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This study aims to identify the non-value-adding activities during vehicle stowage operations in automobile terminals and propose a connected automated vehicle (CAV) loading system, a self-driving-car-loading system. Furthermore, the productivity of the CAV loading system is compared with the current loading system. A simulation model of an actual loading system was developed using the software FlexSim. The simulation results showed that the walking time of workers, operation time of shuttle vans, and waiting time occupied a large part of the cycle time in the current operation system. The proposed CAV loading system has eliminated these inefficiencies, and increased productivity by 26.78%. This is the first study to (1) present a self-driving-car-loading system in a simulated automobile terminal of a real-world size, and (2) propose a CAV loading system. Results provide useful insights for the integration of self-driving technology into future automobile port operations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to solve the sealing reliability and selective design problems of the plungers and cylinder liners of oil-water separated plunger pump, a plunger sealing performance experimental deice and the loading system were developed to simulate the actual operating conditions of the hydraulic plunger pump, and the dynamic balance design of the experimental device was carried out. The simulation model of the loading system for the experimental device was established, and then a reasonable loading method was determined through simulation and comparison. The loading test and stability test of the experimental device show that the operation of the experimental device is stable and reliable, and the volumetric efficiency is within a reasonable range. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to establish the design method and process of intelligent storage system for panel custom furniture enterprises, taking a factory with a daily output of 3 000 units as an example, through investigation and analysis of the proportion of direct sales orders and distribution orders, the storage capacity requirements such as the specifications and quantity of pallets and storage places were calculated. The capacity requirements of transfer systems such as transplanters, lifts and stackers were calculated according to the frequency of storage and working hours. According to the quantity and time required, the capacity requirements of loading system such as delivery staging area and loading channel were calculated. The results showed that the method and process established in this study are suitable for hardware, system requirement analysis and design of intelligent storage system of panel custom furniture enterprises, and can provide references for enterprises to scientifically design intelligent storage hardware system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The gradual commercialization of entirely autonomous vehicles is expected to bring numerous benefits, such as structural transformation in the industry. Specifically, in maritime transportation, automobile terminals that import and export finished autos are seen to transform their current loading system into a CAV (connected automated vehicle)-loading system to accommodate autonomous vehicles. In this study, the impact of introducing a CAV-loading system to a roll-on, roll-off (RORO) ports was investigated. Simulation models were developed to test the performance of the terminal with the CAV-loading system. Then, a cost model was developed to determine the economic benefits of the CAV-loading system. The results in this study revealed that operating costs were reduced by 90%, while terminal operations were significantly improved. In addition, the study revealed that using the CAV-loading system resulted in a 12% reduction in CO2 emissions compared to that using the current loading system. The originality of this study lies in its transformative potential for an industry that heavily relies on human labor and has limited mechanization and automation. This study provides significant implications for incorporating autonomous vehicles in planned automobile terminal operations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A reasonable and efficient loading scheme is needed to guarantee the success of large-scale bridge tests. In this study, an array-type, self-balancing pulley-group loading system was designed based on the world's largest spanning arch bridge using a 1:10 scale model test. Automatic statistics of the required load at each loading point were realized using ANSYS, and a load optimization algorithm for loading points at different construction stages was proposed. Tests were carried out separately for the loading system using a single set of pulley groups and an array-type pulley group. Finite element models of the model bridge and the original bridge were established separately using ANSYS, and the stress results of different components during different construction stages of the main arch ring were compared. The research results show the following: (1) The load magnification factor of the single-pulley-group loading device is approximately 6.6 times, with a mechanical efficiency of 94.26%. (2) In the array-type loading system, the actual load at each loading point can reach the design value. The self-balancing characteristic of this system can eliminate the impact of vertical deformation of the structure on loading accuracy, verifying the reliability of the system. (3) The simulation results of the original bridge and the model bridge coincide well, and the stress of each component during the construction process has the same trend. At key construction stages, the maximum relative errors of the stress results of the rigid steel frame and the concrete inside the pipe of the two bridges are 8.33% and 9.34%, respectively, and the maximum absolute error of the bottom plate concrete is 0.66 MPa, verifying the correctness of the counterweight-optimization method. The loading scheme proposed in this paper can provide a reference for the design of loading systems with the same type of scale model test. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This work is devoted to the study of the influence of the rigidity of the loading system on the kinetics of the initiation and propagation of the Portevin-Le Chatelier (PLC) strain bands due to the jerky flow in Al-Mg alloy. To estimate the influence of the loading system, the original loading attachment, which allows reducing the stiffness in a given range, was used. Registration of displacement and strain fields on the specimen surface was carried out with the Vic-3D non-contacting deformation measurement system based on the Digital Image Correlation (DIC) technique. The mechanical uniaxial tension tests were carried out using samples of Al-Mg alloy at the biaxial servo-hydraulic testing system Instron 8850. As a result of tensile tests, deformation diagrams were obtained for Al-Mg alloy samples tested at different values of stiffness of the loading system: 120 MN/m (nominal value), 50 MN/m, 18 MN/m, and 5 MN/m. All diagrams show discontinuous plastic deformations (the Portevin-Le Chatelier effect). It is noted that a decrease in the rigidity of the loading system leads to a change in the type of jerky flow. At constant parameters of the loading rate, temperature, and chemical composition of the material, the PLC effects of types A, B, and C are recorded in tests. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simulation is a tool that can be used to predict and evaluate the performance of mining systems. It has been used for various applications such as fleet optimization in underground mining, comparison of timing and efficiency between drills, and mine-to-mill production systems. Due to the availability of a large number of simulation tools, careful selection should be made depending on the type of problem to be simulated. The study presented in this paper aims to compare two different simulation tools, AutoMod and SimMine, by comparing the two underground loading models created. This is achieved by analysing different equipment alternatives for possible future conditions when the mine depth increases. Both tools produce statistically equivalent results for simulated production. The paper presents a discussion regarding the choice of software and based on the study, SimMine is recommended for easy, fast modelling, whereas AutoMod, with its wider palette of software features and facilities provided, is recommended for more enhanced and detailed mining simulations. The study is based on the mining operation in the Kiirunavaara underground mine in Sweden, and the simulation is conducted based on a fixed production target. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study discusses the effects of the modifications to the conveyor belt on the Warehouse loading system according to CEMA standards. In this case, the specifications observed are belt width, idler selection, and material cut area. Then from the calculation of these specifications it can be calculated the performance of the conveyor belt in the form of carrying capacity, tensile force and power used on the M-212 conveyor belt in accordance with CEMA standards. The results of the analysis in this study showed that there was a reduction in the capacity of the M-212 conveyor belt after the modification. In addition, this modification also has an impact on the power required. After the modification, the required power usage is reduced from the initial 4 hp to 1.44 hp. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To solve the problems of alignment for launch container loading in field-artillery rocket, a novel end-effector, i.e., a swing-compliant hook, is proposed, whose structural parameters are optimized. First, the theoretical model describing the performance of the swing-compliant hook is established based on the node displacement method. The static displacement, static stress, and swing curve of the swing-compliant hook are analyzed by MATLAB, which verifies the rationality of the model. Then, the main structure parameters on the performance of the swing-compliant hook are obtained by using the experimental design method. Additionally, a response surface model characterizing the comprehensive performance of the swing-compliant hook is established. The optimization results show that when the length and the installation height of the compliant mechanism are 90 mm and 23 mm, and the end height of the lifting hook is 110 mm, the swing-compliant hook has an excellent performance in docking, lifting, transferring, and locating.

The gradual commercialization of entirely autonomous vehicles is expected to bring numerous benefits, such as structural transformation in the industry. Specifically, in maritime transportation, automobile terminals that import and export finished autos are seen to transform their current loading system into a CAV (connected automated vehicle)-loading system to accommodate autonomous vehicles. In this study, the impact of introducing a CAV-loading system to a roll-on, roll-off (RORO) ports was investigated. Simulation models were developed to test the performance of the terminal with the CAV-loading system. Then, a cost model was developed to determine the economic benefits of the CAV-loading system. The results in this study revealed that operating costs were reduced by 90%, while terminal operations were significantly improved. In addition, the study revealed that using the CAV-loading system resulted in a 12% reduction in CO2 emissions compared to that using the current loading system. The originality of this study lies in its transformative potential for an industry that heavily relies on human labor and has limited mechanization and automation. This study provides significant implications for incorporating autonomous vehicles in planned automobile terminal operations.

The mechanical properties of an aluminum-manganese alloy and two aluminum-magnesium alloys, namely AMtsS, AMg5, and AMg6, at 4 K in a liquid helium environment were investigated. Their cylindrical specimens with a diameter of 5 mm, which had an annular notch with a depth of 1 mm and a radius of 6 mm, were tested for static tension. The testing machine stiffness was reduced from 14.5 to 8.4 and 3.8 MN/m. The study showed that the effect of hardening of cold-ductile metallic materials at a given temperature and in the presence of blunt notches with low stress concentration is completely neutralized with a decrease in the stiffness of the loading system and a corresponding increase in the stored elastic energy. The decrease in the ultimate strength of the notched specimen and the true rupture strength correlates with the decrease in the number of deformation jumps in the stress concentration zone. The results obtained are discussed, taking into account the conversion of the stored elastic energy in the specimen–machine system into the work of deformation during each act of discontinuous yielding and the reduction of the material's strain-hardening capacity at a small number of deformation jumps. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A reasonable and efficient loading scheme is needed to guarantee the success of large-scale bridge tests. In this study, an array-type, self-balancing pulley-group loading system was designed based on the world’s largest spanning arch bridge using a 1:10 scale model test. Automatic statistics of the required load at each loading point were realized using ANSYS, and a load optimization algorithm for loading points at different construction stages was proposed. Tests were carried out separately for the loading system using a single set of pulley groups and an array-type pulley group. Finite element models of the model bridge and the original bridge were established separately using ANSYS, and the stress results of different components during different construction stages of the main arch ring were compared. The research results show the following: (1) The load magnification factor of the single-pulley-group loading device is approximately 6.6 times, with a mechanical efficiency of 94.26%. (2) In the array-type loading system, the actual load at each loading point can reach the design value. The self-balancing characteristic of this system can eliminate the impact of vertical deformation of the structure on loading accuracy, verifying the reliability of the system. (3) The simulation results of the original bridge and the model bridge coincide well, and the stress of each component during the construction process has the same trend. At key construction stages, the maximum relative errors of the stress results of the rigid steel frame and the concrete inside the pipe of the two bridges are 8.33% and 9.34%, respectively, and the maximum absolute error of the bottom plate concrete is 0.66 MPa, verifying the correctness of the counterweight-optimization method. The loading scheme proposed in this paper can provide a reference for the design of loading systems with the same type of scale model test.

This work is devoted to the study of the influence of the rigidity of the loading system on the kinetics of the initiation and propagation of the Portevin-Le Chatelier (PLC) strain bands due to the jerky flow in Al-Mg alloy. To estimate the influence of the loading system, the original loading attachment, which allows reducing the stiffness in a given range, was used. Registration of displacement and strain fields on the specimen surface was carried out with the Vic-3D non-contacting deformation measurement system based on the Digital Image Correlation (DIC) technique. The mechanical uniaxial tension tests were carried out using samples of Al-Mg alloy at the biaxial servo-hydraulic testing system Instron 8850. As a result of tensile tests, deformation diagrams were obtained for Al-Mg alloy samples tested at different values of stiffness of the loading system: 120 MN/m (nominal value), 50 MN/m, 18 MN/m, and 5 MN/m. All diagrams show discontinuous plastic deformations (the Portevin-Le Chatelier effect). It is noted that a decrease in the rigidity of the loading system leads to a change in the type of jerky flow. At constant parameters of the loading rate, temperature, and chemical composition of the material, the PLC effects of types A, B, and C are recorded in tests.

Today, with the advancement of technology and the use of advanced systems in the field of mining, one of the issues that can seriously affect the economic and operational conditions of a mine is the occurrence of system breakdowns. Given the importance of the loading system in mines and the high cost of downtime due to failure, one of the proposed approaches to deal with this issue is to use the concept of resilience analysis. Applying the notion of resilience to the field of mine engineering has a significant benefit for the safety and improves system performance after failure. Accordingly, in this paper, the resilience of the loading system of Jajarm bauxite mine in a period of 2 years is evaluated. By using statistical analysis, a suitable function is fitted to the TBF (time between failures) and TTR (time to recovery) subsystems, the reliability and maintainability values of the system are calculated, finally, using impact indicators such as supportability, organizational resilience, and PHM technology; total resilience of the loading system is calculated. The results show that the loading system resilience is at its highest level when PHM technology and organizational resilience are at 95% so that the loading system resilience is 92% after 100 h of operation. This means that the loading system is 92% more likely to recover after a breakdown and returns to pre-breakdown conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article highlights the dynamic analysis of a proportional valve controlled hydrostatic drive. Such drives are used widely in construction and mining applications. In the drive considered for the analysis, the speed of a bent-axis hydro-motor is controlled by varying flow supplied through a proportional direction controlled valve. A non-linear mathematical model using bond graph simulation technique is developed, where detailed model of the drive system including its loading arrangement is incorporated. From the test results of the pressure-flow characteristics of the valves, its port resistances are identified. Using them and taking into account various losses of the hydro-motor, the drive model is validated through experiments. The verified model is used to study the effects of the perturbations of some critical parameters on the transient responses of the hydrostatic drive through simulation. The proposed model may be useful for initial design of such drive and the development of control systems where these drives are used as actuators. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Chinese Journal of Computational Mechanics / Jisuan Lixue Xuebao is the property of Chinese Journal of Computational Mechanics Editorial Office, Dalian University of Technology and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Journal of Beijing University of Technology is the property of Journal of Beijing University of Technology, Editorial Department and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Understanding the mechanism of intermittent plastic flow in single crystal at micron to nano scale is vitally important to the fields where the reliability of system is paramount. Jumps in the stress-strain curves (strain bursts) are usually interpreted from the perspective of internal processes of material such as dislocation avalanches or intermittent activation of dislocation sources. However, the responses obtained by the sensors are also severely affected by the loading system, and this effect is often neglected in understanding the essence of strain burst. Thus, after analyzing the detailed deformation process of the loading system and the pillar during the period of strain burst, the theoretical model with the loading system that is assumed to be linearly elastic and the pillar connected in series is established. Also, the constitutive relations of micro-pillars are obtained by molecular dynamics (MD) in which the plastic flow stresses fluctuate. Based on the model, the critical condition of the instability of loading system is derived. It is shown that strain burst is the response obtained by the sensors during the period of instability of loading system caused by strain softening of the pillar and whether or not strain burst occurs depends on the degree of strain softening of pillar and the ratio of initial stiffness of the pillar to the effective stiffness of the machine. The size of strain burst is also predicted under the assumption that the strain softening stage continues to the point where elastic strain energy released by the loading system is equal to energy absorbed by the pillar and then this softening stage immediately turns into a linear elastic stage. In addition, the mechanism behind large strain burst is also revealed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Most of metal structures in petroleum and petrochemical industry that are sensitive to stress corrosion have been usually working in high pressure environment, and slow strain rate tension (SSRT) tests are widely used to evaluate the sensitivity of stress corrosion. It is necessary to give students in petroleum universities an SSRT experimental teaching under high pressure. An SSRT testing machine equipped with autoclave was purchased from a foreign company, however, the measurement of deformation failed abruptly during tension testing. This paper describes the fault diagnosis process, and gives two possible resolutions. The results showed that the equipment failure arose from the joining failure between guide screw and locator. The presence of threads could lead to stress concentration and reduce the weld quality, and the weld fractured completely. Welding methods, filler metal and welding procedure were carefully chosen in order to avoid cracking and welding distortion. The testing machine finally returns to normal, and ensures the quality of experimental teaching. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As the scale of open pit mining and mining intensity have increased continuously over time, the stability of high and steep side slopes have become a key issue that must be addressed in open pit mines. A number of cases have shown that high and steep side slopes with bedded structures are highly susceptible to failure, and these failures may lead to significant damage and destruction. In this work, indoor modelling experiments were performed to study slip-buckling failures in high and steep side slopes set along the bedding plane of layered rocks. Here, experimental similarity criteria were derived according to similarity principles to produce an accurate match with the subject of this study and to select similarity constants. River sand, plaster, and barite were selected as equivalent materials in this experiment, and matching tests were performed. Fuzzy comprehensive evaluation was used to determine the optimal matching scheme on the basis of prototype similarity and physicomechanical parameters including density, compressive strength, elastic modulus, and Poisson's ratio. The model was filled and constructed through layered filling and tamping, and observation points were installed throughout the model. Based on the subject selected for this study and dynamic excavation processes in mining simulations, we observed deformations of the model that occurred during excavation and the application of a load by a hydraulic servo loading system set on the top of the model. Through analyses of the results, it was found that rocks on the upper part of the slope slipped along the bedding, while slip-buckling failure occurred at the foot of the slope. Finally, the most dangerous slippage surface was identified as a composite surface with flat and arced surfaces. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Journal of Harbin Institute of Technology. Social Sciences Edition / Haerbin Gongye Daxue Xuebao. Shehui Kexue Ban is the property of Harbin Institute of Technology and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

A novel loading control system is proposed to accurately simulate the five-degree-of-freedom loads experienced by a real wind turbine. For this system, the real wind rotor and blades are replaced by an equivalent rotating disc and driven by an electric motor. A set of loading actuators are uniformly placed around this disc and are regulated to accurately create these turbine loads. In this paper, the five-degree-of-freedom turbine loads are defined in blade and hub reference frames. A load-decomposition based loading control strategy is presented to decompose such loads into reference loading forces for each actuator. An axial loading actuator is used for system modeling and analysis. Experimental results have validated that the proposed loading system and control strategy can accurately simulate the representative turbine loads with a good confidence level. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new type of structural system named' single-layer folded-plate space grid frame，was adopted in the steel roof of the Shenyang Culture and Art Center. The in-plane and out-of-plane stiffness of this new system is closely related to the layout of the folded-plates，thus the load resistance and overall stability are sensitive to the structural shape. Hence, a testing model of this space grid frame was statically tested to investigate the safety of structural design. In order to apply vertical and horizontal loads on the testing model whose geometrical shape was complex, two loading systems were developed and adopted： one for applying vertical loads on top grid frames，based on the fact that forces in parallel tension springs were proportional to the spring stiffness； the other for applying vertical and horizontal loads on side grid frame, based on force-direction changing ability of fixed pulleys. Testing results indicate that, the behavior of the testing model is nearly linear under design load，in terms of both joint displacements and member internal forces； the vertical load is transferred to foundation mainly through main vertical members, with the main horizontal members providing circumferential ties. FEA of the testing model was also conducted, and the numerical results agreed with experimental results，which verifies the reliability of adopting FEM in the analysis of this new type of space structures. Stability analysis and progressive collapse analysis of the original structure were carried out. The results show that the structure has enough stability and collapse resisting ability under design load. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In mechanobiological research, an appropriate loading system is an essential tool to mimic mechanical signals in a native environment. To achieve this goal, we have developed a novel loading system capable of applying dual-frequency loading including both a low-frequency high-amplitude loading and a high-frequency low-amplitude loading, according to the mechanical conditions experienced by bone and articular cartilage tissues. The low-frequency high-amplitude loading embodies the main force from muscular contractions and/or reaction forces while the high-frequency low-amplitude loading represents an assistant force from small muscles, ligaments and/or other tissue in order to maintain body posture during human activities. Therefore, such dual frequency loading system may reflect the natural characteristics of complex mechanical load on bone or articular cartilage than the single frequency loading often applied during current mechanobiological experiments. The dual-frequency loading system is validated by experimental tests using precision miniature plane-mirror interferometers. The dual-frequency loading results in significantly more solute transport in articular cartilage than that of the low-frequency high-amplitude loading regiment alone, as determined by quantitative fluorescence microscopy of tracer distribution in articular cartilage. Thus, the loading system can provide a new method to mimic mechanical environment in bone and cartilage, thereby revealing the in vivo mechanisms of mechanosensation, mechanotransduction and mass-transport, and improving mechanical conditioning of cartilage and/or bone constructs for tissue engineering. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Clean Coal Technology is the property of Clean Coal Technology and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Background and Objective: One of the non-invasive methods for diagnosis and differentiation of abnormal lesions from normal tissue is ultrasonic tissue characterization method with one of measuring of elastic modulus. This investigation was conducted to design a measurement method for elastic modulus. Methods: For measurement of elastic modulus of breast tissue and abnormal masses, breast tissue should be compressed controllably and with regard to the rate of displacement of masses and normal tissue, the kind of lesion is diagnosed. For production of controllable stress in tissue, two hand and mechanized loading systems have been designed and produced. Findings: With loading of tissue by these systems and saving ultrasonic images, and processing of images for measurement of displacement of lesion, elastic modulus was calculated. Conclusion: These loading systems are able to apply compression forces in tissue and grab of compressed tissues synchronously. In this study, structure and quality of operation of these loading systems were surveyed.

An Electro-hydraulic loading system is designed based on a test-bed of tractor's hydraulic steering by-wire. To simulate the steering resistance driving tractor in many kinds of soils and roads, the loading force is controlled to make proportional and continuous variable by an electro-hydraulic proportional relief valve. A steering resistance loading test-bed is built to test three kinds of steering resistance including constant, step and sine style. Tire lateral resistance is also tested under different steering conditions. The result shows that the electro-hydraulic loading system has high stability and foUowing performance. Besides, the system's steady state error is lower than 3.1%, and it meets the test requirement of tractor's hydraulic steering by-wire. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper focuses on supply chain modeling issues, namely how subspace identification techniques can be used to characterize the strength of relations between certain system parameters. This might be useful when no knowledge about the internal workings or inner structure of the system is available, thus only blackbox like approaches can be utilized. Here let us show how supply chains can be identified and modeled by deterministic linear state space models and how the accuracy of the identified model reflects the relation between certain system parameters. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents the design, analysis and experimental study of a loading system for heavy-duty nodes test based on a large-scale multi-directional in-plane loading device, which has been used in a full-scale heavy-duty support node test. Test loads of the support reached 6 567 kN with multi-directional loading requirements, which outrange the capacity of the available loading devices. Through the reinforcement of a large-scale multi-directional in-plane loading device, the innovative design of a self-balanced load transferring device, and other arrangement considerations of the loading system, the test was implemented and the loading capacity of the ring was considerably enlarged. Due to the heavy loading requirements, some checking computations of the ring and the load transferring device outranged the limit of the Chinese national code 'Code for Design of Steel Structures (GB 50017-2003)', thus elastic-plastic finite element (FE) analysis was carried out on the two devices, and also the real-time monitoring on the whole loading systems during experiments to ensure test safety. FE analysis and test results show that the loading system worked elastically during experiments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Modulus of rupture of a rectangular glass plate depends on the loading arrangement. • Modulus of rupture of a glass plate is only an apparent material property. • Modulus of rupture of a glass plate is independent of the plate aspect ratio. • Small samples give a large scatter and erroneous conclusions for modulus of rupture. • Large-sample moduli may be converted to moduli for other plates and loading systems. Strength determination of rectangular float glass plates is commonly carried out by standard tests. Different standards include different requirements of the specimen geometry, loading set up, sample size, etc. It is known that the modulus of rupture depends on the specimen's area. This paper shows that it is also dependent on the loading system, and the dominating parameters affecting the experimental modulus of rupture are investigated. The loading system significantly affects the modulus of rupture and this finding raises a question with respect to the testing guidelines appearing in different standards and the experimental results thereby obtained. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]