Tensile Test Lab Report
Tensile Test Lab Report
Tensile Test Lab Report
Faculty of Engineering
Mechatronics Department
BY
To
Dr/Noha Foda
2018
abstract
This experiment was conducted so as compare the mechanical properties of aluminium and mild steel.
The basics on the operation of universal testing machine were also learnt during this experiment. The
Universal Testing Machine can be used to determine the tensile strengths of many engineering materials.
The design of many engineering structures is based on the tensile properties of the materials used. The
stress- strain relationship of various metals can be used to predict the characteristics of materials when
subjected to different types of loadings. From this experiment, it can be seen that mild steel have higher
tensile and yield strength than aluminium. This explains the wide applications of mild steel in many
constructions and other engineering applications that require high strength.
INTRODUCTION
For safe design of structural components in bridges, railway lines, marines ships, aircrafts, pressure
vessels etc, the tensile properties of materials used should be analyzed. Hence the tensile strength of the
materials should meet the strength requirements of the structural applications. The mechanical properties
of the metals determine the kind of engineering application to be used for. Experiments on tensile tests
can be used to predict the tensile properties and they are conducted by application of axial or longitudinal
forces to a specimen with known dimensions. (Davies, 2004). These forces are applied on the specimen
until deformation causes failure. The tensile load and corresponding extensions are then recorded for
calculations and determination of stress- strain relationship of the material specimen. The tensile test
experiment can be used to determine other mechanical characteristics of the specimen like yield strength,
percentage elongation, and ultimate strength among others. The original gauge length Lo , diameter Do or
cross sectional area also used in calculations hence should be recorded.
Stress- strain relationship
Tensile loading on material causes the material to undergo deformations. The kind of deformation can either be
elastic or plastic deformation. The elastic deformation is characterised by linear relationship between the extension
and applied load. Engineering stress σ is given by the ratio of load applied to the original cross sectional area, while
engineering strain ε is given by change in length (extension) ∆L over the original length L.
∆L
σ= P
Ao
and ε= Lo
Where, σ is engineering stress, P is the applied axial load, Ao is the original cross sectional area, ε is the
Young’s modulus The engineering stress- strain relationship for elastic deformation is based on
Hooke’s law. The gradient on this curve gives a modulus of elasticity called The Young’s Modulus E.
E= σ
ε
, (3)
CONCLUSION
Many engineering applications that require high tensile strength normally use mild steel. This is because of the
crystalline structure of mild steel that allows it to withstand high axial loads before fracture can occur. Aluminium
however has found many uses in designs that require low density materials like in aerodynamics and some motor
vehicles. Aluminium experiences high ductility rates compared to mild steel and have therefore low level values of
Young’s Modulus, a factor that determines deflections in structural components. This experiment therefore gives
close relationship of tensile strength to the theoretical data.
As shown in figure 2 above of the engineering stress- strain relationship, when loading is continued past the
yielding point, a permanent deformation of the material is realized. At this point, the material is said to be strain or
work hardened and this phenomena is dependent upon the micro- crystalline structure and chemical composition of
the material. It is at this point that the material can withstand the highest possible stress and is characterised by
reduction of cross sectional area at the center of the specimen- a process known as necking. (Marc, 2008).