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NIKE G076 - TENSILE & ELONGATION

1. OVERVIEW:
The purpose of this test is to determine the tensile strength & elongation characteristics of
the following materials: Fabrics, Synthetic Leathers, Composition Leathers, Genuine
Leathers, Webbings, Laces, and Threads, Cables, Plastics, Rubbers, Elastomers and
midsole, outsole foams, yarns and knitted mesh structures.

This test method can’t be applied for testing yarns and cables used for FlyKnit products.
To test yarns and cables used for FlyKnit products, please use Nike Test G99.

2. REVISION HISTORY:
Initial version – 10/11/06 - Frank Lin / Taryn Hensley / Nancy Felten
10/11/06 – Ed Wachtel – Sample Size addition
Revision 1 – 10/30/07 – Jeff Winston – Change thread gauge size and pull rate to match
thread industry standards (250 mm & 250 mm/min).
Revision 2 – 7/17/08 Ed – Wachtel –New leather sampling.
Revision 3 – 4/12/10 – DW Lee – Update lace & webbing gauge length and grips for
each different material.
Update appendix C (calibration using Bluehill)
Revision 4 – 12/9/11 – Vivia Chao / Qi Liu – Add Magwire cable, yarn and knitted mesh
structure protocols. Add two diagrams to show the measurement of gauge length using
Instron & Gotech thread fixtures.
Revision 5 – 7/26/2012 - Qi – Change the specimen length for yarn and thread samples to
be 600mm.
Revision 6 – 2/28/2013 – Qi – Revise description of specimen preparation for knitted
mesh structure.
Revision 7 – 11/25/2015 – Nancy Felten/ Kelsey Wang – add note for Initial break load
and Max. load for Tensile and Elongation result
Revision 8 – 3/8/2017 –Dave Horspool - Addition of Composition Leather

3. SAMPLE SIZE
The minimum sample size for Tensile testing depends on the material class.
For textiles, synthetic leathers and composition leathers, it is 6, 3 each direction (“A” and
“B”)
For leathers it is 6, 1 each direction (“A” and “B”) each of 3 hides
For Webbing, laces and threads, cables, it is 3
For Yarns, it is 5
For rubber, plastics and elastomers, it is 3
For foam it is 3
For knitted mesh structure, it is 3.

4. SPECIMEN PREPARATION
Die cut specimens as specified below. All thickness measurements should be made in
accordance with Nike global test method G75. Knitted swatch test samples need to be at
room temperature (20o-24oC) for 24 hours before being tested.

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Fabrics, Synthetic Leathers, Composition Leathers, & Insole boards: 2.54 x 15.24 cm (1
x 6 inch). Cut 6 specimens from the central area of each yard. Cut 3 specimens in the “A”
direction (machine direction) and 3 specimens in the “B” direction (cross direction).

Leathers: 3.2 cm x 17.1 cm (1 ¼ x 6 ¾ inch) Dumbbell with a gauge length of 6.4 cm

(2½ inch). The width in the center area of the test section (narrow area) must be 1.27 cm
(½ inch). See Figure 2. Cut 1 specimen each in the “A” and “B” directions from the ISO
2418 sampling location from each of 3 hides.

Knitted mesh structure: Please consult Nike Lab for knitting pattern selection. One
example is shown in Figure 1. A swatch with 15 cm’s long was knitted in such a
way, the top and bottom sections were made of edge pattern and the center section
was open mesh pattern. The open mesh pattern was selected based on the weakest
pattern structure on the shoe upper. The width of the sample is intended to be
2.54cm. However, due to current knitting technical limitation, the specimen width
is not consistent. Therefore, we need to measure the actual sample width (W) for
each test specimen (in centimeters).

Webbings, Binding tape, & Elastic Gore: 50 cm (or 19.7 inch) Throw away first 1 m of
material to prevent using any material that has been damaged and then cut 3 test
specimens. Measure and record the width and thickness of all specimens.
Laces: 400 mm (or 15.5 inch). For threads, throw away first 1 m to prevent using any
material that has been damaged then cut 3 test specimens.

Yarns and Thread: 600 mm (or 23 inch). For yarns, throw away first 1 m to prevent using
any material that has been damaged then cut 5 test specimens.

Cables: 500 mm (or 19.7 inch). For cables, throw away first 1 m to prevent using any
material that has been damaged then cut 3 test specimens.

Plastic, Rubber & Elastomers: 2.54 cm x 11.5 cm (1.0 x 4.5 inch) Dumbbell with a
gauge length of 3.3 cm (1.3 inch). The width in the center of the test section (narrow
area) must be 0.6 cm (0.24 inch). Specimen thickness to be 2.0 mm +/- 0.5 mm. See
Figure 2. The dumbbell shape follows the specifications in ASTM D412, die C. If
samples are die cut from a molded plaque, cut samples in the “A” direction (direction of
flow for a plastic), if possible. Die cutting is not recommended for glass fiber / carbon
content plates & very hard plastics. The die cutting practice may cause cracking along the
edges of the specimens. It is best to open a mold and inject test specimens directly or
machine them out of plate stock. At least 3 specimens are needed for each material to be
tested. Wait at least 24 hours (40 hours is recommended) after removing samples from
the mold before testing. Measure and record the thickness of all specimens.

Midsole and Outsole Foams: Samples should be 3-4 mm thick and should be die cut using
the same die as is used for plastics, rubbers, and elastomers (2.5 cm x 11.5 cm dumbbell with
a gauge length of 3.3 cm and a width of 0.6 cm in the test section). Cut 3 test specimens and
measure and record the thickness of each. For molded midsoles or outsoles, remove samples
from an area of the molded specimen with no airbags. Final pieces should be relatively flat
and have skin on one side only (probably from the bottom of the molded midsole). All
dimensions of the test specimens will be the same as for a specimen from a flat slab. Models

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with forefoot and heel airbags may have no suitable area to remove these samples. These
tests will not be done on a molded midsole if samples cannot be prepared as defined above.

15 cm

5 cm

W (cm)

Figure 1. Testing specimen for knitted mesh structure.

5. SETUP & ADJUSTMENT OF TEST EQUIPMENT

5.1. Install the correct grips and grip faces on the test device using the table below. See
appendix for suggested lace and thread fixtures.
Material to be Tested Grip Grip Face Type*
Leather, Synthetic Leather, Pneumatic Rubber coated, flat face
Composition Leather, Textile, grips
Knitted mesh Structure
Package Materials Pneumatic Rubber coated, flat face
grips
Webbings, Laces, Elastic gore, Gotech lace & webbing N/A
binding tape fixture
Threads and Yarns Instron & Gotech thread N/A
fixture
Cables Pneumatic Rubber coated, flat face
grips
Plastic, Rubber, Elastomers & Pneumatic Metal serrated grips
Foam
Insole Boards Pneumatic Metal serrated grips
*NOTE: When testing plastics, the grip region of the sample must be at least 50% of the grip height.
5.2. Set the test device for the proper running speed or open the appropriate test method
file on the computer.
5.2.1. Fabrics, Insole Boards, Genuine Leather, Synthetic Leathers, Composition
Leathers, Webbing, Binding tape, Elastic Gore & Laces, Knitted mesh
Structure: 300 mm/min.
5.2.2. Plastics, Rubbers, Elastomers & Foams: 500 mm/min.
5.2.3. Threads, Cables and Yarns: 250 mm/min.
5.3. A long travel extensometer, such as the Instron 2603-080, must be used for plastics,
rubbers, elastomers or foams. The extensometer should allow a minimum of 1000%
strain with a gauge length of 25 mm and should have a resolution of at least 0.1 mm.

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6. TESTING AND DATA COLLECTION

6.1. If plastics, rubbers, elastomers or foams are being tested, calibrate and prepare the
extensometer for use. (See appendix C.)
6.2. Zero the load on the test machine.
6.3. Set the proper initial grip distance:
6.3.1. Fabrics, Insole Boards, Synthetic Leathers, Composition Leathers, Webbings,
Binding tape, Elastic Gore, Plastics, Rubbers, Elastomers & Foams: 75 mm
(2.95 inches).
6.3.2. Leather: 100 mm (3.94 inches).
6.3.3. Knitted mesh structure: 100 mm.
6.3.4. Laces: 100 mm (3.94 inches).
6.3.5. Cables: 250 mm.
6.3.6. Threads and Yarns: Please see Figure 6 in Appendix B for the correct
way to setup grip length. Also, see Figure 6B in Appendix B for the gauge
length measurement.
6.4. If testing the knitted mesh swatch, input the actual specimen width.
6.5. Zero the elongation.
6.6. Mount the test specimens symmetrically in the appropriate grips. The specimen
should be taut, but not stretched.
6.7. If plastics, rubbers, elastomers or foams are being tested, put the extensometer arms
symmetrically on the test section of the specimen, 25 mm apart.
6.8. Pull the material at the rate listed in section 5.2 until it breaks or until it reaches the
limit of the machine.
Note: The test result for any specimen that slips in the grips, breaks within 5mm of
the grip face or breaks anywhere other than the gauge area is considered invalid. If
the extensometer is being used, any specimen that fails outside of the extensometer
arms is also considered invalid. In all of these cases, an additional specimen needs
to be tested.

7. DATA ANALYSIS AND REPORTING

7.1. Tensile: Record the tensile value at the failure point of the specimen. For the
purposes of this test method, the failure point is considered to be the point during
testing when the load value initially drops. For some materials, the specimen may
not be completely broken in two at this point. If a sample reaches the limit of the
machine and has not failed, record the tensile value at the maximum load (usually
the final load on the sample). Also put a + after the number to indicate that the
sample did not fail and put a note in the report. The tensile value is calculated as
follows:
7.1.1. Fabrics, Synthetic Leathers, Composition Leathers, Insole Boards
Tensile Load per unit width (kg/2.54 cm) = L / w
L = maximum load (kg) at break point or initial failure point
w = specimen width (cm) = 2.54 cm
7.1.2. Knitted mesh Structure
Tensile Load per unit width (kg/2.54 cm) = L*2.54 / W
L = maximum load (kg) at break point or initial failure point
W = measured specimen width (cm)
7.1.3. Leathers
Tensile Load per unit width (kg/1.27 cm) = L / w
L = maximum load (kg) at break point or initial failure point
w = specimen width (cm) = 1.27 cm

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7.1.4. Webbings
Tensile strength (kg/cm2) = L / (t * w)
L = maximum load (kg) at break point or initial failure point
t = specimen thickness (cm)
w = specimen width (cm)
7.1.5. Laces, Threads, Yarns & Cables
Tensile Load (kg) = L
L = maximum load (kg) at break point or initial failure point
7.1.6. Plastic, Rubber, Elastomers, and Foams
Tensile strength (kg/cm2) = L / (t * w)
L = maximum load (kg) at break point or initial failure point
t = specimen thickness (cm)
w = specimen width (cm)
7.1.7. Binding tape and Elastic Gore
Tensile Load (kg) = L
L = maximum load (kg) at break point or initial failure point

7.2. Final Elongation: Record the elongation at the same point that the tensile
value was calculated. The elongation is obtained by measuring the extension of the
test specimen at the proper break or failure point and dividing it by the initial length
of the test section. Calculate the Elongation to the nearest 1% as follows:
Elongation (%) = (D2-D1) / D1 x 100
D1: Span of the original gauge length in cm.
D2: Span of the elongated gauge length in cm at the correct failure point.
If the tested sample is rectangular in shape, the original gauge length will equal
to the initial grip distance. The final elongation for a package will be defined as
the elongation at the initial failure load.
If the specimen is a plastic, rubber, elastomer or foam, the elongation will be
calculated from the extensometer data. The original gauge length will be the
initial distance between the extensometer arms.
If using Instron yarn and cord fixture or Gotech yarn fixture, the original gauge
length will not equal to grip distance, the proper gauge length is 250mm.
If the specimen is leather, the original gauge length will not equal to grip
distance because of dumbbell shape specimen structure. The proper gauge
length is 64mm.

Leather elongation (%) = (D2-D0) / D1 x 100

D0: Span of the original grip distance in cm. (10cm)
D1: Span of the original gauge length in cm. (6.4cm)
D2: Span of the elongated grip distance in cm at the correct failure point.
If the specimen is webbing and lace and using lace & webbing fixture (Gotech
RB-3), the original gauge length will not equal to grip distance because of lace
& webbing fixture structure. The proper gauge length is 330mm for lace and
305 for webbing. See details in Figure 4 & 5.
If a sample reaches the limit of the machine and has not failed, record the
maximum elongation, put a + sign after the number to indicate that it did not
fail, and make a note in the final report.

7.3. 300% modulus: The 300% modulus is calculated only for plastics & elastomers. The
300% modulus is determined from the load required to stretch the specimen from the

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initial 2.5 cm gauge length to a length of 10.0 cm in the test section. Calculate 300%
modulus as follows:
300% Modulus (kg/cm2) = Load at 10.0 cm of displacement / (specimen
thickness in cm * specimen width in cm)

7.4. Test Data Reporting

7.4.1. For fabrics, synthetic leathers and composition leathers, there should be data
from 6 samples (3 in “A” direction and 3 in “B” direction). Report all three
values from the “A” direction and all three values from the “B” direction for
each property measured.
7.4.2. For leathers, there will be multiple samples in both the “A” and the “B”
directions. Report all values from the “A” direction and all values from the
“B” direction for each property measured.
7.4.3. For all materials other than fabrics, synthetic leathers, composition leathers,
and leathers there should be data from 3 samples. Report all three data values
for each specimen.
7.4.4. When comparing test results to a specification, if any of the values fall
outside of the specification range, the material fails.

Notes: Any MCS created after 10/11/2006 will use Initial break load as the
Tensile / Elongation result. Take max break load result for the MCS issued
before 10/10/2006. If the initial break load and max break load for a
material is not the same, report both loads. However, only the Initial break
load can be used for MCS spec. setting and material evaluation.

8. REFERENCE & APPENDIX

ASTM D 2209-00(2004) – Tensile Strength of Leather
D 2211-00(2005) – Elongation of Leather
D412-98a(2002) - Test Methods for Vulcanized Rubber and Thermoplastic Elastomers -
Tension
D1117-01 - Standard Guide for Evaluating Nonwoven Fabrics
D5035-95(2003) – Breaking Force & elongation of Textile Fabrics
D638-03 – Tensile properties of Plastics
D882-02 – Tensile properties of thin plastic sheeting
D3574-05 – Test methods for foams
SATRA: PM 43 – Tensile Strength and Elongation for Leather
EN ISO 2062(1995) – Determination of single-end breaking force & elongation at break
(threads)

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APPENDIX A

Figure 2 – Dumbbell Dimensions from ASTM D 2209-90 (Tensile Strength of

Leather)

Figure 3 – Dumbbell Dimensions from ASTM D 412-98, Die C (Test Methods for
Rubber, Thermoplastic Rubber and Thermoplastic Elastomers). The figure 4 shows
the die. The width of the sample in the test section is 6mm.

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Figure 4. A typical stress vs. strain curve.

Stress vs. Strain Curve Definitions:

300% Modulus: The stress in the sample at 300% elongation.

Break Point: The point at which the specimen breaks into two separate pieces.

Elastic Modulus: Also referred to as the Young’s modulus. It is the slope of the linear region
of a stress-strain curve and is a basic material property.

Failure Point: The point at which the material fails. In many cases this is the same as the
Break Point. However, some materials will draw or neck down, and the load will typically
drop before the specimen breaks into two pieces. For package materials, the Failure Point is
where the first material breaks but the specimen has not yet broken into two separate pieces.

Maximum Load: The highest load measured for a specimen.

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APPENDIX B

THREAD FIXTURES:
A thread fixture should reduce the stress on the thread in the clamping area. This should help
reduce the number of specimen failures next to the grip faces. Possible thread fixtures are shown
below.

Figure 5. (l-r) Instron 2714 Series Pneumatic Cord & Yarn Grips; Gotech TB-2 thread fixture.
Note : Sample should not be circled reverse way (S shape).

Upper fixture

123mm
136mm

Lower fixture

Instron 2714 Cord & Yarn Grips Gotech TB-2 thread fixture
Figure 6A. Grip distance for Instron 2714 Series Pneumatic Cord & Yarn Grips and Gotech TB-2
thread fixture.

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Gauge length is the measurement from Point A to Point B (250 mm).

Figure 6B. Gauge length measurement for Instron 2714 Series Pneumatic Cord & Yarn Grips and
Gotech TB-2 thread fixture.

LACE &WEBBING FIXTURES:

The lace and webbing fixture should clamp the specimen more securely to prevent the samples
from slipping during testing. A possible lace & webbing fixture is shown below.

Figure 7. Gotech RB-3 Lace & Webbing. Sample must be circled around both top & bottom roll
as shown in the diagram and picture above. Sample should not be circled reverse way (S shape).

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Fixture

Figure 8. Gotech RB-3 Lace & Webbing Fixture gauge length calculation

APPENDIX C – CALIBRATION OF EXTENSOMETER

Make sure extensometer is plugged in.

Figure 9. The extensometer is plugged into the Strain 1 channel.

Change displacement to read in % strain. Click on the Live Displays and choose % from the
pop-up box.

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Click on icon at top of screen with a ruler and a 1 on it.

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Screen shot showing the initial calibration menu. The calibration type should be Automatic,
the gauge length should be 25mm and the full-scale should be 250 mm.

Screen shot of calibration dialogue box.

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Clamp the clamps into the 25 mm slits on the calibration bar.

(L-R) Close-up of the calibration bar, the calibration bar, the calibration bar in the extensometer.
Note that the 2 black cylinders are together, as they should be when
setting the initial gauge length.
• Loosen the screw on one of the clamps and move it into place making sure that the 2 black
cylinders stay tight together.
• Make sure the calibration stick is straight up and down.

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Click on calibrate on the screen and select ok to affirm that the correct gauge length is set.

Screen shot of calibration dialogue box.

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When the “Set the extensometer to the gauge length position” dialogue box comes up, choose
the OK button on the screen

Screen shot of calibration dialogue box.

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Click on the done button.

Screen shot of calibration dialogue box.

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