Name: _________________________________

Group No. :__________________

Date Performed: _______________________

LABORATORY WORK NO. 15: TENSION TEST OF STEEL

OBJECTIVES:

a. To determine the strength and several properties of a ductile steel.

b. To observe the behavior of the materials under load and to study the fracture of the
materials.
c. To be able to plot and interpret a stress-strain diagram.

REFERENCE:

a. ASTM E 8-69
b. AASHTO T 68-74

ESSENTIAL EQUIPMENT AND MATERIAL:

a. low carbon steel

b. tension machine
c. extensometer
d. vernier caliper
e. balance
f. stop watch
g. ruler
h. marker

TESTING PROCEDURES:

1. Determine the average cross-sectional dimension of the specimen with a vernier caliper,
and also by dividing the weight per linear inch of the specimen by 0.2833 pounds per
cubic inch, the weight of steel per cubic inch. Scribe a line along the bar, and with a center
punch, lightly mark an appropriate length symmetrical with the length of the bar.

2. Firmly grip the upper end of the specimen in the fixed head of the testing machine. Place
the specimen so that the punch marks face the front of the machine.

3. Measure the gage length. Determine the divisions of the dial indicator of the extensometer
and the calibrator. Grip the lower end of the specimen.

4. Select suitable increments of strain to secure at least 15 readings below the probable
proportional limit. Apply load at a low speed and make simultaneous observations of load
and elongation without stopping the machine. Record the sudden halt of the stress
indicating pointer as the yield point. Calculate the tensile strength by dividing the
maximum load carried by the specimen.

5. After the fracture, remove the specimen from the machine. If the specimen is jammed in
the grips, use a hammer to strike the sides of the specimen. Do not strike the grip handles.
 6. Observe the location d character of the fracture and measure the dimension of the smallest
section. Fit the broken parts together and measure the final gage length.

DATA AND RESULTS:

Stress in the
trial Stress in the ram Elongation, mm specimen. Stain mm/mm
Kg/sq cm Kg/sq cm

A. PHYSICAL PROPERTIES:

a. Class: ______________________________

b. Average diameter: _________________________mm.

c. Cross-sectional area (measured), Ao: ____________________ sq mm

d. Cross-sectional area (computed), Ao: ____________________sq mm.

e. Total length of sample Lt: ____________________________mm

f. Original gage length, Lo: ____________________________mm

g. Final gage length, Lf: _______________________________mm

h. Final cross-sectional area at fracture, Af: _______________sq mm.

i. Mass of specimen, m: ___________________gm.

B. MECHANICAL PROPERTIES

a. Proportional limit: _______________________Mpa

 b. Yield point: _____________________________Mpa

c. 0.10% Offset yield strength: ________________Mpa

d. Ultimate tensile strength: ___________________Mpa

e. Modulus of Elasticity, E: ___________________Mpa

f. Ductility:

1. Percentage of elongation, PE: _____________%

2. Percent Reduction in Area, PRA: __________%

g. Grade: __________________________

h. Type and character of failure (sketch):

COMPUTATIONS:

P
UTS = max
Ao

Pmax =
( )S r
π 90 2
4

PL
E=
AE

Where: Pmax = load at proportional limit

UTS = Ultimate Tensile Strength
Lo = Original Gage Length
Ao = Original Cross-sectional Area
E = Total elongation at proportional limit

To evaluate the ductility:

Ao − Af
PRA = x100%
Ao

Lf − Lo
PE = x100%
Lo

To compute the corresponding stress and strain in the specimen:

 Ss =
(90)2 xSr
(D)2

elongation
Strain =
Lo

Where: Ss = stress in the specimen

Sr = stress in the ram
D = diameter of the specimen
Lo = original gage length

REPORT:

1. Plot a stress-strain diagram in accordance with the general instructions.

2. Compute for all properties called for. Used separate sheet.

3. State whether or not you would accept the material as satisfactory and in conformity with
the appropriate ASTM specifications. Indicate how it may have failed to meet the
requirements.

4. What are the advantages of the stress-strain diagram over a load elongation diagram for
showing the results of the test?

5. Significance of the test results.