Microforce Sensor: Design and Application

This lecture presents a micro-force sensor designed by three mechanical engineering students for use in the MC laboratory. The sensor, based on parallel plate capacitors, accurately measures uni-axial tensile load on hydrogel samples and can be applied in various scenarios such as crack propagation analysis and indentation tests. The design process focused on compactness and ergonomics, resulting in a mechanism that ensures precise force measurements. The sensor's operation involves loading the sample, adjusting plate distances, and observing real-time capacitance measurements. The lecture concludes with demonstrations of the sensor's application in attraction tests and crack propagation analysis, highlighting its versatility and accuracy.