Mechanical testing using direct control of the inelastic strain rate

A methodology is described for carrying out mechanical tests under direct control of the inelastic strain rate. The method depends on the use of a servohydraulic testing machine and suitable electronic-control circuitry. The technique permits the use of abrupt changes of inelastic strain rate as well as maintenance of constant values of inelastic strain rate. The application of the method to several modes of testing is described.