Teaching Material Testing and Characterization with an Open, Accessible, and Affordable Mechanical Test Device

摘要

Hands-on experiences in biomechanics and bio-materials courses are an important part of biomedical engineering education. Curricula of those courses often include laboratory modules on material testing and characterization. Unfortunately, large and expensive mechanical testing equipment may not be available to all students, thus limiting students' access to actual hands-on experience. Here, we introduce an open, accessible, and affordable mechanical test device that ensures that every student gets their hands on test equipment and a test specimen. In fact, the device has a small form factor, is inexpensive, and can therefore be taken home. The device is built with low-cost components and 3D-printed parts for a total cost of less than $45. The device also makes use of each student's cell phone camera for optical strain measurements, thereby avoiding the need for expensive imaging equipment. In addition to the device, we also introduce a rich set of supplementary materials that make adoption and application by educators and students as easy as possible. A first experience in a 20-student biomedical engineering technical elective class has demonstrated ease of use and anecdotally confirms the device and material's usefulness in practical teaching. However, more formal evaluation is needed to demonstrate that our test device and materials enhance laboratory teaching.