Extensometer extender for conversion of room-temperature extensometers for high-temperature applications

Abstract:  Abstract An extensometer extender has been constructed which allows the use of room-temperature extensometry for measurement of axial strain at high temperatures. The device can accept most commercial extensometers, is inexpensive to build, and easy to use. No modification of extensometer electronics are required. This paper describes the design requirements for high-temperature extensometry and shows how the present design meets these criteria. Drawings and rationale for construction are given so that the device may be easily modified for specific applications. Use of the device for strain controlled low-cycle fatigue of soft specimens at elevated temperatures demonstrates the success of this design.