Method and Apparatus for Edgewise Compression Testing of Flat Sheets

摘要

The patent application describes a compressive creep test fixture of box-like structure having a rectangular opening for testing a specimen and a pair of ports for applying a vacuum. Rigid or semi-rigid elements, spaced from each other in a uniform manner, support the specimen at the rectangular opening during testing. The vacuum in the fixture holds the tested specimen in place on the support elements, and together the vacuum and support elements prevent buckling of very thin sheet materials under conditions of edgewise compressive loading. The invention provides a method for using a compressive creep test fixture to determine mechanical properties of sheet materials.