Fixture and method for measuring elongation

1. A method for measuring elongation of a pre-elongated specimen, the method comprising the steps in the order of:

a. providing a specimen fixture having a base and a fixture portion carried by the base, the fixture portion provided with a surface adapted to receive a portion of a specimen, wherein the fixture portion is an intermediate fixture portion and wherein a first fixture portion is disposed near a first side of the intermediate fixture portion and a second fixture portion is disposed near an opposite second side of the intermediate fixture, wherein one of the first and second fixture portions includes a compressive force applying means, and further including a means for measuring an applied compressive force applied by the compressive force applying means;

b. providing the pre-elongated specimen, wherein the specimen includes a break separating a first end portion of the pre-elongated specimen and a second end portion of the pre-elongated specimen;

c. disposing the pre-elongated specimen in the fixture; and

d. measuring the elongation of the pre-elongated specimen.

2. The method according to claim 1 wherein the surface includes a groove formed therein.

3. The method according to claim 1 wherein the other one of the first and second fixture portions includes a load cell.

4. The method according to claim 3 further including a load monitor connected to the load cell.

5. The method according to claim 1 wherein the step of measuring the elongation of the pre-elongated specimen includes providing an elongation measuring device.

6. The method according to claim 5 wherein the elongation measuring device is a caliper.

7. The method according to claim 5 wherein the elongation measuring device is a microscope.