High-temperature gas/liquid stress relaxometers

Two relaxometers allow testing of elastomers in various fluids. First relaxometer uses fork-like loading spacer interposed between loading lever and support ring, so that sample is stretched predetermined amount. In second relaxometer, degree of initial elongation is set by means of adjustable collar, which, when locked in place on piston rod, enables sample to be stretched predetermined length

Strain gauge sensitivity improved by using a composite beam

Composite beam connected to strain gauge and mounted on test specimen is capable of amplifying small strains by factor of 10. Tests indicate that resulting output can be 10 times greater than standard method