US 6,595,068 B2 · Compact hollow cylinder tensile tester

Abstract

A hollow cylindrical tester uses an inflatable membrane to apply hoop stress to a hollow cylindrical sample. The compact device includes a frame that holds a sample around the inflatable membrane. The membrane is preferably inflated via fluid pressure and the fluid pressure preferably is monitored to determined pressure at critical points in testing procedures. Pressures of fluids within the membrane are also monitored. In a preferred structure, a piston and cylinder pressure injector operatively connected to the membrane is monitored for amount of piston travel and a pressure meter monitors fluid pressure. The preferred structure includes shaped opposing platens to seal the membrane within a cylinder sample being tested, a post failure restraint cylinder, and a cooling fluid bath.

Claims43

Dependent claims

A hollow cylinder tensile tester for testing a hollow cylindrical sample, the tester comprising;

an inflatable membrane placeable within a central area of the hollow cylindrical sample, the inflatable membrane having a contained area therein;
a pressure meter, said meter operatively placed to determine pressure within said contained area;
a pressure injector operatively connected with said membrane so as to establish and maintain a constant pressure within said contained area;
and
a transducer for measuring the movement of the pressure injector, wherein the measurement of the movement of the pressure injector correlates to a volumetric change of the contained area.

2 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Compact hollow cylinder tensile tester

Life of this patent

Compact hollow cylinder tensile tester

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims43