Mechanical Property Characterization and Testing

Experimental Mechanics: The laboratory hosts a number of testing systems for characterizing tissue-level mechanical properties of bone and soft tissues. In addition, the laboratory maintains an independent machine shop (endmill, lathe, etc.) for manufacturing custom-designed mechanical testing fixtures.

Mechanical Testing Equipment

• Servohydraulic axial testing system – MTS MiniBionix model 858
• Servohydraulic axial torsion testing system – MTS model 809
• 6 channel multi-component force transducer (n=2) – AMTI model 10,000lb and 1000 lb capacity
• 2 axis force transducers (n=2) – MTS models 100N and 5 kN capacity
• Single channel force transducers (n=3) – MTS model 100N, 500N, and 5kN capacity
• Extensometers (n=2) – MTS models 5mm and 50 mm gage lengths
• Multi-channel signal conditioner amp – Measurements Group model 2150
• Stereophotogrammetry system – digital cameras (n=5) system – Motion Analysis model Eagle 4.0 megapixel
• Environmental chambers and various custom-designed test fixtures.
• Pressure sensing systems (n=2) – Tekscan model EH-2 and Novel Pliance model HL3883
• Endmill – Jet model 836-1
• Lathe – Optimum model d210x400

Biaxial Testing: this is a custom-designed system for multi-axial material characterization. This system has been used to test both orthopaedic and neural tissues in order to develop continuum material descriptions. In addition, this system is used to mechanically test additive manufacturing scaffolds for regenerative medicine applications.