Patent ID: 8544338
Filing Date: 2013-10-01
Classification: G01N

Abstract:
1. A device which provides cyclic load testing of a sample, comprising: (a) an internal load frame with a first and second end and comprising at least one member; and (b) a first external load frame with a first and second end and comprising at least one member, wherein the first external load frame substantially encloses the internal load frame over at least a portion of its length; and (c) at least one guiding interface between the internal and first external load frames by which the said load frames are maintained in a substantially coaxial alignment, either by direct contact between the two load frames, or indirectly acting through a guiding interface in the sample; and (d) means for connecting to the sample to create a load path through the sample, comprising: (e) at least one solid state energy conversion actuation system extending from the second end of the first external load frame to the second end of the internal load frame comprising: (f) at least one prestressing arrangement for the at least one solid state energy conversion actuation system extending between the load frames comprising at least two members wherein: