Material test and system and method for material test piece

Abstract

To provide a material test, and a system and a method for a material test piece.SOLUTION: The material test system and the method for a material test include a test piece, a test board, and a data collection unit. The test piece includes: a body extending along an axis; and the inside of a hollow formed by the body. The test board internally pressurizes the inside of the hollow of the test piece. The data collection unit acquires data representing the test piece.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

Technical Field

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

Background Art

[0002] When designing a manufactured article, it is desirable to computationally model the performance of the article. Computational models are generated using materials property data collected from experimental testing of materials under different conditions. Standard test methodologies rely on testing one material sample for one materials property dataset per test. Thus, to develop a characterization of a given material, several tests must be performed to obtain multiple datasets. However, advances in materials science such as alloys and additive manufacturing have enabled a very large number of potential material combinations. The vast number of material options makes standard test methodologies infeasible from both a cost and time perspective. Accordingly, those skilled in the art have continued research and development efforts in high-throughput materials testing.

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

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

Means for Solving the Problems

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

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

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

[0007] In one example, the disclosed method includes: (1) a step of internally pressurizing a test piece; (2) a step of acquiring data representing the test piece while internally pressurizing; and (3) a step of using the data to determine at least one property of the test piece.

[0008] Other examples of the system, method, and test piece will become apparent from the following detailed description, the accompanying drawings, and the appended claims.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0009]

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Best Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0010] Referring generally to FIGS. 1 - 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 test piece 102 for use with the system 100, which may also be referred to as a material test piece. The system 100 and the test piece 102 facilitate the improvement of 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.

[0011] For the purposes of the present disclosure, a test piece refers to a sample or specimen of one or more materials that is tested to determine one or more physical properties or characteristics of the one or more materials. The test piece can have any suitable dimensions and / or geometric shape. The physical properties or characteristics determined for the test piece can be used to represent the physical properties or characteristics of a product, component, or structure made of the same material.

[0012] FIG. 1 shows an example of a conventional test methodology 1600 for characterizing a material. In the example shown, the test (block 1602) includes a single test piece (block 1604). The test piece is made of a single material (block 1606). The test is designed to operate or be performed under a single test parameter (block 1610) or condition (e.g., load state, temperature, pressure, geometric shape, etc.) (block 1608). The test is performed on the test piece (block 1612). As an example, the test piece is loaded in a load frame and subjected to a mechanical load test. During the test, a single material property (block 1614) or characteristic (strength, fatigue behavior, strain, stress, temperature effect, corrosion, etc.) of the test piece is measured. Some tests are performed on several different test pieces over several different test parameters. Each test piece is made of the same material. Each test uses different test parameters and / or measures different material properties. Thus, each test is analyzed (block 1616) and provides a single data set (block 1618) representing a single material property of a single material under a single test parameter. After several tests are completed, the data sets are combined to represent a material property evaluation (block 1620). This material property evaluation can be used for modeling.

[0013] The present disclosure recognizes that material property evaluation and modeling require a vast amount of data representing materials under a variety of different conditions, and for this purpose, a vast number of tests need to be conducted. Conventional test methodologies used for material property evaluation, such as shown in FIG. 1, are time-consuming and expensive, and thus become infeasible as the number of different material types and combinations increases and evolves.

[0014] FIG. 2 shows an example of an improved high-throughput test methodology 1800 for characterizing materials, implemented using system 100 and / or in accordance with method 1000 disclosed herein. The improved test methodology overcomes the bottleneck of one test per data set of conventional test methodologies (e.g., FIG. 1). In the illustrated example, a test (block 1802) includes one or more test specimens (block 1804). Each test specimen is made of one or more materials (block 1806). The test is designed (block 1808) to operate or be performed under one or more test parameters (block 1810) or conditions (e.g., load state, temperature, pressure, geometry, etc.) for each test specimen or its corresponding one. The test can be performed simultaneously on multiple test specimens (block 1812). During the test, one or more material properties (block 1814) or characteristics (strength, fatigue behavior, strain, stress, temperature effect, corrosion, etc.) are measured for each test specimen. Thus, a single test can be performed on several different test specimens, can be performed under various different test parameters, and / or can measure various different material properties. Thus, each test is analyzed (block 1816) and provides a plurality of data sets (block 1818) representing the plurality of material properties of a plurality of materials under a plurality of test parameters. After the test is completed, the data sets are combined to represent a material property evaluation (block 1820). The material property evaluation can be used for modeling and / or design. As an example, modeling using the material property evaluation can be part of the design and analysis process for new engineering, structures, components, etc.

[0015] Referring to FIGS. 3-21 below, the following is an example of system 100 according to the present disclosure. System 100 includes several elements, forms, and components. Not all of the elements, forms, and / or components described or illustrated in an example are required in that example. Some or all of the elements, forms, and / or components described or illustrated in an example can be combined with other examples in various ways without including the other elements, forms, and / or components described in those other examples, although one or more such combinations are not explicitly described or illustrated by way of example herein.

[0016] Referring to FIGS. 3-21, in one or more examples, system 100 includes a test piece 102. Test piece 102 includes a body 106 that extends along an axis 104 and a hollow interior 108 formed by body 106. The hollow interior 108 of test piece 102 is configured to be pressurized. System 100 also includes a test stand 110. Test stand 110 internally pressurizes the hollow interior 108 of test piece 102. System 100 further includes a data collection unit 112. Data collection unit 112 acquires data 114 representative of test piece 102.

[0017] By internally pressurizing the body 106 of test piece 102, it becomes possible to apply a test load or test stress to test piece 102 using fluid 196 rather than a mechanical test rig. Internally pressurizing the body 106 of test piece 102 to apply a test load and / or stress provides the ability to load / stress a test sample in different ways that enable the measurement of multiple material properties in a single test, which can result in improved cycle times.

[0018] Referring to FIGS. 4 and 5, in one or more examples, test stand 110 is configured to seal the hollow interior 108 of test piece 102 and apply fluid 196 into the hollow interior 108 of test piece 102 during a test operation.

[0019] Referring to FIGS. 4 and 21, in one or more examples, the test piece 102 is formed or fabricated by additive manufacturing. As an example, the body 106 that includes or forms the hollow interior 108 is formed by additive manufacturing. Additive manufacturing enables the easy fabrication of the test piece 102 with various selectively controlled characteristics. As an example, the body 106 of the test piece 102 can be fabricated with one or more different types of materials 172. As another example, the body 106 of the test piece 102 can be fabricated to include one or more different thicknesses 176. As another example, the body 106 of the test piece 102 can be fabricated to include one or more different cross-sectional dimensions 174. Although additive manufacturing provides certain benefits, the test piece 102 can also be fabricated with any other suitable manufacturing technique.

[0020] Referring to FIGS. 3 and 17 - 21, in one or more examples, the data collection unit 112 includes a sensor 138. The sensor 138 collects data 114. In one or more examples, the data collection unit 112 also includes a computer 116. The computer 116 determines at least one property 118 of the test piece 102 based on the data 114 collected by the sensor 138.

[0021] Sensor 138 includes or takes the form of any device that detects conditions or changes in test piece 102 and transmits information representing the conditions or changes to another electronic device (e.g., computer 116) for processing and / or analysis. Sensor 138 can be a contact sensor or a non-contact sensor. In one or more examples, data collection unit 112 includes a plurality of sensors 138. In these examples, all of the sensors 138 can be the same, or data collection unit 112 can utilize various different types of sensors 138, for example, to obtain different types of data 114 representing different properties 118. In one or more examples, 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 data 114 provided by sensors 138 and determine one or more properties 118 of material 172 of test piece 102.

[0022] Referring to FIGS. 3 and 17 - 21, in one or more examples, sensor 138 includes an image sensor 140 such as a camera, a charge-coupled device (CCD), or a complementary metal-oxide semiconductor (CMOS). In these examples, image sensor 140 captures one or more images 184 (e.g., data 114 is image data) representing test piece 102 before, during, and / or after testing. In these examples, computer 116 uses images 184 to determine deformation 142 (e.g., displacement) and strain 144 (e.g., property 118) of test piece 102.

[0023] In the above examples, computer 116 determines deformation 142 and strain 144 of test piece 102 using digital image correlation (DIC). Generally, digital image correlation is an optical technique that combines image alignment and tracking methods for accurate two-dimensional (2D) and three-dimensional (3D) measurements of changes in image 184. Compared to strain gauges and extensometers, the digital image correlation method provides more detailed information about deformation due to its ability to provide both local and average data. The use of image sensor 140 and DIC technique enables measurement of most or all of the outer surface of body 106 of test piece 102 during testing.

[0024] In other examples, sensor 138 includes a strain gauge and / or an extensometer. In these examples, computer 116 uses data 114 provided by the strain gauge and / or extensometer to determine deformation 142 and strain 144 (e.g., property 118) of test piece 102.

[0025] In the above examples, data collection unit 112 detects and / or measures, for example, the radial expansion of test piece 102 or changes in the geometric shape of body 106 of test piece 102 in a direction that is at least approximately perpendicular to axis 104. In the above examples, data collection unit 112 detects and / or measures, for example, the axial elongation of test piece 102 or changes in the geometric shape of body 106 of test piece 102 in one or more directions such as a direction that is at least approximately parallel or oblique to axis 104.

[0026] Referring to FIGS. 3, 17, and 21, in the above examples, sensor 138 includes any one of various other types of sensors configured to measure or detect one or more of properties 118 or capable of measuring or detecting them. In the above examples, computer 116 uses data 114 provided by sensor 138 to determine oxidation 148 (e.g., property 118) of test piece 102.

[0027] In addition to the examples described above in this specification, other examples of sensor 138 include, but are not limited to, Raman spectroscopy, ultrasonic transducers, X-ray absorption near-edge spectroscopy (XANES), and the like. Still other examples of sensor 138 include, but are not limited to, thermal cameras, linear variable differential transformer (LVDT) transducers, laser interferometer systems, strain gauges, thermocouples, acoustic emission, non-contact pyrometers, extensometers, ultrasonic phased arrays, and the like.

[0028] In addition to the examples described above in this specification, other examples of property 118 detected, measured, and / or determined using data collection unit 112 (e.g., one or more sensors 138 and computer 116) include, but are not limited to, creep and fatigue data, which measure displacement and / or strain information as a function of load and time, thermal conductivity, thermal expansion measurements, and the like. Still other examples of property 118 include, but are not limited to, magnetic properties, electrical properties, phase transformations, and deformation twin activation (e.g., from acoustic emission).

[0029] Referring to FIGS. 3-5 and FIGS. 17-21, in one or more examples, test stand 110 includes base plate 120. Base plate 120 supports test specimen 102. Test stand 110 also includes conduit 122 that extends through base plate 120. Conduit 122 is in fluid communication with hollow interior 108 of test specimen 102.

[0030] In one or more examples, body 106 of test specimen 102 and base plate 120 of test stand 110 are connected such that base plate 120 seals interior 108 of test specimen 102. Conduit 122 provides fluid 196 to interior 108 sealed by body 106 and base plate 120. Introduction of fluid 196 internally pressurizes body 106 and thus applies a load, force, or stress to test specimen 102.

[0031] Referring to FIGS. 4-6, when fluid 196 is introduced into interior 108 of test piece 102, the internal pressure 182 within test piece 102 increases. Next, the internal pressure 182 applies a load, force, or stress to the inner surface of body 106 in the radially outward direction indicated by the directional arrow 202 in FIG. 6. The internal pressure 182 also applies a load, force, or stress to the inner surfaces of body 106 and base plate 120 in the axially outward direction indicated by the directional arrows 204 in FIGS. 4 and 5.

[0032] Referring to FIGS. 3 and 21, in one or more examples, system 100 includes a pressure source 210 that pressurizes fluid 196, provides fluid 196 to interior 108 of test piece 102, and / or controls the internal pressure 182 within interior 108 of test piece 102. In one or more examples, pressure source 210 is coupled to conduit 122 of test stand 110 via a fluid tube and is in fluid communication with conduit 122 to deliver fluid 196 within interior 108 during testing.

[0033] By delivering fluid 196 within interior 108 of test piece 102 and / or controlling the pressure of fluid 196, it becomes possible to selectively control the internal pressure 182 of test piece 102 during testing. In these examples, internal pressure 182 is one example of a plurality of parameters (e.g., block 1810 in FIG. 2) that are controlled by system 100 during testing.

[0034] Referring to FIGS. 4 and 21, in one or more examples, test piece 102 and test stand 110 are formed or fabricated by additive manufacturing. As an example, body 106 that includes or forms hollow interior 108 and base plate 120 that includes conduit 122 formed therein are formed by additive manufacturing. Additive manufacturing enables test piece 102 and test stand 110 to form a single monolithic structure, thereby providing a more stable seal to interior 108 of test piece 102. Additive manufacturing also enables test piece 102 and test stand 110 to be easily manufactured with various selectively controlled properties. Although additive manufacturing provides certain benefits, test piece 102 and / or test stand 110 can also be fabricated using any other suitable manufacturing technique.

[0035] Referring to FIGS. 5 and 21, in one or more examples, the test piece 102 is coupled to the test bench 110. As an example, the body 106 of the test piece 102 is coupled to the base plate 120 of the test bench 110 by any mechanism or technique suitable for sealing the interior 108 of the test piece 102 so that it is internally pressurized during the test. In one or more examples, the test piece 102 includes a flange extending from the body 106. The flange is coupled to the base plate 120 of the test bench 110 by, for example, welding, adhesive bonding, mechanical fasteners, etc., or combinations thereof. In one or more examples, the test bench 110 includes a seal 208 such as a gasket disposed between the body 106 and the base plate 120.

[0036] Referring to FIGS. 3, 17, and 21, in one or more examples, the system 100 includes a heater 124. The heater 124 heats the test piece 102. By heating the test piece 102, it becomes possible to selectively control the temperature 180 of the test piece 102 during the test. In these examples, the temperature 180 is an example of one of the parameters controlled by the system 100.

[0037] Referring to FIGS. 17 - 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., induction coil) is positioned around at least a portion of the body 106 of the test piece 102. By using an alternating current (AC), a magnetic field is generated that heats through the conductive material of the test piece 102. Advantages of using the induction heater 126 include local and uniform precise heating at specific locations of the test piece 102. Other advantages of using the induction heater 126 include improved heating efficiency, improved temperature control, improved heating performance, and energy efficiency.

[0038] Referring to FIGS. 17 and 21, in one or more examples, the heater 124 includes a radiant heater 128. In one or more examples, the radiant heater 128 is positioned proximate to (e.g., at least partially on 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 across the entire body 106 of the specimen 102.

[0039] Referring to FIGS. 17 and 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 heat blanket, heat tape, etc.) is positioned on at least a portion of the inner and / or outer surface of the body 106 and / or on at least a portion of the base plate 120 of the test stand 110. Advantages of using the conductive heater 130 include, for example, implementation of rapid heating and / or temperature gradients along the base plate 120 and / or the specimen 102 due to heat transfer (from the contact surface outward) through the specimen 102 and the distance from the conductive heater 130.

[0040] Referring to FIGS. 3 and 17 - 21, in one or more examples, the system 100 includes an enclosure 132. The enclosure 132 surrounds the specimen 102. In one or more examples, the specimen 102, the test stand 110, and the data collection unit 112 are positioned within the enclosure 132 during testing. In one or more examples, the enclosure 132 provides a safety barrier in the event of a failure of the specimen 102 during internal pressurization.

[0041] Referring to FIGS. 18 - 21, in one or more examples, the enclosure pressure 134 within the enclosure 132 is controllable. For example, the enclosure 132 can take the form of an autoclave or other pressure vessel. By controlling the enclosure pressure 134 (e.g., pressurizing or depressurizing the interior of the enclosure 132), it becomes possible to selectively control the external pressure surrounding the body 106 of the specimen 102 during testing. In these examples, the enclosure pressure 134 (e.g., the external pressure) is one example of a parameter that is controlled by the system 100 during testing.

[0042] Referring to FIGS. 18 to 21, in one or more examples, the enclosure temperature 136 within the enclosure 132 is controllable. For example, the enclosure 132 can take the form of an autoclave or an oven. By controlling the enclosure temperature 136 (e.g., heating or cooling the interior of the enclosure 132), it becomes possible to selectively control the external temperature surrounding the body 106 of the test piece 102 during the test. In these examples, the enclosure temperature 136 (e.g., the external temperature) is an example of a parameter controlled by the system 100 during the test.

[0043] Referring to FIGS. 7 to 16 and 21, in one or more examples, the body 106 of the test piece 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 along the axis 104 with respect to each other. 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 one 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 one 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 one 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.

[0044] Referring to FIGS. 7 to 16 and 21, in one or more examples, the body 106 of the test piece 102 includes a first portion 152 that extends along the axis 104. The body 106 also includes a second portion 154 that extends from the first portion 152 along the axis 104. The first portion 152 and the second portion 154 are examples of the portions 170. Although only two portions are explicitly identified, it will be understood that the body 106 of the test piece 102 can include any number of additional portions 170 (e.g., a third portion, a fourth portion, etc.).

[0045] Referring to FIGS. 7 - 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 materials 172.

[0046] The materials 172 that make up the portions 170 of the body 106 of the test piece 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 materials including, but not limited to, metallic materials, metal alloys, polymeric 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).

[0047] 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.

[0048] By fabricating the test piece 102 with a plurality of materials 172 such as the body 106 of the test piece 102 having a plurality of portions 170, and each of the portions 170 being fabricated with a different material 172, it becomes possible to evaluate several different materials 172 during a single test operation and / or by using a single test piece 102.

[0049] Referring to FIGS. 7-16 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.

[0050] The present disclosure recognizes that the load or stress applied to the body 106 of the test piece 102 depends on the internal pressure 182 within the interior 108 of the test piece 102 and the cross-sectional dimensions 174 of the test piece 102. As an example, when the internal pressure 182 within the test piece 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 test piece 102 corresponds to the cross-sectional dimensions 174 of the test piece 102. As an example, when the internal pressure 182 is a constant value, 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.

[0051] 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 transition 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.

[0052] By fabricating the test piece 102 with a plurality of cross-sectional dimensions 174 such as the body 106 of the test piece 102 having a plurality of portions 170 and each of the portions 170 having different cross-sectional dimensions 174, it becomes possible to evaluate a single material 172 in several different load or stress states during a single test operation and / or by using a single test piece 102, and / or to evaluate several different materials 172 in several different load or stress states.

[0053] The cross-sectional dimensions 174 of the test piece 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 various ways. In one or more examples, as shown in FIGS. 11-15, the cross-sectional dimensions 174 of the test piece 102 are controlled using the shape of the body 106. As an example, the body 106 can include a conical shape (e.g., FIGS. 13 and 14) having a cross-sectional dimension that gradually decreases along the axis 104. As another example, the body 106 can include a series of cylindrical sections (e.g., FIGS. 11, 12, and 15) each having a cross-sectional dimension that gradually becomes smaller. In one or more examples, as shown in FIGS. 9, 10, 15, and 16, the cross-sectional dimensions 174 of the test piece 102 are controlled using the thickness 176 of the body 106.

[0054] Referring to FIGS. 7-16 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.

[0055] 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.

[0056] By fabricating the test piece 102 with a plurality of thicknesses 176, such as the body 106 of the test piece 102 having a plurality of portions 170 and each of the portions 170 having a different thickness 176, it is possible to evaluate a single material 172 at several different thicknesses 176 and / or several different cross-sectional dimensions 174 (e.g., load or stress state) and / or several different materials 172 at several different thicknesses 176 and / or several different cross-sectional dimensions 174 (e.g., load or stress state) by using a single test piece 102 during a single test operation.

[0057] Referring to FIGS. 7-16 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. 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 is different.

[0058] 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 dimension 160, the second cross-sectional dimension 162, and the third cross-sectional dimension 220, and the first thickness 164, the second thickness 166, and the third thickness 218 is different.

[0059] In other examples, the test piece 102 can have any suitable number of portions 170, can be fabricated from any suitable number of different materials 172, can have any suitable three-dimensional shape, can have any suitable number of different cross-sectional dimensions 174, and / or can have any suitable number of different thicknesses 176.

[0060] In addition, in other examples, any one or more of portions 170 of test piece 102 can be made of any suitable number of different materials 172, can have any suitable number of different cross-sectional dimensions 174, and / or can have any suitable number of different thicknesses 176. Further, the three-dimensional shape (e.g., the number of cross-sectional dimensions) of test piece 102 can be varied and / or adjusted to yield a desired stress state.

[0061] Referring to FIGS. 17-21, in one or more examples, system 100 includes a plurality of test pieces 168. Test piece 102 (e.g., FIGS. 3-16) is an example or any one of test pieces 168. Each of test pieces 168 (e.g., test piece 102) includes a body 106 and a hollow interior 108. Test stand 110 internally pressurizes the hollow interior 108 of each of test pieces 168. Data collection unit 112 acquires data 114 representative of each of test pieces 168. By utilizing a plurality of test pieces 168 during a single test operation, high-throughput testing is enabled.

[0062] Referring to FIGS. 4-21, in one or more examples, each body 106 of test piece 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.

[0063] Referring to FIGS. 17-21, in one or more examples, test stand 110 includes a base plate 120. Base plate 120 supports test piece 168. Test stand 110 includes a manifold 178 extending through base plate 120. Manifold 178 is in fluid communication with the hollow interior 108 of each of test pieces 168. In one or more examples, manifold 178 includes conduits 122 that branch into several different sections to internally pressurize each of test pieces 168.

[0064] Referring to FIGS. 4-21 here, the following is an example of the test piece 102 according to the present disclosure. The test piece 102 includes several elements, forms, and components. Not all of the elements, forms, and / or components illustrated or described in an example are required in that example. Some or all of the elements, forms, and / or components illustrated or described in an example may be combined with other examples in various ways without including the other elements, forms, and / or components described in those other examples, but one or more such combinations are not explicitly illustrated or described by way of example herein.

[0065] In one or more examples, the test piece 102 includes a body 106. The body 106 extends along an axis 104. The test piece 102 includes a hollow interior 108. The hollow interior 108 of the test piece 102 is formed by the body 106. The hollow interior 108 of the test piece 102 is configured to be pressurized.

[0066] In one or more examples, the body 106 of the test piece 102 that forms the hollow interior 108 is formed by additive manufacturing.

[0067] In one or more examples, a test stand 110 is coupled to the test piece 102. The test stand 110 is configured to internally pressurize the hollow interior 108 of the test piece 102.

[0068] In one or more examples, the test stand 110 includes a base plate 120. The base plate 120 is configured to support the test piece 102. A conduit 122 extends through the base plate 120. The conduit 122 is in fluid communication with the hollow interior 108 of the test piece 102.

[0069] In one or more examples, the test piece 102 is coupled to the base plate 120.

[0070] In one or more examples, the test piece 102 and the base plate 120 are monolithic and formed by additive manufacturing.

[0071] In the above example, the body 106 of the test piece 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.

[0072] In the above example, 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.

[0073] In the above example, 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.

[0074] In the above example, 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.

[0075] In the above example, the first portion 152 includes at least one of the first material 156, the first cross-sectional dimension 160, and the first thickness 164. The second portion 154 includes at least one of the second material 158, the second cross-sectional dimension 162, and the 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 is different.

[0076] In the above example, the test piece 102 is one of a plurality of test pieces 168. Each of the test pieces 168 includes a body 106 and a hollow interior 108. The hollow interior 108 of each of the test pieces 168 is configured to be pressurized.

[0077] In the above example, the body 106 of each of the test pieces 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.

[0078] In the above examples, the test stand 110 is coupled to the test specimen 168. The test stand 110 is configured to internally pressurize each hollow interior 108 of the test specimen 168. The test stand 110 includes a base plate 120 configured to support the test specimen 168. The test stand 110 includes a manifold 178 extending through the base plate 120. The manifold 178 is in fluid communication with each hollow interior 108 of the test specimen 168.

[0079] Referring to FIGS. 3 and 17 - 21, the system 100 can have various different configurations and / or arrangements. In one or more examples, at least one sensor 138 is movable relative to a plurality of test specimens 168. As an example, the base plate 120 of the test stand 110 includes rails and a carriage. The sensor 138 is attached to the rails and coupled to a carriage movable along the rails (e.g., as shown in FIG. 20). In one or more examples, the test specimens 168 can be oriented and / or arranged to enable data acquisition, internal pressure control, and temperature control. In one or more examples, the test specimens 168 are coupled to the base plate 120 of the test stand 110 such that one or more axes 104 of the test specimens 168 are oriented at least substantially perpendicular (e.g., as shown in FIGS. 17, 18, and 20). In one or more examples, the test specimens 168 are coupled to the base plate 120 of the test stand 110 such that one or more axes 104 of the test specimens 168 are oriented at least substantially horizontal (e.g., as shown in FIG. 19).

[0080] Referring generally to FIG. 22, as an example, the present disclosure also is directed to a method 1000 for materials testing, which may also be referred to herein as a materials testing method. The method 1000 facilitates improvement of materials testing by enabling a plurality of materials to be tested in a single test, a plurality of test parameters to be tested in a single test, and a plurality of material properties to be measured in a single test.

[0081] Referring generally to FIGS. 1 - 21 and particularly to FIG. 22, the following is an example of method 1000 according to the present disclosure. In one or more examples, method 1000 is an example of the test methodology shown in FIG. 2. In one or more examples, method 1000 is implemented using system 100 or test piece 102 (e.g., FIGS. 3 - 23). Method 1000 includes several elements, steps, and / or operations. Not all of the elements, steps, and / or operations illustrated or described in an example are required in that example. Some or all of the elements, steps, and / or operations illustrated or described in an example can be combined with other examples in various ways without including the other elements, steps, and / or operations described in those other examples, although one or more such combinations are not explicitly illustrated or described by way of example herein.

[0082] In one or more examples, method 1000 includes enclosing test piece 102 within enclosure 132 (block 1002). In one or more examples, method 1000 includes controlling (e.g., selecting and / or modifying) enclosure temperature 136 within enclosure 132 (block 1004). In one or more examples, method 1000 includes controlling (e.g., selecting and / or modifying) enclosure pressure 134 within enclosure 132 (block 1006). In one or more examples, the step of controlling enclosure temperature 136 (block 1004) and the step of controlling enclosure pressure 134 (block 1006) are examples of steps of controlling at least one parameter of the test (block 1014).

[0083] In the above example, method 1000 includes a step of internally pressurizing test piece 102 (block 1008). In the above example, method 1000, such as the step of internally pressurizing test piece 102 (block 1008), includes a step of sealing the hollow interior 108 of test piece 102 (block 1010) and a step of applying fluid 196 into the hollow interior 108 of test piece 102 (block 1012). By applying fluid 196 into the hollow interior 108 of test piece 102, an increase in the internal pressure 182 of test piece 102 is promoted. The increase in the internal pressure 182 of test piece 102 applies a load or stress to the body 106 of test piece 102.

[0084] In the above example, method 1000 includes a step of controlling (e.g., modifying or selecting) at least one parameter for the test operation (block 1014).

[0085] In the above example, method 1000, such as the step of controlling at least one parameter (block 1014), includes a step of controlling (e.g., modifying or selecting) the temperature 180 of test piece 102 during the test operation (block 1016).

[0086] In the above example, method 1000, such as the step of controlling temperature 180 (block 1016), includes a step of heating test piece 102 (block 1018). In the above example, the step of heating test piece 102 (block 1018) includes a step of inductively heating test piece 102. In the above example, the step of heating test piece 102 (block 1018) includes a step of radiatively heating test piece 102. In the above example, the step of heating test piece 102 (block 1018) includes a step of conductively heating test piece 102. In the above example, test piece 102 includes at least two portions 170. In the above example, the step of heating test piece 102 (block 1018) includes a step of heating at least one or each of the at least two portions 170 to different temperatures 180 (block 1020).

[0087] In one or more of the above examples, a method 1000, such as a step of controlling a temperature 180 (block 1016), includes a step of cooling (e.g., actively cooling) a test piece 102. In one or more of the examples, the test piece 102 includes at least two portions 170. In these examples, the step of cooling the test piece 102 includes a step of cooling at least one of the at least two portions 170 to a different temperature 180.

[0088] In one or more of the examples, the temperature 180 of the test piece 102 is controlled (e.g., block 1016) at least in part by controlling an enclosure temperature 136 within an enclosure 132 and surrounding the test piece 102 (e.g., block 1004).

[0089] In one or more of the examples, a method 1000, such as a step of selecting at least one parameter (block 1014), includes a step of controlling (e.g., modifying or selecting) an internal pressure 182 within an interior 108 of the test piece 102 during a test operation (block 1022). In one or more of the examples, a method 1000, such as a step of controlling the internal pressure 182 (block 1022), includes a step of controlling a fluid 196 applied within the interior 108 of the test piece 102 (block 1024). As an example, the internal pressure 182 within the test piece 102 is controlled by application of the fluid 196 and / or pressurization of the fluid 196 within the interior 108 of the test piece 102 (e.g., block 1012).

[0090] In the above examples, the step of controlling at least one parameter (block 1014) includes the step of controlling (e.g., selecting and / or modifying) the material 172 of the body 106 of the test piece 102 (block 1026). In the above examples, the test piece 102 includes a first portion 152 that extends along the axis 104 and includes a first material 156. The test piece 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 test piece 102 includes any number of additional portions 170 that extend along the axis 104, for example, from or between the first portion 152 and the second portion 154. In the above examples, at least one material 172 of the portion 170 is different from at least another one of the materials 172 of the portion 170. In the above examples, each material 172 of the portion 170 is different. In the above examples, the material 172 of the body 106 is controlled during the manufacture of the test piece 102, such as during an additive manufacturing operation.

[0091] In the above examples, a method 1000, such as the step of controlling at least one parameter (block 1014), includes the step of selecting (e.g., modifying and / or controlling) the geometric shape 194 of the test piece 102 (block 1028).

[0092] In the above examples, the geometric shape 194 of the test piece 102 includes the cross-sectional dimensions 174 of the body 106 of the test piece 102. In these examples, the step of selecting the geometric shape 194 (block 1028) includes the step of controlling (e.g., modifying and / or selecting) the cross-sectional dimensions 174 of the body 106 (block 1030). In the above examples, the test piece 102 includes a first portion 152 that extends along the axis 104 and includes a first cross-sectional dimension 160. The test piece 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.

[0093] In the above example, the geometric shape 194 of the test piece 102 includes the thickness 176 of the body 106 of the test piece 102. In these examples, the step of controlling the geometric shape 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 test piece 102 includes a first portion 152 that extends along the axis 104 and includes a first thickness 164. The test piece 102 includes a second portion 154 that extends from the first portion 152 along the axis 104 and includes a second thickness 166. The first thickness 164 and the second thickness 166 are different.

[0094] In one or more examples, the shape, cross-sectional dimensions 174, and / or thickness 176 of the body 106 are controlled during the manufacture of the test piece 102, such as during an additive manufacturing operation.

[0095] In other examples, additional parameters of the test can also be controlled (e.g., selected and / or modified) as desired or necessary for a particular test. As an example, the type of fluid 196 can be selected, such as a gas or a liquid, e.g., nitrogen, argon, oxygen, CO 2 and the like. As another example, a temperature gradient along the body 106 of the test piece 102 can be controlled.

[0096] Method 1000 includes a step (block 1034) of obtaining data 114 representing test piece 102. In one or more examples, data 114 is obtained before, during, and / or after test piece 102 is internally pressurized to apply a load or stress to test piece 102. In other words, the step of obtaining data 114 (block 1034) is performed during and / or after the step of internally pressurizing test piece 102 (block 1008). In one or more examples, the step of obtaining data 114 (block 1034) includes a step of capturing an image 184 of test piece 102 (block 1036). In one or more examples, the step of obtaining data 114 (block 1034) includes a step of obtaining first data 188 (e.g., a first image) representing a first portion 152 (block 1038) and a step of obtaining second data 190 (e.g., a second image) representing a second portion 154 (block 1040).

[0097] In the above example, method 1000 includes a step (block 1042) of determining at least one property 118 of test piece 102 using data 114. In the above example, the step (block 1042) of determining at least one property 118 includes a step of determining at least one property 118 of the first portion 152 and a step of determining at least one property 118 of the second portion 154. In the above example, at least one property 118 includes a deformation 142 of test piece 102. Thus, in the above example, the step (block 1042) of determining at least one property 118 of test piece 102 includes a step (block 1044) of determining the deformation 142. In the above example, at least one property 118 includes a strain 144 of test piece 102. Thus, in the above example, the step (block 1042) of determining at least one property 118 of test piece 102 includes a step (block 1046) of determining the strain 144 of test piece 102, for example, using digital image correlation. In the above example, the step (block 1042) of determining at least one property 118 of test piece 102 includes a step (block 1044) of determining the deformation 142 and a step (block 1046) of determining the strain 144 of test piece 102, for example, using digital image correlation. In the above example, the step (block 1042) of determining at least one property 118 of test piece 102 includes a step of determining any other suitable type of material property.

[0098] In the above example, the test piece 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 test piece 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. 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 is different. In the above example, the test piece 102 includes any number of additional portions 170 that include different materials 172, geometric shapes 194, thicknesses 176, and / or cross-sectional dimensions 174.

[0099] In the above example, the steps described above and shown in FIG. 22 can be applied to a plurality of test pieces 168. In the above example, the method 1000 includes the step of internally pressurizing a plurality of test pieces 168 (e.g., block 1008). In the above example, the method 1000 includes the step of obtaining data 114 representative of each of the test pieces 168 before, during, and / or after internal pressurization (e.g., block 1034). In the above example, the method 1000 includes the step of determining at least one property 118 of each of the test pieces 168 using the data 114 (e.g., block 1042).

[0100] In the above example, each body 106 of the test pieces 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, the step of obtaining data 114 includes the step of obtaining data 114 representative of at least two portions 170 of each of the test pieces 168 (e.g., block 1038 and block 1040).

[0101] In the above examples, method 1000 includes a step (block 1048) of characterizing test piece 102, such as one or more materials 172 of test piece 102, based on at least one property 118 corresponding to at least one of material 172, cross-sectional dimension 174, and thickness 176. In these examples, the material property evaluations generated according to method 1000 can be used for analytical modeling.

[0102] Referring now to FIGS. 23 and 24, examples of the system 100, test piece 102, and method 1000 described herein can be related to, or used in connection with, an aerospace manufacturing and maintenance inspection method 1100 as shown in the flowchart of FIG. 23 and an aircraft 1200 as schematically shown in FIG. 24. As an example, the aircraft 1200 and / or the manufacturing and maintenance inspection method 1100 can include or utilize components made of materials characterized using the system 100, test piece 102, and / or data obtained according to method 1000.

[0103] Referring to FIG. 24, an example of an aircraft 1200 is shown. 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 on-board systems 1204 (e.g., high-level systems). Examples of the on-board 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 on-board systems 1204 also include one or more control systems coupled to the fuselage 1202 of the aircraft 1200. In still other examples, the on-board systems 1204 also include one or more other systems including, but not limited to, a communication system, an avionics system, a software delivery system, a network communication system, a passenger information / entertainment system, a guidance system, a radar system, a weapon system, etc. The aircraft 1200 can have any number of components made of materials characterized using the system 100, test piece 102, and / or data obtained according to method 1000.

[0104] Referring to FIG. 23, during the pre-production of the aircraft 1200, the manufacturing and maintenance inspection method 1100 includes the specifications and design of the aircraft 1200 (block 1102), as well as material procurement (block 1104). During the production of the aircraft 1200, the manufacturing of components and sub-assemblies (block 1106), as well as the system integration of the aircraft 1200 (block 1108) are carried out. Thereafter, the aircraft 1200 goes into operation (block 1112) after passing through certification and transportation (block 1110). Periodic maintenance and inspection (block 1114) includes the modification, reconfiguration, retrofit, etc. of one or more systems of the aircraft 1200.

[0105] Each of the processes of the manufacturing and maintenance inspection method 1100 shown in FIG. 23 may be implemented or executed by a system integrator, a third party, and / or an operator (e.g., a customer). For the purposes of this description, the system integrator may include, but is not limited to, any number of aircraft manufacturers and major system subcontractors, the third party may include, but is not limited to, any number of vendors, subcontractors, and suppliers, and the operator may be an airline, a leasing company, a military organization, an in-flight service organization, etc.

[0106] The examples of the system 100, test piece 102, and method 1000 shown and described in this specification may be employed during any one or more stages of the manufacturing and maintenance inspection method 1100 shown in the flow diagram shown in FIG. 25. In one example, the components of the aircraft 1200 are made of materials characterized using the system 100, test piece 102, and / or data obtained according to the method 1000 during part of the manufacturing (block 1106) and / or system integration (block 1108) of the components and subassemblies. Further, the components of the aircraft 1200 can be made of materials characterized using the system 100, test piece 102, and / or data obtained according to the method 1000 during the flight of the aircraft 1200 (block 1112). Also, the components of the aircraft 1200 can be made of materials characterized using the system 100, test piece 102, and / or data obtained according to the method 1000 during system integration (block 1108) and during certification and transportation (block 1110). Similarly, the components of the aircraft 1200 can be made of materials characterized using the system 100, test piece 102, and / or data obtained according to the method 1000 during the flight of the aircraft 1200 (block 1112) and during servicing and maintenance inspection (block 1114).

[0107] The foregoing detailed description refers to the accompanying drawings that illustrate specific examples described by this disclosure. Other examples having different structures and operations are not outside the scope of this disclosure. Like reference numerals may refer to the same form, element, or component in different drawings. Throughout this disclosure, any one of a plurality of items may be referred to individually as that item, collectively as those items, or by like reference numerals. Further, as used herein, the forms, elements, components, or steps preceding the words "a" or "an" are to be understood as not excluding a plurality of such forms, elements, components, or steps unless expressly stated to the contrary.

[0108] Exemplary and non-exhaustive examples of the subject matter according to the present disclosure are provided above, although they are not necessarily claimed. References to "an example" in this specification mean that one or more forms, structures, elements, components, characteristics, and / or operational steps described in connection with the example are included in at least one aspect, embodiment, and / or implementation of the subject matter according to the present disclosure. Thus, throughout this disclosure, the phrases "an example," "another example," "one or more examples," and similar language can, but do not necessarily, refer to the same example. Further, the subject matter characterizing any one example can, but does not necessarily, include the subject matter characterizing any other example. Also, the subject matter characterizing any one example can, but does not necessarily, be combined with the subject matter characterizing any other example.

[0109] As used herein, a system, apparatus, device, structure, article, element, component, or hardware "configured to" perform a specified function is not merely one that has the potential to perform the specified function after further modification, but one that can actually perform the specified function without modification. In other words, a system, apparatus, device, structure, article, element, component, or hardware "configured to" perform a specified function is specifically selected, created, implemented, utilized, programmed, and / or designed for the purpose of performing the specified function. As used herein, "configured to" represents the existing characteristics of a system, apparatus, structure, article, element, component, or hardware that enable it to perform the specified function without further modification. For purposes of this disclosure, a system, apparatus, device, structure, article, element, component, or hardware described as "configured to" perform a particular function can additionally or alternatively be described as "adapted to" and / or "operates to" perform that function.

[0110] Unless otherwise specified, terms such as "first", "second", "third", etc. are used herein merely as labels and are not intended to impose requirements of order, arrangement, or hierarchy on the items they refer to. Further, for example, a reference to a "second" item does not exclude, for example, the presence of a "first" or smaller numbered item and / or, for example, a "third" or larger numbered item.

[0111] As used herein, the phrase "at least one of" when used with a list of items means that various combinations of one or more of the listed items may be used and that 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, without limitation, include item A, or may include 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, without limitation, include, for example, two of item A, one of item B, and ten of item C, or four of item B and seven of item C, or other suitable combinations. As used herein, the term "and / or" and the " / " symbol include any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

[0112] For purposes of the present disclosure, the terms "coupled", "coupling", and similar terms refer to two or more elements that are joined, linked, fastened, attached, connected, placed in communication, or otherwise (e.g., mechanically, electrically, fluidly, optically, electromagnetically) associated with each other. In various examples, the elements may be associated directly or indirectly. As an example, element A may be directly associated with element B. As another example, element A may be indirectly associated with element B, for example, via another element C. It will be understood that not all associations between the various disclosed elements are necessarily represented. Thus, couplings other than those shown may exist.

[0113] As used herein, the term "substantially" refers to or represents conditions that are close to but not exactly the recited conditions that still perform the desired function or achieve the desired result. By way of example, the term "substantially" refers to conditions that are within an acceptable predetermined tolerance or accuracy, such as conditions within 10% of the recited conditions. However, the term "substantially" does not exclude conditions that are exactly the recited conditions. As used herein, the term "essentially" refers to conditions that are essentially the recited conditions that perform the desired function or achieve the desired result.

[0114] The above FIGS. 1 to 21 and 24 can represent functional elements, forms, or their components, and do not necessarily mean a specific structure. Therefore, modifications, additions, and / or omissions can be made to the illustrated structure. In addition, those skilled in the art will understand that all elements, forms, and / or components described and illustrated in the above FIGS. 1 to 21 and 24 do not have to be included in all examples, and that all elements, forms, and / or components described in this specification are not necessarily illustrated in each exemplary example. Therefore, some of the elements, forms, and / or components described and illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 21 and 24 can be combined in various ways without including other forms, other drawings, and / or the accompanying disclosure described and illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 21 and 24 even if such combinations are not explicitly shown in this specification. Similarly, additional forms not limited to the presented examples can be combined with some or all of the forms shown and described in this specification. Unless otherwise specified, the schematic diagrams of the examples illustrated in the above FIGS. 1 to 21 and 24 do not mean structural limitations regarding the exemplary examples. Rather, although one exemplary structure is shown, it should be understood that the structure can be modified as appropriate. Therefore, modifications, additions, and / or omissions can be made to the illustrated structure. Furthermore, elements, forms, and / or components that serve the same or at least substantially the same purpose are labeled with the same numbers in each of FIGS. 1 to 21 and 24, and such elements, forms, and / or components may not be described in detail in this specification with reference to each of FIGS. 1 to 21 and 24. Similarly, in each of FIGS. 1 to 21 and 24, not all elements, forms, and / or components are labeled, and the reference signs related thereto may be used in this specification to maintain consistency.

[0115] In FIGS. 22 and 23 above, a block may represent an operation, a step, and / or a part thereof, and the lines connecting the various blocks do not imply a particular order or dependency of the operations or parts thereof. It will be understood that not all dependencies between the various disclosed operations are necessarily represented. The description of FIGS. 22 and 23 and the accompanying disclosure explaining the operations of the disclosed method herein should not be construed as necessarily determining the sequence in which the operations are to be performed. Rather, while one exemplary order is shown, it should be understood that the sequence of operations may be modified where appropriate. Accordingly, modifications, additions, and / or omissions can be made to the illustrated operations, and particular operations can be performed in a different order or simultaneously. In addition, those skilled in the art will understand that not all of the described operations need to be performed.

[0116] Furthermore, throughout this specification, references to forms, advantages, or similar language used herein do not mean that all forms and advantages realizable in the examples disclosed herein should be in any single example or be included therein. Rather, language referring to forms and advantages is understood to mean that a particular form, advantage, or characteristic described in connection with an example is included in at least one example. Accordingly, descriptions of forms, advantages, and similar language used throughout this disclosure may, but do not necessarily, refer to the same example.

[0117] The described forms, advantages, and characteristics of one example can be combined in any suitable manner in one or more other examples. Those skilled in the art will recognize that the examples described herein can be practiced without one or more of the particular forms or advantages of a particular example. In other examples, additional forms and advantages not present in all examples may be recognized in a particular example. Further, while various examples of system 100, method 1000, and test piece 102 are shown and described, those skilled in the art may envision modifications upon reading this specification. This application includes such modifications and is limited only by the claims.

Explanation of Symbols

[0118] 100 System, 102 Test piece, 104 Axis, 106 Main body, 108 Hollow interior, 110 Test stand, 112 Data collection unit, 114 Data, 116 Computer, 118 Property, 120 Base plate, 122 Conduit, 124 Heater, 126 Induction heater, 128 Radiant heater, 130 Conductive heater, 132 Enclosure, 134 Enclosure pressure, 136 Enclosure temperature, 138 Sensor, 140 Image sensor, 142 Deformation, 144 Strain, 148 Oxidation, 152 First part, 154 Second part, 156 First material, 158 Second material, 160 First cross-sectional dimension, 162 Second cross-sectional dimension, 164 First thickness, 166 Second thickness, 168 Test piece, 170 At least two parts, 172 Material, 174 Cross-sectional dimension, 176 Thickness, 178 Manifold, 180 Temperature, 182 Internal pressure, 184 Image, 188 First data, 190 Second data, 194 Geometric shape, 196 Fluid, 202 Direction arrow, 204 Direction arrow, 208 Seal, 210 Pressure source, 212 Third part, 214 Third material, 218 Third thickness, 220 Third cross-sectional dimension, 1000 Method, 1002 Block, 1004 Block, 1006 Block, 1008 Block, 1010 Block, 1012 Block, 1014 Block, 1016 Block, 1018 Block, 1020 Block, 1022 Block, 1024 Block, 1026 Block, 1028 Block, 1030 Block, 1032 Block, 1034 Block, 1036 Block, 1038 Block, 1040 Block, 1042 Block, 1044 Block, 1046 Block, 1048 Block, 1100 Manufacturing and maintenance inspection method, 1102 Specifications and design, 1104 Material procurement, 1106 Manufacturing of components and sub-assemblies, 1108 System integration, 1110 Certification and transportation, 1112 In flight, 1114 Maintenance and inspection, 1200 Aircraft, 1202 Airframe, 1204 Onboard system, 1206 Interior, 1208 Propulsion system, 1210 Electrical system, 1212 Hydraulic system, 1214 Environmental system, 1600 Conventional test methodology, 1602 Block, 1604 Block, 1606 Block, 1608 Block, 1610Block, 1612 Block, 1614 Block, 1616 Block, 1618 Block, 1620 Block, 1800 Improved high-throughput test methodology, 1802 Block, 1804 Block, 1806 Block, 1808 Block, 1810 Block, 1812 Block, 1814 Block, 1816 Block, 1818 Block, 1820 Block

Claims

1. A system (100) for materials testing, the system comprising: - a test specimen (102), a body (106) extending along an axis (104); a hollow interior (108) defined by said body (106); A test piece (102) comprising: - a test stand (110) for internally pressurizing said hollow interior (108) of said test specimen (102); a data acquisition unit (112) for acquiring data (114) representative of said test specimen (102); A system (100) comprising:

2. The system of claim 1 , wherein the body with the hollow interior is formed by additive manufacturing.

3. The data collection unit (112) a sensor (138) for collecting said data (114); a computer (116) for determining at least one property (118) of the test strip (102) based on the data (114) collected by the sensor (138); The system (100) of claim 1, comprising:

4. The sensor (138) comprises an image sensor (140); The system (100) of claim 3, wherein the computer (116) determines the deformation (142) and strain (144) of the test specimen (102) using digital image correlation.

5. The test stand (110) comprises: A base plate (120) that supports the test specimen (102); a conduit (122) extending through said base plate (120) and in fluid communication with said hollow interior (108) of said test specimen (102); The system (100) of claim 1, comprising:

6. The system (100) of claim 1, further comprising a heater (124) for heating the test specimen (102).

7. an enclosure (132) surrounding the test specimen (102); The system (100) of any of the preceding claims, wherein at least one of an enclosure pressure (134) within the enclosure (132) is controllable and an enclosure temperature (136) within the enclosure (132) is controllable.

8. The body (106) of the test strip (102) comprises: a first portion (152) extending along said axis (104); a second portion (154) extending from said first portion (152) along said axis (104); Equipped with the first portion (152) comprises a first material (156); the second portion (154) comprises a second material (158); The system (100) of claim 1, wherein the first material (156) and the second material (158) are different.

9. The body (106) of the test strip (102) comprises: a first portion (152) extending along said axis (104); a second portion (154) extending from said first portion (152) along said axis (104); Equipped with the first portion (152) includes a first cross-sectional dimension (160); the second portion (154) includes a second cross-sectional dimension (162); The system (100) of claim 1, wherein the first cross-sectional dimension (160) and the second cross-sectional dimension (162) are different.

10. The body (106) of the test strip (102) comprises: a first portion (152) extending along said axis (104); a second portion (154) extending from said first portion (152) along said axis (104); Equipped with the first portion (152) includes a first thickness (164); the second portion (154) includes a second thickness (166); The system (100) of claim 1, wherein the first thickness (164) and the second thickness (166) are different.

11. The body (106) of the test strip (102) comprises: a first portion (152) extending along said axis (104); a second portion (154) extending from said first portion (152) along said axis (104); Equipped with the first portion (152) comprises 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); 2. The system of claim 1, wherein 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.

12. a plurality of test strips (168); Each of the test strips (168) comprises the body (106) and the hollow interior (108); The test stand (110) internally pressurizes the hollow interior (108) of each of the test specimens (168); The system (100) of claim 1, wherein the data collector (112) acquires the data (114) representative of each of the test specimens (168).

13. The body (106) of each of the test strips (168) comprises at least two portions (170); The system (100) of claim 12, wherein the at least two portions (170) comprise at least one of different materials (172), different cross-sectional dimensions (174), and different thicknesses (176).

14. A system (100) for materials testing, the system comprising: - a test specimen (102), a body (106) extending along an axis (104); a hollow interior (108) defined by said body (106); A test strip (102) comprising: Equipped with The system (100), wherein the hollow interior (108) of the test specimen (102) is configured to be pressurized.

15. The body (106) of the test strip (102) comprises: a first portion (152) extending along said axis (104); a second portion (154) extending from said first portion (152) along said axis (104); Equipped with the first portion (152) comprises 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); 15. The system (100) of claim 14, wherein 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.

16. a plurality of test strips (168); Each of the test strips (168) comprises the body (106) and the hollow interior (108); The system (100) of claim 14, wherein the hollow interior (108) of each of the test specimens (168) is configured to be pressurized.

17. The body (106) of each of the test strips (168) comprises: a first portion (152) extending along said axis (104); a second portion (154) extending from said first portion (152) along said axis (104); Equipped with the first portion (152) comprises 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); 17. The system (100) of claim 16, wherein 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.

18. 1. A method (1000) for materials testing, comprising: - internally pressurizing the test specimen (102); - acquiring data (114) representative of said test specimen (102) while applying internal pressure; - determining at least one property (118) of said test specimen (102) using said data (114); The method (1000).

19. The test specimen (102) comprises a body (106) extending along an axis (104) and a hollow interior (108) defined by the body (106); 20. The method (1000) of claim 18, wherein the step of internally pressurizing the test specimen (102) comprises applying a fluid (196) within the hollow interior (108) to increase an internal pressure (182) of the test specimen (102).

20. The test piece (102) is a first portion (152) extending along said axis (104) and including 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 including at least one of a second material (158), a second cross-sectional dimension (162), and a second thickness (166); Equipped with 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; obtaining the data (114) includes obtaining first data (188) representative of the first portion (152) and obtaining second data (190) representative of the second portion (154); 20. The method (1000) of claim 19, wherein the step of determining at least one of the properties (118) comprises the step of determining at least one of the properties (118) of the first portion (152) and at least one of the properties (118) of the second portion (154).

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