Inventors:
Merrill P. Hawke - Lytle TX
Pete Elizalde - San Antonio TX
Robert L. Harris - San Antonio TX
Assignee:
The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Air
Force - Washington DC
International Classification:
G01N 308
Abstract:
A plurality of cantilever beams, each fitted with a calibrated strain gage, are arranged to pivot on a corresponding plurality of upstanding pivots located near one end of each beam of a steel plate. A cylindrical specimen threaded at each end is disposed vertically between one end of each beam and the steel plate with a machined nut and socket at each end of the specimen to provide self-alignment. A self-aligning hardened steel stud is threaded into the plate and held in a hole in the other end of each of the beams with a nut and socket. A tension load is applied to the specimen by torquing the nut on the stud, with the mechanical advantage being proportional to the relative distances between the pivot and the specimen and the pivot and the stud.