A simulation apparatus is provided comprising a fixed main body; a carriage associated with the main body for movement relative to the main body; a first device coupled to the fixed main body for engaging a workpiece; a second device coupled to the carriage for movement with the carriage and for engaging the workpiece; at least one motor apparatus coupled to the fixed main body and the carriage for effecting movement of the carriage and the second device relative to the main body such that a tensile load is applied to the workpiece; sensor apparatus comprising at least one force sensor for sensing the tensile load applied to the workpiece during the movement of the second device; and a drive controller. The controller is coupled to the motor apparatus for controlling the operation of the motor apparatus in accordance with predefined carriage positions corresponding to discrete time intervals and in response to feedback from the sensor apparatus comprising the at least one force sensor so as to enhance the control of the position of the carriage as a function of time.