Country Brook Design Blog - Just another WordPress weblog

Tensile strength (TS) is a measure used to describe the maximum pulling pressure a material can manage, before the cross-section begins to notably contract. The real term for tensile strength is ultimate tensile strength (UTS), but this is commonly shortened to tensile strength.

In order to determine the UTS of nylon webbing, for example, the amount of stress the webbing can withstand is measured by using machines to pull with increasing pressure. This is not necessarily based on the material’s size.

Other measures, however, do take size into account. This is generally measured as force per unit area. It is a common practice to use the unit of pounds-force per square inch (psi) or kilo-pounds per square inch, for a psi in multiples of 1000.

Some factors that can influence UTS testing are flaws or defects in the material and temperature in the testing area. Thus, it is important for testing labs to examine the material to be tested, thoroughly, for any defects or weak spots and monitor the temperature for the test.

Usually, when the test reaches close to the maximum tensile strength of the material, it is measured as a curve, called the stress-strain curve. The stress-strain curve will reach a peak of pressure withstood, before the material begins to show visible strain against the pressure. This peak is measured and listed as the ultimate tensile strength.

Did you ever stop and wonder where the belt came from? Without it, who knows how some people would keep their pants up. The buckle is not used as much as it was before the invention of Velcro, but is still used extensively in the belt and shoe industries.

The word “buckle” stems from the Latin word “buccula” which means “cheek strap” as in those used for military helmets. As far back as history can tell, some of the oldest buckles were used by the Roman soldiers to put their armor on. Also dating back to the period of 200 to 100 BC, Chinese nomads called the Xiong-nu wore belt buckles over their tunics, as an indication of status.

Later, the Romans began using the belt to strap on their swords. The belt used for this was called the “baldric.” It was worn over the right shoulder and around the left side of the waist. Made of bronze, these buckles had great strength and durability for use in battles.

Scythia and Sarmatia were ancient lands in which buckles were decorated with animal shapes. The animal motifs were mainly of animals in deadly combat. The Germans caught on to this and began importing these stylish buckles for their own use.

Through the Middle Ages, buckles in Europe were primarily ornamental in nature. But in the mid 1300s, the buckle became more of a practical matter, used in battles by knights in armor. In the 1400s, buckles began to be made with cheaper materials so that the everyday person could use buckles for clothing items. In Spain, during the 1500s, the opposite trend was seen as buckles became less of a practical matter, mainly hidden from view, and were used as a decorative fashion statement instead.

Today, the buckle continues to be worn as both a practical item and for a fashion statement. Many Americans put on their simple buckles on standard leather belts for everyday work attire. Western cowboys are famous for their decorative belts, usually rectangular or oval in shape with detailed images and decoration molded into the shiny metal. Whether for decoration or practical use, the buckle holds its place in history and seems to be one of those clothing items that never goes out of style.

Webbing is produced in two basic types: 1) Flat webbing is a solid weave used for backpack straps, seatbelts, and many other applications. 2) Tubular webbing is constructed as a tube of webbing and then flattened for use. Tubular webbing is regularly used for industrial uses and climbing ropes.

Flat nylon webbing works well for situations involving more abrasion than usual. It is not recommended for use in moist environments as it absorbs water readily, leading to mildew, rot, and extra stretchiness.

Depending on the construction, flat nylon webbing generally ranges in thickness from .070 to .075 inches. It can resist intense heat, but will melt at 480 degrees Fahrenheit. 1” nylon webbing has an ultimate tensile strength of up to 6000 pounds of pressure.

Tubular webbing is often used in climbing, rescue, and other such applications because it takes to knots more readily than flat webbing and can be looped for added tensile strength. However, it has less tensile strength, without looping, than flat webbing.

Tubular webbing usually comes in thickness ranging from 0.06 to 0.09 inches. Its ultimate tensile strength (depending on the thickness) is up to 4000 pounds. When looped, the tensile strength can reach up to 6000 pounds.

The buckle has a long and extensive history. It is a device used to connect two loose ends in a temporary fashion. The buckle can be buckled and unbuckled with relative ease, making it an ideal way to keep pants up, put collars on, and secure certain types of shoes.

The buckle is typically connected permanently to the leather, or other material, with its chape. The chape is a small protruding end of the belt. The chape runs from the connecting piece to the center of the belt where it is connected to a central cross-piece called the bar. The bar runs vertically from the top of the frame to the bottom.

On top of the bar is the prong. The prong is the small thin piece of metal that hooks into the appropriate hole in the belt or collar, in order to size the item to fit. Finally, the whole belt is surrounded by a frame. The frame is usually rectangular in shape.

The frame holds the prong into the selected sizing hole, once placed, to keep the prong from slipping out. The frame is also made to provide extra stability for the whole buckle.

The frame is typically the part of the buckle that is used to make a fashionable statement. While many belt buckles are relatively plain, there are also many variations in styles, colors, and forms to fit the personality or mood of the wearer.

Girls have lots of options for buckles with rhinestones or other decorations, buckles that are painted in fashionable colors, and buckles that have sayings printed on them. For men, a variety of metal types and finishes offer choices for everyday wear, but there are also wildly different styles such as those used in western wear. The buckle may often be taken for granted, but it is one of the longest lasting inventions in the human wardrobe and is still used today to make a statement.