These gages conform to the requirements of ASTM E399 for fracture toughness and E1820 (the replacement for E813 and E1737) for JIC and R-curve determination. In addition, the modified groove design complies with E1820 tests where greater stability and accuracy results from the sharper groove root. Clip-on gages are used for a variety of fracture mechanics tests, including compact tension, arc shaped, disk shaped, bend specimens or other specimen geometries in compliance with ASTM and other standards organization’s test methods. Clip-on gages can be used directly on test specimens where the knife edges are integral with the test specimen or, alternately, with optional bolt-on knife edges mounted on the test specimen.

The Model 3541 extensometers are strain gaged devices, making them compatible with any electronics designed for strain gaged transducers. Most often they are connected to a test machine controller. The signal conditioning electronics for the extensometer is typically included with the test machine controller or may often be added. In this case the extensometer is shipped with the proper connector and wiring to plug directly into the electronics. For systems lacking the required electronics, Epsilon can provide a variety of solutions, allowing the extensometer output to be connected to data acquisition boards, chart recorders or other equipment.

A PDF document containing specifications on the 3541 can be downloaded from the following link: PDF DOWNLOAD.

For price, delivery or other information, please click here to submit our information request form.  Lead times on most -ST and -HT1 configurations are <1 week (time until ready to ship), quantity dependent. 

• Full bridge, 350 ohm strain gaged design for compatibility with nearly any test system.
• Fully enclosed gages to protect from accidental damage.
• All standard units meet existing ASTM requirements for accuracy.
• Sharp grooves per ASTM E1820 and E399 for improved stability when mounted.
• Includes high quality foam lined case.
• All capable of high frequency operation (50 Hz or faster, depending on version).  In recent testing, the small measuring range 3541 units (+2.5/-1.0 mm) were able to successfully test to 150 Hz with a ±0.005 inch amplitude. At this level, there was no appreciable change in the noise level compared to lower frequencies. For longer measuring range units (+10/-1.0 mm), 50 Hz was the maximum frequency that could achieved without excessive noise levels.

Excitation: 5 to 10 VDC recommended, 12 VDC or VAC max.

Output: 2 to 4 mV/V nominal, depending on model

Linearity: 0.15% for measuring ranges less than 0.25 inch (6 mm), 0.20% for greater measuring ranges

Temperature Range: Standard (-ST) is -40 °C to +100 °C (-40 °F to 210 °F)

Cable: Ultra-flexible cable, 8 ft. (2.5 m) standard

Operating Force: Exerts 2 to 3 lbs (9 to 14 N), depending on model

Example: 3541-0050-200T-LT: 0.50 inch gage length, +0.20 inch measuring range, low temperature option (-450 °F to 210° F)