Measurement of Compressive Stress-Strain Response at Small-Strains

Our protocol addresses the lack of low-cost, reputable compression testing methods in the small-strain, low-force region. Technologies currently used to advance research include MEMS-based testers, nanoindentation, and custom microscale compression systems for precise small-strain material characterization. Current experimental challenges include achieving accurate force-displacement measurement, reliable calibration, and minimizing noise in small-strain, low-force microscale experiments.

To begin, place the PDMS sample on the force sensor within the compression test setup. Align the moving part perpendicular to the force sensor and center it over the sample to ensure a normal compressive load is applied. Set the drive speed to the previously validated value using the controller interface.