Tensile Testing
Tensile testing, also known as tension testing, is the most fundamental type of mechanical test. It is the oldest and most commonly used form of mechanical testing. It is used to determine the tensile strength, yield point, elongation, and modulus of elasticity of a specimen. It also helps to determine the ductility and toughness of a material.
Tensile testing is used to evaluate the performance of materials to ascertain if they meet the design specifications. It can also give information regarding how a material will react to different forces when in use. Furthermore, it can aid in the identification of unknown materials and can be used in fatigue testing.
A tensile testing machine applies a force on the specimen by stretching it until it breaks. This force is measured and recorded with a force gauge or Dynamometer. Strain is then calculated by taking the difference between the original and final lengths of the specimen over the gauge length.
The specimen must be of uniform size and shape to get an accurate result. Otherwise, any variations in the materials structure can yield an incorrect result. The sample is mounted and secured in the tensile testing machine. A chart recorder is then used to record the forces and chart any changes in the specimens behavior.
The tensile strength is determined by using the measured force versus the fracture (elongation) point of the sample. The yield strength is the area of the graph that represents the point where the specimen encounters a change in behavior due to plastic deformation.
Tensile testing is used in industries where safety and reliability are of great importance. It is used in the Automotive, Aerospace, and Oil and Gas industries in addition to many other applications. It can be used to design, certify, and test a variety of materials including composites, plastics, alloys, and metals.
When it comes to metals, tensile testing is particularly useful for determining the tensile strength, yield strength, and ductility of ferrous and non-ferrous materials. This type of testing is also useful in determining the material’s resistance to environmental factors such as temperature, corrosion, and fatigue.
Overall, tensile testing is an important tool for anyone who works with metals or other materials. It is an important part of the design process and helps to ensure that producing safe, efficient, and reliable products.
