Apparatus and Method For Applying Tensile Force to Samples

A test apparatus and method for applying one or more tensile loads to a sample and for testing attributes of the sample exposed to the one or more tensile loads. The test apparatus includes a housing that has a plurality of interconnected sides that contain the sample during testing and provide a rigid support structure to offset the tensile loads applied to the sample. The test apparatus includes one or more force application assemblies that are each configured to apply a particular tensile load on the sample. Each of the force application assemblies includes an anchor for securing the sample to the housing, a connector attached to an opposite side of the sample from the corresponding anchor, and a tension rod assembly configured to apply the tensile load between the housing and the sample.