MECHANICAL BEHAVIOUR LABORATORY

MSE 313: Laboratory Manual

Instructor: Dr. Nilesh Prakash Gurao

Department of Materials Science & Engineering

Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur
Kanpur 208016
2013-2014

MSE 313: MECHANICAL BEHAVIOUR LABORATORY

Instructor: Nilesh Prakash Gurao ([email protected])

TAs:
(1) Subanta Majumdar (subantam)
(2) Soumendu monia (smonia)
(3) Navjeet singh (navjeets)
(4) Nirmal Dolai (itnirmal)
(5) Ashish kumar kasar (kasar)
(6) Alka gupta (alkag)
(7) Naveen tiwari (tnaveen)
(8) Rajan Biswas (lasturaj)

09734262406
8960009458
9454804866
7752894520
7754916230
9839922705
9474451168
8960015545

(Tuesday: - 1 & 7)
(Tuesday: - 5 & 6)
(Tuesday: - 3 & 4)
(Tuesday: - 1 & 2
(Thursday: - 5 & 6)
(Thursday: - 3 & 4)
(Thursday: - 1 & 2)
(Tuesday: - 2 & 3)

Batch: Tuesday (Batch-A)

Exp. Date
06/08/2013
13/08/2013
20/08/2013
27/08/2013
03/09/2013
10/09/2013
17/09/2013

Exp.1
A1
A7
A6
A5
A4
A3
A2

Exp.2
A2
A1
A7
A6
A5
A4
A3

Exp.3
A3
A2
A1
A7
A6
A5
A4

Exp.4
A4
A3
A2
A1
A7
A6
A5

Exp.5
A5
A4
A3
A2
A1
A7
A6

Exp.6
A6
A5
A4
A3
A2
A1
A7

Exp.7
A7
A6
A5
A4
A3
A2
A1

Exp.3
B3
B2
B1
B7
B6
B5
B4

Exp.4
B4
B3
B2
B1
B7
B6
B5

Exp.5
B5
B4
B3
B2
B1
B7
B6

Exp.6
B6
B5
B4
B3
B2
B1
B7

Exp.7
B7
B6
B5
B4
B3
B2
B1

Batch: Thursday (Batch-B)

Exp. Date
08/08/2013
15/08/2013
22/08/2013
29/08/2013
05/09/2013
12/09/2013
19/09/2013

Exp.1
B1
B7
B6
B5
B4
B3
B2

Exp.2
B2
B1
B7
B6
B5
B4
B3

1) Mid Semester Exam: 16-9-13 to 21-9-13

2) Mid Semester Recess: 5-10-13 to 13-10-13
3) End Semester Exams: 18-11-13 to 27-11-13

MSE 313: MECHANICAL BEHAVIOUR LABORATORY

LIST OF EXPERIMENT

1. Determination of the tensile properties of different class of materials

(Lab-1)
2. Principles of hardness testing comparison of different hardness
techniques (Lab-2)
3. Impact testing of materials (Charpy Impact test) (Lab-2)
4. Creep testing of materials (Lab-1)
5. Fatigue testing (Lab-2)
6. Strain aging and yield Point Phenomenon (Lab-1)
7. Effect of work hardening on tensile properties of metal (ACMS)

8-11: Projects

Projects Titles:
1) Study of grains orientation by forming slip line in AISI 304 steel
2) Tempering effect on AISI 410 stainless steel and hardness measurement
3)

Microstructure and mechanical properties co-relation in AISI 201 steel by solution heat treatment

4) Study of precipitation hardening in AISI 304 steel

5) Study of grains orientation by color etchants in AISI 304 steel
6) Fabrication of nanostructure austenitic stainless steels.
7) Determination of DBTT for different crystal structures (e.g., low C steel, Al)
8) Super plastic deformation of materials
9) Environmentally Assisted cracking of material, e.g., Hydrogen Embrittlement
10) Failure Analysis of real problems using various testing and characterization techniques
11) To study the effect of solid-solution strengthening on mechanical properties in metal systems. E.g.,
brass with increasing amount of Zn
12) To study precipitation hardening in metal systems, e.g., Duralumin
13) Effect of heat treatment on microstructure and mechanical properties of steel
14) Internal stress corrosion and tensile properties correlation in metals .15) Hydrogen embrittlement
studies on carbon steels.
16) Investigation of the Hall-Petch relationship in polycrystals, e.g., 304 stainless steel
17) Effect of heat treatment on the mechanical properties of work-hardening materials
18) Fracture strength of brittle materials
19) Viscoelastic behavior of polymers
20) Plastic anisotropic studies in steels by tensile test at different stain rates.
21) Compression test for processing maps
22) Welding metallurgy in similar and dissimilar metals.
23) Studies on heat effected zone in ferrous metals
24) Evolution of constants and coefficients at different stain rates in steels
25) Reverse transformation studies in AISI 304 steels

MSE 313: MECHANICAL BEHAVIOUR LABORATORY

Instructor: Nilesh Prakash Gurao ([email protected])

Lab-In charge: K.Chandra Sekhar ([email protected])
Staff:
Anil Kumar Verma ([email protected])
Samata Samal
([email protected])

(9807580103)
(9450729498)
(7376796856)

Location: - Materials Testing Lab, Room No.116 (Extension), Ph.no.7959

GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Each experiment will be carried out jointly by a group of students.

2. Be prompt and punctual, late entry will not be excused.
3. All students must come to lab with shoes, no exception.
4. Keep your area of work neat and clean environment. Handle things carefully because
penalties will be there for misbehavior and/or damaging of the equipment tools.
5. You must come well prepared with the theory/background of the experiment to be done on a
particular day.
6. Show the completed lab report and take the signature from your TAs before living the lab,
otherwise lab report not considerable during at the time of submition.
7. Submit individual laboratory report by hand written or computer printed within next lab.
8. Before entering in to the lab, see the notice board for latest information and instructions, if
any.
9. Before leaving the lab, enter your determined values in common report in lab.
10. Take your seat group wise around the study table for miscellaneous works such as reading,
writing, and discursion etc.,
11. Lab hours are 2:00PM to 5:00PM; each student should be stay within the lab up to 5 PM.

Experiment 1
Determination of the tensile properties of different class of materials
Objective: To characterize the mechanical behavior of Teflon, a polymer, and understand its
special characteristics as compared with metals.
Requirements for the experiment
a) Tensile specimen correct dimensions
b) Instron Mechanical Testing Machine
c) Vernier caliper
Brief Description of the Equipment/Machine
Universal Testing Machine (UTS) used for this experiment is a 10 ton capacity Instron
testing machine. This is a screw driven machine. The upper cross head is fixed and is fitted with
the transducer type load cell. The lower cross head can be made to move with a range of
speeds. The test data is recorded using a Strip chart recorder. The recorder speed can be
chosen as required in any specific condition. There are a variety of specimen grips and the
appropriate one for the application on hand can be chosen accordingly. The testing machine can
be used for Tensile/compressive test, torsion test, bend /flexural test, and also for high
temperature tensile tests.
Test Material Data
The polymeric material given is Polytetrafluoethylene abbreviated PTFE and the
trade name or commercial name is Teflon. It is crystalline up to 325 C. It does not soften
appreciably on heating but retains its strength up to 300 C, and its flexibility down to -200 C.
The advantages of PTFE are that it is completely chemically inert and has a low coefficient of
friction, hence its applications in resistant coatings, non-stick films, pistons, etc. Some of the
important properties: Specific gravity =2.15: tensile strength = 17.25 MN/m2; Elastic modulus =
414MN/m2; Hardness = 52 HRD and Izod impact 160 J/m
Mechanical Behavior of Polymeric Materials
Polymeric solids (commonly referred to as plastics) show a whole range of stress-strain time responses,
depending on conditions, from very creepy behavior to stiff elastic behavior, a rubbery range in between.
Engineers differentiate between yield stress and ultimate tensile strength in metals, but in polymers these
terms are sometimes confused.
The common definitions of yield strength Sy and tensile strength Su of ductile metals are
illustrated in Fig. 1 with reference to a load- extension curve for annealed low-carbon steel. There is
essentially no change in cross-sectional area between O and Y, so nominal stress and true stress is the
same at yield. The maximum load point U, at which an unstable neck initiates, gives the ultimate tensile
strength (or tensile strength) Su. The flat portion of the curve at Y is really a series of ripples in the load
trace, with the associated propagation of Luder bands. Most metals display nominal stress-strain curves
like the one in Fig. 2. The flat region at Y in Fig. 1 is not in evident and the yield

Fig. 1 engineering stress-strain curves for a polymer that displays stable neck propagation (cold
drawing) as compared with annealed plain low-carbon steel that exhibits a pronounced yield point.

Fig. 2: Typical yield point behavior

Fig. 2 engineering stress-strain curves for a polymer that does not display localized necking (does not
cold drawing) as compared with a ductile metal that does not exhibit a pronounced yield point.

Fig. 3 Neck propagation in a sheet of linear polyethylene.

Point is defined by an offset (proof) method. The associated yield strain is of the order of 0.2%. The
reduction in area can be as high as 40% for these metals.
A typical load extension plot for polymers such as polyethylene, nylon, PVC, which draw at room
temperature is shown in the lower half of Fig.1.there is departure form linearity at M (where the strain
may be about 1%) and the load curve rises to a local maximum at N (where the strain the strain may be
10%), at which point the stable neck initiates. The load then falls as the neck is reduced in cross-sectional
area, until stability is reached and the neck propagates along the test piece at the essentially constant load
P. Subsequently, after neck has propagated along the length of the test bar, the load increases again and
fracture essentially ensues under a rising load. This is a situation akin to failure in brittle materials.
After the local load maximum at N, measurements and definitions of strain in terms of length,
such as the nominal or engineering strain given by (L-L0)/L0 or the draw ratio L/L0are quite meaningless
because the reduction is non-uniform. Clearly any value is possible depending on the reference gage

length (the percentage elongation in the tensile tests of the metals is likewise meaning less without
reference to the starting gauge length. It is most sensible beyond N in Fig. 1 to measure the strain in
terms of percentage reduction in area (A-A0) /A0 or true strain = ln(A/A0)=2 ln(d0/d). Then during most
of the stable neck propagation, changes in true stress and true strain are minor until the neck propagation
to the shoulders. The point at which permanent deformation sets in is somewhere between M and N. The
curvature over a large range of strains between M and N and the local maximum in load at N have led
some workers to call N the ultimate tensile strength for polymers. Referring to Fig.1 shows that this is
erroneous if we mean that ultimate tensile strength is followed by an unstable neck and fracture as is the
case with ductile metals Others identify N as the local yield point, and the similarity of events between N
and P and those between Y and Z makes such an approach justified. However, the strains at N are much
larger than at Y, and from a design point of view M may be more meaningful as a limiting strain: even
then, deformations are greater than traditional metal yield strains.
The load-extension curves for non-drawing polymers looks like the one shown in Fig.2 . Here there
is continuously rising load-extension curves and there is no zero slope load maximum. Hence, the usage
N as yield value becomes objectionable in this case. Therefore, the offset definition of yield allows a
consistent method of determination whatever the shape of the load-extension diagram.

Important Experimental Parameters

a) Original Gauge Length (Lo): Gauge length before application of force.
b) Final Gauge Length (L): Gauge length after rupture, the two pieces having been carefully fitted
back together so that their axes lie in a straight line.

c) Engineering Stress (s) and Engineering Strain (e) : s = P/A0, e = (L - L0)/L0 ,

d)

s(1+e),

= ln(1+e)

e)
Yield Stress: For most ductile metals, yield strength is usually obtained from 0.2% offset yield
strength/proof stress method by drawing a parallel line with elastic region from 0.002 strains in X-axis.

f) Percentage of Total Elongation at Fracture = (L Lo )/L0

g) Percentage Reduction of Area = ( Ao - A )/A0
Maximum change in cross-sectional area which has occurred during the test ( Ao-A)
expressed as a percentage of the original cross-sectional area (Ao), where A is the final crosssectional area.

Experimental procedure:
a) Measure the dimensions of the sample. With a pen mark then mark the gauge length
reference points. The gauge length should be marked within the parallel section portion of
the sample.
b) Measure original width and thickness of the sample at least four times along the reduced
section (gauge length) of the specimen. Find cross-sectional area and average area.
c) Let the Instron testing machine be switched on and stabilized for at least 30 mins.
d) Fix the specimen into the testing machine with appropriate grips.
e) Select the cross-head speed. Select appropriate scales for the strip chart recorder.
f) Start applying the load.
g) As sample get fractured, note down the total extension from the chart. Immediately after
fracture there will be a large elastic recovery.
h) Measure final gauge length after fracture by carefully.
i) Measure cross sectional dimensions of the specimen after fracture.
Experimental data collection and presentation
a) Convert collected data, load in Newton and extension in mm to engineering strain and
engineering stress and then to true stress and true strain in excel.
b) Report % of elongation at fracture, % of reduction in area at fracture
c) Calculate the yield stress (2% proof stree). Compute the value of Youngs modulus and
compare it with the standard value.
d) Calculate and report the elastic recovery part of the strain.
e) Calculate the Poisons ratio.
Nomenclature
A

Instantaneous area (m2)

A0

Original area of cross-section at gauge length (m2)

Af

Area in the neck region after failure (m2)

Youngs modulus of elasticity (Kg/m2, Pa)

Engineering strain

e0

Yield strain

ef

Strain at failure

True strain

Strain hardening prior to test

Strength coefficient (Kg/m2, Pa)

Instantaneous gauge length (m)

L0

Original gauge length, the portion of sample with minimum diameter (m)

Lf

Gauge length of the failed sample (m)

Strain hardening coefficient

Instantaneous load (Kg)

Pmax

Maximum load before failure of specimen (Kg)

Engineering stress (Kg/m2, Pa)

s0

Yield stress (Kg/m2, Pa)

su

Ultimate tensile strength (Kg/m2, Pa)

True stress (Kg/m2, Pa)

time (s)

UR

Resilience (J/m3)

UT

Toughness (J/m3)

Formulas:
Engineering stress and engineering strain
s = P/A0
e = (L-L0)/L0 = (A0 A)/A

[Note: Constancy of volume A0L0 = AL]

True stress and true strain

A
L L0
P P A0
L

s 0 s
s(
1) s(e 1)
A A0 A
A
L0
L0

L L0
dL
L
ln
ln(
1) ln(e 1)
L
L0
L0
L0
L

Definitions and properties within elastic limit

Hookes law: Within elastic limit, the deformation is proportional to load, i.e., strain is
proportional to stress.

Youngs modulus of elasticity, E: The ratio of stress to strain below elastic limit.

Offset yield strength s0: Stress corresponding to the intersection of the stress strain curve and a
line parallel to the elastic part of the curve offset by strain 0.002.
s0 = P(strain offset = 0.002)/A0

Resilience: The maximum energy absorbed per unit volume within elastic limit
UR = 0.5 * s0e0

Definitions and properties in plastic range

Strain hardening: The relationship between stress and strain is nonlinear during plastic
deformation. Like E in elastic range, strength coefficient, K, strain hardening exponent, n and
amount of strain hardening prior to test, 0 are used to characterize material in plastic range.
= K ( + 0)n, log = log K + n log ( + 0)

Ultimate tensile strength: The maximum engineering stress before rupture of specimen.
su = Pmax/A0

Toughness: Ability to absorb energy per unit volume in the plastic range.
UT = 0.5 * (s0 + su) * ef

Experimental Procedure
1. Measure L0, A0.
2. Switch on Lloyd tensile testing machine and follow the instruction on its panel.
3. First set the machine in manual mode and accept all other options as default values.
4. Carefully use double arrow button in upward and downward direction to adjust the position and fix
the sample in grip. Precautions should be taken to avoid any hitting between grip and sample for load
cell safety.
5. Double click icon GO on the computer.
6. Set testing machine under remote control mode through its panel.
7. On computer, select menu New test setup through arrow keys and press enter.
8. Leave all the options default except for the following
Test type = TENSION
Y axis = 10,000 Newtons
X axis = 30 mm
Speed = 5 10 mm/minute
Limit = 30 mm
9.
10.
11.
12.
13.
14.
15.
16.
17.
18.
19.
20.
21.
22.
23.

Press Esc.
Select menu Perform test.
Accept all the default options.
Empty graph will be displayed.
Follow the instructions in the menu given at the bottom.
First initialize load and strain to zero.
Start your experiment and observe the sample till it fails.
Note the graph displayed on the screen.
Select Cursor. Move it from left to right and note down all the coordinates.
Save your test results.
Press Esc
On main menu, select Leave machine control program
Switch off testing machine.
Remove sample from the grip
Measure Lf and Af of the failed sample and place it in the scrap container.

Results
Please use following tables format. Clearly show all the unit conversion factors for determining s, e, ,
using column 2 and column 3 values in table 2 separately outside table for one set of values. Please show
calculations in table 3. Plot true and engineering stress strain curves in single graph. Also, plot log-log
graph for determining K, n and 0. For determining 0, change its value starting from 0 such that you
obtain straight line. For plotting, you may use computer.

Table 1
L0

A0

d(L-L0)/dt *60,000

Lf

Af

(Strain rate in mm/min)

Table 2
Serial #

1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9

Table 3
E
s0
e0
su
ef
K

(L-L0)* 103

Load
(Newtons)

n
0
UR
UT

Conclusions
Analyze results and write unique observations.

Questions
1. Which properties you think are sensitive to strain rate ?
2. Which properties are engineered for a) Spring, b) Metal working, c) machine component subjected to
constant load ?
3. What is the root cause behind strain hardening ?
4. Although Youngs modulus of elasticity for glass is more than steel, steel is preferred for designing
engineering components. Why ?
5. Schematically compare hot working and cold working for relationship between stress and strain.
Note: In report, no marks are allocated for information copied from this manual. You may directly use the
symbols without defining them. All the units must be in SI.

Questions
a) Compare the value of Youngs modulus and poisons ratio with that for Al and Cu.
b) What is die-less drawing process?

Experiment 2
Principles of hardness testing comparison of different hardness techniques
Object of the Experiment: To measure and compare the Brinell, Rockwell and Rockwell
superficial hardness of mild steel, aluminum and brass.
Brinell hardness test
The Brinell hardness test method consists of indenting the test material with a 10 mm
diameter hardened steel or carbide ball subjected to a load of 3000 kg. For softer materials the
load can be reduced to 1500 kg or 500 kg to avoid excessive indentation. The full load is
normally applied for 10 to 15 seconds in the case of iron and steel and for at least 30 seconds in
the case of other metals. The diameter of the indentation left in the test material is measured with
a low powered microscope. The Brinell harness number is calculated by dividing the load
applied by the surface area of the indentation.

The diameter of the impression is the average of two readings at right angles and the use of a
Brinell hardness number table can simplify the determination of the Brinell hardness. A well
structured Brinell hardness number reveals the test conditions, and looks like this, "75 HB
10/500/30" which means that a Brinell Hardness of 75 was obtained using a 10mm diameter
hardened steel with a 500 kilogram load applied for a period of 30 seconds. On tests of extremely
hard metals a tungsten carbide ball is substituted for the steel ball. Compared to the other
hardness test methods, the Brinell ball makes the deepest and widest indentation, so the test
averages the hardness over a wider amount of material, which will more accurately account for
multiple grain structures and any irregularities in the uniformity of the material. This method is
the best for achieving the bulk or macro-hardness of a material, particularly those materials with
heterogeneous structures.

Rockwell hardness test

The Rockwell hardness test method consists of indenting the test material with a diamond
cone or hardened steel ball indenter. The indenter is forced into the test material under a
preliminary minor load F0 (Fig. 1A) usually 10 kgf. When equilibrium has been reached, an
indicating device, which follows the movements of the indenter and so responds to changes in
depth of penetration of the indenter, is set to a datum position. While the preliminary minor load
is still applied an additional major load is applied with resulting increase in penetration (Fig. 1B).
When equilibrium has again been reach, the additional major load is removed but the preliminary
minor load is still maintained. Removal of the additional major load allows a partial recovery, so
reducing the depth of penetration (Fig. 1C). The permanent increase in depth of penetration,
resulting from the application and removal of the additional major load is used to calculate the
Rockwell hardness number.

HR = E - e
F0 = preliminary minor load in kgf,
F = total load in kgf

F1 = additional major load in kgf

HR = Rockwell hardness number

e = permanent increase in depth of penetration due to major load F1 measured in units of 0.002
mm
E = a constant depending on form of indenter: 100 units for diamond indenter, 130 units for steel
ball indenter
D = diameter of steel ball

Fig. 1.Rockwell Principle

Rockwell Hardness Scales

Scale

Indenter

Minor Load
F0 kgf

Major Load
F1 kgf

Total Load
F kgf

Value of
E

Diamond cone

10

50

60

100

1/16" steel ball

10

90

100

130

Diamond cone

10

140

150

100

Diamond cone

10

90

100

100

1/8" steel ball

10

90

100

130

1/16" steel ball

10

50

60

130

1/16" steel ball

10

140

150

130

1/8" steel ball

10

50

60

130

1/8" steel ball

10

140

150

130

1/4" steel ball

10

50

60

130

1/4" steel ball

10

90

100

130

1/4" steel ball

10

140

150

130

1/2" steel ball

10

50

60

130

1/2" steel ball

10

90

100

130

1/2" steel ball

10

140

150

130

Typical Application of Rockwell Hardness Scales

HRA: Cemented carbides, thin steel and shallow case hardened steel
HRB: Copper alloys, soft steels, aluminum alloys, malleable irons, etc
HRC: Steel, hard cast irons, case hardened steel and other materials harder than 100 HRB
HRD: Thin steel and medium case hardened steel and pearlitic malleable iron
HRE: Cast iron, aluminum and magnesium alloys, bearing metals

HRF: Annealed copper alloys, thin soft sheet metals

HRG: Phosphor bronze, beryllium copper, malleable irons
HRH: Aluminum, zinc, lead
HRK, HRL, HRM, HRP, HRR, HRS and HRV: Soft bearing metals, plastics and other very soft
materials
Advantages of the Rockwell hardness method include the direct Rockwell hardness number
readout and rapid testing time. Disadvantages include many arbitrary non-related scales and
possible effects from the specimen support anvil.
Rockwell Superficial Hardness Test

The Rockwell Superficial hardness test method consists of indenting the test material
with a diamond cone (N scale) or hardened steel ball indenter. The indenter is forced into the test
material under a preliminary minor load F0 (Fig. 2A) usually 3 kgf. When equilibrium has been
reached, an indicating device that follows the movements of the indenter and so responds to
changes in depth of penetration of the indenter is set to a datum position. While the preliminary
minor load is still applied an additional major load, is applied with resulting increase in
penetration (Fig. 2B). When equilibrium has again been reach, the additional major load is
removed but the preliminary minor load is still maintained. Removal of the additional major load
allows a partial recovery, so reducing the depth of penetration (Fig. 2C). The permanent increase
in depth of penetration, e, resulting from the application and removal of the additional major load
is used to calculate the Rockwell Superficial hardness number.

HR = E - e
F0 = preliminary minor load in kgf
F1 = additional major load in kgf
F = total load in kgf
HR = Rockwell hardness number
e = permanent increase in depth of penetration due to major load F1, measured in units of 0.001 mm
E = a constant of 100 units for diamond and ball indenters
D = diameter of steel ball

Fig. 2.Rockwell Superficial Principle

Rockwell Superficial Hardness Scales

Minor Load Major Load Total Load
F0
F1
F
kgf
kgf
kgf

Value of
E

Scale

Indenter Type

HR 15 N

N Diamond
cone

12

15

100

HR 30 N

N Diamond
cone

27

30

100

HR 45 N

N Diamond
cone

42

45

100

HR 15 T

1/16" steel ball

12

15

100

HR 30 T

1/16" steel ball

27

30

100

HR 45 T

1/16" steel ball

42

45

100

HR 15 W

1/8" steel ball

12

15

100

HR 30 W

1/8" steel ball

27

30

100

HR 45 W

1/8" steel ball

42

45

100

HR 15 X

1/4" steel ball

12

15

100

HR 30 X

1/4" steel ball

27

30

100

HR 45 X

1/4" steel ball

42

45

100

HR 15 Y

1/2" steel ball

12

15

100

HR 30 Y

1/2" steel ball

27

30

100

HR 45 Y

1/2" steel ball

42

45

100

Experimental Procedure
a) Polish the surface of the specimens that have been provided to you..
a) Fit the specimen is in the sample holder
c) After fitting the sample, perform the brinell, Rockwell and Rockwell superficial hardness of
mild steel, aluminum and brass.
d) Measure the dimensions (diameter in case of brinell) of the dimensions produce by
brinell and Rockwell techniques. Take mean of the three readings in each of the three cases.
Experimental date collection and presentation
a) Calculate the Brinell hardness from the formula mentioned above.
b) Write sample readings in a tabulated form.
c) Compare the brinell, Rockwell and Rockwell superficial hardness of mild steel, aluminum
and brass surface.
d) Report the data
Questions
a) Compare the brinell, Rockwell and Rockwell superficial hardness of mild steel, aluminium
and brass surface.
b) What do you understand by geometrically similar indentations?
c) What precautions would you take while performing Rockwell hardness test?
d) Which hard ness test would you recommend for mild steel casting?
.

Experiment 3
Impact testing of materials (Charpy Impact Test)
Objective: To interpret ductile brittle behavior of mild steel from the absorbed energy during
impact at various temperatures.
Requirements for the experiment
d) V-notched specimen
e) Swing pendulum Impact Testing Machine
f) Liquid nitrogen
g) Optical pyrometer
h) Temperature controller heater
i) Water
j) Stopwatch
Brief Description of the Equipment/Machine
Impact testing machine used for this experiment contains a heavy swing pendulum. This
pendulum has the maximum capability of impacting energy of 264 ft pound force= 264
0.3048m 9.8ms-2 0.45362 Kg = 343.977 J. A scale is provided in the machine, which range
from 0 264 foot pound (ft Lb). An indentor will move on this scale when pendulum is allowed
from its horizontal static position to impact the V-notched specimen. There is a stand at the
bottom of the machine where V-notched specimen is supported as a beam in horizontal position.
Theory
Impact test is undoubtedly the most commonly used test that is done to characterize the ductile to
brittle transition behavior in materials. The impact test is done by placing a square shaped Vnotched specimen in the machine (Fig.1). Generally, the Charpy specimen has a square crosssection of dimensions 10mm 10mm and contains a 450 V notch of 2 mm deep with root
radius of 0.25 mm. A heavy pendulum released from a known height strikes the sample on its
downward swing and fractures it. After the test bar is broken, the pendulum rebounds to a height
that decreases as the energy absorbed in fracture increases. By knowing the mass of the
pendulum and the difference between its initial and final heights, the energy absorbed by the
fracture can be measured. In impact testing machine will be used here has the indentor facility to
indicate energy in foot pound (ft Lb) force absorbed by the fracture. If the temperature of the
testing is lowered, the V-notch impact test can be used for determining the ductile to brittle
behavior in a material. A typical curve in figure 2 shows different transition temperature on steel
by different definition. Transition temperature of phosphorus and carbon are shown in figure 3
(a) and (b) respectively by four different definition of determination of transition temperature.

Fig.1 Schematic diagram of impact testing

Fig.2 Typical curve showing different transition temperature on steel

(a)

(b)

Fig. 3 Effect of (a) phosphorus, (b) carbon on transition temperature using different definition

In Charpy specimen, the plastic constrain to the notch produces a triaxial state of state of stress.
The relative values of the three principal stresses depend strongly on the dimension of the bar
and the geometry of the notch. The maximum plastic stress concentration, K (energy absorbed
in fracturing the material) is given by

K = 1
2 2
Fracture surface examination shows fibrous (shear fracture), granular (cleavage fracture) or a
mixture of both which can be distinguished in magnification glass or even without magnification.
Experimental procedure :
j)
k)

Slowly swing the pendulum. When pendulum velocity increases, take it to the horizontal
position by applying upward force carefully so that the pendulum will stick over there.
Draw the indentor to the position of 264 ft Lb.

l)

m)

n)

o)

p)

For determining the impact energy at lower temperature, keep the specimen in liquid
nitrogen for 15 minutes. The specimen to be dipped in liquid nitrogen will be instructed by
your T.A.
Keep your stopwatch ready. Remove the specimen with the help of tung and immediately
keep it at the bottom of the machine horizontally. Start your stopwatch just after bringing
out the specimen from liquid nitrogen. The notch of the specimen should remain behind to
the impact load of the swing pendulum (fig.1). Immediately measure the temperature of the
specimen by optical pyrometer after keeping the specimen at the horizontal stand. The
temperature noting for different specimens after removing from liquid nitrogen should
follow the interval of 1 mins, 2 mins, 3 mins, 4 mins, 5 mins respectively according to
instruction given by T.A. After noting temperature, release the pendulum immediately.
Now indentor will move towards zero end of the scale. Count the number of division from
zero to the position of the indnetor after impact. This will give the energy of the specimen
absorbed by impact of the pendulum.
For determining energy at room temperature, simply put specimen horizontally, record
room temperature from optical pyrometer or room temperature from thermometer, release
the pendulum record the energy.
For determining energy at higher temperature, starting from 350C, 500C, 650C, 800C, 900C,
1000C, keep the specimen on the hot plate of temperature controller heater and set the
temperature to required value and cross check it by thermometer after some times. Then
remove the specimen, keep it immediately on the Charpy stand and release the pendulum.

Experimental data collection and presentation

a)
b)

A plot can be obtained of temperature verses impact energy as shown in figure one for
various specimens.
Finally, the transition temperature can be determined by either of the four different
definition. You are advised to obtain by 15 ft Lb definition.

Data Reporting :
a)
b)

Report the time allowed to the specimen before releasing pendulum and also report the
temperature of the specimen before releasing pendulum.
Report energy of specimen absorbed due to impact

Conclusions
a) Energy absorbed of the specimen in impact testing determined.
b) Mention if transition temperature is determined (It would be possible after completion of
all testing by all group)
Questions
c) Comment on the fracture surface of the specimen
d) How do the following factors affect the brittle to ductile transition transition temperatures
i) Grain size ii) carbon content iii) Phosphorus content
c) How do you measure DBTT ?

Experiment 4

Creep testing of materials

Objective: To study the constant load creep behavior of lead at room temperature.
Requirements: Lead sample, Screw gauge, Vernier calliper
Principle
Crystalline materials may undergo plastic deformation by (i) slip, (ii) twinning, (iii)
diffusion assisted atomic migration and (iv) grain boundary sliding. Among these methods,
mechanisms of plastic deformation by diffusion assisted atomic migration and grain boundary
sliding occur at high temperature [T/TMP > 0.4] where TMP is the melting point of the material.
The other two mechanisms, i.e. the slip and the twinning may occur at low as well as room
temperatures. The two high-temperature deformation mechanisms are time-dependent.
Therefore, if a material is loaded at high temperature, even if below its yield strength, it will
deform and accumulate strain with respect of time. The high-temperature time-dependent
deformation of a material occurring at constant stress is called creep. Creep occurs in materials
due to an increased high-temperature mobility of atoms (by diffusion) as well as that of
dislocations (by mechanism of climb). The creep test measures the dimensional changes that
occur due to the applied load at an elevated temperature. Creep behavior of a material is the most
important consideration for choosing it for high temperature application.
Creep Curve:
Creep properties of a material are generally determined by means of a test in which a constant
uniaxial load or stress is applied to the specimen, which is maintained at high temperature, and
the resulting strain is recorded as a function of time. Typical shape of a creep curve is shown in
Fig.1. When the load is applied, an instantaneous strain develops in the material and gives rise to
the strain 0 at time t = 0. The material initially deforms at a very rapid rate (d/dt), but as time
proceeds the rate of deformation progressively decreases and becomes constant. This regime of
deformation is referred to as the first-stage of creep or the primary creep. In the second-stage of
creep, generally referred to as the secondary creep or the steady-state creep, the strain rate
remains constant for a long time. Although considerable deformation can occur under the steadystate creep conditions, the strain rate eventually begins to accelerate with time and the material
enters the third-stage or the tertiary creep. Deformation then proceeds at an ever-faster rate until
the material can no longer support the applied stress and fracture occurs. The material thus shows
the minimum creep rate, d/dt, in the steady-state regime. This minimum creep rate is considered
as the engineering design parameter in selecting a material for high-temperature applications.

Fig. 1 Schematic illustration of Creep-curve shapes

Variations in the shape of the creep curve are caused by (a) extrinsic parameters such as changes
in test temperature and the stress applied [Fig. 2] and (b) intrinsic material parameters such as (i)
strain hardening/softening processes (recovery /recrystallization/ precipitate coarsening etc. and
(ii) internal damage processes (cavitation and cracking).
As shown in Fig. 2, higher temperatures and stresses reduce the extent of the primary creep and
practically eliminate the second stage, with the result that the creep rate accelerates almost from
the beginning of the loading. In contrast with the decrease in temperature and/or the stress, the
first two stages become clearly defined.

Fig 2 Creep curves obtained at different temperatures and/or stress

Equipment:

Fig. 3 Schematic of the Creep testing Machine

Important Parameter and Equation:

Thickness

Width

Gauge Length

Fig. 4 Lead Sample

Engineering Stress (N/mm2)= Load (in Kg)*9.81(m/sec2)/(thickness (m)*width (m))

Strain ()= Elongation (mm)/Gauge Length (mm)

One full rotation of the big dial of extensometer= single step movement in small dial = 1mm
Experimental Procedure:
1. Mark the sample for the reduced gauge length (uniform width)
2. Measure the dimensions (gauge length and width by vernier caliper and thickness by screw
gauge) of the given lead sample
3. Fix the ends of the sample up to mark in the jaws of the machine
4. Support the load pan from bottom till the first reading
5. Put the specified load on the load on load pan
6. Adjust the extensometer position on the load such that needle on small and big dial is at 0
position
7. Slowly remove the bottom support from the load pan and start take readings till sample breaks,
of the big dial after every 10 second. Add 100 when small dial needle moves a single step
8. Convert dial readings into extension (mm)
Report:
1. Write sample readings and calculate stress
2. Plot strain vs time
3. Calculate the creep rate as a function of time and identify the various stages of creep
4. Report the minimum creep rate at each stage
Questions:
1. Can you do the creep test on steels using the same set up? Explain your answer.
2. What is the importance of minimum creep rate?
3. What are the precautions to be taken during creep testing?
4. What is effect of Grain size on the creep behavior of materials?

Experiment 5

Fatigue Testing
Object of the experiment
To study the effect of fluctuating stress normally encountered in the cyclic loading of materials
in service.
Requirements for the experiment
b)
c)
d)
e)

Specimen with the correct design

Vernier calipers
Dead weight as load
Wrench for tightening the bolt of specimen holder

5. Brief description of the equipment/machine

The schematic diagram of the fatigue testing machine is shown in Fig.1. It consists of a 3-phase
motor with 2800 rpm speed. The machine is designed to carry out testing of two specimens
simultaneously. The samples for fatigue test can be of three types as shown in Fig.2 depending upon the
loading scheme provided by the machine. The specimens can be either cyclically loaded in the axial
manner [Fig.2 (a)] or in a rotating manner [Fig.2 (b) and (c)]
Motor

Sample holder

Load

On and
Switches

Off

Fig.1 Schematic diagram of Fatigue testing machine

Fig.2 Loading schemes for laboratory scale fatigue testing: (a) Axial loading of the
specimen, (b) single-end rotating cantilever testing machine and (c) Four-point rotating
cantilever testing machine
Important Parameters and Equations
A fluctuating stress cycle can be considered to be made up of two components, a mean
or steady stress m, and an alternating or variable stress a. We must first consider the range of
stress r. As can be seen from Fig. 3a & 3b, the range of stress is the algebraic difference
between the maximum and minimum stress in a cycle. Thus,
r = max min
The alternating stress is one half of the range of stress.
a =

r max min

2
2

The mean stress is the algebraic mean of the maximum and minimum stress in the cycle.
m

max min
2

Two other parameters are also used for representing fatigue data:
Stress Ratio (R) =

min
max

Amplitude ratio (A) =

a 1 R

m 1 R

For a fully reversed stress cycle, as shown in Fig.3 (a), the Stress Ratio, R is -1 and if the
stresses are partially reversed, R becomes a negative number less than 1. If the stress is cycled
between a maximum stress and no load, the stress ration becomes zero. If the stress is cycled
between two tensile stresses, the stress ratio becomes a positive number less than 1.

Fig 3. Typical fatigue stress cycles. (a) Reversed stress; (b) repeated stress; (c) irregular or
random stress cycle
The results of fatigue crack initiation tests are usually plotted as maximum stress,
minimum stress or the stress amplitude on (y-axis) against the number of cycles to failure, N (on
the x-axis). The number of cycles to failure is generally plotted on the logarithmic scale, while
stress is plotted either on the linear or logarithmic scale.
The regime in which the peak load is above the yield strength of the material is referred
to as the low cycle fatigue. Components usually endure <104 cycles during low cycle fatigue. In
contrast, when the peak cyclic stress is below the yield strength of the material, the component
undergoes more than 104 cyclic reversals and the regime is referred to as the high cycle fatigue.
Fig.4 depicts some of the general characteristics of fatigue.

Fig5. Some of the important characteristics of fatigue

The peak stress in case of cantilever bar testing is obtained by the following formula. For the
four-point cantilever bending the peak stress, ais given by

32Mb
d 3
Where Mb is the bending moment =PI/2, d is the diameter of the sample, P is the applied load L
is the length of the sample.
For the single-end cantilever testing
a

32Px
d 3
Where x = distance along the length from the fixed end and maximum value of x is 1
a

Experimental Procedure
a) Polish the sample surface as smooth as possible and observe for any surface defects and deep
scratch/machining marks. Reject the sample if you find any defects.
b) Measure dimensions of the given specimen of mild steel.
c) Fit the specimen is in the sample holder such that it passes through the opening provided in
the rod on which the loads are seated.
d) After fitting the sample, keep the desired load on the seat provided for the loads.
e) Switch on the instrument to conduct the fatigue test and record the time for the failure, when
it occurs,.
f) Note the appearance of the fractured surface in each case.

Experimental Date Collection and Presentation

e) Calculate the peak stress from the formula mentioned above.
f) From the time taken for fatigue failure, calculate the number of cycles to failure [N = RPM x
time for failure(min)].
g) Report the value of a and N.
h) Report the appearance of the fractured surface.
i) Make S-N plots using results of all the batches and obtain the endurance limit.
9. Significance of the experiment/conclusions
The fatigue tests of mild steel will give the value of stress below which it can endure
infinite number of cycles which is important from the engineering design point of view.

Experiment 6
Stain aging and yield point phenomenon

Objective
To study the strain aging behavior of steel (associated with the yield-point
phenomena) using load-elongation curve obtained from tensile test.
Requirements for the experiment
k) Tensile specimen
l) Universal Testing Machine (UTM)
m) Computer aided software to be coupled with UTM
Brief description of the equipment/machine
Universal testing machine used for this experiment is Hounsfield extensometer, model H 20 KW of 20 K-N capacity. The specimen is held at ends by means of grips with grip holder of the
cross head. One end of the specimen is kept fixed while the other end is attached to a mobile
cross-head. The cross head moves by means of an electric motor. The equipement has a
provision for simultaneously measuring the applied load verses elongation.
Specimen geometry :
Tensile specimen had been machined of the dimension shown in Fig.1 according to ASTM
A-370 where gauge length to diameter ratio is 4 : 1.

Fig.1 Tensile specimen

Gauge length (G) = 16mm, Length of reduced section (A) = 20 mm, Distance between shoulders
(B) = 28 mm, Diameter of reduced section (D1) = 4 mm, Grip diameter (D2) = 8 mm, Radius of
curvature (R) = 4 mm.

Theory:
Strain aging is behavior associated with the yield-point-phenomenon in which the
strength of the metal is increased and the ductility is decreased on heating at a relatively low
temperature after cold-working. Fig.2 shows the effect of strain aging on the flow curve for a
low-carbon steel. The low-carbon steel strained plastically through the yield-point elongation and
then unloading and retesting without appreciable delay or any heat treatment does not show any
yield point , since the dislocations have been torn away from the atmosphere of carbon and
nitrogen atoms. If now the specimen is strained to point Y and unloaded, and then again reloaded
after aging for several days at room temperature or several hours at an aging temperature like
300oF, the yield point will reappear and will be now higher than the initial yield point. The
reappearance of the yield point is due to the diffusion of carbon and nitrogen atoms to the
dislocations during the aging period to form new atmospheres of interstitials anchoring the
dislocations. The strain aging behavior leads to non uniform deformation, hence is detrimental. It
can be controlled by addition of nitride and carbide forming elements in order to lower the
nitrogen and carbon content.

Fig 2. Stress-strain curves for low-carbon steel showing strain aging. Region A, original material
strained through yield point. Region B, immediately retested after reaching point X. Region C,
reappearance and increase in yield point after aging at 300oF

Fig. 3 Portevin-LeChaterlier Effect

Fig. 3 shows the stress-strain behavior of iron with increasing temperature. The dynamic strain
aging behavior is called Portevin-LeChaterlier Effect. At higher temperature, the solute atoms
mobility is high and they are able to lock the dislocations easily. Hence the yield point
phenomena increases. However at higher temperatures, this phenomena is not observed as now
the solute atoms are not able to pin the dislocations because of their excessively high mobility.
Experimental procedure:
q) Turn on computer, turn on UTM, open software to collect data
r) Fix one end of the specimen with fixed end of extensometer by grip holder and fix other end
of the specimen by adjusting movable cross-head.
s) Apply a little force (within 20 N) to make sure of proper fixing of specimen
t) Make zero force and zero extension by click corresponding button on the machine.
u) Click Test button then extension button.
v) Carry out the test to a load value just above the yield point behavior. Stop the experiment and
give print command.
w) Collect data in software by exporting to excel.
x) Again bring the sample to zero force and zero load. Repeat the steps (f) -.(j)
y) Remove this sample and keep it in water (approx at 100oC ) for 30 mins.
z) Repeat steps (a) -(k)

Experimental date collection and presentation:

a) Report the experimental plots of load vs elongation for the loaded and reloaded (without
delay) condition after combining the two sets of data.
b) Report the experimental plots of load vs elongation for the loaded and reloaded (with aging
treatment) condition after combining the two sets of data.
c) Report and comment on the presence/absence of yield point elongation for both the
conditions, without aging and with aging.
Significance of the experiment/conclusions:
From practical aspect, it is undesirable to have strain aging in deep drawing steel because the
reappearance of the yield point can lead to difficulties with surface markings or stretcher strains
due to the localized heterogeneous deformation.

Questions:
1. Why is the yield point after aging higher than the initial yield point ?
2. Which has a more important role, Carbon or Nitrogen, in the strain aging of iron?
3. Name three elements that can added to low carbon steel to reduce strain aging. How do
alloying elements reduce strain aging?

Experiment 7
Effect of work hardening on the tensile properties of metals

Objective: To study the effect of cold rolling on the tensile properties of steel.

Theory
Engineering stress and engineering strain

s = P/A0
e = (L-L0)/L0 = (A0 A)/A

[Note: Constancy of volume A0L0 = AL]

True stress and true strain

A
L L0
P P A0
L

s 0 s
s(
1) s(e 1)
A A0 A
A
L0
L0

L L0
dL
L
ln
ln(
1) ln(e 1)
L
L0
L0
L0
L

Effect of Cold Drawing on Tensile Properties of SAE -1016 Steel:

Reduction of area by
drawing , %

Y.S (MPa)

T .S (MPa)

Elongation in 50
mm ,%

276

455

34

70

10

496

517

20

65

20

565

579

17

63

40

593

655

16

60

60

607

703

14

54

Reduction of area, %

Requirements for the experiment

a) Tensile specimen
b) Universal Testing Machine (UTM)
c) Computer aided software to be coupled with UTM
d) Vernier caliper
e) Punching stand, puncher and hammer
f) Cold rolled Steel samples (20%,40%,& 60% reduction approx.)

Important Parameters and Equations

a) Original Gauge Length (Lo): Gauge length before application of force.
b) Final Gauge Length (Lu): Gauge length after rupture, the two pieces having been carefully
fitted back together so that their axes lie in a straight line.
c) Engineering Stress (s) and Engineering Strain (e) :
d)

s(1+e),

s = P/A0, e = (Lu - L0)/L0 ,

= ln(1+e)

e) Tensile Strength or Ultimate Tensile Strength: Stress corresponding to the maximum force
f) Yield Stress: When the metallic material exhibits a yield phenomenon, a point is reached
during the test at which plastic deformation occurs without any increase in the force.
Yield strength : = FY/A0 , Where FY = Load at the yielding point;
A0 : Initial area of the specimen
For most ductile metals, yield strength is usually obtained from 0.2% offset yield
strength/proof stress method by drawing a parallel line with elastic region from 0.002 strain
in X-axis.
Lower yield stress is taken to be yield strength when yield point elongation is observed.
g) Upper yield stress: Value of stress at the moment when first decrease in force is observed
(see Fig. 2 ).
h) Lower yield stress: Lowest value of stress during plastic yielding

i) Yield Point Elongation : The extension associated with discontinuous yield which occurs at
approximately constant load following the onset of plastic flow. It is associated with the
propagation of Luder lines or bands (See Fig. 2)
j) Percentage of Total Elongation at Fracture = (Lu - Lo )/L0
k) Percentage Reduction of Area = ( So - SU )/S0
Maximum change in cross-sectional area which has occurred during the test ( So-SU)
expressed as a percentage of the original cross-sectional area (So).
Where Su is the final cross-sectional area.
l) Strain hardening co-efficient (n):

n = strain hardening co-efficient

Experimental Procedure

1.
2.
3.
4.

5.
6.
7.
8.

Measure L0, A0.

Switch on Lloyd tensile testing machine and follow the instruction on its panel.
First set the machine in manual mode and accept all other options as default values.
Carefully use double arrow button in upward and downward direction to adjust the position
and fix the sample in grip. Precautions should be taken to avoid any hitting between grip and
sample for load cell safety.
Double click icon GO on the computer.
Set testing machine under remote control mode through its panel.
On computer, select menu New test setup through arrow keys and press enter.
Leave all the options default except for the following
Test type = TENSION
Y axis = 10,000 Newtons
X axis = 30 mm
Speed = 5 10 mm/minute
Limit = 30 mm

9. Press Esc.
10. Select menu Perform test.
11. Accept all the default options.
12. Empty graph will be displayed.
13. Follow the instructions in the menu given at the bottom.

14. First initialize load and strain to zero.

15. Start your experiment and observe the sample till it fails.
16. Note the graph displayed on the screen.
17. Select Cursor. Move it from left to right and note down all the coordinates.
18. Save your test results.
19. Press Esc
20. On main menu, select Leave machine control program
21. Switch off testing machine.
22. Remove sample from the grip
23. Measure Lf and Af of the failed sample and place it in the scrap container.
Experimental data collection and presentation
a) Convert collected data, load in Newton and extension in mm to engineering strain and
engineering stress and then to true stress and true strain in excel.
b) Report lower yield stress (yield strength), upper yield stress, ultimate tensile strength,
fracture stress from engineering stress strain curve.
c) Report % of elongation at fracture, % of reduction in area at fracture and strain rate.
d) Submit true stress true strain curve along with the report by considering points upto UTS in
engineering stress strain curve.
e) Report strength co-efficient and strain hardening co-efficient from the plastic region of true
stress strain curve by regression analysis method in excel.(if possible)
Conclusions
a) Yield point elongation is observed (write if you have observed)
b) Mechanical properties have been determined.
Questions
a) Compare the experimental data for the three samples ?
b) Mention the reason for the deviation in the three plots ( i.e values) you have seen.
c) Some times plastic deformation occurs without slip. Suggests mechanisms of plastic
deformation without slip in the following two cases.
1) At elevated temperatures with a very low strain rate .
2) In an H.C.P polycrystalline sample with only 3 independent slip systems.