GRIPS AND FIXTURES FOR ELECTROPULS™ SYSTEMS

Side-entry wedge grips for use with ElectroPuls systems have been designed to combine low mass with excellent gripping performance for a range of static and fatigue tests. Both manually and pneumatically operated wedge grips are available and a range of jaw faces allows different specimen types and thicknesses to be tested. Pneumatically operated grips require a suitable air kit and air supply.

Principle of Operation

The wedge action principle of these grips allows them to be tightened onto a specimen without altering the vertical position of the faces in relation to the specimen. This is accomplished by a design that moves the grip body to close the faces. This feature makes it possible to pre-select the exact point at which the specimen is held, while maintaining consistent gauge length and minimizing any compressive force which may cause specimen buckling. The jaw faces are preloaded during gripping to allow full reverse-stress dynamic tests to be performed.

Application Range

• Type of loading: Static or dynamic, reverse stress

• Specimen material: Metallics, plastics, composites

• Specimen geometries: Round section (not buttonhead) or flat specimens with or without shoulder tab