Can't Handle the Contact???

Do you have a specimen that is too delicate for a contacting extensometer? Don’t fret! Check out this solution for testing a single fiberglass fiber using Instron’s Advanced Video Extensometer (AVE):

The shown fiber is being tested for mechanical strength and modulus, which are important to understand the effectiveness of the end product where this fiber will be used. As one can imagine, with the fiber being only microns in diameter, a contacting extensometer would definitely not work for this application. Therefore, two marks were placed on the epoxy that is holding the fiber to the paper panes and those marks were tracked throughout the test with the AVE.

This single fiber will eventually get wound with hundreds, sometimes thousands, of identical fibers which ultimately are weaved into a final product. Fiberglass products can be found in the automotive, aerospace, boating, and even construction industries. With fiberglass being as popular as it is, one can understand the importance of accurately identifying its mechanical properties (even down to the single fiber stage!).

This is just one unique way of using an extensometer on a specimen that normally wouldn’t call for an extensometer to be used. There are many instances where a unique solution can help, and this is just one example! Please leave a comment if you have any questions/concerns about your testing.