Figure 1. Demonstration of notch tension technique using a linear elastic isotropic gelatin gel.

(a) Uniaxial tension was applied to a 20% (w/v) gel formed with similar dimensions as a tendon fascicle (h: 540 μm, w: 680 μm, L: 33.0 mm) and with a semi-circular notch. (b) At a grip-to-grip strain of 8%, the axial strain field (ε_yy) predicted by finite element analysis closely matched the experimentally measured strains. (c) Close to the notch, the axial strains are concentrated on the uncut (right) side of the gel, while the strains are uniform far from the notch. These gradients in the axial strain (and hence stress) across the gel width and length are classic features of notch tension testing and are produced by shear stresses that transmit load from the uncut to the cut side of the sample. Scale bars, 200 μm.