Function and Materials Testing Lab

Our laboratory specialises in the preparation and mechanical testing of biological and artefact materials (eg. foods and tools). We place a particular emphasis on understanding how changes in morphological features, such as teeth and blades, influence cutting and breakdown processes.

In addition, we facilitate in vivo data collection, utilising surface electromyography (EMG) to record muscle activation patterns and the resulting forces generated by humans during various behavioural tasks, spanning feeding to tool use. This distinctive approach integrates experimental archaeology with functional anatomical study. To do this, our laboratory is equipped with a range of instrumentation.

Equipment includes:

Universal materials tester (MutiTest 2.5)
Electromyography (EMG) equipment from Noraxon
Bite force rigs equipped with load cells and strain gauges
Vacuum Oven
Dremel drill
Scales
Dental casting equipment employing gypsum and epoxy
3D printing (Z-printer 350)
3D metal dental replicas

Electromyography equipment being used to assess human bite force