ARRESTING MATERIAL TEST APPARATUS AND METHODS

摘要

Arresting material test apparatus, test probes and methods enable testing of compressive gradient strength of cellular concrete, and materials having similar characteristics, on a continuous basis from the surface of a section to a typical internal penetration depth of at least 60 percent of thickness. Previous testing of cellular concrete typical ly focused on determining a minimum structural strength prior to structural failure or shattering of a test sample. For an aircraft arresting bed, for example, cellular concrete must exhibit a compressive gradient strength in a relatively narrow precalculated range continuously fr om the surface to penetration depth equal to 60 or 80 percent. Precalculated and controlled compressive gradient strength is critical to enabling an aircraft to be safely stopped within a set distance, without giving rise to drag forces exceeding main landing gear structural limits. Test apparatus, test probes with post-compression build-up relief and test methods are described.