Tests done for Mechanical Properties

Flexural Strength Test

APPARATUS
a. The center-point loading method shall be used in the laboratory. In the field, a
manually operated calibrate jack shall be used in conjuction with the field
testing machine supplied by the Regional Materials Engineer. The apparatus
shall incorporate the following requirements. The load shall be applied at the
center point of the span, normal to the loaded sirface of the beam, employing
bearing blocks designed to ensure that forces applied to the beam will be
vertical only and applied without eccentricity. The direction of the reactions
shall be parallel to the direction of the applied load at all times during the test.
The load shall be applied at a uniform rate in such a manner as to avoid
shock. The edges of the load-applying block and of the supports shall not
depart from a plane by more than 0.002 inches (0.051mm).
b. Caliper a 12 inches (1300 mm) long caliper accurate to 0.01 inches (0.25
mm).

PROCEDURE
a. Turn the specimen on its side with respect to its position when molded, and
center it on the supporting bearing blocks. The load-applying block shall be brought
in contact with the upper surface at the center line between the supports.
b. Bring load applying block in full contact with the beam surface by applying a
100lbs. (3.1 N) preload. Check to ensure that the beam is in uniform contact with the
bearing blocks and the load applying block.
c. If load is applied with a hand pump, load the beam by applying the load at a
rate of one full pump stroke per second. When the applied load is about 4,000 lbs.
(125 N), reduce the full pump stroke to about a 12-pump stroke and maintain the one
second stroke rate. Rate of load application for screw power machines, with the
moving head operating at 0.05 in.(1.3mm) per minute when the machine is running
idle, is acceptable.
MEASUREMENT OF SPECIMENS
a. Determine the beam dimensions, width (b) and depth (d), by averaging two
measurements forwidth and two measurements for depth. The measurements shall
be taken at the failure planeto an accuracy of 0.05 in. (1.3mm).
CALCULATION
a.
The modulus of rupture is calculated as follows: R = 3P1
2bd2 where:
R = P = l = b = d =
Modulus of rupture in psi or MPa Maximum applied load indicated by the testing
machine in lbf or N Span length in inches or mm Average width of specimen in
inches or mm Average depth of specimen in inches or mm











Tensile Strength Test 1cm by 3cm

1. Record qualitative descriptions of your sample in the data table.
2. Carefully peel the plastic film away from the drying dish without creating any tears.
Color? Size? Texture? Flexibility? Removal from weighing dish?
3. Cut the 1cm x 3cm rectangular testing template out of the lab sheet.
4. Examine the plastic film and find the area most free of defects such as small tears,
ridges, air bubbles, curves, etc. Cut out a 1cm x 3cm sample using the template.
5. Using the digital Vernier caliper, find the thickness and width of the sample in
millimeters.
6. Use the C-clamps to secure the sample at both ends of the rectangle.
Note: Screw the clamp until it naturally stops, do not crank it too tight or you will
weaken your sample.
7. Attach the hook of the spring scale to one clamp.
Hold one C-clamp stationary, and using the spring scale, pull the other clamp very
slowly until the sample breaks (as demonstrated by your teacher, do not pull faster
than 1N/second). As you are pulling the spring scale, watch for the maximum force
(N) exerted before your sample breaks.
8. Record the force the sample was able to withstand in the data table.
9. Calculate the cross-sectional area in square meters by converting your thickness
and width from millimeters to meters.
10. Calculate Tensile Strength:



11.Convert tensile strength from Pa to MPa.
12.Repeat 3x, and average your value for Tensile Strength (if you have enough
sample).