Machine for monitoring the characteristics of materials exhibiting a phase transformation, reversible or otherwise

A machine for monitoring the characteristics of materials having a phase transformation, comprising:

• a thermally insulated enclosure;
• a temperature changing source for changing the temperature within the enclosure;
• a device for making the temperature within the enclosure uniform;
• a specimen holder disposed inside the enclosure;
• measurement instrumentation associated with the specimen holder;
• and
• mounting means uncoupled from the enclosure for mounting the specimen holder and the measurement instrumentation fixed relative to the enclosure, for permitting thermal expansion of the thermally insulated enclosure relative to and independent of the mounting means due to temperature differences;
• and
• wherein the thermally insulated enclosure comprises a metal casing;
• a steel vessel of generally cylindrical shape housed inside the metal casing;
• rigid insulating material disposed between the casing and the vessel;
• the vessel having two outwardly curved opposed ends, one of the ends of the vessel having three tubular inlets transversing the insulation and the metal casing, which inlets are adapted respectively, for supplying cryogenic fluid, for the passage of a drive shaft of a fan for circulating gaseous fluid inside the enclosure and making the temperature uniform, and for regulating pressure within the vessel, a first ring fixed to a cylindrical portion of the vessel in the vicinity of said one end, a stirrup-shaped member mounted on the first ring, said tubular inlets being mounted on the stirrup-shaped member and, at lease one radial opening for the passage of the specimen holder into the vessel, said radial opening being delimited by a collar;
• a second ring surrounding the vessel, said collar being integral with said second ring;
• a third ring, said third ring being mounted on the vessel in a fitted manner and with the capability for sliding axially over the first ring carrying the stirrup-shaped member, and a plurality of longitudinal bars connecting the third ring to the second ring.