an axially tapered member having a plurality of circumferentially distributed splines for insertion into one end face of the core; and a means for applying increasing torque at a controlled rate to the splined chuck element. A measuring means measures the torque applied to the splined chuck element. In operation, increasing amounts of torque are applied by the torquing means until the splined chuck element shears the end face of the tube resulting in chew-out of the core. The maximum torque force applied to the splined chuck element provides an accurate indication of the chew-out strength of the core.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for determining the stress-slip relationship of specimens in concrete including a pipe with a plurality of longitudinal slots evenly spaced around the circumference of the pipe, a specimen and concrete block located in one end of the pipe, a confining device for applying a constant force to the circumference of the concrete block before, during and after a test, a device for measuring the displacement of the specimen relative to the concrete block, and a device for measuring the radial displacement of the concrete block.

Abstract: An in situ curometer has been developed to follow the cure of thick articles during molding, by measuring continuously the dynamic mechanical properties (shear modulus and loss angle). The apparatus is designed to provide cure data on curable articles such as rubber products and components in situ, during the curing of the article, to improve manufacturing cure efficiencies. The curometer is a small-scale version of an Oscillating Disk Rheometer, designed to operate through a mold wall. An approximate theoretical treatment has been developed to relate the observed torque and loss angle to the dynamic properties of the rubber compound.

Abstract: An electronically instrumented combination kneader compactor and plane-strain, simple-shear testing machine for use in testing paving materials under cyclic loading and over a range of temperatures and various rates of shear has been described. A very significant advance in pavement materials testing is made available in the machine by introducing cyclic vertical loading simultaneously with kneading shear--this being analogous to what actually happens in the pavement beneath a moving vehicle tire. Fundamental engineering (stress-strain) measurements, including dynamic moduli, are obtained which are suitable for use in design calculations in a rational engineering approach to flexible payment design in lieu of the conventional empirical correlations. The optimum bitumen or water content is precisely determined on the basis of the elasto-plastic properties response and independently of conventional empirical correlations with the percentage of voids.

Abstract: A simple shear device and method for its use to test stress and strain characteristics of earthen samples and powders. The shear device particularly comprises a stacked plurality of plates which are slidably movable laterally relative to one another, which plates have a hollow central area for holding a cuboidal sample and spaced first and second platens having faces at between parallel and 45.degree. relative orientation to one another, between which the plurality of plates containing the sample may be placed. A first force may be applied to the first platen urging it toward the second platen to compress the sample therebetween; a second force is applied to one of the platens to urge the platen in an angular direction relative to the direction of the first force to apply a shear force to the sample. The resulting stresses and strains in the sample are monitored when the forces are applied to the sample while confined between the platens.

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: An apparatus for testing the resistance to cleavage of cardboard tubes which have previously been cut into test pieces which includes a key mandrel which is mounted free to rotate, at least one sleeve for each test piece having a different outer diameter, the inner diameter of at least one sleeve being approximately equal to the outer diameter of a test piece so that for each test piece there corresponds at least one sleeve intended to house the test piece. The key mandrel is adapted to receive each test piece surrounded by a corresponding sleeve. A drive device and belt are provided to rotatably drive an assembly which includes the key mandrel and a test piece housed in a corresponding sleeve.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for testing samples of viscoelastic materials are shown, in which the sample is subjected to a sinusoidal excitation and the response to the excitation is measured. By sampling the response at at least three data points equally spaced through a single cycle of excitation and making the proper calculations based on the data points, the storage modulus or the loss modulus of the materials, or both, can be obtained. The apparatus includes a rotary drive, eccentric, sample holder, a rotor or moving die, a torque transducer, excitation means, response measuring means, data handler and a sampler to obtain responses at predetermined intervals.

Abstract: Apparatus for determining the mechanical properties of particulate material comprises an outer member defining a cylindrical cavity, and an inner member rotatable in the cavity, the inner and outer members together defining a pulverizing chamber. The inner member has a pressure-bearing face facing the pulverizing chamber and a diametrically disposed groove in which a steel blade can be fitted so as to protrude into the pulverizing chamber. In use, the inner and outer members are rotated with respect to one another, while the particulate material in the pulverizing chamber is placed under axial compression. The torque transmitted from one member to the other, as well as the axial force transmitted from one member to the other is measured during the relative rotation, and these measurements used to determine the mechanical properties of the coal as well as the wear characteristics of the blade.

Abstract: The invention comprises a device which performs the functions of both a Mooney Viscometer and an Oscillating Disk Rheometer to measure the visco-elastic properties of rubber and rubber-like materials. Rotational and oscillating motion are transmitted to a shaft by means of a sprocket and a hub connected to an eccentric. Rubber samples having a wide range of stiffnesses can be accommodated by a provision for changing the thickness of the sample.

Abstract: A novel loading probe for fiber-matrix testing machines is made of diamond and has a truncated cone end for push-in and push-out tests of fibers in a fiber-matrix composite. The diameter of the probe body or shaft is greater than the diameter of the fiber to be pushed and the flat surface where the cone is truncated is at least one-half the diameter of the fiber. The included angle of the truncated cone is in the range of 55.degree. to 90.degree.. A useful compromise included angle is 70.degree..