Mechanical testing system and method

A fixture for subjecting a test sample to bending forces using a uni-axial test machine that applies a linear force, the uni-axial test machine comprising a frame and a crosshead that translates with reference to the frame in a plane of motion to generate the linear force, the fixture comprising:

• an upper connecting link configured to attach to the crosshead of the uni-axial test machine for receiving the linear force, wherein the upper link comprises two downwardly extending upper prongs, including a left upper prong and a right upper prong, each upper prong associated with an upper roller, the left upper prong associated with a left upper roller and the right upper prong associated with a right upper roller;
• a lower connecting link configured to attach to the frame of the uni-axial test machine, wherein the lower link comprises two upwardly extending lower prongs, including a left lower prong and a right lower prong, each lower prong associated with a lower roller, the left lower prong associated with a left lower roller and the right lower prong associated with a right lower roller;
• and
• two transverse arms pivotably carried between the upper and lower connecting links, each transverse arm having an inner end that is configured to attach to the test sample so that the test sample is suspended between the arms, the transverse arms operable to pivot in opposite directions in response to the linear force applied to the upper connecting link, exposing the test sample to bending forces, wherein each of the transverse arms is pivotably carried between the upper and lower links on one of the upper rollers and one of the lower rollers, a left transverse arm carried on the left upper roller and the left lower roller, and a right transverse arm carried on the right upper roller and the right lower roller.