I.

INTRODUCTION

The evaluation of the mechanical behavior of a sample under conditions of tension and compression can
be performed to provide basic material property data that is critical for component design and service
performance assessment. The requirements for tensile and compression strength values and the methods
for testing these properties are specified in various standards for a wide variety of materials. Testing can
be performed on machined material samples or on full-size or scale models of actual components. These
tests are typically performed using a universal mechanical testing instrument.

II.

A tensile test is a method for determining behavior of materials under axial tensile loading. The tests are
conducted by fixturing the specimen into the test apparatus and then applying a force to the specimen by
separating the testing machine crossheads. The crosshead speed can be varied to control the rate of strain
in the test specimen. Data from the test are used to determine tensile strength, yield strength, and
modulus of elasticity. Measurement of the specimen dimensions after testing also provides reduction of
area and elongation values to characterize the ductility of the material. Tensile tests can be performed on
many materials, including metals, plastics, fibers, adhesives, and rubbers. Testing can be performed at
subambient and elevated temperatures.

A compression test is a method for determining the behavior of materials under a compressive load.
Compression tests are conducted by loading the test specimen between two plates, and then applying a
force to the specimen by moving the crossheads together. During the test, the specimen is compressed,
and deformation versus the applied load is recorded. The compression test is used to determine elastic
limit, proportional limit, yield point, yield strength, and (for some materials) compressive strength.

The tensile test is performed using a high-quality testing machine known as Tensile Testing Machine. During the
testing procedure, the test sample is placed between the two clamps to clamp the sample firmly. Once the sample is
placed in its right place by maintaining the centre of the grips, the jaws are pulled apart in the opposite direction to
create tension on the sample. The tension is applied to the sample until the sample ruptures. The point at which the
sample gets ruptured immediately recorded in the machine which signifies the maximum force that a sample can bear
to its maximum.

Rubber Products
The elasticity of the rubbers can be determined when the material is stretched from both the ends in the
opposite direction to create extreme tension force. This helps to measure the force that rubbers can bear to
its maximum without experiencing any type of deformation or failure. The tension test helps to measure the
elastic modulus of the products or materials for various applications.
Metal Products
Metals are widely known for tits hardness and elasticity properties. To determine how much the metal is
elastic, a considerable amount of tension is applied to the materials. This can be determined using tension
test.  The tension test helps to determine the strength of various metal products such as metal cables,
construction angles, girders and other metal products that are used in different industries.

compressive strength test, mechanical test measuring the maximum amount of compressive
load a material can bear before fracturing. The test piece, usually in the form of a cube, prism, or
cylinder, is compressed between the platens of a compression-testing machine by a gradually
applied load.
Brittle materials such as rock, brick, cast iron, and concrete may exhibit great compressive
strengths; but ultimately they fracture. The crushing strength of concrete, determined by breaking
a cube, and often called the cube strength, reaches values of about 3 tons per square inch, that of
granite 10 tons per square inch, and that of cast iron from 25 to 60 tons per square inch.

Some ductile metals, such as mild steel, have very great compressive strengths; but the actual
values are difficult to measure. When a load is applied to a ductile metal, it deforms elastically up
to a certain point, and then plastic deformation occurs. Increasing loads may even completely
flatten a test piece without any definite fracture occurring, so that no value can be obtained for the
compressive strength. The custom of quoting tensile-strength values in these cases is inaccurate
but safe, compressive strength being always greater.

At first, measure the different direction of a specimen along its length and height to determine its cross-sectional
area. In general, a vernier calliper is used for measuring the dimensions of a part. Be sure that the ends of a
specimen are plane and it is tested on a bearing plate. After this stage, the sample is placed between the
compression plates at its centre position in such a way that the moving head’s centre is placed vertically above the
centre of the specimen. Further by giving direction to the advancing head, the load is applied to the sample. These
loads and related contractions are measured and noted down in a notebook at an interval of weight varying up to
500 kg. This load is applied until the specimen breaks down.

 Tensile and compression properties of raw material for comparison to product specifications
 Obtain material property data for finite-element modeling or other product design for desired mechanical
behavior and service performance
 Simulation of component mechanical performance in service
https://www.mee-inc.com/hamm/tension-and-compression-testing/

https://www.testing-instruments.com/blog/applications-of-tensile-test/

https://www.britannica.com/technology/hardness-tester

1. B. S. G. J. Young BongKwon, “Compression tests of high strength cold-formed steel