title: Simple computer controlled apparatus for in vitro mechanical testing of connective tissues.
abstract: Connective tissues are viscoelastic and so a series of experiments, at carefully controlled loading rates, is required to determine their mechanical properties. This paper describes a simple, inexpensive apparatus for performing these experiments; it is based on a ball screw driven by a microcomputer controlled stepper motor.
authors.affiliation: Department of Medical Biophysics, University of Manchester, UK.
authors.forename: T A
authors.initials: TA
authors.lastname: Sikoryn
authors.forename: R M
authors.initials: RM
authors.lastname: Aspden
authors.forename: D W
authors.initials: DW
authors.lastname: Hukins
mesh_terms: D001696:Biomechanical Phenomena; D003238:Connective Tissue / Q000502:physiology*; D004867:Equipment Design; D066298:In Vitro Techniques; D008838:Microcomputers; D012815:Signal Processing, Computer-Assisted; D012984:Software