Test configuration
Skin
Skin is a thin multilayered tissue covering the surface of the body of a person or animal.
About this material
Skin is a thin multilayered tissue covering the surface of the body of a person or animal. It is an anisotropic, non-linear and viscoelastic material. It is mainly composed of a network of collagen and elastin fibers which allows for high levels of deformation. The mechanical properties of skin are studied to learn about: its structural function in the body, the effects of pathologies on skin mechanics and related clinical issues, development of new tissue-engineered scaffolds, efficacy tests of cosmetics and anti-aging products, research in skin physiology.
Test configurations (12)
Test configuration
Unconfined Compression
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Indentation (Stiffness)
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Friction
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Torsion
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Temperature Control
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Mechanical Stimulation (Tension)
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Puncture
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External Analog Sensors
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Camera Feed
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Positioning (Manual)
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Positioning (X Auto)
Case studies (3)
Video Library
Watch: Lab Module — Tension and rupture of skinLab Modules · 8 chapters · 21:29
Lab Module — Tension and rupture of skin
Follow sample preparation, tensile testing and analysis for polyethylene and skin.
Related resources (1)
FAQ
What is Young's modulus E?
Intrinsic mechanical property of a material independent of its geometry. From the slope of the stress vs. strain graph during an unconfined compression and considering the geometry of the sample, we can calculate the Young's modulus.
What is the elongation at rupture?
The amount of uniaxial strain at fracture including both elastic and plastic deformation.
How does the "Sinusoid" model works?
This feature is used to obtain the Frequency, Amplitude and Offset of a sinusoidal signal. A blue line displays the theoretical sinusoid with the Frequency, Amplitude and Offset obtained (Figure 1). The values of the Frequency, Amplitude and Offset are indicated in the "Results" field. The units vary according to the graph’s axes.
This feature can also be used for sinusoidal stimulus-response analysis. Sinusoidal stimulus shall be selected on the x-axis and the sinusoidal response on the y-axis. The Modulus is the ratio of the response Amplitude over the stimulus Amplitude. The Phase is the phase difference between the response and the stimulus. The Modulus’ is computed as the Modulus*Cos(Phase) and the Modulus” is computed as the Modulus*Sin(Phase). A blue line displays the theoretical sinusoidal stimulus-response with the Frequency, Modulus and Phase obtained (Figure 2). The values of the Modulus and Phase are indicated in the “Results” field. The units vary according to the graph’s axes.
One use for this feature would be to compute material properties by multiplying the Modulus obtained by the appropriate geometric factors. For example, the Young’s Modulus can be obtained during uniaxial compression or tension on cylindrical sample with t/pi*r2 as the geometric factor, t is the thickness and r is the radius of the sample.
Mach-1 Analysis – Sinusoid – Example for stimulus-response analysis
What is viscoelasticity?
Property of a material to exhibit both viscous and elastic characteristics when undergoing deformation. Such material will show time-dependent mechanical behavior.
LAB MODULE – Torsion of Disk-Shaped Samples – Student Version
What is the ultimate tensile strength (tensile strength)?
Ultimate tensile strength is the maximum stress developed in a material before rupture in a tension test.
What is the yield strength?
The stress at which a material starts to show plastic deformation.
What is the elasticity?
Property of a material to deform under load or strain and to return to its original shape when the stress is released.
LAB MODULE – Unconfined Compression of Hydrogel Disks – Student Version
What is the toe region?
Region of a stress-strain curve prior to the elastic region. The shape of the toe region is different from that of the elastic region due to the primary realignment of the sample in the grip, the straightening of slack fibers and the rotation of collagen fibers to align with the direction of elongation.