Material testing apparatus having separated load generating mechanisms

A material testing apparatus for applying selected force and moment loads to a test specimen, the material testing apparatus comprising:

• a base assembly coupleable to the test specimen, the base assembly comprising:
• a first load generating mechanism adapted to apply a first load to the test specimen;
• and
• a support member;
• and
• a reaction structure for reacting the first load applied to the test specimen, the reaction structure comprising:
• a reaction support joined to the support member;
• a moveable head coupleable to the test specimen and moveable relative to the reaction support in at least two degrees of freedom;
• and
• a plurality of spaced-apart actuators coupled to the moveable head and the reaction support, the plurality of spaced-apart actuators are oriented to apply selected loads to the test specimen in at least two degrees of freedom, wherein each actuator applies a linear force along a longitudinal axis of the actuator.

A material testing apparatus for applying selected force and moment loads to a test specimen, the material testing apparatus comprising:

• a base assembly coupleable to the test specimen, the base assembly comprising:
• a first load generating mechanism adapted to apply a first load to the test specimen;
• and
• a support member;
• and
• a reaction structure for reacting the first load applied to the test specimen, the reaction structure comprising:
• a reaction support joined to the support member;
• a moveable head coupleable to the test specimen and moveable relative to the reaction support;
• and
• means for applying selected loads to the test specimen through the movable head in at least two degrees of freedom.