An apparatus includes a holder to support an indenter relative to a sample of material, a depth sensor, and a controller to execute instructions for performing operations. The operations include controlling the holder to apply a first force on the sample with the indenter and determining a first depth of the indenter based on first data generated by the depth sensor, controlling the holder to move the indenter from the first depth to a predetermined depth greater than the first depth, after the indenter is moved to the predetermined depth, controlling the holder to apply the first force on the sample with the indenter and determining a second depth of the indenter based on second data generated by the depth sensor, and determining a value indicative of hardness of the sample based on a difference between the first depth and the second depth.

Positioning systems adapted to allow repeatable positioning of a test specimen within a test frame, and/or positioning of a sensor (e.g., an extensometer) relative to the specimen. In some embodiments, the positioning system includes two lasers (or other pattern illumination sources) attached to a head, each laser adapted to illuminate a line or other pattern on a face of the test specimen. The two lasers may be configured such that, once the head is at a calibrated working distance from the test specimen, the two patterns intersect one another in a predetermined geometry (e.g., the two lines align (become collinear) with one another).

A device for performing a mechanical four-point bending test on a test piece and to a method for using one such device. The device comprises: a) structure for holding a first end of the test piece (27; 127; 28; 128) and structure for holding a second end of the test piece (30, 31); b) traction wire (25) and converting structure (16, 116) for converting a translational movement of said traction means into a rotational movement; c) conversion structure (26; 27; 126; 127) for converting said rotational movement into bending deformation of the test piece. Said conversion structure comprises at least one first Cardan joint (26; 126), connected to the structure for holding the first end of the test piece.

Described herein are examples of improved material (and/or universal) testing machines having a lower crossbeam that may be moved via a drive system of the material testing machine. In some examples, this may be accomplished via drive shafts with different threading in upper and lower portions, and/or independent drive systems for upper and lower crossbeams. The ability to dynamically adjust (e.g., raise) the lower crossbeam may allow an operator to interact with test samples at a more comfortable height, and reduce the need for an operator to repeatedly bend and/or kneel.

A rock direct tensile test platform suitable for all material test machines includes a support frame. A top of the support frame is fixed with a top plate, and a bearing plate is provided above the top plate. The bearing plate is provided with a plurality of vertical force transferring rods. The force transferring rods vertically penetrate through the top plate and have a sliding fit with the top plate. Lower ends of the force transferring rods are provided with a tensile base. A top of the tensile base is provided with a lower clamp holder. A bottom of the top plate is provided with an upper clamp holder, and a clamp center of the upper clamp holder coincides with a clamp center of the lower clamp holder.

An indentation head system for an indentation instrument includes: an indenter tip contacting a sample surface along at least an indentation axis; a reference element supporting the tip; a zero-level sensor generating a signal indicating whether the tip is displaced with respect to the reference element from a neutral relative position; an elastic element between the tip and an actuator with known elongation, the actuator connected to the reference element; and a controller receiving signals from the zero-level sensor to perform servo control of the actuator based on output of the zero-level sensor and the known elongation of the actuator so the zero-level sensor outputs a signal corresponding to a substantially zero displacement of the tip from the neutral relative position, the controller calculating a force applied by the tip to the sample based on an output of the displacement sensor and an elastic coefficient of the elastic element.

The invention comprises an apparatus for testing mechanical materials, including, but not limited to, plates, welded pipes, metal shells, and the like. The apparatus may include an outer module; an inner module, wherein the inner module is affixed to a target mechanical material to be tested; and at least one main bolt, wherein the at least one main bolt physically contacts the outer module and the inner module. In some embodiments, the inner module may include a plurality of clasps for holding the target material. A mechanical force can be applied to the main bolt, which results in application of mechanical force to the target mechanical material for testing. Additionally, the apparatus does not require any hydraulic elements or electrical elements.

An apparatus for testing paving samples includes a base that includes a paving sample tray about the cabinet and configured for translation relative to the cabinet. A roller is configured for imparting compressive forces to a sample carried by the sample tray. An arm is configured for moving the roller from a stowed position to an in-use position where the roller contacts the sample. A cylinder assembly having a piston therein supplies pressure forces to the arm to move the arm from the stowed position to the in-use position, wherein a depth of travel of the arm is limited by the sample. As the sample is compressed, the depth of travel increases. A measurement device is in communication with the cylinder for determining an amount of travel of the arm to thus determine an amount of compression of the sample.

An apparatus for testing paving samples includes a base that includes a paving sample tray about the cabinet and configured for translation relative to the cabinet. A roller is configured for imparting compressive forces to a sample carried by the sample tray. An arm is configured for moving the roller from a stowed position to an in-use position where the roller contacts the sample. A cylinder assembly having a piston therein supplies pressure forces to the arm to move the arm from the stowed position to the in-use position, wherein a depth of travel of the arm is limited by the sample. As the sample is compressed, the depth of travel increases. A measurement device is in communication with the cylinder for determining an amount of travel of the arm to thus determine an amount of compression of the sample.

Hardness testers having a pivoting body and capable of providing power to accessories on the pivoting body are disclosed. An example hardness testing device includes: a rotating carriage configured to: hold at least one of an indenter or an objective and at least one accessory; and rotate to selectively place the at least one indenter or objective or the at least one accessory in an operative position to operate the at least one indenter or objective or the at least one accessory; a carriage mount configured to support the rotating carriage; and an electrical contact block mounted stationary with respect to the carriage mount, the electrical contact block comprising a plurality of electrical contacts configured to make electrical contact with a counterpart electrical contact block of the at least one accessory coupled to the rotating carriage when the at least one accessory is positioned in the operative position.