Static elastomer-to-metal test (debonding) facility for use in an industrial environment

There have been many specialised studies to understand the mechanisms of th e failure processes in rubber-to-metal bonds. Historically, this work has r elied on a wide range of ad hoc laboratory techniques, the simplest being t he direct suspension of a weight on the rubber element of the joint in a wa y that loads the interface. Although many quite profound and useful data ha ve been obtained using these methods, they are far from ideal when interlab oratory rigour is essential or if the tests are to be used routinely for qu ality assessment and/or non-specialist staff are employed. This is particul arly true when there are health and safety issues or factors other than the product's life expectancy to be studied. The machine described here not on ly incorporates the necessary safeguards essential for industrial use but a lso includes many additional benefits that allow an increased level of scie ntific appraisal not previously possible. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science Ltd. Al l rights reserved.