Constant load dilatometers

Abstract

Differential dilatometers are described which employ a linear variable differential transformer dilation sensor in which the core and/or coil is independently supported to accommodate the imposition of a constant load on a specimen abutting a pushrod coupled to that transformer element. The independent support system has at least one collar that slidably enages a mating extension of the supported transformer element, thereby permitting long range axial movement of that element while rigidly restricting lateral movement. The collar which thus holds the supported transformer element may be tilted by an adjustable clamp on at least one plant parallel to the path of axial movement of that element, thereby facilitating alignment adjustment. In a specifically illustrated independent support system of this type, the supported transformer element bears two such extensions, each of which slidably engages a separate collar containing linear ball bearings, the collars are held in firm alignment by a yoke and the yoke is held by an adjustable clamp that permits the supported element to be tilted on two perpendicualr planes, both of which are parallel to its path of axial movement.