AbstractA pneumatic tensile tester, recently designed and built at Watertown Arsenal Laboratories, has a load capacity of 15,000 lb. and an idling speed of about 300 in./sec. over a 3‐in. stroke, at 500 psi nitrogen or one‐third the allowable maximum pressure. Loads and strains may be recorded by oscillographs or oscilloscopes. The scope can be triggered through an electric circuit by an internal, automatic poppet valve in the main gasport. External, auxiliary diaphragm valves are actuated by solenoids. Excess energy of piston assembly, after a tensile rupture, is absorbed through rapidly damped oscillations between two air cushions at opposite ends of the cylinder. The machine is mounted on a carriage resting on springs and Barrymounts so that operation at full load transmits negligible vibrations to the floor. Weight of machine and carriage is 700 lb.; base, 600 lb.; and steel safety cabinet, 400 lb. Short descriptions and a number of illustrations are presented which show typical actions of the machine and results of various tests recently performed on structural materi
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