TENSION TEST IN STEEL AND

ALUMINUM

ASTM Designation EB – TENSION TESTING OF

METALLIC MATERIALS
PURPOSE
 To determine the stress-strain relationship
 To determine the yield strength
 To determine the tensile strength
 To determine the elongation and reduction of cross-sectional
area
 To determine modulus of elasticity
SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
 This test provides information on strength and ductility for
metals subjected to unaxial tensile load. This information
may be useful in comparisons of materials, alloy
development, quality control, design under certain
circumstances, and detecting nonuniformity, as indicated by
the fracture surface.
APPARATUS
 A testing machine capable of applying tensile load at a controlled rate of
deformation or load. The testing machine could be either mechanical or closed-
loop electro hydraulic. The machine could be equipped with a dial gauge to
indicate the load or could be connected to a chart recorder or computer to
record load and deformations.
 A gripping device, used to transmit the load from the testing
machine to the test specimen and ensure axial stress within
the gauge length of the specimens.
 An extensometer with an LVDT or dial gauge used to
measure the deformation of the specimen
 Caliper to measure the dimensions of the specimens.
TEST SPECIMENS
 TEST SPECIMENS
 Either plate-type or rounded specimens can be used.
TEST PROCEDURE
 Mark the gauge length on the specimen, either by slight notches or with ink.
 Place the specimen in the loading machine.
 Attach the extensometer to the specimen.
 Set the load reading to zero, then apply load at a rate less than 690 kPa/min
(100,000psi/min). Unless otherwise specified, any convenient speed of testing
may be used up to half of the specified yield strength or yield point, or one
quarter of the specified tensile strength, whichever is smaller
 After the yield strength or yield point has been determined, the strain rate may
be increased to a maximum of 0.5 in./in. of the gauge length per minute.
 Continue applying the load until the specimen breaks
 Record load and deformation every 2.2 kN (500 lb) increment for steel and
every 890 kN (200lb) increment for aluminum, both before and after the yield
point.
ANALYSIS AND RESULTS
 Calculate the stress and strain for each load increment until
failure.
 Plot the stress versus strain curve
 Determine the yield strength using the offset method,
extension method or by observing the sudden increase in
deformation.
 Calculate the following : Tensile Strength, Elongation,
Modulus of Elasticity, Rupture Strength, reduction of cross-
sectional area
TENSILE STRENGTH

σ= Pmax / Ao

 where:
σ = tensile strength, MPa (psi)
Pmax = maximum load carried by the specimen during the
tension test, N (lb)
Ao = original cross sectional area of the specimen, mm
ELONGATION AND ORIGINAL GAUGE
LENGTH

Where
 Lx– gauge length after rupture, mm sq (in. sq)
 Lo – original gauge length, mm sq (in. sq)

*For elongation >3.0%, fit the ends of the fractured specimens together and
measure Lo as the difference between two gauge marks. For elongation ≤ 3.0&,
fit the fractured ends together and apply an end load along the axis of the
specimen sufficient to close the fractured ends together, then measure Lo as the
distance between gauge marks.
MODULUS OF ELASTICITY
E = σ/ԑ
 Where :
E= modulus of elasticity, MPa (psi)
σ= stress in the proportional limit, MPa (psi)
ԑ= corresponding strain, mm/mm (in./in)
RUPTURE STRENGTH
σ = Pf/Ao
r

Where :
σr = rupture strength, Mpa (psi)
Pf = final load, N (lb)
Ao = original cross sectional area, (sq.mm), (sq.in)
REDUCTION OF CROSS-SECTIONAL
AREA

*To calculate the cross section after rupture, fit the ends of the
fractured specimen together and measure the mean diameter or
width and thickness at the smallest cross-section.
REPLACEMENT OF SPECIMENS
The Test Specimen Will Be Replaced If:
 The Original Specimen Had A Poorly Machined Surface.
 The Original Specimen Has A Wrong Dimensions.
 Specimen’s Properties Were Changed Because Of Poor
Machining Practice.
 The Test Procedure Was Incorrect.
 The Fracture Was Outside The Gauge Length.
 For Elongation Determination, The Fracture Was Outside
The Middle Half Of The Gauge Length.
EX : YIELD STRENGTH OF STEEL AND
ALUMINUM by Offset Method