Test fixture and method

A test fixture for the destructive testing of a mounted electrical component by applying a load along a testing axis, said test fixture comprising:

• a first plate oriented normally to the testing axis;
• a first plurality of alignment rods fixed to the first plate, each of the plurality of alignment rods having a longitudinal dimension oriented parallel to the testing axis;
• a second plate oriented normally to the testing axis and fixed to the first plurality of alignment rods, such that a first force applied to the first plate along the testing axis is transmitted to the second plate through the first plurality of rods;
• a third plate oriented normally to the testing axis and disposed in a spaced relationship between the first plate and the second plate, the third plate forming a plurality of openings such that the first plurality of alignment rods may pass therethrough;
• a second plurality of alignment rods fixed to the third plate, each of the plurality of rods having a longitudinal dimension oriented parallel to the testing axis, wherein the second plate forms a plurality of openings such that the second plurality of alignment rods may pass therethrough;
• a fourth plate oriented normally to the testing axis, such that the second plate is disposed in a spaced relationship between the third plate and the fourth plate, the fourth plate fixed to the second plurality of rods such that a second force applied to the fourth plate along the testing axis is transmitted to the third plate through the second plurality of rods;
• a specimen holder comprising at least two loading arms, the at least two loading arms being fixed to any selected adjacent pair of the first, second, third, or fourth plates, to position the loading arms in opposition with one another, specimen holder for holding the mounted electrical component, the first force and the second force applied to the first plate and to the fourth place opposing one another and imparted to the mounted electrical component by way of the selected adjacent pair of the plates and the loading arms of the specimen holder.