Abstract: A process for autonomous mechanical property testing of specimens on a build plate includes fabricating a plurality of the specimens on a build plate, wherein each of the specimens comprises an upper portion and a lower portion integral to the build plate. Each of the upper portions of the specimens on the build plate are sequentially engaged with an end effector on a terminal end of a multi-linked robotic arm, wherein the end effector is configured to engage the upper portion and apply a uni- or multi-modal load, wherein intermediate the end effector and the multi-linked robotic arm comprises a multi-axis load cell for measuring an applied load. The process further includes autonomously calculating one or more mechanical properties from the applied load.

Abstract: A blunt force sensor array for application to a non-planar surface includes a flexible thin-film substrate, a plurality of force sensors secured to the flexible thin-film substrate proximate to a center measurement point, a strain gauge secured on the flexible thin-film substrate proximate to the center measurement point, and a sensor interface configured to connect to external measurement and control circuitry. The sensor interface may be electrically connected to each of the force sensors and the strain gauge via traces disposed on the flexible thin-film substrate. The flexibility and shape of the flexible thin-film substrate may permit the blunt force sensor array to be applied to the non-planar surface to detect forces and strains experienced by the non-planar surface in response to a blunt force event on the non-planar surface.