Abstract: A tensile testing apparatus is provided, and generally includes an X-Y automated stage, and a first specimen holder for holding and transferring force to a specimen to a first portion of a specimen. The first specimen holder is operatively supported by the X-Y automated stage. A Z-automated stage, a multi-function nanotensile transducer head assembly, and a second specimen holder for holding and transferring force to a second portion of the specimen is further provided. The second specimen holder is operatively linked to the Z-automated stage via the nanotensile transducer head assembly. Variable displacement modalities, and non-Z alignment assessment and adjustment are enabled by the multi-function nanotensile transducer head assembly, as well as the X, Y, and Z automated stages.

Abstract: A method for forming a topographical image of the heterogeneous variations in a surface of a material has a first machining step and a second scanning step. The preferred machining step uses a preselected scribing tool to scribe a plurality of adjacent grooves in a selected material surface at a preselected constant force. This machining step produces a machined surface whose local elevations relative to a datum plane are dependent on the local hardness or wear resistance of the surface. Then the scanning step shifts the scribing tool across the surface in contact with the surface, and measures the elevation of the tool at a plurality of selected surface coordinates. The measured elevations allow formation of a topological map depicting sub-micron structural features of the surface.

Abstract: The present invention provides a portable test system for in-situ, non-destructive identification of visco-elastic material. The system includes a probe-like member coupled to a controller, wherein the controller is responsive to an output signal from the probe-like member for determining properties of the visco-elastic material. The probe-like member includes a longitudinally extending housing. A transducer mechanism is operably positioned within the housing. The transducer mechanism includes an indentation tip member, wherein the indentation tip member is extendable through the housing. A load mechanism is provided for loading the transducer mechanism with a desired constant load, causing the indentation tip member to extend through the housing to perform an indentation. A force calibration mechanism is provided for calibrating the application of a fixed force between the indentation tip member and the visco-elastic material.

Abstract: A force, weight or position sensor unit and sensor element incorporated into an apparatus for microindentation hardness testing and surface imaging which allows immediate imaging of the surface subsequent to hardness testing. The sensor uses a multi-capacitor system having drive and pick-up plates mounted on an appropriate suspension system to provide the desired relative motion when a force is applied to the pick-up plate. The output signal is run through a buffer amplifier and synchronously demodulated to produce a signal proportional to force or displacement. The sensor element is mounted on a scanning tunneling microscope base and a sample mounted on the sensor. The force sensor is used for both measuring the applied force during microindentation or micro hardness testing and for imaging before and after the testing to achieve an atomic force microscope type image of the surface topography before and after indentation testing.