Instrumentation strategy

• Sensor selection and placement for the question being asked:

  • Load, displacement, strain (and temperature when relevant)

• Signal quality:

  • Noise checks, filtering rules, sampling rate selection, and drift management

• Cryogenic considerations:

  • Cable routing, thermal anchoring, condensation/icing risk, and sensor survivability
    

Data reduction & reporting

• Automated reduction for repeatability:

  • Stress–strain, modulus, offset strength, nonlinearity metrics, failure point definitions

• Consistent plotting + reporting templates:

  • Same axes, same definitions, same data quality flags

• Traceability:

  • Sample IDs, test conditions, calibration records, and revision control of analysis scripts
    

Failure analysis mindset

• Evidence-based classification tied to geometry and loading:

  • First failure location, damage progression, and dominant mechanisms

• Clear recommendations:

  • Design changes, process changes, or targeted next tests to retire remaining risk
    

Typical deliverables

• Instrumentation plan + channel list + calibration notes

• Data pipeline (repeatable scripts/templates)

• Failure mode library (photos + definitions)

• Actionable conclusions: what to change and what to test next