Mechanical Testing
Data Analysis
for Biomaterials Research
Overview of Our Mechanical Testing Data Analysis Tools
The Data Analysis software is used to view and organize mechanical testing data generated by CellScale mechanical testers. Test files can be opened side by side, plotted using configurable graph settings, and exported for further processing.
Core capabilities include:
- Management and review of multiple mechanical tests
- Automatic graphing of force, displacement, stress, and strain
- Side-by-side comparison of repeated tests or experimental groups
- Export of processed data in CSV and video formats
These tools support consistent and reproducible mechanical testing data analysis across a wide range of experimental workflows.
Stress–Strain Curve Analysis and Visualization
Stress–strain curve analysis is fundamental to characterizing the mechanical behaviour of biomaterials. Data Analysis automatically generates stress–strain plots following tensile testing, compression testing, and biaxial testing, allowing researchers to visualize elastic and non-linear response regions.
Users can:
- Overlay multiple stress–strain curves for direct comparison
- Adjust axes, scaling, and curve fits to isolate regions of interest
- Use timeline markers to evaluate specific loading phases
- Examine changes in response during cyclic or fatigue testing
These capabilities support quantitative interpretation of elastic behaviour and form the basis for reliable elastic modulus calculation.
Material Property Extraction and Young’s Modulus Calculation
Beyond visualization, Data Analysis enables material property extraction directly from mechanical testing data. Built-in analysis tools guide users through calculating elastic (Young’s) modulus using either displacement-based strain measurements or image-based strain data.
Material property extraction workflows support:
- Calculation of Young’s modulus from defined stress–strain regions
- Comparison of Young’s modulus values across multiple tests or samples
- Evaluation of stiffness variability in biomaterials and soft tissues
- Automatic break or failure detection for robust data interpretation
For hydrated or viscoelastic materials, Young’s modulus can be evaluated within controlled strain ranges to ensure meaningful and reproducible results.
Viscoelastic Data Analysis and Time-Dependent Behaviour
Many biomaterials and soft tissues show time-dependent mechanical responses during testing. The Data Analysis software includes viscoelastic data analysis tools for reviewing experiments involving creep, stress relaxation, cyclic loading, and fatigue.
Measurements that can be examined include load-controlled and displacement-controlled responses, changes in stiffness over time, and differences between elastic and time-dependent behaviour.
DIC Data Analysis and Image-Based Strain Measurement
For systems equipped with scientific imaging, Data Analysis supports digital image correlation (DIC) data analysis and non-contact strain measurement using synchronized image and mechanical data. This approach enables full-field strain mapping and localized deformation analysis that cannot be captured using displacement data alone.
Image-based analysis capabilities include:
- DIC for non-contact strain measurement
- Feature tracking and edge detection
- Full-field strain visualization and mapping
- Synchronized playback of force, displacement, and imaging data
DIC data analysis allows researchers to evaluate spatial variations in strain and calculate localized modulii in heterogeneous biomaterials and tissues.
Compatible Systems and Imaging Integration
Mechanical testing data analysis and imaging-based workflows are supported on systems equipped with camera integration, including the UniVert, BioTester, and MicroTester platforms. These systems enable synchronized acquisition of mechanical and visual data, allowing researchers to directly correlate loading conditions with structural deformation.
BioTester
A biaxial mechanical testing system for controlled planar loading of tissues, membranes, and engineered constructs. The BioTester series is well-suited to anisotropic materials and studies that require multi-directional testing and optical tracking.
MicroTester
A micro-scale mechanical testing system for microspheres, organoids, small tissues, fibres, micro-constructs, and other smaller specimens. The MicroTester offers precise force and displacement control for the smallest samples.
Applied Research Context
Mechanical testing data analysis and Young’s modulus calculations are used in tissue engineering, hydrogel mechanical testing, cancer mechanobiology, organ-on-a-chip systems, soft robotics materials research, and other research areas. In these applications, accurate quantification of stiffness, deformation, and time-dependent behaviour is essential for understanding structure–function relationships.
Tutorials, Manuals, and Additional Resources
To support effective mechanical testing data analysis workflows, additional resources are available:
If you need assistance with software installation, updates, or compatibility, technical support is available.
Need Help with Data Analysis?
If you have questions about the CellScale mechanical testing data analysis software, material property extraction, or Young’s modulus calculation, our technical support team can help.
