An apparatus for the tensile testing of ceramic ring specimens at elevated temperatures

The construction of an apparatus to measure the tensile strength of ceramic specimens in the form of thin-walled rings is described. In its present form it has been used satisfactorily on sintered polycrystalline UO2 up to 500 degrees C with either putty or low softening point glass as the pressurizing medium. Since the major problem preventing use at higher temperature appears to be oxidation of the specimens, the equipment, even in its present form, could possibly be used at appreciably higher temperatures with less oxygen-sensitive materials.