Vane test

A simplified single vane test rig has been designed for screening of seal and port designs and low friction materials. Hardware has been procured and assembly is in progress. 

Screening tests will be performed in the single vane test device using candidate seals and ports as well as low friction materials. Results will be evaluated to select the best options and to identify additional options to be tested. 

COMPRESSOR OR EXPANDER VANE CHANNEL Figure 3. Single Vane Test Apparatus Design... 

CFD calculations have been initiated at ANL using Mechanology s single vane test configuration. These analyses will be used to understand the interaction of the vane/seal/air system as a function of operating conditions and to guide seal and port designs. 

The device for field applications has been standardized by American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM D2573). A symposium on vane testing was held by ASTM in 1988 (Richards, 1988). Sources of error in the vane shear test are poor calibration of torque measurement, damaged vanes, or variation in rate of vane rotation. 

Use of in situ testing equipment to obtain strength data encounters many actual or potential problems. Most of these problems cause a reduction in strength. A summary of instrumental sources of strength degradation for CPT and vane tests is listed in Table 4.4. 

The vane test has proved to be a very useful method of determining the undrained shear strength of soft clays and silts. It has been shown to give strength values similar to the undrained unconsolidated triaxial test (Richards, 1988). Generally, a four-bladed vane is... 

Many marine sediments fall into the category of soft clays and silts and are, therefore, amenable to vane testing. Consequently, a considerable effort has been made to adapt this test for use in marine sediments (Richards, 1988). 

Favre, J.-L. 1983. Comparative statistical analysis between penetrometers, vane-tests and self-boring pressuremeters. Proceedings of the International Symposium, Soil and Rock Investigations by In Situ Testing, II 287-291. 

Field vane test Clay Undrained shear strength Test shonld be used with care, particularly in fissured, varved and highly plastic clays ASTM D 2553-72 Bjerrum (1972) Schmertmann (1975) Wroth and Hughes (1973) Wroth (1975) BS 5930 (1999)-Cl 25.3... 

Shear vane tests, (a) borehole vane test, (b) penetration vane test. 

The required shear strength can be measured directly via a field vane test or can be deduced from a CPT(U) test (Lunne et al, 1997). In such case, it is strongly advised to setup a site specific correlation between the CPT(U)-test and the shear strength. This can be realised when at the same location of some CPT(U) tests also in situ van shear tests are performed. 

The shear strength of the fill can be tested directly with a field vane test in a borehole in case of cohesive material. 

Hand vane test Soft to firm clay Undrained shear strength, remoulded shear strength ... 

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