tensimeter

A tensimeter, also called a tensiometer or tensometer, is a class of instruments designed to measure tension, pressure, or related mechanical properties in different media. The exact meaning and application of a tensimeter vary by field, and the term is used more or less interchangeably with tensiometer or tensometer in some languages.

In medicine, the term is sometimes encountered in reference to devices that measure arterial blood pressure. In English, the standard terms are sphygmomanometer or blood pressure monitor, but in certain regions or languages, devices used to gauge cuff pressure may be described as tensimeters.

In agriculture and soil science, a soil tensiometer measures matric potential, i.e., the tension with which water is held in the soil. It typically consists of a water-filled tube connected to a porous ceramic tip that equilibrates with soil water. The pressure required to extract water from the soil is read to inform irrigation decisions and moisture management.

In physical chemistry and surface science, a tensiometer refers to instruments used to measure surface or interfacial tension, often employing methods such as a Wilhelmy plate or a Du Noüy ring. These measurements are important for characterizing liquids, surfactants, and coating formulations.

In materials testing, devices described as tensimeters or tensometers are used to perform tensile tests, where a specimen is stretched to determine properties such as tensile strength, elongation, and modulus. These instruments are typically integrated into universal testing machines or dedicated tensile testers.

Overall, tensimeters serve to quantify tension or related forces across diverse applications, with terminology that reflects the specific discipline.