9411945 Pienkowski This Equipment Grant proposes the purchase of an electronic controller (with computer related accessories) for a servohydraulic biomaterials test system that is dedicated to support research in biomaterials engineering. This device will regulate the movement of a hydraulically driven piston which pulls or pushes on a test specimen, measures the force exerted on the specimen and the change in length of the specimen, and calculates specific engineering materials properties. Materials engineering research techniques provide fundamental knowledge regarding the causes and treatments for osteoporotic bone. The proposed equipment will also create new opportunities for hands-on-involvement of undergraduate students in ongoing research projects. ***
