Novel markers that can be attached physically to a tensile specimen with a center guide to allow for measuring correct strain, as well as a binder that fixes and holds a pin guide to its location on the specimen during the test.

The present disclosure relates to compact waveguides. One example includes a primary bar, and an impedance-matched series of secondary bars with a number of turns, where turns provide at least one of: a turn that is perpendicular to an immediately preceding turn, and an increase in length of a subset of secondary bars for the turn.

Disclosed is a material testing system that includes an output shaft configured to be moved by operation of a motor, the output shaft coupleable to a test specimen such that movement of the output shaft imparts a mechanical force on the test specimen. The material testing system includes a haptic feedback system configured to provide an operator of the material testing system haptic feedback related to a position or state of the output shaft relative to the test specimen during setup. Methods of testing using haptic feedback are also disclosed.

The invention consists of a novel system and method for controlling an actuator, such as a linear actuator, used to control motion of an object, such as a tensile specimen or other component. The invention comprises applying a controllable smart material to an actuator, wherein the controllable smart material varies the resistance to the actuator motion; deforming or moving the object; sensing the objects current state; recording an associated data set comprising a plurality of parameters related to the objects state; comparing the current state of the object to the target state of the object; and altering the resistance to the actuator by deforming the smart material until the target state is reached.

An apparatus includes a portable device, which includes a connector configured to contact or grasp a portion of a component and to apply a force on the component during a pull test of the component. The portable device also includes a handle configured to be pulled to apply the force on the component during the pull test of the component. The portable device further includes an indicator configured to at least one of: (i) identify the force being applied to the component during the pull test and (ii) identify when a specified amount of force has been applied to the component during the pull test.

The present disclosure relates to compact waveguides. One example includes a primary bar, and an impedance-matched series of secondary bars that is impedance-matched with the primary bar at a connection point that joins at least one secondary bar of the impedance-matched series of secondary bars to the primary bar. The secondary bars are noncollinear and nonconcentric with the primary bar.

An example material testing apparatus includes: guide means; sample holding means for holding a sample; force means for applying force to the sample; a crosshead arranged to support at least a portion of one or both of the sample holding means and the force means, wherein the crosshead is moveable about the guide means; automated clamping means configured to apply a releasable clamping force between the guide means and the crosshead to secure the crosshead at a location with respect to the guide means, and a controller configured to control the automated clamping means to apply the clamping force between the guide means and the crosshead.

The invention consists of a novel system and method for controlling an actuator, such as a linear actuator, used to control motion of an object, such as a tensile specimen or other component. The invention comprises applying a controllable smart material to an actuator, wherein the controllable smart material varies the resistance to the actuator motion; deforming or moving the object; sensing the objects current state; recording an associated data set comprising a plurality of parameters related to the objects state; comparing the current state of the object to the target state of the object; and altering the resistance to the actuator by deforming the smart material until the target state is reached.

A method for quantitatively measuring a physical characteristic of a material includes applying a force to a material sample according to an interrogation profile comprising a set of one or more interrogation parameters. The method further includes measuring a displacement over time of the material sample that occurs as a result of applying the force according to the interrogation profile. The method further includes using the interrogation profile and the measured displacement over time of the material sample to derive a quantitative value of a physical characteristic of the material sample.

The invention relates to uplift testing apparatus and method used to provide a quality control test to confirm adequate bonding by the mortar or adhesive to the tile and underlayment or mechanically attached tile roof systems, and, more particularly it is a direct tensile load that is applied by pulling up on the edge of the tile by using a tile testing scale