Indirect tension Brazilian fixture LEITB100/ASTMD3967

This simple test allows the determination of tensile strength via a uniform diametral line compression of a cylindrical specimen. Using cylindrical specimens and compressing them vertically between two cylindrical seating loading jaws gives an indirect tensile stress and a corresponding deformation in the orthogonal plane. This experimental setup is also known as the Brazilian test and can be used with the Point Load Tester compression frame.

The fixture is designed to test multiple specimen diameter using replaceable specimen end caps. The device comprises two upper and lower loading plates guided by two columns through low-friction bearings to ensure alignment between the fixture and specimen. Both plates feature removable curved specimen end caps that come in contact with the specimen. They are made of hardened steel and ground flat to minimize stress concentration on the specimen. In addition, a spherically seated washer in the upper plate avoids bending-moments and ensures axial loading alignment.