APPLICATION OF A LIGHT-SENSITIVE POTENTIOMETER IN MEASUREMENT OF MECHANICAL PROPERTIES OF SINGLE FIBRES

A method using a light-sensitive potentiometer to facilitate accurate measurement of the displacement of an optical lever system has been described. The output characteristics of the potentiometer may be recorded concurrently on a potentiometric chart recorder. The use of the instrument in extension and torsion experiments on single wool fibres has been illustrated and discussed. The technique provides a convenient and automatic method of accurately measuring and recording the displacement of an optical lever system.