Patent ID: 7201061
Filing Date: 2007-04-10
Classification: G01N

Abstract:
1. A method for illustrating, in three dimensional form, a misalignment of a portion of a load frame, relative to an alignment specimen that is being held by the load frame, when the load frame is applying a load force to the alignment specimen, the method comprising: securing the alignment specimen at its opposite ends to a movable load portion of the load frame, and to a fixed support of the load frame, so that the alignment specimen is approximately centered about its axial center line within the load frame; using the movable portion to apply an axial force to the alignment specimen generally along the axial centerline of the alignment specimen; sensing the axial strain experienced by the alignment specimen at a plurality of longitudinally spaced apart points along the alignment specimen, that is being caused by the movable portion applying an axial force to the alignment specimen that is not directed along the axial center line of the alignment specimen; using the sensed axial strain to determine deflection values for longitudinal surface portions of the alignment specimen; and using the deflection values to create a three dimensional representation of the alignment specimen on a graphic display terminal, in which the deformation of the alignment specimen is illustrated.