The tension test is a fundamental test configuration in the field of material characterization. This undergraduate biomechanics class laboratory module consists of assessing mechanical properties of both polyethylene sheet and rat skin. Throughout this laboratory, each team will: prepare polyethylene and rat skin dogbone-shaped samples; test samples in tension until rupture; produce stress-strain curves considering the sample geometry and calculates mechanical properties; discuss the tensile behavior of each material.
Includes syllabus (instructor’s editable version) and turn-key sample preparation kit (e.g. polyethylene sheet, razor blades, needles or pins, aluminum spacer) allowing about 10 repetitions (team of 2-5 students).
Requires a Mach-1 tester (MA001 or higher), a uniaxial load cell (MA296 or MA297), tensile grips kit (MA090), dogbone sample cutting die (MA333) and a testing chamber (MA626).
- Designed to be used in contact with physiological saline solution
- Deemed an excellent educational tool for students
