Bending (or flexure) tests characterize the behavior of a sample with load applied perpendicular to its longitudinal axis. This undergraduate biomechanics class laboratory module consists of assessing mechanical properties of both wood stick and dry rat bone. Throughout this laboratory, each team will: test samples in 3-point bending; perform a measurement of the tester compliance; extract data from load-displacement curves to obtain maximum bending force and stiffness, elastic modulus in bending and the maximum flexural strength while considering sample geometry; understand the effect of the mechanical setup compliance on a mechanical test; learn how the structure of bone influence its mechanical properties.
Includes syllabus (instructor’s editable version) and turn-key sample preparation kit (e.g. birch wood sticks) allowing about 10 repetitions (team of 2-5 students).
Requires a Mach-1 tester (MA001 or higher), a uniaxial load cell (MA296 or MA297), a 3-point bending fixtures (MA097) and a testing chamber (MA626).
- Deemed an excellent educational tool for students
- Learning Goal – Become familiar with the safe operation of a mechanical tester
- Learning Goal – Understand how the structure and composition of materials determine their mechanical behavior
- Learning Goal – Become familiar with the dissection of biological samples
- Learning Goal – Extract mechanical parameters from stress-strain curves
- Learning Goal – Obtain flexural modulus of circular section and tube section samples
- Learning Goal – Understand the effect of the tester and setup compliance on measured mechanical parameters
