Device for determining mechanical properties of materials

摘要

There is provided a method for measuring and evaluating hardness or toughness of relatively delicate materials such as polymers, semi-solids, colloids or gels to determine the firmness thereof by inserting a stylus a specific depth into the material and then determining how the material itself reacts by measuring a resultant opposing force caused by insertion of the stylus. The device used in the method of the invention comprises a stylus (plunger) to vertically impinge on the sample when the stylus is displaced vertically downward. An actuating means controls downward movement of the stylus. The actuating means comprises a movable shaft and a stationary sleeve. The shaft has one end which is threaded and a second end which is constructed and arranged to carry the stylus. The stationary sleeve has internal threads for cooperative engagement with the external threads of the shaft, whereby adjustment by the threads causes vertical movement of the stylus.