The word "extensometer" (ɪkstɛnˈsɑmɪtər) is a device used to measure changes in length or size of a material under stress. The spelling of the word can be broken down into its phonetic components. The "exten" part is pronounced (ɪkstɛn), with the "ex" being pronounced as "ɪks" and "ten" pronounced as "tɛn". The "someter" part is pronounced (ˈsɑmɪtər), with the "so" being pronounced as "sɑ" and "meter" being pronounced as "mɪtər". Altogether, the word sounds like (ɪkstɛnˈsɑmɪtər).
An extensometer is a device used to measure dimensional changes or deformations in objects subjected to mechanical testing or stress. It is designed to accurately quantify the extension or strain experienced by a material under applied loads. The extensometer consists of a frame or housing with two measuring arms or probes that attach to the specimen being tested, typically positioned at opposite sides or points of interest.
With its ability to measure small displacements with high precision, an extensometer plays a crucial role in determining essential mechanical properties of materials such as tensile strength, yield point, and elastic modulus. It works by evaluating the extension or contraction of the specimen as it undergoes stress, allowing scientists and engineers to understand how the material performs under different conditions.
There are several types of extensometers available, including contact and non-contact versions. Contact extensometers use physical contact with the specimen, employing strain gauges, spring-loaded probes, or LVDTs (linear variable differential transformers) to measure the deformation. Non-contact extensometers, on the other hand, utilize optical or laser-based technologies to measure strain without physically touching the material.
Extensometers are extensively utilized in various industries, including materials testing laboratories, research institutions, and manufacturing facilities. By providing accurate measurements of strain or extension, extensometers contribute to the analysis, characterization, and quality control of materials and help ensure their reliable and safe use in diverse applications.
The word "extensometer" is derived from the combination of two Latin roots: "extenso" meaning "I stretch" and "metrum" meaning "measure".
The prefix "exten-" comes from the Latin verb "extendo" which means "to stretch" or "to extend".
The suffix "-meter" comes from the Greek word "metron" which means "measure" or "measurement".
Therefore, "extensometer" refers to a device or instrument used to measure the amount of extension or stretching of a material under stress or strain.