Abstract: A method of laser-based high temperature mechanical property characterization comprising the steps of providing a mechanical test frame and chamber, loading a specimen in the mechanical test frame in the chamber, providing a laser, aligning the laser, sealing the chamber, evacuating 5 the chamber and optionally backfilling with a prescribed atmosphere, turning on the laser, applying mechanical loading to the specimen in the mechanical test frame, utilizing a load cell and a non-contact video extensometer, synchronizing the output of the load cell and non-contact video extensometer, and tracking the strain in the specimen. A device for laser-based high temperature mechanical property characterization comprising a vacuum chamber with a laser 10 transmissible window and viewing window, a vacuum pump, a uniaxial tensile system inside the vacuum chamber, a thermocouple inside the vacuum chamber, laser optics inside the vacuum chamber, a function generator, a laser source, an IR camera, and a video camera.

Abstract: A method of measuring millisecond-scale blast and impact characterization in soft materials includes embedding one or more sensors in soft material, wherein the one or more sensors have mechanical properties approximately matching the soft material; applying a constant current to the one or more sensors; subjecting the soft material to a shock or impact event; measuring a response as a change in voltage; and converting the measured voltage to strain or pressure.

Abstract: A system for mechanical testing a specimen includes a 3D printed mechanical testing fixture; a linear actuator having an axis of movement; a controller configured to control the linear actuator; two cameras; a data-acquisition system configured to acquire data from the linear actuator, the controller, and the two cameras; and the specimen. The specimen is marked in two locations with tracking markers to provide indication to the data acquisition system via at least one camera of movement and change in length of the specimen. The fixture includes force-sensing beams extending perpendicular to the axis of force.

Abstract: A system for mechanical testing a specimen includes a 3D printed mechanical testing fixture; a linear actuator having an axis of movement; a controller configured to control the linear actuator; two cameras; a data-acquisition system configured to acquire data from the linear actuator, the controller, and the two cameras; and the specimen. The specimen is marked in two locations with tracking markers to provide indication to the data acquisition system via at least one camera of movement and change in length of the specimen.

Abstract: A method of measuring millisecond-scale blast and impact characterization in soft materials includes embedding one or more sensors in soft material, wherein the one or more sensors have mechanical properties approximately matching the soft material; applying a constant current to the one or more sensors; subjecting the soft material to a shock or impact event; measuring a response as a change in voltage; and converting the measured voltage to strain or pressure.