A testing apparatus includes a support unit that supports a lower surface side of a test piece, a pressing unit having an indenter that presses the test piece supported by the support unit, a drive unit that raises and lowers the pressing unit, a load measurement instrument that measures a load generated when the indenter presses the test piece supported by the support unit, and a controller that controls raising and lowering of the pressing unit. The controller is configured to be capable of stopping movement of the indenter when a measurement value of the load measurement instrument has turned from a rise to a fall after the indenter has started pressing of the test piece.

Embodiments of the present invention relate to wear measurement. A system according to one embodiment includes a transport mechanism for running a tape across a wear structure and a measuring device for optically measuring an extent of wear of the wear structure by directly optically detecting a back of the tape. A method according to one embodiment includes positioning a tape across a wear structure and optically determining a first position of a back of the tape by directly optically detecting the back of the tape. The tape is rim across the wear structure for a period of time, and a second position of the back of the tape is optically determined by directly optically detecting the back of the tape after the period of time. A difference between the first and second positions is determined.

Embodiments of the present invention relate to wear measurement. A system according to one embodiment includes a transport mechanism for running a tape across a wear structure and a measuring device for optically measuring an extent of wear of the wear structure. A method according to one embodiment includes positioning a tape across a wear structure, optically determining a first position of a back of the tape relative to a measuring device using the measuring device, running the tape across the wear structure for a period of time, optically determining a second position of the back of the tape relative to the measuring device using the measuring device after the period of time, and determining a difference between the first and second positions.

The present disclosure relates to a system for repetitive loading of a prosthetic socket to test the durability of the prosthetic socket. The system includes a base and a load cell coupled to the base. The system further includes a first coupling mechanism positioned vertically above the load cell, and a second coupling mechanism positioned vertically above the first coupling mechanism. The first coupling mechanism is configured to be removably coupled to a first end of the prosthetic socket, and the second coupling mechanism is configured to be removably coupled to a second end of the prosthetic socket. The system further includes a rod having a first end and a second end opposite the first end. The first end of the rod is coupled to the second coupling mechanism. The system further includes a motor coupled to the second end of the rod, a support structure extending vertically from the base, and an actuator coupled to the support structure such that the actuator is positioned vertically above the second coupling mechanism. The system further includes a curved rail coupled to the actuator and positioned between the actuator and the second coupling mechanism. The curved rail is configured to contact the second coupling mechanism along an arc defined by the curved rail such that the second coupling mechanism moves along the arc when the motor moves the rod.

Methods, systems, and apparatuses for determining a flexibility value K of a fastener. An illustrative system includes a test apparatus including three straps with a strain gauge coupled to each strap. A fastener, such as a bolt, is installed through the straps, with a tensile or compressive force then applied to the test apparatus. Responsively, the strain gauges generate signals indicative of elastic deformation of the straps. The signals are transmitted to a signal processor, which may display deformation values, or alternatively, may process the signals to calculate the value K. The elastic deformation values acquired from the strain gauges, together with cross sectional area and elastic moduli of the straps, are entered into a calculation which applies a predetermined relationship to arrive at the value K. The test apparatus may be a stand-alone device for use in calculating the value K.

The invention discloses an experimental apparatus and an experimental method for the negative bending moment zone of a continuous beam to bear load under chloride environment, relating to the technical field of engineering experiment, comprising a high-rigidity main frame, a loading system, an erosion system and a test beam; the test beam is detachably arranged on the high-rigidity main frame; the loading system is installed on the high-rigidity main frame and under the test beam, and is used to apply load to the test beam; the erosion system is arranged on the test beam with built-in chloride solution; the test beam is a continuous beam that meets the design requirements. The experimental apparatus provided by the invention is stable and reliable, easy to use, and can provide the experimental conditions for the wet-dry cycle and the load-bearing coupling reaction in chloride environment.

Described is a method of controlling a material testing system that includes controlling an actuator to transfer a first force acting in a first direction to a test material. The method further includes receiving, via one or more sensors, continuous data indicating one or more physical quantities associated with the test material. Based upon the continuous data, it may be determined that a change in one or more physical quantities has occurred. Based upon a change in one or more physical quantities it may be determined that an end point of a material test has been reached. The method further includes controlling an actuator to stop transfer of the first force and further to controlling the actuate to transfer a second force which acts to counteract the effects of the first force and prevent unwanted motion of one or more portions of the material testing system.