Material testing system providing simultaneous force loads
AssigneeMTS Systems Corporation
InventorsMartin M. Gram, Carl G. Larsen, Han-sheng Chen, F. Joseph Albright
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A material test system capable of applying multiple force load components simultaneously includes a first actuator connected in parallel with a spring element. The first actuator and the spring element in turn are connected in series with the test specimen and a second actuator. The spring element is substantially rigid in order to transfer the force load from the second actuator to the test specimen yet substantially compliant in order to allow transfer of the force load from the first actuator to the test specimen.
Claims24
A material testing apparatus for applying force loads to a test specimen, the material testing apparatus comprising:
- a frame;
- holding means for holding the test specimen on the frame;
- and
- force means for applying simultaneous force loads, the force means comprising:
- first actuator means connected to the holding means for applying a first force load;
- second actuator means connected to the first actuator means for applying a second force load;
- and
- spring means connected to the holding means and the second actuator means in parallel with the first actuator means for transferring the second force load to the holding means.
A material testing apparatus for applying force loads to a test specimen, the material testing apparatus comprising:
- a frame;
- holding means for holding the test specimen on the frame, the holding means comprising a first grip assembly and a second grip assembly gripping the test specimen at opposite ends;
- force means for applying simultaneous force loads, the force means comprising:
- first actuator means connected to the first grip assembly for applying a first force load;
- second actuator means connected to the first actuator means for applying a second force load;
- and
- spring means connected to the first grip assembly and the second actuator means in parallel with the first actuator means for transferring the second force load to the first grip assembly.
A measuring apparatus for measuring force loads applied to a test specimen from a material testing system, the measuring apparatus comprising:
- gripping means for selectively gripping and releasing the test specimen;
- operating means for operating the gripping means;
- measuring means for measuring force loads applied to the test specimen, the measuring means joining the operating means to the gripping means.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.