tensometers

A tensometer is an instrument used to measure tension forces in materials or biological tissues. The core principle is to apply a known load to a specimen and measure the resulting force, elongation, or tension using a transducer such as a load cell or strain gauge. Measurements allow calculation of tensile strength, Young's modulus, and other mechanical properties.

There are several forms. Mechanical tensometers use mechanical elements like springs and levers; electronic tensometers integrate load cells and strain gauges with digital readouts. In vivo tensometers are engineered to operate inside living subjects to monitor tissue tension, often using implanted sensors or external optical methods. Textile tensometers test yarns and fabrics for tension during processing or use.

Operation typically involves gripping a sample, applying a controlled load, and recording force data as a function of displacement. The resulting force-displacement or stress-strain curve yields material properties. Tensometers are commonly used in universities, industry, and medical research. They operate within specified standards (for example ISO or ASTM tensile-testing standards) and are often part of or compatible with universal testing machines.

See also: Tensile testing, force transducer, strain gauge, universal testing machine, biomechanics.