extensometer

A scientist uses an extensometer to measure the stretch of a metal sample.

Definition

Noun:
- A device for measuring deformation or strain: An "extensometer" is an instrument used to measure the extension or contraction of a material when subjected to stress, typically in engineering or materials science.

Usage Examples

Noun:
- The engineer attached an extensometer to the metal bar to measure its elongation under tension. (The device recorded the strain as the bar was pulled.)
- During the tensile test, the extensometer provided precise data on how much the sample stretched. (The instrument quantified the deformation.)

Advanced Usage

"extensometer gauge length": The initial length over which the extensometer measures extension, critical for calculating strain.
- The standard gauge length for this extensometer is 50 millimeters. (The fixed distance between measurement points.)
"clip-on extensometer": A type that attaches directly to the specimen with clips or knife edges.
- A clip-on extensometer is preferred for high-temperature tests because it minimizes thermal effects. (A specific design for accurate strain measurement.)

Variants and Related Words

Extensometry (n): The scientific technique or practice of using an extensometer.
- Extensometry is essential for characterizing material properties like Young's modulus. (The field of strain measurement.)
Extensometric (adj): Relating to or involving an extensometer.
- The extensometric data showed a linear relationship between stress and strain. (Data from the device.)

Synonyms

Strain gauge: A device that measures strain, though often a specific type (e.g., electrical resistance gauge).
Deformation meter: A general term for instruments measuring shape change.

Related Idioms

(No common idioms exist; the word is highly technical and used only in scientific contexts.)

Phrasal Verbs