Statement of Work.docx

Performance Work Statement (PWS)

1.0 Introduction

This requirement is for the acquisition of a Multiaxial Mechanical Tester, a sophisticated mechanical testing device designed for multifaceted biomechanical analysis. With its compact design, the Multiaxial Mechanical Tester facilitates multi-axis testing, including 3-point bend, 4-point bend, compression/tension, and torsion assessments.

2.0 Background

Mechanical testers are widely used in biology research labs to study the physical properties of biological material, tissues, and engineered biomaterials. These devices are essential for understanding how biological systems respond to mechanical force. Mechanical testers apply controlled force to a sample and measure the response of the sample. This can include measuring tension, compression, bending, torsion, and shear force. Samples are loaded onto a load plate, then the machine applies the set force to the sample. The machine uses a motorized actuator to control the movement precisely. There are highly sensitive sensors that convert the force applied into electrical signals and the encoder will measure how much the sample stretches, compresses, or bends. The machine then generates this data into information for analysis.

3.0 Scope

Research in the LaRue laboratory requires the measurement of the mechanical properties of bone harvested from mice. We require a piece of equipment that allows for the measurement of multiple samples accurately, with highly reproducible measurements across different research projects and sample groups. The required equipment allows for the measurement of 3-point bend, 4-point bend, torsion testing, and compression/tension testing all with one device. This device is designed to be used with extremely small samples, such as femurs an tibias harvested from mice.

The system must be able to:

· MUST be able to measure extremely small samples, including mouse femurs and tibias

· MUST have a small benchtop footprint (W x D x H) 9 x 14 x 27 inches to fit in the designated laboratory bench space

· MUST have the capabilities of measuring the following in mouse femurs/tibias

· 3-point bend- testing bones stiffness, strength, and resistance to fracture by applying a load at a single midpoint while the bone is supported at both ends

· 4-point bend- testing a bones stiffness and strength more uniformly across a lager region by applying two loading points between two supports creating a constant bending without a shear force

· Compression- measures a bone’s ability to withstand forces that push it together to assess the flexibility of the trabecular bone

· Torsion- measure how the bone responds to rotational pressure providing information of shear strength and stiffness.

· MUST have an included computer with Mac-1 motion and Mach-1 Analysis (or equivalent)

· MUST have a color camera for recording testing

· MUST have 2 motion controller axis

· MUST have user friendly training modules for laboratory staff training

· MUST have stage linear travel ranges of 100 mm

· MUST have linear stage max speed 50 m/ms

· MUST have stage linear max acceleration 500 mm/s2

· MUST have rotational travel range of stage as infinite

· MUST have stage rotational max speed for 80 /s

· MUST have stage rotational max acceleration 320 /s2

· Doesn’t require lubrication

4.0 Applicable Directives

N/A

5.0 Performance Requirements

Contractor will provide remote installation and training of laboratory staff.

6.0 Delivery

Attention: Dr. LaRue C/O - Kristen Kelly

Ralph H Johnson VA Medical Center (Research & Development) 30 Courtenay Drive Strom Thurmond/Gazes Research Building/Room 313 Charleston, SC 29403