High-temperature test facility for repeated pressure loading of cylinders

A test facility capable of subjecting cylindrical specimens to repeated pressure loadings at high temperatures is described. The loading rates range from 480 to 600 cycles per minute. The test pressures range from 310 to 447 MN/m² and the test temperatures are 260°C, 538°C and 816°C. Testing was performed at two strain rates. A “low” strain rate of about 4 per second and a “high” strain rate of about 9.6 per second. The uniqueness of the facility lies in the choice of a solid loading medium to transmit pressure to the specimen. Some typical results are presented.