Dynamic Mechanical Analyzer

The DMA applies cyclic stress to a sample to measure its elastic and viscous material characteristics

ABAQUS and Patran Finite Element Software

Industry standard programs used for 2 or 3-dimensional theoretical static or dynamic stress analysis

Force/Displacement Transducers

We have a variety of transducers that are used in custom applications. These include: LVDTs, potentiometers, DVRTs, pressure transducers, extensometers, and load cells.

MTS 420/Instron 1321/MTS 858 Mini Bionix II Servohydraulic Biaxial Testing Machines

Used for experimental material testing and high cycle fatigue studies

Micro Mechanical Tester

The micro tester is composed of a load cell and a linear servo motor mounted on an inverted microscope. Mechanical tests such as tension and stress relaxation are applied to measure mechanical properties of biological samples such as tendon or muscle fibers.

Range of Motion and Dislocation Simulator

We developed an automated range of motion simulator and dislocation testing device for evaluating the range of motion and stability of a joint undergoing osteotomy, arthroplasty, etc.

Spine Testing Device

Allows a pure moment to be applied to the spine for multi-segment testing.

Kinematics Testing with Polhemus Fastrak

Polhemus Fastrak can be used to measure the motions of structures with respect to one another with six degrees of freedom. This can be used to study structures such as the foot.

Gliding Resistance Tester

The gliding resistance tester can be used to test the resistance of one tissue relative to another, for example a tendon gliding beneath a pulley sheath.

Motion Analysis System

We have three Motion Analysis cameras and Eva 6.0 motion analysis software, for characterizing the motion of digit tendon or the motion of the joint prosthesis.

Education

The MSTR Core Facility regularly supports the training of research fellows and students. This training includes methods of specimen preparation, data collection, and data analysis.

Optotrak Certus

The Optotrak Certus is an active marker kinematic data collection system that is used to track the 3D motion of rigid bodies in space. It has an accuracy of up to 0.1 mm, collects at a frequency of up to 4600 Hz, and can collect data on up to 170 rigid bodies.

Machine Shop

Mechanical prototypes and testing apparatuses can be custom designed and built in the machine shop.