Large sample testing device, method, and system
The present invention includes a load frame test device using a plurality of levers about a common pivot point for applying combinations of tensile loading and bending on test articles at magnitudes seen in offshore applications.
1. A load frame test device comprising:
a support column;
a first crosshead;
a first lever rotatable about a first pivot pin and attached to a first hydraulic cylinder about a second pivot pin at a first end;
a second lever rotatable about the first pivot pin and attached to a second hydraulic cylinder about a third pivot pin at a first end;
a first test article interface coupled to the second lever; and
a second test article interface rotatable about a second pivot pin.
2. The apparatus of claim 1 , further comprising a second test article interface coupled to a lever rotatable about a pin with the frame.
3. The apparatus of claim 2 , wherein the lever is connected to the second hydraulic cylinder at a first end.
4. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the first force applies a substantially axial load.
5. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the second force applies a substantially bending moment.
6. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the first force applies a substantially axial load in the test article and the second force applies a bending moment.
7. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the first hydraulic cylinder is coupled to the frame.
8. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the first lever is further attached to the frame about a fourth pivot pin at a second end.
9. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the first test article interface is a split clamp.
10. The apparatus of claim 1 , where n the second test article interface is a split clamp.
11. The apparatus of claim 1 , further comprising a tubular test article.
12. The apparatus of claim 1 , further comprising a flange test article.
13. The apparatus of claim 1 , further comprising a connection test article.
14. The apparatus of claim 1 , further comprising a welded test article.
15. A load frame test system comprising:
a frame;
a test article;
a first lever rotatable about a first pivot pin and attached to a first means for actuation about a second pivot pin at a first end, wherein the first hydraulic, cylinder generates a first force;
a second lever rotatable about the first pivot pin and attached to a second means for actuation about a third pivot pin at a first end, wherein the second hydraulic cylinder generates a second force;
the test article interface coupled to the second lever at a first end and coupled to the frame at a second end; and
a second test article interface rotatable about a second pivot pin, wherein the first force applies a substantially axial load in the test article interface and the second force applies a bending moment in the test article.
16. The apparatus of claim 15 , further comprising a second test article interface coupled to a lever rotatable about a pin with the frame.
17. The apparatus of claim 16 , wherein the lever is connected to the second means for actuation at a first end.
18. The apparatus of claim 15 , wherein the first means for actuation is coupled to the frame.
19. The apparatus of claim 15 , wherein the first lever is further attached to the frame about a fourth pivot pin at a second end.
20. The apparatus of claim 15 , wherein the first test article interface is a split clamp.
21. The apparatus of claim 15 , wherein the second test article interface is a split clamp.
22. The apparatus of claim 15 , wherein the test article is a tubular.
23. The apparatus of claim 15 , wherein the first means for actuation is a hydraulic actuator.
24. The apparatus of claim 15 , wherein the second means for actuation is a hydraulic actuator.
25. The apparatus of claim 15 , wherein the first test article interface is a bolted flange.
26. The apparatus of claim 15 , wherein the first test article interface is a custom welded bar.
27. The apparatus of claim 15 , wherein the first test article interface is a welded end cap.
28. A lever frame assembly comprising:
a support,
a crosshead, rigidly connected with said support at a first location on, said support;
an upper outside lever, pivotally connected to said support at a second location on said support;
an outer hydraulic cylinder connected between
said upper outside lever at an upper outside lever arm pivot and
said crosshead at a crosshead outside lever arm pivot;
an inner hydraulic cylinder connected between
an upper inner lever at an upper inner lever an pivot and
a lower inner lever at a lower inner lever arm pivot of said crosshead;
an upper lever connection pivotally connecting said upper outside lever with said upper inner lever; and
a lower lever connection pivotally connecting said lower inside lever with said crosshead.
29. A frame as in claim 28 further comprising:
an upper test article connection located on said upper inner lever and
a lower test article connection located on said lower inner lever.
30. A frame as in claim 29 wherein said upper and said lower test article connections comprise split clamps position to connect said upper test article connection with a test article and said lower test article connection with a test article.
31. A frame as in claim 29 wherein said upper test article connection is included at least partly within an arm of said upper inner lever.