Activity 2.3.

2 Tensile Testing SIM

Introduction
Tensile testing provides
engineers with the ability to verify
and establish material properties
related to a specific material.
This verification process is critical
in ensuring that the selected
material will meet design
specifications. In this activity you
will interpret and make sample
specific calculations related to
the material properties of a dog
bone test sample.

Equipment

Computer with access to Virtual Tensometer and Adobe Flash

Material Testing Formula Sheet

Procedure
You will use a tensile test simulation to observe how the test is performed and how
the force displacement graph is created during the test. You will perform calculations
using the graph to better understand the graph and important data.
1. Go to the Virtual Tensometer.

2. Click Enter to begin the simulation.

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3. Choose Want to try?

4. Click on the image of the Virtual

Tensometer.

5. This should bring you to the Virtual

Tensometer for testing.

6. Four materials are available to test.

All but cast iron will create usable
data for this activity. Check with your
instructor to determine which
material you will test. A sampling of
each material should be tested
among the class.

7. Test the material by dragging it into the clamps and pressing Start.
8. Upon completion of the test, enlarge your browser window by using Ctrl + so
that the graph is large.

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9. Take a screenshot of the browser, paste it into the Proportional Limit table
below, and then crop out all but the graph. Copy the cropped image and paste
it into the remainder of the tables.
The original diameter of the specimen is 5 mm or 0.20 in. and the original
length is 75 mm or 2.95 in.
Test Sample Calculations
1. Proportional Limit Stress
The greatest stress that a material is capable of withstanding without deviation from
straight line proportionality between the stress and strain. If the force applied to a
material is released, the material will return to its original size and shape.
Tensile test results graph (Insert test graph)

Locate the proportional limit on the test graph.

Solve for the proportional limit stress: = F/A

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2. Yield Point Stress

The point at which a sudden elongation takes place while the load on the sample
remains the same or actually drops. If the force applied to the material is released,
the material will not return to its original shape.
Tensile test results graph (Insert test graph)

Locate the Yield Point on the test graph.

Solve for the Yield Point stress: = F/A

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3. Ultimate/Tensile Stress
The point at which a maximum load for a sample is achieved. Beyond this point
elongation of the sample continues, but the force exerted decreases.
Tensile test results graph (Insert test graph)

Locate the maximum load location on the test graph.

Solve for the Ultimate/Tensile stress: = F/A

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4. Breaking/Rupture Point
The maximum amount of stress that can be applied before rupture occurs. The
specimen fractures in the necking region where the material reduces in diameter as
it elongates.
Tensile test results graph (Insert test graph)

Locate the Breaking/Rupture Point on the test graph.

Solve for the Breaking/Rupture Point stress: = F/A

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5. Modulus of Elasticity
A measure of a materials ability to regain its original dimensions after the removal of
a load or force. The modulus is the slope of the straight line portion of the stressstrain diagram up to the proportional limit.
Tensile test results graph (Insert test graph)

Solve for the Modulus of Elasticity:

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6. Modulus of Resilience
A measure of a materials ability to absorb energy up to the yield point. This modulus
is represented by the area under the stress vs. strain curve from 0-force to the yield
point.
Tensile test results graph (Insert test graph)

Solve for the Modulus of Resilience: Ur = ( yp yp)

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7. Modulus of Toughness
A measure of a materials ability to plastically deform without fracturing. Work is
performed by the material absorbing energy from the blow or deformation. This
measurement is equal to the area under the stress vs. strain curve from its origin
through the rupture point.
Tensile test results graph (Insert test graph)

Solve for the Modulus of Toughness: Ut = 1/3 ( br)( yp + 2 ult)

Conclusion Questions
1. Test and observe the graph created when testing cast iron. What does the
graph tell you about the hardness of cast iron? Describe an application where
the hardness of cast iron would be an advantage.

2. Compare the difference in the size and shape of the material if the test is
stopped before or after the yield point.

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