Kenneth C Liu

Title: Innovations of Kenneth C Liu

Introduction

Kenneth C Liu is a notable inventor based in Oak Ridge, TN (US). He has made significant contributions to the field of material testing, holding a total of four patents. His work focuses on innovative methods for evaluating the properties of materials under various conditions.

Latest Patents

One of Liu's latest patents is an "Apparatus and method for fatigue testing of a material specimen in a high-pressure fluid environment." This invention allows for fatigue testing of a material specimen while it is placed in a high-pressure fluid environment. The specimen is positioned between receivers in an end cap of a vessel and a piston that is moveable within the vessel. Pressurized fluid is supplied to compression and tension chambers defined between the piston and the vessel. When the pressure in the compression chamber exceeds that in the tension chamber, the specimen experiences a compression force. Conversely, when the pressure in the tension chamber is greater, the specimen is subjected to a tension force. This innovative method allows for comprehensive testing while the specimen is surrounded by pressurized fluid, such as hydrogen.

Another significant patent is for "Fracture toughness determination using spiral-grooved cylindrical specimen and pure torsional loading." This method determines the fracture toughness K of various materials, including metallic alloys and brittle ceramics. A cylindrical specimen with a helical V-groove is subjected to pure torsion, creating a uniform tensile-stress crack-opening mode. The K values are derived from the fracture torque and crack length measured from the specimen using a specialized 3-D finite element program. This method allows for miniaturization of the specimen without losing generality, making it a valuable advancement in material testing.

Career Highlights

Throughout his career, Kenneth C Liu has worked with prominent organizations, including the United States of America as represented by the United States and Martin Marietta Energy Systems, Inc. His contributions have significantly impacted the field of material science and engineering.

Collaborations

Liu has collaborated with esteemed colleagues such as Jy-An Wang and Zhili Feng. Their joint efforts have furthered advancements in material testing methodologies.

Conclusion

Kenneth C Liu's innovative patents and contributions to material testing demonstrate his expertise and commitment to advancing the field. His work continues to influence the way materials are evaluated under various conditions, showcasing the importance of innovation in engineering.