This experiment involves performing a compression test on a specimen, in order t

o determine machine compliance, compressive flow strength and Young,s Modulus in

compression.
Compression, tension and torsion are the most common loads experienced by compon
ents in practical applications. In a number of materials, properties in compress
ion are often different from those in tension, caused by what is known as the Ba
uschinger effect. Additionally, failure in compresssion, unlike tension, usually
involes buckling, shear banding and diametric cracking.
In this experiment, we plot the stress-strain reponse of a ductile aluminium all
oy in uniaxial compression. DUe to unavailability of a compression extensometer,
we would be required to carry out two experiments to calculate the strain. The
first would involve finding the UTM compliance. We begin with steel samples with
high yield strength and known elastic modulus, loaded below proportional limit.
The specimen is placed between the compression plate, and a load is applied by
moving the head with a constant velocity. This is used to plot a force-displacem
ent curve, which may then be used to find the UTM compliance.
Once we have the compliance data, we repeat the experiment with an aluminium sam
ple of unknown elastic modulus. THe compliance data may now be used to compute t
he elastic modulus of Aluminium.

This experiment involves determining the Roxkwell hardness of metals. Hardness m

aybe defined as the resistance of a meterial to permanent deformation. It may be
determined either statically or dynamically. Static tests too maybe performed b
y various techniques. Rockwell hardness test involves calculating hardness from
the depth of penetration of an indeter into the material. THe depth measurement
is made in two steps. A preliminary force is applied for a set period of time an
d the depth of indentation is measured. The force is then increased at a constan
t rate until it reaches a specified level. THis is kept constant for a set inter
val and then brought back to the preliminary level
The hardness is measured in terms of hardness numbers. A uniform hardness number
implies that the finished product is of uniform quality. There are a number of
scales for Rockwell Hardness based on the magnitude of the applied load and the
type of indenter used. Scale A, for instance, is denoted by HRA and uses a spher
oconical diamond, with a preliminary load of 10 kg and a total load of 60kg. Thi
s increases as we move down the scale hierarchy. The scale to be used is decided
on the basis of the material in consideration. Our experiment would involve onl
y HRB and HRC scales.
The process is largely automated. On setting the specimen parallel to the surfac
e of indentation, we only need to select the scale on the machine, following whi
ch it automatically goes down into the specimen to make the impression and displ
ay the HRB/HRC values.