Microcomputer-based system for tensile testing of biological materials

The tensile testing of biological materials poses specific problems. Biological tissue may slip in the grips of the tensometer during tensile testing, and this needs to be taken into account in the calculation of strain. The inherent variability of tissue samples requires that a large number of samples be analysed to adequately characterise a given biological structure. These problems have been addressed by integrating a digital video dimensional analyser and a microcomputer into a system that can be attached to most tensometers. Features of the system are: automated data acquisition, analysis and filing; resolution of load and extension to better than 0·1 per cent of full scale; and achievable high throughput.

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