Patent ID: 7770467

Claim:
An apparatus for determining the mechanical properties of a material, comprising: a base platform including a programmable drive configured to move relative to a stationary post; a test specimen including a hollow cylindrical tube substantially formed from the material and having a first end and a second end; and a test fixture, including: a first mount coupled to the drive and extending upwards therefrom, the first mount including at an upper end thereof a first member applying pressure about the circumference of the hollow tube first end, a second mount coupled to the post and disposed over the drive, the second mount including at an upper end thereof a second member applying pressure about the circumference of the hollow tube second end, and a platform connecting the first mount to the drive, and a test bed connecting the second mount to the stationary post and extending over the platform; wherein the first mount further includes a standoff connected to the platform at a first end of the standoff, and a clamp assembly connected to a second end of the standoff, wherein the test bed is disposed between the clamp assembly and the platform.