Basic Material Testing Laboratory Manual
Basic Material Testing Laboratory Manual
DEPARTMENT OF MECHANICAL
ENGINEERING
Basic Material Testing Laboratory Manual
IV Semester B.E. Mechanical Engineering
USN :
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Roll No: Sem Sec
Course Name
Course Code
DEPARTMENT OF MECHANICAL ENGINEERING
M-1: Prepare globally acceptable graduates, post graduates and research scholars for their
lifelong learning in Mechanical Engineering, Maintenance Engineering and
Engineering Management.
M-2: Develop futuristic perspective in Research towards Science, Mechanical Engineering
Maintenance Engineering and Engineering Management.
M-3: Establish collaborations with Industrial and Research organizations to form strategic
and meaningful partnerships.
PSO1 Apply modern tools and skills in design and manufacturing to solve real world
problems.
PSO2 Apply managerial concepts and principles of management and drive global
economic growth.
PSO3 Apply thermal, fluid and materials fundamental knowledge and solve problem
concerning environmental issues.
PEO1: To apply industrial manufacturing design system tools and necessary skills in the
field of mechanical engineering in solving problems of the society.
PEO2: To apply principles of management and managerial concepts to enhance global
economic growth.
PEO3: To apply thermal, fluid and materials engineering concepts in solving problems
concerning environmental pollution and fossil fuel depletion and work towards
alternatives.
PROGRAM OUTCOMES (POS)
COURSE OBJECTIVES:
1. To conduct Tension, Compression, Bending & Shear tests on UTM and evaluate
material properties.
2. To carry out Torsion, Hardness & Impact tests and determine various moduli,
hardness numbers and impact energy.
COURSE CONTENT
COURSE OUTCOMES
Upon completion of this course, students should be able to:
CO1 Conduct Tension, Compression, Bending & Shear tests on UTM and evaluate
material properties.
CO2 Conduct Torsion, Hardness & Impact tests and determine various moduli, hardness
numbers and impact energy
CONTENTS
1. Rockwell Hardness Tests 6
3. Impact Tests 13
4. Torsion Test 16
5. Tension Test 19
6. Compression Test 23
7. Bending Test 26
VIVA-VOCE QUESTIONS 31
1. ROCKWELL HARDNESS TESTS
Aim: To determine the Rockwell hardness number on B and C scales for a given metallic
specimen.
Test Setup:
Rockwell Hardness Testing Machine.
Indenters:
i) For Rockwell – B Test: Steel ball indenter of diameter (1/16)th inch.
ii) For Rockwell – C Test: Rockwell diamond cone of vertex angle 120o and
tip radius 0.2 mm.
Standard Loads:
Procedure:
Smoothen the surface of the specimen to be tested, and clean it to remove dirt and oil,
if any.
Fix the appropriate indenter to the thrust member or penetrator.
Depending upon the material of the specimen and type of the indenter, select and set
the required load stage, and see that the load lever is in position “A”.
Place the standard specimen on the test table, and turn the main nut (hand wheel) in the
clockwise direction to have contact between specimen and the penetrator. Continue
turning until the small pointer of the dial gauge reaches the red spot and the long pointer
comes to “0” mark on the dial gauge. This also indicates the application of a preload of
10 kg.
Turn the load lever from position “A” to position “B” to apply the main load on the
specimen.
Wait for the long needle of the dial gauge to reach a steady position.
Release the main load by bringing back the load lever from position “B” to position
“A” slowly.
Record the reading shown by the long pointer
o on red scale for Rockwell – B Test
o on black scale for Rockwell – C Test.
Turn the main nut in the counter clock wise direction and remove the specimen.
Note:
a) One division of Rockwell B or C scale is equal to a depth of indentation of 2 micron.
b) Rockwell hardness should be designated by HR, preceded by the hardness
value and supplemented by a letter indicating the scale.
Ex: 60 HRC indicates Rockwell hardness of 60 on C scale.
I. Rockwell – B Test
Type of indenter. Steel ball of diameter (1/16)th inch.
Depth of
Load Load P, Red scale Hardness indentation
Specimen
P, kg N reading ‘n’ value, n = (130-n)x2,
microns
Brass
Gun Metal
Aluminum
Black Depth of
Load P, Load P, Hardness indentation
Specimen scale
kg N value, n (100-n) 2,
reading
‘n’ microns
Cast Iron
Mild Steel
Aim: To determine the hardness number for a given metallic specimen by Brinell Test (HB).
Table 1: Values of „K‟ and range of hardness for different metals (for Brinell Hardness Test)
Sl. Range of Brinell hardness number
No. Metal Value of K (HB)
1. Mild steel 30 67-500 kgf/mm2
2. Cast Iron 30 67-500 kgf/mm2
3. Brass 10 22-315 kgf/mm2
4. Gun Metal 10 22-315 kgf/mm2
5. Aluminum 5 11-158 kgf/mm2
Example:
Ball Indenter diameter,
mm 5 2.5
Material
Mild steel 750 kgf 187-5 kgf
Cast Iron 750 kgf 187.5 kgf
Brass 250 kgf 62.5 kgf
Gun Metal 250 kgf 62.5 kgf
Aluminum 125 kgf 31.25 kgf
Procedure:
I. For HTM-1
Clean the smooth surface of the specimen to be tested to remove dirt and oil, if any.
Polish the test spot, which is flat, by Emory sheet. The top and bottom surfaces of the
specimen should be parallel to each other.
Fix the required ball indenter along with its holder to the thrust member or penetrator.
Depending upon the material of the specimen and the indenter diameter, arrange the
designed loads on the weight shaft (The combined weight of the lever, hanger bracket,
weight shaft and the bottom weight is equivalent to 500 kg. Additional weights can be
placed on the bottom weight using loose weights 250 kg each).
Actuate the toggle switch.
Actuate the hydraulic loading system by pressing the green button provided on the side
of the machine.
Switch on the indicator lamp.
Place the standard specimen on the test table, and turn the main nut (hand wheel) in the
clockwise direction until a sharp display of the surface of the specimen is obtained on
the focusing screen of the measuring device.
Apply the load by turning the load lever to the “Load” position.
Wait for the red indicator present near the optical device at the top to activate.
Release the load by turning the load lever to the “Unload” position. At the same instant,
the objective (of magnification 14) comes just above the indentation, and a sharp image
of the indentation is seen on the focusing screen.
Measure the diameter of the indentation using the scale with micrometer present on the
screen itself.
Procedure for using the scale present on the screen for measuring the dimension of the
indentation.
The scales of the focusing screen and clear screen have long and short division marks.
In addition, the focusing screen is equipped with a vernier scale. The long centre division
mark on the clear screen (marked „O‟) should be within the vernier scale. If it is not so, turn
the micrometer to bring the long centre division mark within the vernier scale. The distance
between a long and a short division mark of the scale is equal to 1 mm.
o The inner edge of the nearer long or short division mark on the left of the scale is
made to coincide with the left outer edge of the impression of the indentation
using the turning knob provided for that purpose.
o The inner edge of the nearer long or short division mark on the right side of the
scale is made to coincide with the right outer edge of the impression of the
indentation using the micrometer. If the long center division is not within the
vernier scale, adjust the micrometer once again so that the outer edge of the
impression contacts with another long or short mark.
o Count the number of divisions between the long and short marks enclosing the
impression (exclude the small strip 0 – 0) to get the diameter of the indentation
before the decimal point.
o Count the number of vernier scale divisions within the small strip 0 – 0. This
indicates the 1st decimal value of the diameter of the indentation.
o Read the coinciding head scale division of micrometer, which is the value of the
2nd decimal place of the diameter of the indentation.
Turn the screw through 90o and determine the diameter of the indentation once again.
Consider the mean of the two values so determined as the diameter of the indentation.
If no further tests are to be conducted, switch off the lamp indicator, hydraulic loading
system (by pressing the red button provided on the side of the machine) and finally the
main switch.
II. . For HTM-2
Clean the smooth surface of the specimen to be tested to remove dirt and oil, if any.
Polish the test spot, which is flat, by Emory sheet. The top and bottom surfaces of the
specimen should be parallel to each other.
Fix the required ball indenter along with its holder to the thrust member or penetrator.
Depending upon the material of the specimen and the indenter diameter select the
required load stage and adjust it through corresponding push button provided on the
side of the machine.
Actuate the switch to switch on the lamp of light source.
Place the standard specimen on the test table, and turn the main nut (hand wheel) in the
clockwise direction until a sharp display of the surface of the specimen is obtained on
the focusing screen of the measuring device.
Push the button provided at the front bottom of the instrument, and hold it until the hand
lever moves upwards. Then, release the push button and wait until the hand lever stops.
Further, wait for 10 seconds.
Press down the hand lever without any jerks, which indicates the release of the load. At
the same instant, the object (of magnification 70) comes just above the indentation,
and a sharp image of the indentation is seen on the focusing screen.
Measured the diameter of the indentation using the scale with micrometer present on the
screen itself.
Procedure for using the scale present on the screen for measuring the dimension of the
indentation.
The scales of the focusing screen and clear screen have long and short division marks.
In addition, the focusing screen is equipped with a vernier scale. The long centre division
mark on the clear screen (marked „O‟) should be within the vernier scale. If it is not so turn
the micrometer to bring the long centre division mark within the vernier scale. The distance
between a long and a short division mark of the scale is equal to 0.1 mm.
o The inner edge of the nearer long or short division mark on the left of the scale is
made to coincide with the left outer edge of the impression of the indentation
using the turning knob provided for that purpose.
o The inner edge of the nearer long or short division mark on the right side of the
scale is made to coincide with the right outer edge of the impression of the
indentation using the micrometer. If the long center division is not within the
vernier scale, adjust the micrometer once again so that the outer edge of the
impression contacts with another long or short mark.
o Count the number of divisions between the long and short marks enclosing the
impression (exclude the small strip 0 – 0). Multiply that by 0.1 to get the diameter
of the indentation up to first decimal value.
o Count the number of varnier scale divisions within the small strip 0 – 0. This
indicates the 2nd decimal value of the diameter of the indentation.
o Read the coinciding head scale division of micrometer, which is the value of the
3rd decimal place of the diameter of the indentation.
Turn the screw through 90o and determine the diameter of the indentation once again.
Consider the mean of the two values so determined as the diameter of the indentation.
If no further tests are to be conducted, switch off the machine.
Note:
1. The thickness of the test piece should not be less than 10 times the depth of indentation.
2. The distance of the centre of the indentation from the edge of the test piece are from the
circumference of the adjacent indentation should not be less than 3 times the diameter
of the indentation.
3. The Brinell hardness number is calculated using the formula
where P is the applied load in kg, D is the diameter of the indenter in mm and d is the
diameter of the indentation in mm.
The Brinell hardness number is expressed as: (value in N/mm2)
HB (D in mm) / (P in N) / (time in s).
II. H.T.M.-2
Diameter Diameter of the indentation
Material Brinell
of the Load
of the d = (d1 + d2)/2, hardness
indenter P, kgf d1, mm d2, mm
specimen mm value
D, mm
Brass
Gun Metal
Aluminum
Specimen calculation:
For the given specimen,
2𝑃
𝐻𝐵 = N/mm2
πD (D−√D2−d2
Result and
discussion:
3. IMPACT TEST
40 mm Taper 1 in 5 slope
Radius of curvature 1 to 1.5 mm
1 mm R
5 mm
10 mm
27.5 mm 27.5
mm Plan Cross Section
0.25 mm R 2 mm
8 mm
10 mm
47 mm 28
mm
Procedure:
Check the specimen for the its standard dimensions.
Depending upon the type of test, fix the corresponding striking edge to the hammer.
To find the frictional loss:
o Raise the pendulum to its highest position where it gets locked. At this position,
the potential energy stored in the pendulum is 30 Nm.
o Set the dial to read 30 Nm with the indicator showing black colour.
o Press the lock lever first and then the pendulum releaser to release the pendulum.
o Stop the oscillations of the pendulum using the damper plate / brake.
o Record the reading on the dial which indicates the frictional loss directly.
Note: Read the black or red scale according as the indicator is black or red respectively.
i) Fix the specimen in its holder.
a) For Izod Test: The specimen should be placed vertically as a cantilever with the
shorter end of the specimen projecting above the holder and V-Notch on the
tension side.
b) For Charpy Test: The specimen should be placed horizontally as a simple beam
and the U-notch on the tension side.
Note: Use the appropriate centraliser to keep the specimen in its proper position.
ii) Raise the pendulum to its highest position where it gets locked. Set the dial to read 30
Nm with the indicator showing black colour.
iii) Release the pendulum by pressing down the lock lever first and then the pendulum
releaser to strike the specimen.
iv) Use the damper plate / brake to stop the oscillations of the pendulum.
v) Record the dial reading on the red or black scale depending upon whether the indicator
is red or black respectively.
vi) Observe whether the specimen has broken completely or not.
Note:
1. Utmost care must be taken to see that no person is present in the line of oscillation of
the pendulum.
2. During the test, if the test piece is not completely broken, the impact value obtained is
indefinite. Then the test report should state that the test piece was unbroken by
joules, in case of Izod test, and the test report should state that the test piece was not
broken by the striking energy of the testing machine, in case of Charpy test.
Observations and Calculations:
1. Material of the specimen :
2. Mass of the pendulum :
18.748 kg
3. Length of the pendulum :
825 mm
4. Angle of swing :
160o
5. Frictional loss =
Uf = Nm
I. Izod Impact Test:
Impact energy
Specimen Observed or Impact value
No. Specimen reading UI=U0 – Uf Remarks
dimensions U0, Nm
Nm joules
Aim: To study the behaviour of Mild steel when subjected to a gradually increasing
torsional load and to determine the rigidity modulus & modulus of rupture (torsion):
Theory: Definitions: Shear stress, Shear strain, Rigidity modulus; Torsion, Torsion equation;
Modulus of rupture (torsion).
Procedure:
Observe the specimen. Measure its diameter and initial length.
Mark a straight line parallel to the longitudinal axis of the specimen with a piece of
chalk to observe the twisting of the specimen and to measure the percentage elongation.
Place the two enlarged ends of the specimen inside the two end blocks and place the
whole assembly in the specimen holder. See that the specimen is fixed with no slack.
Adjust the circular scale and the torque scale to read zero. See that the screw provided
in the torque scale arrangement is in contact with the main scale and that the vernier of
the circular scale is in contact with the pendulum frame, initially.
To begin with, operate the machine manually. Record the torque scale readings at
regular intervals of 1o twist up to 10o and at every 2o intervals up to 30o.
Now, remove the crank used for manual operation and connect the machine to an
electric motor through a clutch arrangement.
Note down the torque scale readings at 60o and afterwards at an interval of 60o up to the
failure of the specimen.
At the instant of failure, disengage the clutch. Record the angle of twist as well as the
torque at the instant of failure.
Remove the tested specimen. Observe the type of fracture.
With the help of a thread, measure the length of the chalk mark on the specimen.
32 mm4
16 Tmax
4 Modulus of rapture (Torsion) = = kg/cm2
D 3
= N/mm2
Aim: To study the stress-strain behaviour of mild steel test specimen under a gradually
increasing tensile load and to determine the Young‟s modulus of elasticity, yield stress,
tensile strength, percentage elongation & percentage reduction in cross sectional area.
Procedure:
Observe the specimen. Measure the total length and parallel length of the specimen.
Also measure the diameter of the specimen. Calculate the gauge length. Mark the
gauge length on the central portion of the specimen.
Fix the specimen in-between the upper and middle cross heads using the gripping
devices. Take precautions to fix the test specimen in such a way as to ensure that the
load is applied axially.
Fix the extensometer in its position over the gauge points. Adjust the extensometer and
the linear scale to read zero initially.
Select proper range of loading (i.e. 0 to 40 tonnes).
Switch on the machine. Apply the axial tensile load on the specimen gradually. Record
the extensometer readings at a constant load increment of 400 kg.
The yield point can be observed either:
o by the kickback of the live needle of the load indicating dial.
OR
o by the rapid movement of extensometer dial needle at constant load
reading. Record the yield load(s), and remove the extensometer.
Continue the axial loading.
At one stage, the live needle begins to return, leaving the dummy needle there itself.
Note down the load at that point as the ultimate load. Also, observe the neck formation
on the specimen.
Note down the load at the point of failure of the specimen.
Switch off the machine; Remove the failed specimen; Observe the type of fracture.
Measure the final gauge length on the tested specimen, if the failure has occurred within
the gauge length portion and also, the diameter at the neck.
Note:
a) The above procedure is valid for steel bar of diameter equal to or greater than 4 mm, or
of thickness equal to or greater than 3 mm.
b) For test pieces of rectangular section, a ratio of width to thickness of 8 : 1 should not be
exceeded.
c) The gauge length can be calculated from the equation L0 A =5.65 5D
where A is the initial cross sectional area of the test specimen. It is rounded off to
nearest multiple of 5 mm. However, test pieces with other gauge lengths may be used,
for technical or economical reasons.
d) Some specimens exhibit both upper and lower yield points, and some specimens exhibit
only one yield point.
e) Some materials may not exhibit any yield point at all. For such materials, 0.2% proof
stress is to be determined.
f) If the failure occurs outside the gauge length, the value of the percentage of elongation
can not be calculated.
Observations and Calculations before the test:
1. Material of the specimen :
2. Initial diameter of the specimen =D= mm.
3. Total length = Lt = mm.
4. Parallel length = LP =
5. Initial gauge length = L0 =
6. Initial cross sectional area of the
specimen =A= mm2
7. Least count of the extensometer = mm
8. Capacity of the extensometer = mm
9. Range of gauge length allowed
in the extensometer =
8. Young‟s modulus of elasticity of Mild Steel in tension = Slope of the straight line
portion of the stress vs. strain curve = Et = N/mm2
OR
load at
9. Yield stress(σy) = = N/mm2.
yieldpoint
A
Ultimate
10. Tensile strength (Ultimate strength) (σult) =
load = N/mm2.
Aim: To study the stress-strain behaviour of the given mild steel specimen under a gradually
increasing axial compressive load and to determine the compressive strength characteristics
of the given material.
Procedure:
Observe the specimen. Measure its diameter and length.
Place the specimen in between the middle and lower cross heads of the UTM.
Fix the dial gauge in its proper position. Adjust the dial reading to zero initially or note
down the dial gauge reading corresponding to zero load.
Select proper range of loading (i.e. 0 to 40 tonnes).
Switch on the machine. Apply the axial compressive load on the specimen gradually.
Note down the dial gauge readings at a constant load increment of 400 kg.
The yield point can be observed either
o by the kickback of the live needle of the load indicating dial
OR
o by the rapid movement of dial gauge needle at constant load
reading. Record the yield load(s), and remove the dial gauge.
Loading is continued and can be stopped at any stage after this. The specimen will not
fail under compression in the case of highly ductile materials.
Release the load. Switch off the machine. Remove the tested specimen and observe its
shape.
Note:
1. It is preferable to have a length to diameter ratio of 2 to 3 for the compression
test specimen of either ductile or brittle material.
2. Utmost care should be taken to apply the load axially.
OR
load at yieldpoint
Yield stress = N/mm2.
(σy)= A
Aim: To study the behaviour of given specimen subjected to pure bending and to
determine the Young‟s modulus of elasticity and modulus of rupture (bending).
Theory: Definitions: Bending moment, Pure bending, Neutral axis, Bending equation,
Section modulus, Modulus of rupture (bending).
P P
b
P P
d
Place the specimen over the roller supports. Place two more rollers at two-point
loading positions and M.S. plate over them.
Move the middle cross head to suitable position close to M.S. plate.
Move the lower cross head and establish a slight contact between M.S. plate and the
loading element fixed to the middle cross head.
Start applying the load gradually. Note down the dial gauge readings at regular load
intervals of 40 kg. Remove the dial gauge after about 10 readings.
Continue loading up to failure and record the load at failure.
Switch off the machine and release the load. Remove the specimen and observe the
type of failure.
23
𝐸 = 648 𝑑𝑃 3 L = N/mm2
( 𝑑𝛿 )I
= GPa
𝑃𝐹 𝐿
3. Maximum bending mopment =( )= 𝑁 − 𝑚𝑚
𝑀𝑓 3
= MPa
Aim: To determine the average and maximum shear strengths of the given
mild steel specimen when subjected to double shear:
Theory: Definition of shear force; Difference between single and double shear;
Relationship between maximum and average shear stresses for different cross sections.
Procedure:
Observe the specimen. Measure its diameter.
Place the load centraliser along with the central bush, inside the main block.
Insert the specimen inside the block such that it passes through the central bush.
Place the end bushes in their positions such that their grooved surfaces
face outwards.
Tighten the end screws moderately.
Place the whole assembly on the lower cross head of UTM such that the
compression plate of the middle cross head touches the load centraliser.
Select a proper load range (i.e. 0 to 20 tonnes)
Apply the axial compressive load gradually on the load centraliser
which transforms the axial load into shear load along two parallel
planes.
Record the load at which the specimen fails.
Switch off the machine; Remove the tested specimen and observe the nature
of failure.
1. Define (a) Hardness (b) Static indentation and (c) Dynamic indentation.
2. Differentiate between Hardness and Toughness.
3. Why do the Brinell hardness numbers obtained from the depth of
indentation usually differ from those computed from the diameter of
indentation.?
4. How long should the load be maintained in the Brinell test for harndess
of steel and why is a definite loading period essential?
5. Explain how hardness is a relative term.
6. Why should the surface of the specimen be flat and well polished?
7. What is the need to perform the hardness test?
8. How is Rockwell hardness test different from Brinells hardness test?
9. How do the following affect the reading
a) Pitted surface
b) Oiled surface
c) Curved surface
d) Presence of a compressible material between specimen and indentor.