Apparatus and method for applying tensile force to samples

A test apparatus for applying one or more tensile loads to a test sample, the test apparatus comprising:

• a housing comprising a first side, a second side opposite the first side, a third side, and a fourth side opposite the third side;
• a first force application assembly configured to apply a tensile load on the test sample along a first axis, wherein the first force application assembly comprises:
• a first plinth anchored to the first side of the housing and engageable with a first side of the test sample;
• a first clevis bracket engageable with a second side of the test sample, wherein the second side of the sample is opposite the first side of the test sample;
• a first tension rod, wherein the first tension rod extends through the second side of the housing;
• and
• a first rod end connected between the first tension rod and the first clevis bracket;
• and
• a second force application assembly configured to apply a tensile load on the test sample along a second axis, wherein the second force application assembly comprises:
• a second plinth anchored to the third side of the housing and engageable with a third side of the test sample;
• a second clevis bracket engageable with a fourth side of the test sample, wherein the fourth side of the sample is opposite the third side of the test sample;
• a second tension rod, wherein the second tension rod extends through the fourth side of the housing;
• and
• a second rod end connected between the second tension rod and the second clevis bracket.

A method of analyzing a tensile behavior of a test sample, the method comprising the steps of:

• providing a test sample, the test sample comprising at least a first side, a second side opposite the first side, a third side, a fourth side opposite the third side, a fifth side, and a sixth side opposite the fifth side;
• providing a test apparatus comprising:
• a housing comprising a first side, a second side opposite the first side, a third side, and a fourth side opposite the third side;
• a first force application assembly configured to apply a first tensile load to the test sample along a first axis, wherein the first force application assembly comprises:
• a first plinth;
• a first clevis bracket;
• and
• a first tension rod assembly that includes a first tension rod and a first rod end, wherein the first tension rod extends through the second side of the housing;
• and
• a second force application assembly configured to apply a second tensile load to the test sample along a second axis, wherein the second force application assembly comprises:
• a second plinth;
• a second clevis bracket;
• and
• a second tension rod assembly that includes a second tension rod and a second rod end, wherein the second tension rod extends through the fourth side of the housing;
• engaging the first plinth with the first side of the test sample;
• engaging the first clevis bracket with the second side of the test sample;
• engaging the second plinth with the third side of the test sample;
• engaging the second clevis bracket with the fourth side of the test sample;
• securing the first plinth to the first side of the housing;
• attaching the first rod end to the first clevis bracket;
• securing the second plinth to the third side of the housing;
• attaching the second rod end to the second clevis bracket;
• applying the first tensile load to the test sample with the first force application assembly;
• and
• applying the second tensile load to the test sample with the second force application assembly.