CONCEPTS OF

STRESS AND STRAIN

Group 1
WHAT IS STRESS? WHAT IS STRAIN?
Stress is the amount of force per Strain is the ratio of the change in
unit cross sectional area length to the original length,
sometimes expressed as a percent.
   

 
 

UNITS
σ psi, MPa, 106 N/m2
F N or lbf
A0 m2 or in2
WHAT IS TENSION?
Tension force is the force generated when a load is
applied at one or more ends of a material in a
directional way, normally to the cross-section of the
material.

A tension force is often given as a "pulling" force.

The load being placed upon the material must be

applied axially to be a tension force.

A tension force in physics is a force developed in a

rope, string, or cable when stretched under an applied
force. Tension is acted along the length of the
rope/cable in a direction that is opposite to the force Tension in physics
applied on it. Tension can also at times be referred to
as stress, tensity or tautness.

The tension forces to which a component or a

structure are exposed is of major concern when
selecting materials to withstand stress.
 TENSION/ TENSILE
TEST

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.
 Universal Testing Machine
this machine is used in testing properties of a material. In tensile testing,
Universal tensile testing machines are being used.
• The tensile testing machine is
designed to elongate the
specimen at a constant rate and
to continuously and
simultaneously measure the
instantaneous applied load (with
a load cell) and the resulting
elongations (using an
extensometer).

• The output of such a tensile test

is recorded (usually on a
computer) as load or force
versus elongation.
 TENSION/ TENSILE TEST
Tensile tests are used to determine how
materials will behave under tension load.

• 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).

•  These values are then presented on an

XY plot called a stress-strain curve.
Schematic illustration of how a tensile load
produces an elongation and positive linear
strain. Dashed lines represent the shape before
deformation; solid lines, after deformation.
 ASTM D638 - 14 Standard Test Method for Tensile Properties of Plastics.

VIDEO 1: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D8U4G5kcpcM&t=243s
VIDEO 2: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RY9X_O8is-k
 WHY IS TENSILE
TESTING IMPORTANT?

• 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.

• From suspension bridge cables to safety harnesses, lives may depend on

the quality of your materials and products so conducting accurate and
reliable tensile tests is an absolute necessity.

• Consequences of not adhering to high standards can be severe both in

monetary and human costs. Usage of improper materials may result in
destruction of property and significant loss of life. The costs of disasters
brought about by utilizing substandard materials usually far exceed the
costs of carrying out regular tensile testing.