This disclosure relates to rapid and repeatable tests that can be used to evaluate the interfacial adhesion of coatings to substrates. In particular embodiments, tests are used to assess the resistance of anodic oxides to delamination from aluminum substrates. The tests can be conducted using standard hardness test equipment such as a Vickers indenter, and yield more controlled, repeatable results than a large sample of life-cycle tests such as rock tumble tests. In particular embodiments, the tests involve forming an array of multiple indentations within the substrate such that stressed regions where the coating will likely delaminate are formed and evaluated.

A non-destructive test system includes a plurality of impact devices including a knob configured to generate at least one flexural mode in a material when a surface of the material is impacted by the knob, a controller configured to independently control each of the plurality of impact devices, the controller having a communications channel for each of the plurality of impact devices, and a microphone configured to detect an acoustic response generated upon impact of the knob on the surface of the material, the acoustic response being based on the at least one flexural modes generated in the material.

A non-destructive test system includes a plurality of impact devices including a knob configured to generate at least one flexural mode in a material when a surface of the material is impacted by the knob, a controller configured to independently control each of the plurality of impact devices, the controller having a communications channel for each of the plurality of impact devices, and a microphone configured to detect an acoustic response generated upon impact of the knob on the surface of the material, the acoustic response being based on the at least one flexural modes generated in the material.

The instant disclosure relates to an apparatus, system and methods for determining the impact attenuation or hardness of a surface for a playground or sports field in order to mitigate or reduce sports and playground related injuries.

The instant disclosure relates to an apparatus, system and methods for determining the impact attenuation or hardness of a surface for a playground or sports field in order to mitigate or reduce sports and playground related injuries.

A steel measuring element is provided. The steel measuring element is made of an austenitic chromium-nickel steel with a low carbon and nitrogen content for measuring pressure, with an edge zone being provided with increased hardness.

A steel measuring element is provided. The steel measuring element is made of an austenitic chromium-nickel steel with a low carbon and nitrogen content for measuring pressure, with an edge zone being provided with increased hardness.

Performance of an article of sporting equipment, such as a ball bat, is measured by applying a force through a spring of known elastic properties to compress the article of sporting equipment. Compliance of the article of sporting equipment to a known standard is based on the compression of the article of sporting equipment.

A device (1) for simulating the behaviour of a mammalian limb, in particular that of an equine mammal, on the ground, includes an impactor (5) in contact with the ground and intended to compress the ground. The device has a mass (7) movable along a vertical rectilinear axis, a sensor (9) for measuring the vertical force applied to the impactor, and a device (10) for measuring the penetration of the impactor in the ground, under the effect of the movement of the mass (7). The device can include a vertical shaft connected to the impactor at its lower end, and also one or more stops placed on one or more vertical rods along which the mass moves, the one or more vertical rods being connected to the vertical shaft by one or more elastic members.

A device (1) for simulating the behaviour of a mammalian limb, in particular that of an equine mammal, on the ground, includes an impactor (5) in contact with the ground and intended to compress the ground. The device has a mass (7) movable along a vertical rectilinear axis, a sensor (9) for measuring the vertical force applied to the impactor, and a device (10) for measuring the penetration of the impactor in the ground, under the effect of the movement of the mass (7). The device can include a vertical shaft connected to the impactor at its lower end, and also one or more stops placed on one or more vertical rods along which the mass moves, the one or more vertical rods being connected to the vertical shaft by one or more elastic members.