TENSILE TESTING LAB

The Tensile Test Process

During a tensile test, the load is increased until the test sample finally fails. Tensile strength is the maximum load divided by the original cross-sectional area of the test sample. Yield strength refers to the stress at which plastic deformation or flow begins.

There are three criteria that define the onset of flow. These properties are the elastic limit, the proportional limit, and the yield strength. The sample is clamped by the top and bottom handles of the tensile testing machine. During the tensile test, the handles are released at a constant rate to pull and elongate the sample.

The force acting on the sample and its displacement are continuously monitored and recorded in a stress-strain curve until failure. After the tensile specimen breaks, technicians calculate the dimensions, tensile strength, yield strength, and ductility.

Tensile testing at sub-ambient (LN2) & elevated temperatures

High temperature tensile testing is a sub-method for evaluating the behavior of materials under a combination of heat and stress. When performing tensile testing at elevated temperatures, samples are placed in an oven on a test carousel that can handle up to three samples at a time.

Similarly, cryogenic tensile testing on round and flat samples is an option for evaluating the properties of materials cooled to -320°F in liquid nitrogen (LN2). See it tested in action! We use optical non-contact extensometers on our 60K tensile testers to give you more testing options.

Capabilities

• Loading from 8 oz to 600,000 lb
• Elevated temperature tensile testing up to 1800°F
• Cryogenic tensile testing down to -320°F
• Plate materials: 18" x 8" x plate thickness
• Sheet materials: 8" x 2" gauge length x sheet thickness
• Round tensile: 0.113" to 0.5" in diameter (sub-size & standard)
• Full-size tubing, rebar, fasteners