Compression force (or compressive force) occurs when a physical force presses inward

on an object, causing it to become compacted. In this process, the relative positions of

atoms and molecules of the object change. This change can be temporary or
permanent depending on the type of material receiving the compressive force. There
can also be different results depending on the direction or position on the object that the
compressive force is applied.

What Are Some Examples of Compression Force?

Figure 1: Compression Force Applied to an Object on a Solid
Surface

Figure 1: Compression Force Applied to an Object on a Solid Surface

Newton's Third Law of Motion states that for every action force, there is an equal
opposite reaction force. This is depicted in Figure 1: When compression force is
applied to an object resting on a surface, both ends of the object receive the same
amount of force.

Figure 2: Compression Force Applied to a Spring

Figure 2: Compression Force Applied to a Spring

Figure 2 shows another common visual example of compression force - the act of
pressing two ends of a spring together. As compression force is applied to the spring,
the spring's physical shape becomes compacted. When the compression is released,
the spring immediately expands outward and back to its normal shape. Depending on
how much force is applied, and the malleability of the spring itself, this can be a
dynamic reaction.

Figure 3: How Different Types of Materials Can Experience

Changes as a Result of Compression Force
Figure 3: How Different Types of Materials Can Experience Changes as a Result of
Compression Force

Figure 3 shows how elastic and rigid materials respond differently when put under
compression force. In this diagram, both the rubber ball and the cinderblock are put
under a significant compressive force, though respond very differently. The rubber ball
compresses or shrinks in the direction of the applied force and expands outward radially
from its normal spherical shape. As for the brittle cinderblock, the compressive force
concentrates on its weakest point, which causes the block to buckle under the force
load.

Figure 4: Compression & Tensile Force on a Suspension

Bridge
 Figure 4: Compression & Tensile Force on a Suspension Bridge

Suspension bridges are an example of a rigid structure that is designed to withstand

compression forces over a long distance. As Figure 4 shows, when vehicles drive over
the bridge, the columns and beams used to support the bridge experience the
compression force. Meanwhile, the anchorages and suspension cables are put under
tension. These two facets working together essentially transfer the compressive force
load across the entire bridge to maintain a sound, stable driving surface. This is a key
principle that allows suspension bridges to cover longer distances than other bridge
types.

How is Compression Force Measured?

Compression force is usually captured in Newtons (N); defined as a unit of force that
give to a mass of one kilogram an acceleration of 1 meter per second squared (m/s , 2

commonly represented as "a").

N=m*a
Table 1: Approximate Conversion Factors For Alternative Force Units

Unit Symbol Is Equivalent To

Pound-force lbf 4.448 N

Ton-force tonf 9.964 N

Kilogram-force (or Kilopond) kgf (kp) 9.807 N

According to a paper by the Institute of Measurement and Control, a force
measurement system is made up of a transducer and associated instrumentation. A
transducer is a device that receives a physical stimulus and changes it into another
measurable physical quantity through a known relationship. Force transducer is really a
chain of several transducers that experiences a change in electrical resistance in
response to an applied force.

There are a few common force transducer systems used to capture compression force.

 Load cells are highly accurate methods to capture compression force, yet

require significantly more area to function than other alternatives.
 Pressure film products like Prescale Fujifilm are an inexpensive alternative,
but they only show a snapshot of compressive force, not its impacts over a stretch of
time.
 Tactile force sensors (or piezoresistive force sensors) combined with
scanning electronics and software (i.e., the ELF™ System), can be used to measure
single-point force and load measurements in real time.
 Pressure mapping technology utilizes a matrix of tactile force sensors,
scanning electronics, and software to capture dynamic data on the distribution of
compression force.

Why Test For Compression Force?

From a design engineer's perspective, there's a lot to be gained from quantifying how a
product, device, or structure responds to compressive forces. Compression force testing
can yield important information in a variety of aspects:

 Material selection: In the case of material selection for a product design, a

compression force test can be used to help design engineers zero-in on a material
optimized to withstand compressive environments.
 Competitive benchmarking: Compression force tests can help design
engineers improve features of their product designs by capitalizing on competitor
shortcomings.
 Meeting internal or third-party certification standards: Compression force
tests can be integrated into certification processes like ISO, ASTM, and others.
 Quality testing: Compression force tests can also be a last line of defense for
products, where such a test can help identify potential product defects. This test can
 also be used to help identify whether something in the manufacturing process needs to
be adjusted.

Gain More from Compression Force Testing

A compression force test is only as good as the technology used to capture it. Choosing
a tool that can dynamically capture how a compressive force is impacting an object will
significantly add value to the testing process.

Pressure mapping systems from Tekscan are highly flexible solutions that can help
provide actionable information from all types of compression force tests. Each system
consists of ultra-thin tactile force matrix sensors, scanning electronics, and software to
generate dynamic test & measurement data. Interested in learning more? Contact us
today to discuss your application.