A lift table includes a first adjuster having a base with a bore and a collet that is threaded into the bore of the base, the first adjuster being configured to selectively secure the lift table to the load frame, and a plate that sits atop the collet, the plate being configured to hold a fixture that is attached to the load frame. Rotation of the collet in a first direction relative to the base raises the plate and rotation of the collet in a second direction relative to the base lowers the plate.

Disclosed are various embodiments of systems and methods related to a load monitoring apparatus for testing of a material. The load monitoring apparatus may comprise a primary bar and one or more nested tubes substantially surrounding a portion of the primary bar. The one or more nested tubes are connected in series at alternate ends of the one or more nested tube. Further, the primary bar may comprise one or more sensors used to extract load sampling and monitor reflections of signals traversing the load monitoring apparatus.

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.

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 disclosure relates to an irreversible dosimetric shock-detection substrate as well as related articles and methods. The shock-detection substrate incorporates a plurality of microcapsules serving as an irreversible means for detecting impact on the substrate. A shock above a characteristic threshold level experienced by the substrate induces an irreversible detectable change associated with the microcapsules upon shock-induced rupture. The irreversible detectable change provides a tamper-proof and non-electronic means for detecting a shock or impact. The shock-detection substrates can be incorporated into a variety of articles and used in a variety of settings, for example to monitor personal safety, to monitor article integrity, to monitor the end of the useful life of the shock-detection substrate itself, or in any other setting where it is desirable to irreversibly detect and/or localize a shock event.

The disclosure relates to an extensometer wherein the actuation of the contact arms is performed by a separate rotating bar so as to avoid or minimize placing active mechanics onto the arms. The rotating bar includes a spool about which a metal belt is wound. Rotating the bar, and hence the spool, in the desired direction pulls the metal belt which pulls a spring-loaded wedge with internal camming slots which urges the contact arms apart.

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.