A method of analysis using mass spectrometry and/or ion mobility spectrometry is disclosed. The method comprises: using a first device to generate smoke, aerosol or vapour from a target comprising or consisting of a microbial population; mass analysing and/or ion mobility analysing said smoke, aerosol or vapour, or ions derived therefrom, in order to obtain spectrometric data; and analysing said spectrometric data in order to analyse said microbial population.

An apparatus and method for inspection of at least one of grass, artificial turf, infill, or dirt, on a surface, using optical photographic images from a camera and three-dimensional (“3D”) depth scans using the camera and one or more laser, to create a mask to distinguish aspects of the surface, so that the surface can be measured and analyzed.

An apparatus and method for inspection of at least one of grass, artificial turf, infill, or dirt, on a surface, using optical photographic images from a camera and three-dimensional (“3D”) depth scans using the camera and one or more laser, to create a mask to distinguish aspects of the surface, so that the surface can be measured and analyzed.

A method of conducting a shear strength test on a semiconductor element with improved pressing force direction includes pressing a peripheral surface of the semiconductor element with a shear tool in a direction inclined to gradually head away from the surface of the substrate along the direction of pressing to conduct a shear strength test with a die shear strength tester.

Example networked material testing systems include: a database system storing a shared database, the shared database storing a material test procedure and material test result data; a first material test system communicatively coupled to the database system and configured to perform a first type of material test; and a second material test system communicatively coupled to the database system and configured to perform the first type of material test; wherein the database system comprises a computing device configured to execute machine readable instructions which cause the computing device to: transmit a first test program to the first material test system for performance of the first type of material test on a first specimen according to the first test program; store, in the shared database, first test result data received from the first material test system based on execution of the first test program; transmit a second test program to the second material test system for performance of the first type of material test on a second specimen according to the second test program; store, in the shared database, second test result data received from the first material test system or the second material test system based on execution of the second test program; and generate one or more test reports based on the first test program, the first material test system that performed the first test program, the second test program, and the second material test system that performed the second test program.

An impact test fixture capable of applying preload on a composite laminate, which is composed of a base, a clamping mechanism and a loading mechanism, where the clamping mechanism is positioned on an upper surface of the base and fixedly connected to the base through a bolt, and the loading mechanism is installed at an end of the base. A composite laminate is placed in a rectangular groove of the base. A first wedge block and a second wedge block are positioned in a base sliding groove between a pressing block and a baffle plate, and inclined planes of the two wedge blocks are oppositely installed; the baffle plate is matched with the base through a first fixing bolt and a second fixing bolt, a loading bolt passes through a screw hole at a side end of the base and is matched with the first wedge block.

A double-cross composite fabric membrane biaxial tensile strength test piece is provided, including a core region and four cantilevers. The four cantilevers extend outwards around the core region and form a cross shape. Each cantilever is connected to the core region via an edge transition region. An end portion of the cantilever is a clamping section. The clamping section is provided with a clamping end rubber rod. The clamping end rubber rod is used for connecting to a clamp of a biaxial tensile testing machine. The clamping section is three-layered. The cantilever and the edge transition region are double-layered. The core region is single-layered. The edge transition region is in the shape of a quadrangle rounded at four corners. A manufacturing method of the test piece is also provided.

A bending apparatus for a sample is disclosed. The bending apparatus includes a translation mechanism that translates a vertical displacement/force into a horizontal displacement/force for bending. Components of the bending apparatus are fabricated from a strong, radiolucent material. In these ways, the bending apparatus is compatible with micro-CT imaging, and as such, may be used to bend a sample during imaging. In a particular application, the bending apparatus may be used to measure biomechanical properties of a bone, such as bone strength, bone material properties, fracture toughness, and fracture propagation.

A bending apparatus for a sample is disclosed. The bending apparatus includes a translation mechanism that translates a vertical displacement/force into a horizontal displacement/force for bending. Components of the bending apparatus are fabricated from a strong, radiolucent material. In these ways, the bending apparatus is compatible with micro-CT imaging, and as such, may be used to bend a sample during imaging. In a particular application, the bending apparatus may be used to measure biomechanical properties of a bone, such as bone strength, bone material properties, fracture toughness, and fracture propagation.

A method is provided for increasing accuracy in measuring complex Young's modulus and complex shear modulus of a material using a processing system. The material is tested to obtain an experimental frequency response transfer function of normal displacement to input force. A model panel is developed in the processing system as a modeled frequency response transfer function. The modeled transfer function is used at a range of fixed frequencies to calculate displacements of the model panel divided by the input force while varying material parameters. The modeled frequency response transfer function is compared with the experimental frequency response transfer function to compute error function values. These values indicate the most accurate material property values as those minimizing the computed error function values.