NEW IDEAS IN TECHNOLOGY: Repeatability in tensile creep testing

In the course of research into creep at RAE Farnborough it was recognized that the feasibility of the programme depended critically on the level of repeatability attainable in practical tests. Axiality of loading is a crucial factor in this respect and the accuracy required could not be achieved with conventional equipment. A new loading alignment system and a means of measuring the position of the test specimen relative to the load axis have therefore been devised to secure the necessary accuracy.