Tensile testing principles: Fundamentals, methods and challenges
by James M. Clinton, The L.S. Starrett Company
Tensile testing is arguably the most common test method used in both force measurement and material testing. Tensile testing is used primarily to determine the mechanical behavior of a component, part or material under static, axial loading.
The test method for both material testing and force measurement is similar; however, the measurement results are different. A tensile test is performed to determine the tensile properties of a material or component. The test sample’s deformation is used to characterize its ductility or brittleness, as well as important characteristics such as tensile strength, yield point, elastic limit, percent elongation, elastic modulus and toughness.