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Topic 1: Tensil Test & Compression Test
Topic 1: Tensil Test & Compression Test
Topic 1: Tensil Test & Compression Test
MATERIAL SCIENCE
TENSIL TEST
&
COMPRESSION TEST
1
5.1.1 Tensile Strength....................................................................................................... 22
6.0 Graph.................................................................................................................................. 27
7.0 Advantages and Disadvantages of Tensile Test and Compression Test ............................. 31
10.0 RECOMMENDATION.................................................................................................... 35
2
1.0 Introduction
1.1 Tensile Test
Tensile test is a mechanical test used to determine the mechanical properties of a
material under tension. It is one of the most common and fundamental tests performed on
materials to understand their behaviour when subjected to pulling or stretching forces. The
basic idea of a tensile test is to place a sample of a material between two fixtures called "grips"
which clamp the material. The material has known dimensions, like length and cross-sectional
area. We then begin to apply weight to the material gripped at one end while the other end is
fixed. We keep increasing the weight (often called the load or force) while at the same time
measuring the change in length of the sample.
It measures the force required to break a composite or plastic specimen and the extent
to which the specimen stretches or elongates to that breaking point. Often performed on
finished products such as tennis balls, golf balls, water bottles, protective cases, and plastic
pipes furniture. All examples of products that need to be evaluated for their compressive
strength. For example, an engineer may want to conserve plastic by creating water bottles with
thinner walls, but the bottles must still be strong enough to be packed in pallets and stacked on
top of each other for transport.
Tensile tests are used to determine how materials will behave under tension load. In a
simple tensile test, a sample is typically pulled to its breaking point to determine the ultimate
tensile strength of the material. The amount of force (F) applied to the sample and the
elongation (∆L) of the sample are measured throughout the test. Material properties are often
expressed in terms of stress (force per unit area, σ) and strain (percent change in length, ε). To
obtain stress, the force measurements are divided by the sample’s cross sectional area (σ
= F/A). Strain measurements are obtained by dividing the change in length by the initial length
of the sample (ε = ∆L/L). These values are then presented on an XY plot called a stress-strain
curve. Testing and measuring procedures vary based on the material being tested and its
intended application.
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Tensile testing is critical for selecting appropriate materials during research and
development. Tensile testing can also be used to verify that materials adhere to minimum
strength and elongation requirements.
4
1.2 Compression Test
A compression test is a mechanical test in which a material or product responds to forces
that push, compress, squash, crush and flatten the test specimen. Compression testing is a
fundamental mechanical test, similar in nature to tensile and bend tests. Compression tests
characterize material and product strength and stiffness under applied crushing loads. These
tests are typically conducted by applying compressive pressure to a test specimen using platens
or specialized fixtures with a testing machine that produces compressive loads. Compression
testing allows manufacturers to assess the integrity and safety of materials, components, and
products during several phases of the manufacturing process.
The potential applications can vary from strength testing of a car windshield to
endurance testing of concrete beams used in construction. Often used on brittle materials such
as concrete, metals, plastics, ceramics and composite. These materials are often used in a load-
bearing capacity where their integrity under compressive forces is critical. For example,
Compression testing can help the engineer fine tune the balance between product strength and
material conservation.
During a compression test, properties of the material including sample stress and strain
are measured and various calculations made. Data is plotted as a stress-strain diagram. Data is
used to determine qualities such as compressive strength, elastic limit, proportional limit, yield
point, yield strength, and modulus of elasticity.
Many samples are placed between two plates or platens that distribute the applied load
across the entire surface area of two opposite faces of the test sample. The plates are
compressed together by a compression-capable test machine, causing the sample to flatten. The
sample's deflection or strain is measured by the machine or by a deflector or extensometer.
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2.0 Types of Testing
2.1 Compression Test
2.1.1 Compressive strength
Compressive strength is a measure of a material's ability to withstand compressive
forces or loads without undergoing deformation or failure. It is a fundamental mechanical
property that describes the material's resistance to being squeezed or compacted.
The unit of measurement for compression strength depends on the system used. In the
International System of Units (SI), compression strength is expressed in pascals (Pa) or
megapascals (MPa). In the United States customary units, pounds per square inch (psi) is
commonly used.
Compression strength varies widely among different materials. For example, materials
like concrete and metals generally exhibit high compression strength, while materials like
foams and soft polymers have lower compression strength. The compressive strength of a
material is an important factor in various engineering applications, such as construction,
manufacturing, and structural design, as it helps determine the material's load-bearing capacity
and its ability to withstand compressive forces without failure.
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2.1.2 Yield point
Yield point used to describe a specific type of behaviour exhibited by certain materials,
particularly those with a discontinuous or non-linear stress-strain curve. These materials, such
as mild steel, may exhibit a yield point phenomenon characterized by a sudden drop in stress
after the yield point is reached. This drop occurs due to the realignment of the material's crystal
structure and is known as the yield point elongation.
However, it is important to note that not all materials exhibit a distinct yield point. Some
materials, such as many polymers, do not have a well-defined yield point but instead exhibit a
gradual transition from elastic to plastic deformation.
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2.1.4 Yield strength
Yield strength, also known as yield stress, is a material property that represents the
stress level at which a material undergoes plastic deformation. It is the maximum stress a
material can sustain without experiencing permanent deformation or a significant increase in
strain.
The yield strength is the stress at which a material exhibits a specified deviation from a
linear stress-strain relationship. An offset of 0.2% is often used for metals. Yield strength is
reported in units of stress, such as pascals (Pa) or megapascals (MPa) in the International
System of Units (SI). In the United States customary units, pounds per square inch (psi) is
commonly used.
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2.2 Tensile Test
2.2.1 Modulus of elasticity
The modulus of elasticity, also known as Young's modulus, is a material property that
measures the stiffness or rigidity of a solid material. It quantifies how a material deforms under
the action of an external force, specifically in terms of its linear elasticity. Mathematically, the
modulus of elasticity (E) is defined as the ratio of stress (σ) to strain (ε) within the elastic limit
of the material. It represents the amount of stress required to produce a given amount of strain
in the material. The formula for modulus of elasticity is:
E = σ/ε
where:
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2.2.2 Elastic limit
The elastic limit, also known as the yield point, is a property of materials that marks the
boundary between elastic deformation and plastic deformation. It represents the maximum
stress or strain that a material can sustain without permanent or irreversible deformation.When
a material is subjected to an external force, it initially undergoes elastic deformation, meaning
it will return to its original shape once the force is removed. This elastic behaviour is
characterized by a linear relationship between stress and strain within the material's elastic
limit.
However, if the applied stress exceeds the elastic limit of the material, it enters the
plastic deformation region. In this region, the material undergoes permanent deformation or a
change in shape even after the stress is removed. The material does not return to its original
shape, and its behaviour becomes nonlinear.
The elastic limit is an important parameter in the study of material properties and
behaviour. It helps define the safe working limits of a material and determines whether it will
exhibit elastic or plastic deformation under specific loading conditions. Engineers and
designers consider the elastic limit when designing structures or selecting materials to ensure
that they operate within the elastic range and avoid excessive deformation or failure.
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2.2.3 Ultimate Tensile Strength (UTS)
Ultimate tensile strength (UTS) is a mechanical property of materials that measures the
maximum stress a material can withstand before it fractures or breaks under tension. It
represents the maximum tensile stress that a material can sustain without undergoing
significant deformation or failure. When a material is subjected to a tensile force or load, it
elongates along the direction of the force.
The ultimate tensile strength is the highest stress point on the stress-strain curve of a
material, typically observed just before the material fractures. At this point, the material is
under extreme stress, and further application of force leads to a sudden and often catastrophic
failure.
The ultimate tensile strength is usually expressed in units of pressure, such as pascals
(Pa) or pounds per square inch (psi). Different materials have different ultimate tensile
strengths, reflecting their varying resistance to tensile forces
2.2.4 Strain
Strain is typically expressed as a dimensionless quantity or as a percentage. It can be
calculated by dividing the change in length or deformation (ΔL) of a material by its original
length (L) or by the change in angle or deformation (Δθ) divided by the original angle (θ).
There are several types of strain that can occur depending on the nature of the deformation:
1. Linear Strain (ε): Linear strain measures the change in length of a material relative to
its original length. It is given by the formula:
ε = ΔL / L
2. Shear Strain (γ): Shear strain occurs when adjacent layers of a material slide past each
other in response to a force applied parallel to their surfaces. It is expressed as the
change in angle (in radians) between two initially perpendicular lines within the
material. The formula for shear strain is:
γ = Δθ
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3. Volumetric Strain: Volumetric strain represents the change in volume of a material
relative to its original volume. It is the sum of the linear strains in three mutually
perpendicular directions. Volumetric strain is often expressed as a percentage and is
given by:
2.2.5 Elongation
Elongation refers to the amount of deformation or extension that a material undergoes
along its length when subjected to a tensile force or load. It is a measure of the change in length
of a material due to tensile stress.
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3.0 Industries Involved
3.1 Tensile Test
3.1.1 Fabrication Industries
In the fabrication industry, metals are used to make a wide range of products. Tensile
testing helps ensure that a weld meets the required levels of strength and ductility.
Tensile testing is a crucial step in understanding weld performance and ensuring that a
finished weld is as strong or stronger than the base metal. During tensile testing, a sample of
specified dimensions (left) is loaded in tension until the point of failure. The sample piece is
pulled apart (right) to understand the strength, ductility and other characteristics of the weld.
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Filler metal manufacturers perform tensile testing on many of their products for several
reasons. Tensile testing to help monitor process quality. As an example, Tensile testing is also
used by these manufacturers to determine and maintain product classifications and approvals
from agencies such as the American Welding Society (AWS) or the American Bureau of
Shipping. The results of tensile testing are typically made available on filler metal data sheets
and these values are critical in determining if a product is suitable for an application.
End users can also perform or outsource their own tensile testing. When companies
need to follow welding codes, for such applications as structural or pressure vessel fabrication,
tensile strength testing is often a critical component of the procedure qualification record that
accompanies welding procedures. Even in applications that aren’t being welded to code,
companies frequently conduct tensile testing to assess if the welds being produced are capable
of providing sufficient strength for a particular application.
These properties are essential for determining the suitability of metals for different
fabrication applications and ensuring that they meet the required standards for strength,
durability, and safety.
14
Figure 10: Aerospace industry is one of the fabrication industry
Tensile testing allows fabricators to evaluate different materials and compare their
mechanical properties. By adhering to standardized testing methods, industries can accurately
assess the suitability of various materials for specific applications. This helps in optimizing
material selection, ensuring that the chosen materials possess the required strength
characteristics for the intended use.
Tensile testing is crucial for ensuring consistent quality control in the textiles industry.
By conducting tensile tests on fabric samples, manufacturers can assess the mechanical
properties of their products, including tensile strength, elongation, and modulus. This helps
identify any variations or defects in the materials, allowing for timely adjustments in the
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production process and ensuring that customers receive textiles that meet the desired quality
standards.
Material selection aids in material selection and development. By comparing the tensile
properties of different textile materials, manufacturers can evaluate their suitability for specific
applications. Tensile tests provide insights into factors such as durability, elasticity, and
dimensional stability, allowing companies to choose the most appropriate materials for various
end uses, whether it's apparel, home textiles, industrial fabrics, or technical textiles.
This test complies with the following standards: ASTM D1004 Standard Test Method
for Initial Tear Resistance of Plastic Film and Sheeting, and ASTM D5587 Standard Test
Method for Tearing Strength of Fabrics by Trapezoid procedure. Nelson Labs is an active
member of ASTM committees.
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3.2 Compression Test
A compression test is a mechanical test used to determine the behavior of materials
when subjected to compressive loads. The data collected from compression tests give helpful
insights into the mechanical properties of different materials which are invaluable in selecting
the right material for different applications, especially in the construction and engineering
industries.
Compression testing helps assess the structural integrity and load-bearing capacity of
fabricated components and materials. Many fabricated products, such as columns, beams,
support structures, or machine parts, are subjected to compressive forces during their service
life. Conducting compression tests allows fabricators to determine how well the materials can
withstand these forces and ensure that the products meet the required strength and stability
criteria.
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Quality Control is important so it supposedly use Compression testing is essential for
quality control in fabrication industries. By conducting compression tests on fabricated
samples, manufacturers can assess the mechanical properties and performance of their
products. This helps identify any variations, defects, or weaknesses in the fabrication process,
allowing for adjustments or improvements to ensure consistent quality and reliability.
The first rubber molding process, rubber compression molding, is ideal for low to
medium volume production of rubber products. Compression molding is a widely used
economical production method for low volume production of medium to large parts. It is the
best rubber molding process for materials with a high cost and applications that demand
extreme hardness.
Rubber compression molding can produce a diverse range of custom rubber molded
components and the affordable production of large, intricate products. It is often used to
produce environmental seal products such as rubber o-rings, seals, and gaskets.
Figure 16: SBR natural rubber molded in a bumper for suspension application.
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Figure 17: Rubber tires customized for hospital bed use.
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4.0 The Importance of Testing
Material selection
Tensil test
• Can compare their strength elasticity and other
mechanical propetiesbto determine which material is
most suitable for a particular application.
• Testing materials through tensile and compression
tests is crucial for quality assurance in manufacturing
industries.
• It helps identify any variations, defects, or
weaknesses in the manufacturing process, ensuring
consistent quality, and minimizing the risk of
product failure.
Product development
• Testing prototypes and samples can evaluate their
performance and make necessary adjustments to
improve their design and manufacturing processes.
• By subjecting materials to these tests, engineers can
Compression test determine their load-bearing capabilities,
deformation limits, and failure modes.
Safety testing
• performing tests on critical components, can ensure
that they meet the required safety standards and can
withstand high stresses and loads.
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• This information is vital for assessing the suitability
of materials for specific applications, designing
structures, and ensuring product safety and
reliability.
Material research
• researchers can develop new materials with
improved strength, toughness, and other desirable
properties
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5.0 Characteristic
5.1 Tensile Test
5.1.1 Tensile Strength
Tensile strength is the maximum amount of tensile stress a material can
withstand before it fails or breaks. It is a measure of the material's ability to resist
deformation under tension or stretching forces. When high tensile loads are
applied, ductile and brittle materials will approach failure. This process begins with a
uniform deformation throughout the sample followed by an increase in length and a
decrease in width at the same rate.
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5.1.3 Elongation at break
A material's elongation at break is a measure of how far it can stretch before breaking.
Materials used in manufacturing or construction applications that require ductility and
flexibility, it is a crucial mechanical property. Meeting a minimum value for elongation at break
is frequently a customer requirement and is often used as a quality assurance metric. Meeting
ductility specifications help ensure that a lot of material can withstand the stresses it will
experience in its intended application.
Elongation is calculated as the percent change in the length of a test specimen gauge
section before and after a tensile test. This article will define elongation at break, describe a
method for testing and calculating it, and provide a review of the ductility and elongation in the
tension of a number of materials.
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5.1.4 Yield Strength
Yield strength refers to an indication of maximum stress that can be developed in a
material without causing plastic deformation. It is the stress at which a material exhibits a
specified permanent deformation and is a practical approximation of the elastic limit.
In engineering structural design, yield strength is very important. For example, when
designing a component, it must support the force incurred during use, and the component must
not deform plastically. In other words, a material with sufficient yield strength should be
selected.
Since it represents the upper limit to forces that can be applied without causing
permanent deformation, the yield strength is often used to calculate the maximum permissible
load in a mechanical part. However, when a material is stressed, it deforms in a way that can
be recovered. A material's
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5.2 Compression Test
5.2.1 Crushing Point
A crush point exists at the point where two objects meet. The objects can be
moving toward each other, or one object can be moving toward a stationary object.
Crush points are hazardous because the objects coming together can easily crush
body parts.
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5.2.4 Compression
A compression test is a mechanical test in which a material or product responds
to forces that push, compress, squash, crush and flatten the test specimen. Compression
testing is a fundamental mechanical test, similar in nature to tensile and bend tests.
Compression tests characterize material and product strength and stiffness under
applied crushing loads.
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6.0 Graph
6.1 Tensile test
Figure 24: Material: Copper, Brass, Aluminum, and Steel samples for tensile testing. Each set
contain samples before (right-side) and after (left side) respectively to tensile testing
Calculate the stress and strain values for each data point using the following formulas:
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Plot the Graph: Use graphing software or a spreadsheet program to plot the stress-strain
curve. Follow these steps:
• Place stress on the y-axis (vertical axis) and strain on the x-axis (horizontal axis).
• Label the axes with their respective quantities (stress in MPa or psi, strain as a
dimensionless value,mm).
• Plot the stress-strain data points on the graph, connecting them with a smooth
curve. Ensure that the curve represents the trend of the data accurately.
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6.2 Compression Test
• Copper
• Steel
• Brass
• Aluminum
Calculate the stress and strain values for each data point using the following formulas:
29
Organize Data: Create a table or spreadsheet to organize the stress and strain (or load
and deformation) data. Include columns for stress (or load) and strain (or deformation) and
record the respective values for each data point.
Plot the Graph: Use graphing software or a spreadsheet program to plot the stress-strain
(or load-deformation) curve. Follow these steps:
Place stress (or load) on the y-axis (vertical axis) and strain () on the x-axis (horizontal
axis). Label the axes with their respective quantities (stress in MPa or psi, strain as a in mm).
30
7.0 Advantages and Disadvantages of Tensile Test and Compression Test
Sample Preparation
• Sample preparation must have specific
dimensions and shapes. To prepare the sample
was too expensive and a waste of time because of
the need to be accurate.
31
Cause Sample Damages
• When the material being tested is brittle or prone
to cracking
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8.0 Problem
Cost
• It can be an expensive process, especially if a company
needs to test a large number of samples or if they need to
test products frequently. Small businesses or companies
with limited budgets may not be able to afford the cost of
tensile testing.
Time
Tensil Testing
• Time-consuming process, particularly if a company needs
to test a large number of samples or if they need to
conduct tests on a regular basis. This can be particularly
problematic for companies that need to get their products
to market quickly.
Lack of expertise
• Requires specialized knowledge and expertise.
Companies that lack the necessary resources or personnel
to conduct these tests may be hesitant to do so.
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9.0 CONCLUSION
In conclusion, Tensile tests involve subjecting a material to an axial load, which stretches
the material and measures its resistance to the applied load. The test provides important
information about a material's elasticity, ductility, ultimate tensile strength, and other
mechanical properties that are critical for designing and selecting materials for various
applications.
Both tensile and compression tests are performed using specific testing standards, which
ensure accurate and repeatable results. The choice of test standard depends on the specific
material being tested and the desired test conditions. In summary, tensile and compression tests
are essential mechanical tests that provide crucial information about the behavior and strength
of materials and are important in selecting the right materials for specific applications.
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10.0 RECOMMENDATION
In my opinion, we should hire someone who expert working with the equipment and how
to conduct tensile test and compression tests properly when performing the machine for
material testing.
This is for safety precautions and protocol so that we can lessen the likelihood of danger
and accidents occurring while the process is being carried out. We also need to receive suitable
direction to ensure that the tests and data we obtained are accurate and in accordance with the
system's standards.
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