Abstract

The objective of this study was to use ASTM Standard E8 to perform a uniaxial tension
test to collect data and then calculate the mechanical properties of AA6061-T6 using those
measurements. An extensometer was calibrated first. Next a sample of AA6061-T6 was placed in
an extensometer. A displacement test was run under quasi-static conditions until the sampled
ruptured. Data was sampled and recorded at a rate of 50 ms using the software program Bluehill.
The tensile data then was used to calculate a yield strength of__________, ultimate tensile
strength of _____________, an elastic modulus of ______________, and a percentage
elongation to failure of _________________. The significance of this lab was to learn how to
solve for mechanical properties of a metal by using the results of a uniaxial tension test

Introduction
Many machines and commodities are made of some kind of metal. These metals
sometimes need to be reshaped and deformed to serve a purpose in the structure of the
commodities. Unexpected failure of these metals while these objects are in use can present
safety hazards. Therefore these metals must be able to withstand certain amounts of force, strain,
and stress to ensure exceptional performances. In order to know boundary conditions for a
material used, tension testing must be used to find a materials qualities such as ductility and
rupture points.
Tensile testing is when a type of metal is exposed to uniaxial forces until failure
occurs. ASTM Standard E8 is the basis for performing tension testing on almost any type of
metallic material. The guide lists each metals ductility and ultimate tensile strength when a
uniaxial force is applied. These properties help to establish a metals quality.
The purpose of this lab based study is to become familiar with
tensile testing. Measurements from experimental displacement loading tests are used to compute
the mechanical properties of a metal.