A Novel Device for Tension-Torsion Testing of Micro-Wires

Abstract

In the current era of micro and nanotechnology, the inability of the traditional laws governing permanent deformations to predict plastic behavior in small-scale devices is a critical issue. A driving force behind miniaturization is the idea that “smaller is stronger”. Some experiments have been completed to study the material properties of small-scale wires, but more experiments need to be done to verify the theory. Our team designed and built a miniature tension-torsion tester to be used for experimentation and validation. The system will be interfaced with a computer controller, which allows the user to define specific loading paths and to view the results graphically and numerically in real-time or instantaneously when the test is complete.