System and method for material testing and material test piece

Abstract

The invention provides a system and method for material testing and a material test piece. The invention relates to a material testing system and a material testing method. The material testing system comprises a test piece, a test board and a data collector, the specimen includes a body extending along an axis and a hollow interior formed by the body. The test bench pressurizes the hollow interior of the test piece. The data collector acquires data representative of the specimen.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates generally to materials testing, and more particularly, to systems and methods for high-throughput testing of materials and material specimens for use with such high-throughput testing systems and methods. Background Art

[0002] When designing manufactured products, computational modeling of the product's performance is required. Computational models are generated using material property data collected by experimentally testing the materials under different conditions. Standard testing methods rely on testing one material specimen for one material property data set per test. Therefore, in order to characterize a given material, multiple tests must be performed to obtain multiple data sets. However, advances in materials science such as alloys and additive manufacturing have enabled an enormous number of potential material combinations. The large number of material options makes standard testing methods infeasible from a cost and time perspective. Therefore, those skilled in the art continue to conduct research and development efforts in high-throughput materials testing. Summary of the invention

[0003] Examples of systems and methods for material testing and material specimens for use with the systems and methods are disclosed.The following is a non-exhaustive list of examples of subject matter according to the present disclosure, which may or may not be claimed.

[0004] In one example, the disclosed system includes a specimen, a test bench, and a data collector. The specimen includes a body extending along an axis and a hollow interior formed by the body. The test bench internally pressurizes the hollow interior of the specimen. The data collector acquires data representing the specimen.

[0005] In another example, a disclosed system includes a test specimen. The test specimen includes a body extending along an axis and a hollow interior formed by the body. The hollow interior of the test specimen is configured to be pressurized.

[0006] In one example, a disclosed specimen includes a body extending along an axis and a hollow interior formed by the body. The hollow interior of the specimen is configured to be pressurized.

[0007] In one example, the disclosed method includes the following steps: (1) internally pressurizing a specimen; (2) acquiring data representing the specimen while internally pressurizing the specimen; and (3) determining at least one property of the specimen using the data.

[0008] Other examples of the systems, methods, and assays will become apparent from the following detailed description, the accompanying drawings, and the appended claims. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0009] Figure 1 is a schematic block diagram of an example of a traditional material testing method;

[0010] Figure 2 is a schematic block diagram of an example of an improved high-throughput materials testing method;

[0011] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of an example of a system for materials testing;

[0012] Figure 4 is a schematic cross-sectional view of an example of a test piece and a test bench;

[0013] Figure 5 is a schematic cross-sectional view of an example of a test piece and a test bench;

[0014] Figure 6 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a test piece example;

[0015] Figure 7 is a schematic elevation view of a test specimen example;

[0016] Figure 8 yes Figure 7 A schematic cross-sectional view of a test piece example;

[0017] Fig. 9 is a schematic elevation view of a test specimen example;

[0018] Fig.10 yes Fig. 9 A schematic cross-sectional view of a test piece example;

[0019] Fig.11 is a schematic elevation view of a test specimen example;

[0020] Fig.12 yes Fig.11 A schematic cross-sectional view of a test piece example;

[0021] Fig.13 is a schematic elevation view of a test specimen example;

[0022] Fig.14 yes Fig.13 A schematic cross-sectional view of a test piece example;

[0023] Fig.15 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a test piece example;

[0024] Fig.16 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a test piece example;

[0025] Fig.17 is a schematic diagram of an example of a portion of the system;

[0026] Fig.18 is a schematic diagram of an example of a portion of the system;

[0027] Fig.19 is a schematic diagram of an example of a portion of the system;

[0028] Fig. 20 is a schematic diagram of an example of a portion of the system;

[0029] Fig.21 is a schematic block diagram of a system example;

[0030] Fig. 22 is a flow chart of an example of a method for materials testing;

[0031] Fig.23 is a flowchart of an example of an aircraft manufacturing and service method; and

[0032] Fig.24 is a schematic block diagram of an example aircraft. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0033] Overall reference Figures 1 to 21 By way of example, the present disclosure is directed to a system 100 for material testing, which may also be referred to as a material testing system. The present disclosure is also directed to a specimen 102 for use with the system 100, which may also be referred to as a material specimen. The system 100 and the specimen 102 facilitate improvements in material testing by enabling multiple materials to be tested in a single test, multiple test parameters to be tested in a single test, and multiple material properties to be measured in a single experiment.

[0034] For purposes of this disclosure, a specimen refers to a sample or specimen of one or more materials that is tested to determine one of a plurality of physical properties or characteristics of the one or more materials. The specimen may have any suitable size and / or geometry. The physical properties or characteristics determined for the specimen may be used to represent the physical properties and characteristics of an article, component, or structure made from the same material.

[0035] Figure 1An example of a conventional test method 1600 for characterizing a material is illustrated. In the illustrated example, a test (block 1602) includes a single specimen (block 1604). The specimen is made of a single material (block 1606). The test is designed (block 1608) to operate or be performed under a single test parameter (block 1610) or condition (e.g., load state, temperature, pressure, geometry, etc.). A test (block 1612) is performed on the specimen. As an example, the specimen is loaded into a load frame and subjected to a mechanical load test. During the test, a single material property (block 1614) or feature (strength, fatigue behavior, strain, stress, temperature effect, corrosion, etc.) is measured on the specimen. Many tests are performed on many different specimens under many different test parameters. Each specimen is made of the same material. Each test uses different test parameters and / or measures different material properties. Thus, each test provides a single data set (block 1618) that is analyzed (block 1616) and represents a single material property for a single material under a single test parameter. After multiple tests are completed, the data sets are combined to represent a material signature (block 1620). This material signature can be used for modeling.

[0036] The present disclosure recognizes that material characterization and modeling requires a large amount of data to represent the material under a variety of different conditions, which in turn requires a large amount of testing. Figure 1 As exemplified in , traditional testing methods for material characterization are time consuming and expensive, and therefore not feasible as the number of different material types and combinations increases and evolves.

[0037] Figure 2 An example of an improved high throughput testing method 1800 for characterizing materials using the system 100 and / or implemented according to the method 1000 disclosed herein is illustrated. The improved testing method overcomes the bottleneck of one test per data set of traditional testing methods (e.g., Figure 1). In the illustrated example, the test (box 1802) includes one or more specimens (box 1804). Each specimen is made of one or more materials (box 1806). The test is designed (box 1808) to operate or be performed under one or more test parameters (box 1810) or conditions (e.g., load state, temperature, pressure, geometry, etc.) for each specimen or a corresponding one of the specimens. The test can be performed on multiple specimens at the same time (box 1812). During the test, one or more material properties (box 1814) or characteristics (strength, fatigue behavior, strain, stress, temperature effect, corrosion, etc.) are measured for each specimen. Therefore, a single test can be performed on multiple different specimens, can be performed under various different test parameters, and / or can measure various different material properties. Therefore, each test provides multiple data sets (box 1818), which are analyzed (box 1816) and represent multiple material properties of multiple materials under multiple test parameters. After the testing is completed, the data sets are combined to represent the material characteristics (box 1820). The material characteristics can be used for modeling and / or design. As an example, modeling using material characteristics may be part of the design and analysis process for new projects, structures, components, etc.

[0038] Now refer to Figures 3 to 21 , the following is an example of a system 100 according to the present disclosure. The system 100 includes a plurality of elements, features, and components. Not all elements, features, and / or components described or illustrated in one example are required in the example. Some or all elements, features, and / or components described or illustrated in one example may be combined with other examples in various ways without being included in other elements, features, and / or components described in those other examples, even if such combination or combinations are not explicitly described or illustrated by example in this article.

[0039] Reference Figures 3 to 21 In one or more examples, system 100 includes a test piece 102. Test piece 102 includes a body 106 extending along an axis 104 and a hollow interior 108 formed by body 106. Hollow interior 108 of test piece 102 is configured to be pressurized. System 100 also includes a test station 110. Test station 110 internally pressurizes hollow interior 108 of test piece 102. System 100 also includes a data collector 112. Data collector 112 acquires data 114 representing test piece 102.

[0040] Internally pressurizing the body 106 of the specimen 102 enables the test load or test stress to be applied to the specimen 102 using a fluid 196 rather than a mechanical test device. Internally pressurizing the body 106 of the specimen 102 to apply the test load and / or stress provides the ability to load / stress the specimen in different ways, which enables multiple material properties to be measured in a single test, which in turn can improve cycle time.

[0041] Reference Figure 4 and Figure 5 In one or more examples, the test station 110 is configured to seal the hollow interior 108 of the specimen 102 and apply the fluid 196 into the hollow interior 108 of the specimen 102 during a testing operation.

[0042] Reference Figure 4 and Fig.21 In one or more examples, the specimen 102 is formed by additive manufacturing or otherwise manufactured. As an example, the body 106 including or formed with the hollow interior 108 is formed by additive manufacturing. Additive manufacturing enables the specimen 102 to be easily manufactured with various selective control features. As an example, the body 106 of the specimen 102 can be made of one or more different types of materials 172. As another example, the body 106 of the specimen 102 can be manufactured to include one or more different thicknesses 176. As another example, the body 106 of the specimen 102 can be manufactured to include one or more different cross-sectional dimensions 174. Although additive manufacturing provides particular benefits, the specimen 102 can also be made by any other suitable manufacturing technology.

[0043] Reference Figure 3 and Figures 17 to 21 In one or more examples, the data collector 112 includes a sensor 138. The sensor 138 collects the data 114. In one or more examples, the data collector 112 also includes a computer 116. The computer 116 determines at least one property 118 of the specimen 102 based on the data 114 collected by the sensor 138.

[0044] The sensor 138 includes or takes the form of any device that detects a condition or change in the test piece 102 and sends information representing the condition or change to another electronic device (e.g., computer 116) for processing and / or analysis. The sensor 138 can be a contact sensor or a non-contact sensor. In one or more examples, the data collector 112 includes multiple sensors 138. In these examples, all sensors 138 can be the same, or the data collector 112 can utilize a variety of different types of sensors 138 to obtain different types of data 114, such as data representing different attributes 118. In one or more examples, the computer 116 includes a data processing system having at least one processor and a memory storing instructions (e.g., program code) that, when executed, cause the processor to analyze the data 114 provided by the sensor 138 and determine one or more attributes 118 of the material 172 of the test piece 102.

[0045] Reference Figure 3 and Figures 17 to 21 In one or more examples, the sensor 138 includes an image sensor 140, such as a camera, a charge coupled device (CCD), a complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS), etc. In these examples, the image sensor 140 captures one or more images 184 (e.g., the data 114 is image data) representing the specimen 102 before, during, and / or after the test. In these examples, the computer 116 uses the images 184 to determine deformations 142 (e.g., displacements) and strains 144 (e.g., properties 118) of the specimen 102.

[0046] In one or more examples, the computer 116 uses digital image correlation (DIC) to determine the deformation 142 and strain 144 of the specimen 102. In general, digital image correlation is an optical technique that combines image registration and tracking methods to make accurate two-dimensional (2D) and three-dimensional (3D) measurements of changes in the image 184. Compared to strain gauges and extensometers, the digital image correlation method provides finer details about the deformation due to the ability to provide local and average data. The use of the image sensor 140 and the DIC technique enables most or all of the outer surface of the body 106 of the specimen 102 to be measured during the test.

[0047] In other examples, the sensors 138 include strain gauges and / or extensometers. In these examples, the computer 116 uses the data 114 provided by the strain gauges and / or extensometers to determine the deformation 142 and strain 144 (eg, the properties 118 ) of the specimen 102 .

[0048] In one or more examples, data collector 112 detects and / or measures radial expansion of specimen 102 or changes in geometry of body 106 of specimen 102, for example, in a direction at least approximately perpendicular to axis 104. In one or more examples, data collector 112 detects and / or measures axial elongation of specimen 102 or changes in geometry of body 106 of specimen 102, for example, in one or more directions, for example, in a direction at least approximately parallel to axis 104 or oblique to axis 104.

[0049] Reference Figure 3 , Fig.17 and Fig.21 In one or more examples, the sensor 138 includes any of a variety of other types of sensors that are configured or capable of measuring or detecting one or more of the properties 118. In one or more examples, the computer 116 uses the data 114 provided by the sensor 138 to determine the oxidation 148 (e.g., the property 118) of the test piece 102.

[0050] Herein, in addition to the above examples, other examples of the sensor 138 include, but are not limited to, Raman spectroscopy, ultrasonic transducer, X-ray absorption near edge spectroscopy (XANES), etc. Other examples of the sensor 138 include, but are not limited to, thermal imagers, linear variable differential transformer (LVDT) transducers, laser interferometry systems, strain gauges, thermocouples, acoustic emission, non-contact pyrometers, extensometers, ultrasonic phased arrays, etc.

[0051] In addition to the examples described above, other examples of properties 118 detected, measured, and / or determined using the data collector 112 (e.g., one or more sensors 138 and the computer 116) include, but are not limited to, creep and fatigue data, which is displacement and / or strain information measured as a function of load and time, thermal conductivity, thermal expansion measurements, etc. Other examples of properties 118 include, but are not limited to, magnetic properties, electrical properties, phase changes, and deformation twinning activation (e.g., from acoustic emissions).

[0052] Reference Figures 3 to 5 and Figures 17 to 21 In one or more examples, the test station 110 includes a base plate 120. The base plate 120 supports the test specimen 102. The test station 110 also includes a conduit 122 extending through the base plate 120. The conduit 122 is in fluid communication with the hollow interior 108 of the test specimen 102.

[0053] In one or more examples, the body 106 of the test piece 102 and the base plate 120 of the test station 110 are connected so that the base plate 120 seals the interior 108 of the test piece 102. The conduit 122 provides the fluid 196 to the interior 108 sealed by the body 106 and the base plate 120. The introduction of the fluid 196 pressurizes the body 106 internally, thereby applying a load, force, or stress on the test piece 102.

[0054] Reference Figures 4 to 6 , the introduction of fluid 196 into interior 108 of specimen 102 increases internal pressure 182 of specimen 102. Conversely, internal pressure 182 increases along the direction of Figure 6 The internal pressure 182 also applies a load, force or stress to the inner surface of the body 106 in a radially outward direction indicated by the directional arrow 202. Figure 4 and Figure 5 The axially outward direction indicated by directional arrow 204 applies a load, force or stress to the inner surface of body 106 and the inner surface of substrate 120 .

[0055] Reference Figure 3 and Fig.21 In one or more examples, the system 100 includes a pressure source 210 that pressurizes the fluid 196 and provides the fluid 196 to the interior 108 of the specimen 102 and / or controls the internal pressure 182 within the interior 108 of the specimen 102. In one or more examples, the pressure source 210 is coupled to the conduit 122 of the test station 110 via a fluid tube and is in fluid communication with the conduit to convey the fluid 196 within the interior 108 during testing.

[0056] Controlling the delivery of fluid 196 and / or the pressure of fluid 196 within interior 108 of specimen 102 enables selective control of internal pressure 182 of specimen 102 during testing. In these examples, internal pressure 182 is one of a number of parameters controlled by system 100 during testing (e.g., Figure 2 An example of one of the boxes 1810 in FIG.

[0057] Reference Figure 4 and Fig.21In one or more examples, the test piece 102 and the test stand 110 are formed or otherwise manufactured by additive manufacturing. As an example, the body 106 including or forming the hollow interior 108 and the base plate 120 including the conduit 122 formed therein are formed by additive manufacturing. Additive manufacturing enables the test piece 102 and the test stand 110 to form a single integral structure, thereby providing a more stable seal to the interior 108 of the test piece 102. Additive manufacturing also enables the test piece 102 and the test stand 110 to be easy to manufacture and have various selectively controlled features. Although additive manufacturing provides particular benefits, the test piece 102 and / or the test stand 110 may also be made by any other suitable manufacturing technology.

[0058] Reference Figure 5 and Fig.21 In one or more examples, the test piece 102 is coupled to the test station 110. As an example, the body 106 of the test piece 102 is coupled to the base plate 120 of the test station 110 by any mechanism or technique suitable for sealing the interior 108 of the test piece 102 to pressurize the interior during the test. In one or more examples, the test piece 102 includes a flange extending from the body 106. For example, the flange is coupled to the base plate 120 of the test station 110 by welding, adhesive bonding, mechanical fasteners, etc. or a combination thereof. In one or more examples, the test station 110 includes a seal 208, such as a gasket, disposed between the body 106 and the base plate 120.

[0059] Reference Figure 3 , Fig.17 and Fig.21 In one or more examples, the system 100 includes a heater 124. The heater 124 heats the specimen 102. Heating the specimen 102 enables selective control of a temperature 180 of the specimen 102 during testing. In these examples, the temperature 180 is an example of one of the parameters controlled by the system 100.

[0060] Reference Figures 17 to 21 In one or more examples, the heater 124 includes an induction heater 126. In one or more examples, the induction heater 126 (e.g., an induction coil) is located around at least a portion of the body 106 of the specimen 102. Alternating current (AC) is used to generate a magnetic field that penetrates the conductive material of the specimen 102 and heats the conductive material. Advantages of using the induction heater 126 include localized, constant, and precise heating at specific locations of the specimen 102. Other advantages of using the induction heater 126 include improved heating efficiency, improved temperature control, improved heating performance, and energy efficiency.

[0061] Reference Fig.17 and Fig.21In one or more examples, the heater 124 includes a radiant heater 128. In one or more examples, the radiant heater 128 is located near (e.g., at or near at least a portion of) the body 106 of the specimen 102. Advantages of using the radiant heater 128 include energy efficiency, simplicity, and consistent temperature application to the entire body 106 of the specimen 102.

[0062] Reference Fig.17 and Fig.21 In one or more examples, the heater 124 includes a conductive heater 130. In one or more examples, the conductive heater 130 (e.g., a heating blanket, a heating tape, etc.) is located on at least a portion of the inner surface and / or the outer surface of the body 106 and / or on at least a portion of the substrate 120 of the test station 110. For example, advantages of using the conductive heater 130 include: rapid heating and / or achieving a thermal gradient along the substrate 120 and / or the test piece 102 due to heat transfer through the test piece 102 (out of the contact surface) and the distance from the conductive heater 130.

[0063] Reference Figure 3 and Figures 17 to 21 In one or more examples, the system 100 includes a housing 132. The housing 132 surrounds the test specimen 102. In one or more examples, during testing, the test specimen 102, the test station 110, and the data collector 112 are located within the housing 132. In one or more examples, the housing 132 provides a safety barrier in the event of a failure of the test specimen 102 during internal pressurization.

[0064] Reference Figures 18 to 21 In one or more examples, a housing pressure 134 within the housing 132 is controllable. For example, the housing 132 can take the form of an autoclave or other pressurizable container. Controlling the housing pressure 134 (e.g., pressurizing or depressurizing the interior of the housing 132) enables selective control of the external pressure of the body 106 surrounding the test piece 102 during testing. In these examples, the housing pressure 134 (e.g., the external pressure) is an example of one of the parameters controlled by the system 100 during testing.

[0065] Reference Figures 18 to 21 In one or more examples, a housing temperature 136 within the housing 132 is controllable. For example, the housing 132 can take the form of an autoclave or an oven. Controlling the housing temperature 136 (e.g., heating or cooling the interior of the housing 132) enables selective control of the exterior temperature of the body 106 surrounding the test piece 102 during testing. In these examples, the housing temperature 136 (e.g., the exterior temperature) is an example of one of the parameters controlled by the system 100 during testing.

[0066] Reference Figures 7 to 16 and Fig.21 In one or more examples, the body 106 of the specimen 102 includes a plurality of portions 170, such as at least two portions 170. In one or more examples, the portions 170 are connected to each other or extend from each other along the axis 104. In one or more examples, at least one of the portions 170 includes a material 172 that is different from the material 172 of at least another of the portions 170. In one or more examples, at least one of the portions 170 includes a cross-sectional dimension 174 that is different from the cross-sectional dimension 174 of at least another of the portions 170. In one or more examples, at least one of the portions 170 includes a thickness 176 that is different from the thickness 176 of at least another of the portions 170. In one or more examples, the portions 170 include at least one of different materials 172, different cross-sectional dimensions 174, and different thicknesses 176.

[0067] Reference Figures 7 to 16 and Fig.21 In one or more examples, the body 106 of the specimen 102 includes a first portion 152 extending along the axis 104. The body 106 also includes a second portion 154 extending from the first portion 152 along the axis 104. The first portion 152 and the second portion 154 are examples of portions 170. Although only two portions are explicitly identified, it is understood that the body 106 of the specimen 102 can include any number of additional portions 170 (e.g., a third portion, a fourth portion, etc.)

[0068] Reference Figures 7 to 16 and Fig.21 In one or more examples, the first portion 152 includes a first material 156. The second portion 154 includes a second material 158. In one or more examples, the first material 156 and the second material 158 are different. The first material 156 and the second material 158 are examples of the material 172.

[0069] The material 172 of the portion 170 constituting the body 106 of the specimen 102, such as the first material 156 of the first portion 152 and the second material 158 of the second portion 154, can include any suitable material, including but not limited to metal materials, metal alloys, polymer materials, ceramic materials, etc. and combinations thereof. In one or more examples, the material 172 includes a composite concentrated alloy (CCA). In one or more examples, the material 172 includes a high entropy alloy (HEA).

[0070] In one or more examples, the portion 170 includes at least a third portion 212. In one or more examples, the third portion 212 includes a third material 214. In one or more examples, the third portion 212 extends along the axis 104 between the first portion 152 and the second portion 154. In one or more examples, the third material 214 of the third portion 212 is different from the first material 156 of the first portion 152 and the second material 158 of the second portion 154. In one or more examples, the third material 214 of the third portion 212 includes a combination or mixture of the first material 156 and the second material 158. As an example, the third material 214 of the third portion 212 forms a material gradient between the first material 156 of the first portion 152 and the second material 158 of the second portion 154.

[0071] Coupon 102 is made of multiple materials 172 , eg, body 106 of coupon 102 has multiple portions 170 , and each of portions 170 is made of a different material 172 , which enables multiple different materials to be evaluated in a single testing operation and / or using a single coupon 102 .

[0072] Reference Figures 7 to 16 and Fig.21 In one or more examples, the first portion 152 includes a first cross-sectional dimension 160. The second portion 154 includes a second cross-sectional dimension 162. In one or more examples, the first cross-sectional dimension 160 and the second cross-sectional dimension 162 are different. The first cross-sectional dimension 160 and the second cross-sectional dimension 162 are examples of cross-sectional dimensions 174.

[0073] The present disclosure recognizes that the load or stress applied to the body 106 of the specimen 102 depends on the internal pressure 182 within the interior 108 of the specimen 102 and the cross-sectional dimension 174 of the specimen 102. As an example, where the internal pressure 182 within the specimen 102 is constant (e.g., applied at a constant value or magnitude), the load or stress applied to or acting on the body 106 of the specimen 102 corresponds to the cross-sectional dimension 174 of the specimen 102. As an example, at a constant value of the internal pressure 182, the load or stress acting on the body 106 increases as the cross-sectional dimension 174 decreases and decreases as the cross-sectional dimension 174 increases.

[0074] In one or more examples, the portion 170 includes at least a third portion 212. In one or more examples, the third portion 212 includes a third cross-sectional dimension 220. In one or more examples, the third cross-sectional dimension 220 is different from at least one of the first cross-sectional dimension 160 and the second cross-sectional dimension 162. In one or more examples, the third cross-sectional dimension 220 of the third portion 212 forms a transitional cross-sectional dimension between the first cross-sectional dimension 160 of the first portion 152 and the second cross-sectional dimension 162 of the second portion 154.

[0075] The specimen 102 is manufactured with multiple cross-sectional dimensions 174, for example, the body 106 of the specimen 102 has multiple portions 170, and each of the portions 170 has a different cross-sectional dimension 174, which enables a single material 172 to be evaluated under multiple different load or stress states and / or multiple different materials 172 to be evaluated under multiple different load or stress states during a single testing operation and / or by using a single specimen 102.

[0076] The cross-sectional dimensions 174 of the specimen 102, such as the different cross-sectional dimensions 174 of the portion 170 of the body 106, can be controlled in any one or more of a variety of ways. In one or more examples, such as Figures 11 to 15 As illustrated in FIG. 1 , the shape of the body 106 is used to control the cross-sectional dimension 174 of the specimen 102. As an example, the body 106 may include a tapered shape (e.g., see Fig.13 and Fig.14 ), the tapered shape having a cross-sectional dimension that gradually decreases along the axis 104. As another example, the body 106 may include a series of cylindrical sections (e.g., see Fig.11 , Fig.12 and Fig.15 ), each segment has a gradually decreasing cross-sectional size. In one or more examples, as Fig. 9 , Fig.10 , Fig.15 and Fig.16 , the thickness 176 of the body 106 is used to control the cross-sectional dimension 174 of the specimen 102 .

[0077] Reference Figures 7 to 16 and Fig.21 In one or more examples, the first portion 152 includes a first thickness 164. The second portion 154 includes a second thickness 166. In one or more examples, the first thickness 164 and the second thickness 166 are different. The first thickness 164 and the second thickness 166 are examples of the thickness 176.

[0078] In one or more examples, the portion 170 includes at least a third portion 212. In one or more examples, the third portion 212 includes a third thickness 218. In one or more examples, the third thickness 218 is different from at least one of the first thickness 164 and the second thickness 166. In one or more examples, the third thickness 218 of the third portion 212 forms a transition thickness between the first thickness 164 of the first portion 152 and the second thickness 166 of the second portion 154.

[0079] The specimen 102 is manufactured with multiple thicknesses 176, for example, the body 106 of the specimen 102 has multiple portions 170, and each of the portions 170 has a different thickness 176, which enables a single material 172 to be evaluated at multiple different thicknesses 176 and / or multiple different cross-sectional dimensions 174 (e.g., loads or stress states) and / or a plurality of different materials 172 to be evaluated at multiple different thicknesses 176 and / or different cross-sectional dimensions 174 (e.g., loads or stress states) during a single testing operation using a single specimen 102.

[0080] Reference Figures 7 to 16 and Fig.21 In one or more examples, the first portion 152 includes at least one of a first material 156, a first cross-sectional dimension 160, and a first thickness 164. The second portion 154 includes at least one of a second material 158, a second cross-sectional dimension 162, and a second thickness 166. The first material 156 and the second material 158, the first cross-sectional dimension 160 and the second cross-sectional dimension 162, and at least one of the first thickness 164 and the second thickness 166 are different.

[0081] In one or more examples, the third portion 212 includes at least one of a third material 214, a third cross-sectional dimension 220, and a third thickness 218. At least one of the first material 156, the second material 158, the third material 214, the first cross-sectional dimensions 160, the second cross-sectional dimensions 162 and the third cross-sectional dimensions 220, the first thickness 164, the second thickness 166, and the third thickness 218 are different.

[0082] In other examples, coupon 102 may have any suitable number of portions 170 made from any suitable number of different materials 172 and having any suitable three-dimensional shapes, having any suitable number of different cross-sectional dimensions 174 , and / or having any suitable number of different thicknesses 176 .

[0083] Additionally, in other examples, any one or more of the portions 170 of the specimen 102 may be made of any suitable number of different materials 172 and have any suitable number of different cross-sectional dimensions 174 and / or have any suitable number of different thicknesses 176. Furthermore, the three-dimensional shape (e.g., number of cross-sectional dimensions) of the specimen 102 may be varied and / or customized to produce a desired stress state.

[0084] Reference Figures 17 to 21 In one or more examples, the system 100 includes a plurality of test pieces 168. The test piece 102 (e.g., see Figures 3 to 16 ) is an example of a test piece 168 or any one of the test pieces. Each of the test pieces 168 (e.g., test piece 102) includes a body 106 and a hollow interior 108. A test station 110 internally pressurizes the hollow interior 108 of each of the test pieces 168. A data collector 112 acquires data 114 representing each of the test pieces 168. Utilizing multiple test pieces 168 enables high throughput testing during a single testing operation.

[0085] Reference Figures 4 to 21 In one or more examples, the body 106 of each of the specimens 168 includes at least two portions 170. The at least two portions 170 include at least one of different materials 172, different cross-sectional dimensions 174, and / or different thicknesses 176.

[0086] Reference Figures 17 to 21 In one or more examples, the test station 110 includes a base plate 120. The base plate 120 supports the test specimens 168. The test station 110 includes a manifold 178 extending through the base plate 120. The manifold 178 is in fluid communication with the hollow interior 108 of each of the test specimens 168. In one or more examples, the manifold 178 includes a conduit 122 that branches into several different sections to internally pressurize each of the test specimens 168.

[0087] Now refer to Figures 4 to 21 , the following is an example of a test piece 102 according to the present disclosure. The test piece 102 includes a plurality of elements, features, and components. Not all elements, features, and / or components described or illustrated in one example are required in that example. Some or all elements, features, and / or components described or illustrated in one example may be combined with other examples in various ways without including other elements, features, and / or components described in those other examples, even if such combination or combinations are not explicitly described or illustrated by example in this article.

[0088] In one or more examples, the specimen 102 includes a body 106. The body 106 extends along an axis 104. The specimen 102 includes a hollow interior 108. The hollow interior 108 of the specimen 102 is formed by the body 106. The hollow interior 108 of the specimen 102 is configured to be pressurized.

[0089] In one or more examples, the body 106 of the specimen 102 forming the hollow interior 108 is formed by additive manufacturing.

[0090] In one or more examples, a test station 110 is coupled to the specimen 102. The test station 110 is configured to internally pressurize the hollow interior 108 of the specimen 102.

[0091] In one or more examples, the test station 110 includes a base plate 120. The base plate 120 is configured to support the specimen 102. A conduit 122 extends through the base plate 120. The conduit 122 is in fluid communication with the hollow interior 108 of the specimen 102.

[0092] In one or more examples, the coupon 102 is coupled to a substrate 120 .

[0093] In one or more examples, the coupon 102 and the substrate 120 are monolithic and formed by additive manufacturing.

[0094] In one or more examples, the body 106 of the specimen 102 includes a first portion 152 and a second portion 154. The first portion 152 extends along the axis 104. The second portion 154 extends from the first portion 152 along the axis 104.

[0095] In one or more examples, the first portion 152 includes a first material 156. The second portion 154 includes a second material 158. The first material 156 and the second material 158 are different.

[0096] In one or more examples, the first portion 152 includes a first cross-sectional dimension 160. The second portion 154 includes a second cross-sectional dimension 162. The first cross-sectional dimension 160 and the second cross-sectional dimension 162 are different.

[0097] In one or more examples, the first portion 152 includes a first thickness 164. The second portion 154 includes a second thickness 166. The first thickness 164 and the second thickness 166 are different.

[0098] In one or more examples, the first portion 152 includes at least one of a first material 156, a first cross-sectional dimension 160, and a first thickness 164. The second portion 154 includes at least one of a second material 158, a second cross-sectional dimension 162, and a second thickness 166. The first and second materials 156 and 158, the first and second cross-sectional dimensions 160 and 162, and at least one of the first and second thicknesses 164 and 166 are different.

[0099] In one or more examples, the test specimen 102 is one of a plurality of test specimens 168. Each of the test specimens 168 includes a body 106 and a hollow interior 108. The hollow interior 108 of each of the test specimens 168 is configured to be pressurized.

[0100] In one or more examples, the body 106 of each of the coupons 168 includes at least two portions 170. The at least two portions 170 include at least one of different materials 172, different cross-sectional dimensions 174, and different thicknesses 176.

[0101] In one or more examples, the test station 110 is coupled to the specimens 168. The test station 110 is configured to internally pressurize the hollow interior 108 of each of the specimens 168. The test station 110 includes a base plate 120 configured to support the specimens 168. The test station 110 includes a manifold 178 extending through the base plate 120. The manifold 178 is in fluid communication with the hollow interior 108 of each of the specimens 168.

[0102] Reference Figure 3 and Figures 17 to 21 , the system 100 can have a variety of different configurations and / or arrangements. In one or more examples, at least one sensor 138 can move relative to the plurality of test pieces 168. As an example, the base plate 120 of the test station 110 includes a track and a bracket. The sensor 138 is coupled to the bracket, which is mounted on the track and can move along the track (e.g., as shown in FIG. 1 ). Fig. 20 ). In one or more examples, the test pieces 168 can be oriented and / or arranged to enable data acquisition, internal pressure control, and temperature control. In one or more examples, the test pieces 168 are coupled to the base plate 120 of the test station 110 such that the axis 104 of one or more of the test pieces 168 is oriented at least approximately vertically (e.g., as shown in FIG. 1 ). Fig.17 , Fig.18 and Fig. 20 In one or more examples, the specimens 168 are coupled to the base plate 120 of the test station 110 such that the axis 104 of one or more of the specimens 168 is oriented at least approximately horizontally (e.g., as shown in FIG. Fig.19 ).

[0103] Overall reference Fig. 22 By way of example, the present disclosure also relates to a method 1000 for material testing, also referred to herein as a material testing method. The method 1000 facilitates improvements in material testing by enabling multiple materials to be tested in a single test, multiple test parameters to be tested in a single test, and multiple material properties to be measured in a single test.

[0104] Overall reference Figures 1 to 21 ,in particular Fig. 22 , the following is an example of method 1000 according to the present disclosure. In one or more examples, method 1000 is Figure 2 In one or more examples, the method 1000 is implemented using the system 100 or the test piece 102 (e.g., see Figures 3 to 23 ). Method 1000 includes multiple elements, steps, and / or operations. In one example, not all elements, steps, and / or operations described or illustrated are required for the example. Some or all elements, steps, and / or operations described or illustrated in one example may be combined with other examples in various ways without including other elements, steps, and / or operations described in those other examples, even if such a combination is not explicitly described or illustrated by example herein.

[0105] In one or more examples, the method 1000 includes enclosing the test specimen 102 within the housing 132 (block 1002). In one or more examples, the method 1000 includes controlling (e.g., selecting and / or modifying) a housing temperature 136 within the housing 132 (block 1004). In one or more examples, the method 1000 includes controlling (e.g., selecting and / or modifying) a housing pressure 134 within the housing 132 (block 1006). In one or more examples, controlling the housing temperature 136 (block 1004) and controlling the housing pressure 134 (block 1006) are examples of controlling at least one parameter of a test (block 1014).

[0106] In one or more examples, method 1000 includes a step of pressurizing the interior of specimen 102 (block 1008). In one or more examples, method 1000, such as the step of pressurizing the interior of specimen 102 (block 1008), includes a step of sealing hollow interior 108 of specimen 102 (block 1010) and a step of applying fluid 196 within hollow interior 108 of specimen 102 (block 1012). Applying fluid 196 within hollow interior 108 of specimen 102 helps increase internal pressure 182 of specimen 102. The increase in internal pressure 182 of specimen 102 applies a load or stress on body 106 of specimen 102.

[0107] In one or more examples, method 1000 includes a step of controlling (eg, modifying or selecting) at least one parameter for a test operation (block 1014 ).

[0108] In one or more examples, the method 1000 , such as the step of controlling at least one parameter (block 1014 ), includes the step of controlling (eg, modifying or selecting) the temperature 180 of the test specimen 102 during the testing operation (block 1016 ).

[0109] In one or more examples, the method 1000, such as the step of controlling the temperature 180 (block 1016), includes the step of heating the specimen 102 (block 1018). In one or more examples, the step of heating the specimen 102 (block 1018) includes the step of inductively heating the specimen 102. In one or more examples, the step of heating the specimen 102 (block 1018) includes the step of radiatively heating the specimen 102. In one or more examples, the step of heating the specimen 102 (block 1018) includes the step of conductively heating the specimen 102. In one or more examples, the specimen 102 includes at least two portions 170. In one or more examples, the step of heating the specimen 102 (block 1018) includes the step of heating at least one or each of the at least two portions 170 to a different temperature 180 (block 1020).

[0110] In one or more examples, the method 1000, such as the step of controlling the temperature 180 (block 1016), includes the step of cooling (e.g., actively cooling) the specimen 102. In one or more examples, the specimen 102 includes at least two portions 170. In these examples, the step of cooling the specimen 102 includes the step of cooling at least one of the at least two portions 170 to a different temperature 180.

[0111] In one or more examples, the temperature 180 of the specimen 102 is controlled (eg, block 1016 ) at least in part by controlling the housing temperature 136 within the housing 132 and surrounding the specimen 102 (eg, block 1004 ).

[0112] In one or more examples, the method 1000, such as the step of selecting at least one parameter (block 1014), includes the step of controlling (e.g., modifying or selecting) the internal pressure 182 within the interior 108 of the test specimen 102 during the test operation (block 1022). In one or more examples, the method 1000, such as the step of controlling the internal pressure 182 (block 1022), includes the step of controlling the fluid 196 applied within the interior 108 of the test specimen 102 (block 1024). As an example, the internal pressure 182 within the test specimen 102 is controlled by applying the fluid 196 and / or pressurizing the fluid 196 within the interior 108 of the test specimen 102 (e.g., block 1012).

[0113] In one or more examples, the step of controlling at least one parameter (block 1014) includes the step of controlling (e.g., selecting and / or modifying) a material 172 of the body 106 of the specimen 102 (block 1026). In one or more examples, the specimen 102 includes a first portion 152 that extends along the axis 104 and includes a first material 156. The specimen 102 includes a second portion 154 that extends from the first portion 152 along the axis 104 and includes a second material 158. The first material 156 and the second material 158 are different. In other examples, the specimen 102 includes any number of additional portions 170 that extend along the axis 104 (e.g., from or between the first portion 152 and the second portion 154). In one or more examples, the material 172 of at least one of the portions 170 is different from the material 172 of at least another of the portions 170. In one or more examples, the material 172 of each of the portions 170 is different. In one or more examples, material 172 of body 106 is controlled during manufacturing of specimen 102 , such as during an additive manufacturing operation.

[0114] In one or more examples, the method 1000 , such as the step of controlling at least one parameter (block 1014 ), includes the step of selecting (eg, modifying and / or controlling) the geometry 194 of the specimen 102 (block 1028 ).

[0115] In one or more examples, the geometry 194 of the specimen 102 includes a cross-sectional dimension 174 of the body 106 of the specimen 102. In these examples, the step of selecting the geometry 194 (block 1028) includes the step of controlling (e.g., modifying and / or selecting) the cross-sectional dimension 174 of the body 106 (block 1030). In one or more examples, the specimen 102 includes a first portion 152 that extends along the axis 104 and includes a first cross-sectional dimension 160. The specimen 102 includes a second portion 154 that extends from the first portion 152 along the axis 104 and includes a second cross-sectional dimension 162. The first cross-sectional dimension 160 and the second cross-sectional dimension 162 are different.

[0116] In one or more examples, the geometry 194 of the specimen 102 includes a thickness 176 of the body 106 of the specimen 102. In these examples, the step of controlling the geometry 194 (block 1028) includes the step of controlling (e.g., modifying and / or selecting) the thickness 176 of the body 106 (block 1032). In one or more examples, the specimen 102 includes a first portion 152 extending along the axis 104 and including a first thickness 164. The specimen 102 includes a second portion 154 extending from the first portion 152 along the axis 104 and including a second thickness 166. The first thickness 164 and the second thickness 166 are different.

[0117] In one or more examples, the shape, cross-sectional dimension 174 , and / or thickness 176 of body 106 are controlled during the manufacturing process of specimen 102 , such as during an additive manufacturing operation.

[0118] In other examples, additional parameters of the test may also be controlled (e.g., selected and / or modified) as desired or required for a particular test. As an example, the type of fluid 196 may be selected, such as a gas or liquid, such as nitrogen, argon, oxygen, carbon dioxide, etc. As another example, a temperature gradient along the body 106 of the specimen 102 may be controlled.

[0119] The method 1000 includes a step of acquiring data 114 representing the specimen 102 (block 1034). In one or more examples, the data 114 is acquired before, during, and / or after the specimen 102 is internally pressurized to apply a load or stress to the specimen 102. In other words, the step of acquiring data 114 (block 1034) is performed during and / or after the step of internally pressurizing the specimen 102 (block 1008). In one or more examples, the step of acquiring data 114 (block 1034) includes a step of capturing an image 184 of the specimen 102 (block 1036). In one or more examples, the step of acquiring data 114 (block 1034) includes a step of acquiring first data 188 (e.g., a first image) representing the first portion 152 (block 1038) and a step of acquiring second data 190 (e.g., a second image) representing the second portion 154 (block 1040).

[0120] In one or more examples, the method 1000 includes the step of determining at least one property 118 of the specimen 102 using the data 114 (block 1042). In one or more examples, the step of determining at least one property 118 (block 1042) includes the step of determining at least one property 118 of the first portion 152 and the step of determining at least one property 118 of the second portion 154. In one or more examples, the at least one property 118 includes the step of determining the deformation 142 of the specimen 102. Thus, in one or more examples, the step of determining at least one property 118 of the specimen 102 (block 1042) includes the step of determining the deformation 142 (block 1044). In one or more examples, the at least one property 118 includes the strain 144 of the specimen 102. Thus, in one or more examples, the step of determining at least one property 118 of the specimen 102 (block 1042) includes the step of determining the strain 144 of the specimen 102 (block 1046), for example, using digital image correlation. In one or more examples, determining at least one property 118 of the specimen 102 (block 1042) includes determining the deformation 142 (block 1044) and determining the strain 144 of the specimen 102 (block 1046), for example, using digital image correlation. In one or more examples, determining at least one property 118 of the specimen 102 (block 1042) includes determining any other suitable type of material property.

[0121] In one or more examples, the specimen 102 includes a first portion 152 that extends along the axis 104 and includes at least one of a first material 156, a first cross-sectional dimension 160, and a first thickness 164. The specimen 102 includes a second portion 154 that extends from the first portion 152 along the axis 104 and includes at least one of a second material 158, a second cross-sectional dimension 162, and a second thickness 166. The first material 156 and the second material 158, the first cross-sectional dimension 160 and the second cross-sectional dimension 162, and at least one of the first thickness 164 and the second thickness 166 are different. In one or more examples, the specimen 102 includes any number of additional portions 170 that include a material 172, a geometry 194, a thickness 176, and / or a cross-sectional dimension 174 that are different.

[0122] In one or more examples, the above and Fig. 22 The steps illustrated in the method 1000 may be applied to a plurality of test pieces 168. In one or more examples, the method 1000 includes the step of internally pressurizing the plurality of test pieces 168 (e.g., block 1008). In one or more examples, the method 1000 includes the step of acquiring data 114 representing each of the test pieces 168 before, during, and / or after the internal pressurization (e.g., block 1034). In one or more examples, the method 1000 includes the step of determining at least one attribute 118 of each of the test pieces 168 using the data 114 (e.g., block 1042).

[0123] In one or more examples, the body 106 of each of the coupons 168 includes at least two portions 170. The at least two portions 170 include at least one of different materials 172, different cross-sectional dimensions 174, and different thicknesses 176. In these examples, acquiring data 114 includes acquiring data 114 representing the at least two portions 170 of each of the coupons 168 (e.g., blocks 1038 and 1040).

[0124] In one or more examples, the method 1000 includes a step (block 1048) of characterizing the specimen 102 (e.g., one or more materials 172 of the specimen 102) based on at least one property 118 corresponding to at least one of the material 172, the cross-sectional dimension 174, and the thickness 176. In these examples, the material features generated according to the method 1000 can be used for analytical modeling.

[0125] Now refer to Fig.23 and Fig.24 Examples of the system 100, test piece 102, and method 1000 described herein may be used in conjunction with Fig.23 The aerospace manufacturing and service method 1100 is shown in the flowchart and Fig.24 The examples may be related to the aircraft 1200 schematically illustrated in the drawings, or the examples may be used in the context of the aerospace manufacturing and service method 1100 and the aircraft 1200. As an example, the aircraft 1200 and / or the manufacturing and service method 1100 may include or utilize components made from materials characterized using the system 100, the test piece 102, and / or data acquired according to the method 1000.

[0126] Reference Fig.24 , illustrates an example of an aircraft 1200. The aircraft 1200 can be any aerospace vehicle or platform. In one or more examples, the aircraft 1200 includes a fuselage 1202 having an interior 1206. The aircraft 1200 includes a plurality of onboard systems 1204 (e.g., advanced systems). Examples of onboard systems 1204 of the aircraft 1200 include a propulsion system 1208, a hydraulic system 1212, an electrical system 1210, and an environmental system 1214. In other examples, the onboard systems 1204 also include one or more control systems coupled to the fuselage 1202 of the aircraft 1200. In other examples, the onboard systems 1204 also include one or more other systems, such as, but not limited to, communication systems, avionics systems, software distribution systems, network communication systems, passenger information / entertainment systems, guidance systems, radar systems, weapon systems, etc. The aircraft 1200 can have any number of components made of materials characterized using the system 100, the test piece 102, and / or data acquired according to the method 1000.

[0127] Reference Fig.23 During pre-production of the aircraft 1200, the manufacturing and service method 1100 includes specification and design of the aircraft 1200 (block 1102) and material procurement (block 1104). During production of the aircraft 1200, component and subassembly manufacturing (block 1106) and system integration (block 1108) of the aircraft 1200 are performed. Thereafter, the aircraft 1200 is placed in service (block 1112) through certification and delivery (block 1110). Routine maintenance and service (block 1114) includes modification, reconfiguration, refurbishment, etc. of one or more systems of the aircraft 1200.

[0128] Fig.23 Each of the processes of the manufacturing and service method 1100 illustrated in the drawings may be performed or carried out by a system integrator, a third party, and / or an operator (e.g., a customer). For purposes of this description, a system integrator may include, but is not limited to, any number of aircraft manufacturers and major system subcontractors; a third party may include, but is not limited to, any number of suppliers, subcontractors, and vendors; and an operator may be an airline, a leasing company, a military entity, a service organization, etc.

[0129] Examples of the system 100, test piece 102, and method 1000 shown and described herein may be provided by Fig.23 The manufacturing and service method 1100 shown in the illustrated flow chart may be employed during any one or more of the stages. In one example, components of the aircraft 1200 may be manufactured using materials characterized using the system 100, the test piece 102, and / or data acquired according to the method 1000 during a portion of component and subassembly manufacturing (block 1106) and / or system integration (block 1108). Additionally, components of the aircraft 1200 may be manufactured using materials characterized using the system 100, the test piece 102, and / or data acquired according to the method 1000 while the aircraft 1200 is in service (block 1112). Additionally, components of the aircraft 1200 may be manufactured using materials characterized using the system 100, the test piece 102, and / or data acquired according to the method 1000 during system integration (block 1108) and certification and delivery (block 1110). Similarly, components of the aircraft 1200 may be manufactured from materials characterized using the system 100 , the test piece 102 , and / or data acquired according to the method 1000 while the aircraft 1200 is in service (block 1112 ) and during maintenance and service (block 1114 ).

[0130] The foregoing detailed description refers to the accompanying drawings, which illustrate specific examples described by the present disclosure. Other examples with different structures and operations do not depart from the scope of the present disclosure. The same reference numerals may refer to the same features, elements or parts in different figures. Throughout the present disclosure, any one of a plurality of projects may be referred to as a project individually, and a plurality of projects may be collectively referred to as projects and may be represented by the same reference numerals. In addition, as used herein, features, elements, parts or steps preceded by the word "one" or "a kind of" shall be understood as not excluding a plurality of features, elements, parts or steps, unless such exclusion is explicitly indicated.

[0131] Illustrative, non-exhaustive examples of the subject matter of the present disclosure are provided above, which examples may, but are not necessarily, claimed. The "example" mentioned herein refers to one or more features, structures, elements, parts, characteristics and / or operating steps described in conjunction with the example being included in at least one aspect, embodiment and / or implementation of the subject matter of the present disclosure. Therefore, the phrases "an example", "another example", "one or more examples" and similar language throughout the present disclosure may, but are not necessarily, refer to the same example. In addition, the subject matter representing any one example may, but is not necessarily, include the subject matter representing any other example. In addition, the subject matter representing any one example may, but is not necessarily, be combined with the subject matter representing any other example.

[0132] As used herein, a system, device, apparatus, structure, article, element, component, or hardware that is "configured to" perform a specific function is indeed capable of performing the specific function without any changes, rather than just being likely to perform the specific function after further modification. In other words, a system, device, apparatus, structure, article, element, component, or hardware that is "configured to" perform a specific function is selected, created, implemented, used, programmed, and / or designed specifically for performing a specific function. As used herein, "configured to" means existing characteristics of a system, device, structure, article, element, component, or hardware that enable the system, device, structure, article, element, component, or hardware to perform a specific function without further modification. For purposes of the present disclosure, a system, device, apparatus, structure, article, element, component, or hardware that is described as "configured to" perform a specific function may additionally or alternatively be described as being "suitable for" and / or "operable to" perform that function.

[0133] Unless otherwise indicated, the terms "first," "second," and "third," etc., are used herein merely as labels and are not intended to impose order, position, or hierarchy requirements on the items to which these terms refer. Furthermore, reference to an item, such as a "second," does not require or preclude the existence of, for example, a "first" or lower-numbered item and / or a "third" or higher-numbered item.

[0134] As used herein, when used with a list of items, the phrase "at least one of" means that different combinations of one or more of the listed items may be used, and only one of each item in the list may be required. For example, "at least one of item A, item B, and item C" may include, but is not limited to, item A or item A and item B. This example may also include item A, item B, and item C, or item B and item C. In other examples, "at least one of" may be, for example, but not limited to: two of item A, one of item B, and ten of items C; four of item B and seven of items C; and other suitable combinations. As used herein, the terms "and / or" and the " / " symbol include any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

[0135] For the purposes of this disclosure, the term "connection" and similar terms refer to two or more elements that are combined, linked, fastened, attached, connected, communicated, or otherwise associated (e.g., mechanically, electrically, fluidically, optically, electromagnetically) with each other. In various examples, these elements may be directly or indirectly associated. As an example, element A may be directly associated with element B. As an example, element A may be indirectly associated with element B, such as via another element C. It will be understood that not all associations among the various disclosed elements must be represented. Therefore, there may also be connections other than those shown in the figures.

[0136] As used herein, the term "approximately" refers to or indicates a condition that is close to, but not exactly close to, a stated condition, which still performs a desired function or achieves a desired result. As an example, the term "approximately" refers to a condition that is within an acceptable predetermined tolerance or accuracy, such as a condition that is within 10% of the stated condition. However, the term "approximately" does not exclude conditions that are exactly the same as the stated condition. As used herein, the term "substantially" refers to a condition that is essentially a specified condition that performs a desired function or achieves a desired result.

[0137] Above Figures 1 to 21 and Fig.24 The illustrative structures may be modified, added, and / or omitted. Additionally, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the above Figures 1 to 21 and Fig.24 All elements, features and / or components described and illustrated in the present invention need to be included in each example, and not all elements, features and / or components described herein need to be described in each illustrative example. Figures 1 to 21 and Fig.24 Some of the elements, features and / or components described and illustrated in the specification may not necessarily include Figures 1 to 21 , Fig.24 , other drawings, and / or other features described and illustrated in the accompanying disclosure may be combined in various ways, even if such combination or combinations are not explicitly exemplified herein. Similarly, additional features not limited to the examples presented may be combined with some or all of the features shown and described herein. Unless explicitly stated otherwise, the above Figures 1 to 21 and Fig.24 The schematic diagrams of the examples shown in are not meant to be structural limitations on the examples illustrated. On the contrary, although an exemplary structure is indicated, it should be understood that the structure can be modified when appropriate. Therefore, modifications, additions and / or omissions can be made to the illustrated structure. In addition, Figures 1 to 21 and Fig.24 In each of the embodiments, elements, features and / or components that serve a similar or at least substantially similar purpose are labeled with the same reference numerals and may not be referred to herein. Figures 1 to 21 and Fig.24 Each of these elements, features or components is discussed in detail. Similarly, all elements, features and / or components may not be discussed in detail in the Figures 1 to 21 and Fig.24 Each of the is labeled, but for consistency, the reference numerals associated therewith may be used herein.

[0138] In the above referenced Fig. 22 and Fig.23In the disclosure, the boxes may represent operations, steps and / or parts thereof, and the lines connecting the boxes do not imply any particular order or dependency of the operations or parts thereof. It should be understood that not all dependencies among the various disclosed operations are necessarily represented. Fig. 22 and Fig.23 And the accompanying disclosure describing the operation of the method disclosed herein should not be interpreted as necessarily determining the order in which the operations are performed. On the contrary, although an exemplary order is indicated, it should be understood that the order of the operations can be modified when appropriate. Therefore, the operations shown can be modified, added and / or omitted, and certain operations can be performed in different orders or simultaneously. In addition, those skilled in the art will understand that it is not necessary to perform all the operations described.

[0139] Furthermore, the present application includes implementations according to the following examples:

[0140] 1. A system (100) for material testing, the system (100) comprising:

[0141] A test piece (102), the test piece comprising:

[0142] a body (106) extending along the axis (104); and

[0143] a hollow interior (108), the hollow interior being formed by the body (106);

[0144] a test station (110) for internally pressurizing the hollow interior (108) of the test piece (102); and

[0145] A data collector (112) acquires data (114) representing the specimen (102).

[0146] 2. The system (100) of Example 1, wherein the body (106) including the hollow interior (108) is formed by additive manufacturing.

[0147] 3. The system (100) of example 1, wherein the data collector (112) comprises:

[0148] a sensor (138) that collects the data (114); and

[0149] A computer (116) determines at least one property (118) of the sample (102) based on the data (114) collected by the sensor (138).

[0150] 4. The system (100) of example 3, wherein:

[0151] The sensor (138) includes an image sensor (140); and

[0152] The computer (116) uses digital image correlation to determine deformation (142) and strain (144) of the specimen (102).

[0153] 5. The system (100) of example 1, wherein the test bench (110) comprises:

[0154] a substrate (120) supporting the specimen (102); and

[0155] A conduit (122) extends through the substrate (120) and is in fluid communication with the hollow interior (108) of the specimen (102).

[0156] 6. The system (100) according to Example 1 further comprises a heater (124) for heating the specimen (102).

[0157] 7. The system (100) of Example 1, further comprising a housing (132) surrounding the specimen (102),

[0158] At least one of a housing pressure (134) within the housing (132) and a housing temperature within the housing (132) is controllable.

[0159] 8. The system (100) of example 1, wherein:

[0160] The body (106) of the test piece (102) comprises:

[0161] a first portion (152) extending along the axis (104); and

[0162] a second portion (154) extending from the first portion (152) along the axis (104);

[0163] The first portion (152) includes a first material (156);

[0164] The second portion (154) includes a second material (158); and

[0165] The first material (156) and the second material (158) are different.

[0166] 9. The system (100) of example 1, wherein:

[0167] The body (106) of the test piece (102) comprises:

[0168] a first portion (152) extending along the axis (104); and

[0169] a second portion (154) extending from the first portion (152) along the axis (104);

[0170] The first portion (152) includes a first cross-sectional dimension (160);

[0171] The second portion (154) includes a second cross-sectional dimension (162); and

[0172] The first cross-sectional dimension (160) and the second cross-sectional dimension (162) are different.

[0173] 10. The system (100) of example 1, wherein:

[0174] The body (106) of the test piece (102) comprises:

[0175] a first portion (152) extending along the axis (104); and

[0176] a second portion (154) extending from the first portion (152) along the axis (104);

[0177] The first portion (152) comprises a first thickness (164);

[0178] The second portion (154) includes a second thickness (166); and

[0179] The first thickness (164) and the second thickness (166) are different.

[0180] 11. The system (100) of example 1, wherein:

[0181] The body (106) of the test piece (102) comprises:

[0182] a first portion (152) extending along the axis (104); and

[0183] a second portion (154) extending from the first portion (152) along the axis (104);

[0184] The first portion (152) includes at least one of a first material (156), a first cross-sectional dimension (160), and a first thickness (164);

[0185] The second portion (154) includes at least one of a second material (158), a second cross-sectional dimension (162), and a second thickness (166); and

[0186] At least one of the first material (156) and the second material (158), the first cross-sectional dimension (160) and the second cross-sectional dimension (162), and the first thickness (164) and the second thickness (166) are different.

[0187] 12. The system (100) of example 1, further comprising a plurality of test pieces (168), wherein:

[0188] Each of the specimens (168) includes the body (106) and the hollow interior (108);

[0189] The test station (110) internally pressurizes the hollow interior (108) of each of the test pieces (168); and

[0190] The data collector (112) acquires data (114) representing each of the specimens (168).

[0191] 13. The system (100) of example 12, wherein:

[0192] The body (106) of each of the specimens (168) includes at least two portions (170); and

[0193] The at least two portions (170) include at least one of different materials (172), different cross-sectional dimensions (174), and different thicknesses (176).

[0194] 14. A system (100) for material testing, the system comprising:

[0195] A test piece (102), the test piece comprising:

[0196] a body (106) extending along the axis (104); and

[0197] a hollow interior (108), the hollow interior being formed by the body (106),

[0198] Wherein, the hollow interior (108) of the test piece (102) is configured to be pressurized.

[0199] 15. The system (100) of example 14, wherein:

[0200] The body (106) of the test piece (102) comprises:

[0201] a first portion (152) extending along the axis (104); and

[0202] a second portion (154) extending from the first portion (152) along the axis (104);

[0203] The first portion (152) includes at least one of a first material (156), a first cross-sectional dimension (160), and a first thickness (164);

[0204] The second portion (154) includes at least one of a second material (158), a second cross-sectional dimension (162), and a second thickness (166); and

[0205] At least one of the first material (156) and the second material (158), the first cross-sectional dimension (160) and the second cross-sectional dimension (162), and the first thickness (164) and the second thickness (166) are different.

[0206] 16. The system (100) of example 14, further comprising a plurality of test pieces (168), wherein:

[0207] Each of the specimens (168) includes the body (106) and the hollow interior (108); and

[0208] The hollow interior (108) of each of the specimens (168) is configured to be pressurized.

[0209] 17. The system (100) of example 16, wherein:

[0210] The body (106) of each of the specimens (168) comprises:

[0211] a first portion (152) extending along the axis (104); and

[0212] a second portion (154) extending from the first portion (152) along the axis (104);

[0213] The first portion (152) includes at least one of a first material (156), a first cross-sectional dimension (160), and a first thickness (164);

[0214] The second portion (154) includes at least one of a second material (158), a second cross-sectional dimension (162), and a second thickness (166);

[0215] At least one of the first material (156) and the second material (158), the first cross-sectional dimension (160) and the second cross-sectional dimension (162), and the first thickness (164) and the second thickness (166) are different.

[0216] 18. A method (1000) for material testing, the method (1000) comprising the following steps:

[0217] Pressurizing the interior of the test piece (102);

[0218] While the interior is pressurized, acquiring data (114) representative of the test piece (102); and

[0219] The data (114) is used to determine at least one property (118) of the specimen (102).

[0220] 19. The method (1000) of example 18, wherein:

[0221] The specimen (102) includes a body (106) extending along an axis (104) and a hollow interior (108) formed by the body (104); and

[0222] The step of internally pressurizing the specimen (102) includes applying a fluid (196) within the hollow interior (108) to increase the internal pressure (182) of the specimen (102).

[0223] 20. The method (1000) of example 19, wherein:

[0224] The test piece (102) comprises:

[0225] a first portion (152) extending along the axis (104) and comprising at least one of a first material (156), a first cross-sectional dimension (160), and a first thickness (164);

[0226] a second portion (154) extending from the first portion (152) along the axis (104) and comprising at least one of a second material (158), a second cross-sectional dimension (162), and a second thickness (166);

[0227] At least one of the first material (156) and the second material (158), the first cross-sectional dimension (160) and the second cross-sectional dimension (162), and the first thickness (164) and the second thickness (166) are different;

[0228] The step of acquiring the data (114) includes: acquiring first data (188) representing the first portion (152) and acquiring second data (190) representing the second portion (154); and

[0229] The step of determining at least one attribute (118) includes determining the at least one attribute (118) of the first portion (152) and the at least one attribute (118) of the second portion (154).

[0230] In addition, references to features, advantages, or similar language used throughout this specification do not mean that all features and advantages that can be achieved by the examples disclosed herein should be or are present in any single example. Instead, language referring to features and advantages is understood to mean that a particular feature, advantage, or characteristic described in conjunction with an example is included in at least one example. Therefore, discussions of features, advantages, and similar language used in this disclosure may, but do not necessarily, refer to the same example.

[0231] The features, advantages and characteristics of one example may be combined in one or more other examples in any suitable manner. Those skilled in the relevant art will recognize that the examples described herein may be practiced without one or more specific features or advantages of a particular example. In other cases, additional features and advantages that may not be present in all examples may be recognized in certain examples. In addition, although various examples of the system 100, method 1000 and test piece 102 have been shown and described, those skilled in the art may make modifications after reading the specification. The present application includes such modifications and is limited only by the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A system (100) for material testing, the system (100) comprising: A test piece (102), the test piece comprising: a body (106) extending along the axis (104); and a hollow interior (108), the hollow interior being formed by the body (106); a test station (110) for internally pressurizing the hollow interior (108) of the test piece (102); and A data collector (112) acquires data (114) representing the specimen (102).

2. The system (100) according to claim 1, wherein: The test bench (110) comprises: a substrate (120) supporting the specimen (102); and A conduit (122) extends through the substrate (120) and is in fluid communication with the hollow interior (108) of the specimen (102).

3. The system (100) of claim 1, further comprising a housing (132) surrounding the specimen (102), in, At least one of a housing pressure (134) within the housing (132) and a housing temperature within the housing (132) is controllable.

4. The system (100) according to claim 1, characterized in that: The body (106) of the test piece (102) comprises: a first portion (152) extending along the axis (104); and a second portion (154) extending from the first portion (152) along the axis (104); The first portion (152) includes at least one of a first material (156), a first cross-sectional dimension (160), and a first thickness (164); The second portion (154) includes at least one of a second material (158), a second cross-sectional dimension (162), and a second thickness (166); and At least one of the first material (156) and the second material (158), the first cross-sectional dimension (160) and the second cross-sectional dimension (162), and the first thickness (164) and the second thickness (166) are different.

5. The system (100) of claim 1, further comprising a plurality of test pieces (168), wherein: Each of the specimens (168) includes the body (106) and the hollow interior (108); The test station (110) internally pressurizes the hollow interior (108) of each of the test pieces (168); and The data collector (112) acquires data (114) representing each of the specimens (168).

6. The system (100) of claim 5, wherein: The body (106) of each of the specimens (168) includes at least two portions (170); and The at least two portions (170) include at least one of different materials (172), different cross-sectional dimensions (174), and different thicknesses (176).

7. A system (100) for material testing, the system comprising: A test piece (102), the test piece comprising: a body (106) extending along the axis (104); and a hollow interior (108), the hollow interior being formed by the body (106), Wherein, the hollow interior (108) of the test piece (102) is configured to be pressurized.

8. The system (100) of claim 7, further comprising a plurality of test pieces (168), wherein: Each of the specimens (168) includes the body (106) and the hollow interior (108); and The hollow interior (108) of each of the specimens (168) is configured to be pressurized.

9. A method (1000) for material testing, the method (1000) comprising the following steps: Pressurizing the interior of the test piece (102); While the interior is pressurized, acquiring data (114) representative of the test piece (102); and The data (114) is used to determine at least one property (118) of the specimen (102).

10. The method (1000) of claim 9, wherein: The test piece (102) comprises: a first portion (152) extending along the axis (104) and comprising at least one of a first material (156), a first cross-sectional dimension (160), and a first thickness (164); a second portion (154) extending from the first portion (152) along the axis (104) and comprising at least one of a second material (158), a second cross-sectional dimension (162), and a second thickness (166); At least one of the first material (156) and the second material (158), the first cross-sectional dimension (160) and the second cross-sectional dimension (162), and the first thickness (164) and the second thickness (166) are different; The step of acquiring the data (114) includes: acquiring first data (188) representing the first portion (152) and acquiring second data (190) representing the second portion (154); and The step of determining at least one attribute (118) includes determining the at least one attribute (118) of the first portion (152) and the at least one attribute (118) of the second portion (154).

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