Hollow Testpiece for Parallel Material Characterization

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional material testing methodologies are time-consuming and expensive, making them unfeasible for the vast number of material types and combinations enabled by advances in material science, such as alloys and additive manufacturing.

Innovation Solution

A system and method for high-throughput material testing that allows 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, using a testpiece with a hollow interior that can be internally pressurized and a data collector to acquire and analyze data.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If standard testing methodologies are used to test multiple material combinations, then material property data can be obtained, but the testing process becomes excessively time-consuming and expensive

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvematerial property dataVSAvoidtesting time

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple test specimens into a single integrated test assembly that can be tested simultaneously. Multiple specimens are positioned within a single test chamber and subjected to the same test conditions, allowing parallel testing of multiple material combinations in one experimental run, thereby dramatically reducing total testing time

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The test assembly is designed as a universal platform that can accommodate various types of test specimens and test conditions. The system can perform different types of material tests (tensile, compressive, thermal, etc.) on multiple specimens simultaneously, making the testing apparatus multi-functional and adaptable to diverse testing requirements

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Measurement precision

If standard testing methodologies are used to test multiple material combinations, then material property data can be obtained, but the testing cost increases significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvematerial property dataVSAvoidtesting cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple test specimens into a single integrated test assembly that can be tested simultaneously. Multiple specimens are positioned within a single test chamber and subjected to the same test conditions, allowing parallel testing of multiple material combinations in one experimental run, thereby dramatically reducing total testing time

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The test assembly is designed as a universal platform that can accommodate various types of test specimens and test conditions. The system can perform different types of material tests (tensile, compressive, thermal, etc.) on multiple specimens simultaneously, making the testing apparatus multi-functional and adaptable to diverse testing requirements

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Measurement precision

If multiple test parameters are tested separately, then accurate material characterization can be achieved, but the number of tests required increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvematerial characterizationVSAvoidtesting throughput

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The test assembly is designed as a universal platform that can accommodate various types of test specimens and test conditions. The system can perform different types of material tests (tensile, compressive, thermal, etc.) on multiple specimens simultaneously, making the testing apparatus multi-functional and adaptable to diverse testing requirements

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The testing system incorporates dynamic control capabilities that allow test parameters to be adjusted during the testing process. Different specimens within the same test assembly can be subjected to different test parameters (temperature, load, strain rate) simultaneously, enabling comprehensive material characterization while maintaining high throughput

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

Enables rapid and cost-effective acquisition of material characterization data, facilitating improved cycle times and enabling the testing of complex material combinations that would be impractical with traditional methods.

Implementation Method 1

a testpiece with a hollow interior that can be internally pressurized

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectInternal pressurization: Pressurisation

Data Source

PatentEP4560286A1Systems and methods for material testing and material testpieces

Publication Date: 2025.05.28 THE BOEING CO

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AI summary

A material testing system and method includes a testpiece, a test bed, and a data collector. The testpiece includes a body that extends along an axis and a hollow interior that is formed by the body. The test bed internally pressurizes the hollow interior of the testpiece. The data collector acquires data representing the testpiece.