CENTRAL INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY

Diploma of Civil and Structural Engineering

35914 Use Materials in Engineering
Trainer/Lecturer: Kenneth Ying-Ho Poon
Student: Eduardo de Aguiar Araujo, 1510390

ASSESSMENT 1: TENSION TEST LABORATORY

AIM
The aim of the tension testing performed in the Laboratory is to
show how to determine some tensile properties of materials, while they
are submitted to a universal testing machine. Also the experiment allows
us to learn how to follow standards in a lab test, how to interpret data, and
how to handle laboratory equipment.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PROCEDURE AND
AUSTRALIAN STANDARDS
The Australian Standard taken into consideration for this specific
tension test is the AS 1391 Metallic materials tensile testing at ambient
temperature.
The tension test reported on this assignment took place in the
Central Institute of Technology laboratory, on the 22 nd of October 2015, in
which a universal testing machine and an extensometer were used to
perform the test on the following materials:

Black Mild Steel

Bright Mild Steel

Stainless Steel

Brass

Aluminium

The test pieces used were cylindrical, having dimensions in the

the appropriate range specified in the Standard aforementioned.
1. Measure the length of the test piece, excluding the grip part.
2. Measure the diameter of the test piece.
3. Punch a 50mm range (original gauge length) in the middle of
the test piece.
4. Mark that punched 50mm range with ink (marker).
5. Submit the test piece to the universal testing machine, in a way
that the machine has a good grip to start the straining.
6. Apply the extensometer to the test piece.

7. Start the Data Acquisition System.

8. Start the test.
9. After fracture, collect the fracture ends from the machine.
10.Measure the minimum diameter reached after the fracture.
11.Join both fracture ends and measure the final length.
12.Print the graphs plotted by the software.

DEVIATIONS TO THE STANDARD

During the procedures of the tension test, only a few deviations
to the standard might have occurred and influenced the results of the
tests.
There was some rounding in the calculations and the material we
used was set, so if there was any deviation to the Standard, it would not
be possible to change the test piece.
As far as the test goes, there was no data on the machine
calibration. Also, the grip of the machine slipped in a few occasions, which
causes a disruption the graphs.
REPORT
This report contains tables with all the collected data, along with
definitions and formulas for the tensile properties to be determined
through the tests.
It also contains the calculations converting measured loads and
extensions into stresses and strains, properly explained.
The graphs of Load (kN) versus displacement (mm) for each
material are attached to this report, along with the details of yield or proof
stress ultimate tensile stress, and Youngs Modulus of Elasticity.
The values of the mechanical properties are determined in each
specific section for each material.

BLACK MILD STEEL

Original Gauge Length
(L0) = 50mm (out of a total 110.26mm)
Final Gauge Length
(Lu) = 67.5mm
Original Cross Section Diameter
(d0) = 11.56mm
Original Cross Section Area
(S0) = 104.96mm2
Final Cross Section Diameter
(du) = 6.88mm
Final Cross Section Area
(Su) = 37.18mm2
Maximum Tensile Load
MTL = 53.08 kN
Distance between two gauge at any stage point is (L1)
After Fracture, L1 = Lu
For circular section test pieces, S = (d2)/4
Strain (e) is the increase in length.
Strain = e =

L1 L0
L0

Elongation is Strain expressed in percentage and its most commonly used

after Fracture (A):
Elongation after Fracture = A =

Lu L0
L0

x 100% =

67.5 50
50

x 100% =

35%
Percentage of Reduction of area after fracture (Z) is the maximum change
in cross sectional area of the test piece, expressed as a percentage of the
original cross sectional area:
Z=

S0 Su
S0

x 100% =

104.96 37.18
104.96

= 0.6458 x 100% = 64.58%

Stress is the Force per unit area. In the tensile test, the Stress is the force
divided by the original cross sectional area of the specimen, so no account
is taken of the reduction in diameter as the specimen elongates.

Stress = f = =

mm
Original Area( 2)
Force(N )

= Stress (MPa)

Ultimate Tensile Strength (UTS) or Maximum Tension Stress (MTS) is the

stress corresponding to the maximum force recorded during the test, so
Tensile Strength is the Maximum Tension Stress (MTS), derived from the
Maximum Tension Load (MTL) given by the testing machine.

Maximum Tension Stress (MTS) =

Maximum Tension Load

Original Area

53080 N
2
104.96 mm

505.72 MPa
Upper Yield Stress and Lower Yield Stress can both be obtained by
analysing the results given by the universal testing machine, as its an
accurate graph which was plotted proportionally.
The Upper Yield Stress is derived from a force located between the range
of 36.00 kN and 42.00 kN, that range of 6.00 kN measuring 16mm in the
graph attached to this Report. As the Upper Yield Stress is approximately
11.5mm above 36.00kN mark, then, proportionally, the Upper Yield Stress
is 40.3125 kN divided by the Original Cross Section Area (104.96mm2).
Force = 36 kN + 11.5 x

Upper Yield Stress =

6
16

= 40.3125 kN = 40312.5 N

Specific Force
Original Area

40312.5 N
104.96 mm 2

= 384.075 MPa

The Lower Yield Stress is also derived from a force located between the
range of 36.00 kN and 42.00 kN, that range of 6.00 kN measuring 16mm
in the graph attached to this Report. As the Upper Yield Stress is
approximately 6.5mm above the 36.00kN mark, then, proportionally, the
Upper Yield Stress is 38.4375 kN divided by the Original Cross Section
Area (104.96mm2).
Force = 36 kN + 6.5 x

6
16

= 38.4375 kN = 38437.5

Specific Force
Lower Yield Stress = Original Area

38437.5 N
2
104.96 mm

= 366.211 MPa

Youngs module of Elasticity (E) is determined from stress over strain, and
it can be derived from the slope of the elastic part (straight line).
To determine the Youngs module of Elasticity, I used two specific points of
the straight line plotted during the elastic zone of the graph. Those two
points are (5.00mm, 30.00kN) and (2.65625mm, 12.00kN).
Note: the values that were not marked on the graph were obtained by the
use of measuring and proportion.
Force (N)

Extension
(mm)

12 000
30 000

2.652625
5.00

Stress (MPa)
(Force/Original
Area)
114.3293
285.8232

Strain
(Extension/Gauge
Length)
0.05305
0.1

Youngs

module

285.8232114.3293
0.045350.02405

of

Elasticity

(E)

= 3652.692 MPa

Stress
S train

2 1
e 2e 1

BRIGHT MILD STEEL

Original Gauge Length
(L0) = 50mm (out of a total 110mm)
Final Gauge Length
(Lu) = 121.00mm (failure out of reach)
Original Cross Section Diameter
(d0) = 11.4mm
Original Cross Section Area
(S0) = 102.07mm2
Final Cross Section Diameter
(du) = 7.7mm
Final Cross Section Area
(Su) = 46.56mm2
Maximum Tensile Load
MTL = 69.6 kN
Distance between two gauge at any stage point is (L1)
After Fracture, L1 = Lu
For circular section test pieces, S = (d2)/4
Strain (e) is the increase in length
Elongation is Strain expressed in percentage and its most commonly used
after Fracture (A):
Elongation after Fracture = A =

Lu L0
L0

x 100% =

61 50
50

x 100% =

22.00%
Percentage of Reduction of area after fracture (Z) is the maximum change
in cross sectional area of the test piece, expressed as a percentage of the
original cross sectional area:
Z=

S0 Su
S0

x 100% =

102.07 46.56
102.07

= 0.5438 x 100% = 54.38%

Stress is the Force per unit area. In the tensile test, the Stress is the force
divided by the original cross sectional area of the specimen, so no account
is taken of the reduction in diameter as the specimen elongates.

Stress = f = =

mm
Original Area( 2)
Force(N )

= Stress (MPa)

Ultimate Tensile Strength (UTS) or Maximum Tension Stress (MTS) is the

stress corresponding to the maximum force recorded during the test, so
Tensile Strength is the Maximum Tension Stress (MTS), derived from the
Maximum Tension Load (MTL) given by the testing machine.
Maximum Tension Stress (MTS) =
681.88 MPa

Maximum Tension Load

Original Area

69600 N
102.07 mm 2

Upper Yield Stress and Lower Yield Stress can both be obtained by
analysing the results given by the universal testing machine, as its an
accurate graph which was plotted proportionally.
The Upper Yield Stress is derived from a force located between the range
of 0.00 kN and 7.00 kN, that range of 7.00 kN measuring 16mm in the
graph attached to this Report. As the Upper Yield Stress is approximately
11mm above the 0.00kN mark, then, proportionally, the Upper Yield Stress
is 4.8125 kN divided by the Original Cross Section Area (102.07mm2).
Force = 11.0 x

7
16

Upper Yield Stress =

= 4.8125 kN = 4812.5 N
Specific Force
Original Area

4812.5 N
102.07 mm 2

= 47.15 MPa

The Lower Yield Stress is also derived from a force located between the
range of 0.00 kN and 7.00 kN, that range of 7.00 kN measuring 16mm in
the graph attached to this Report. As the Upper Yield Stress is
approximately 6mm above the 0.00kN mark, then, proportionally, the
Upper Yield Stress is 2.625 kN divided by the Original Cross Section Area
(102.07mm2).
Force = 6.0 x

7
16

= 2.625 kN = 2625 N

Specific Force
Lower Yield Stress = Original Area

2625 N
102.07 mm 2

= 25.72 MPa

Youngs module of Elasticity (E) is determined from stress over strain, and
it can be derived from the slope of the elastic part (straight line).
To determine the Youngs module of Elasticity, I used two specific points of
the straight line plotted during the elastic zone of the graph.
Note: the values that were not marked on the graph were obtained by the
use of measuring and proportion.
Force (N)

Extension
(mm)

1 750
3 718.75

0.5469
1.1718

Stress (MPa)
(Force/Original
Area)
17.1450
36.4333

Strain
(Extension/Gauge
Length)
0.010938
0.023436

Youngs

module

36.433317.1450
0.0234360.010938

of

Elasticity

= 1543.31 MPa

(E)

Stress
S train

2 1
e 2e 1

STAINLESS STEEL
Original Gauge Length
(L0) = 50mm (out of a total 110.5mm)
Final Gauge Length
(Lu) = 65.00mm (125.5mm)
Original Cross Section Diameter
(d0) = 11.3mm
Original Cross Section Area
(S0) = 100.29mm2
Final Cross Section Diameter
(du) = 6.4mm
Final Cross Section Area
(Su) = 32.17mm2
Maximum Tensile Load
MTL = 79.26 kN
Distance between two gauge at any stage point is (L1)
After Fracture, L1 = Lu
For circular section test pieces, S = (d2)/4
Strain (e) is the increase in length:
Elongation is Strain expressed in percentage and its most commonly used
after Fracture (A):
Elongation after Fracture = A =

Lu L0
L0

x 100% =

6550
50

x 100% =

30.00%
Percentage of Reduction of area after fracture (Z) is the maximum change
in cross sectional area of the test piece, expressed as a percentage of the
original cross sectional area:
Z=

S0 Su
S0

x 100% =

100.29 32.17
100.29

= 0.6792 x 100% = 67.92%

Stress is the Force per unit area. In the tensile test, the Stress is the force
divided by the original cross sectional area of the specimen, so no account
is taken of the reduction in diameter as the specimen elongates.

Stress = f = =

mm
Original Area( 2)
Force(N )

= Stress (MPa)

Ultimate Tensile Strength (UTS) or Maximum Tension Stress (MTS) is the

stress corresponding to the maximum force recorded during the test, so
Tensile Strength is the Maximum Tension Stress (MTS), derived from the
Maximum Tension Load (MTL) given by the testing machine.
Maximum Tension Stress (MTS) =
790.31 MPa

Maximum Tension Load

Original Area

79260 N
100.29 mm2

Upper Yield Stress and Lower Yield Stress can both be obtained by
analysing the results given by the universal testing machine, as its an
accurate graph which was plotted proportionally.
The Upper Yield Stress is derived from a force located between the range
of 0.00 kN and 8.00 kN, that range of 8.00 kN measuring 16mm in the
graph attached to this Report. As the Upper Yield Stress is approximately
9mm above the 0.00kN mark, then, proportionally, the Upper Yield Stress
is 4.5 kN divided by the Original Cross Section Area (100.29mm2).
Force = 9.0 x

8
16

= 4.5 kN = 4500 N

Upper Yield Stress =

Specific Force
Original Area

4500 N
100.29 mm2

= 44.87 MPa

The Lower Yield Stress is also derived from a force located between the
range of 0.00 kN and 8.00 kN, that range of 8.00 kN measuring 16mm in
the graph attached to this Report. As the Upper Yield Stress is
approximately 5mm above the 0.00kN mark, then, proportionally, the
Upper Yield Stress is 2.5 kN divided by the Original Cross Section Area
(100.29mm2).
Force = 5.0 x

8
16

= 2.5 kN = 2500 N

Specific Force
Lower Yield Stress = Original Area

2500 N
100.29 mm2

= 24.93 MPa

Youngs module of Elasticity (E) is determined from stress over strain, and
it can be derived from the slope of the elastic part (straight line).
To determine the Youngs module of Elasticity, I used two specific points of
the straight line plotted during the elastic zone of the graph.
Note: the values that were not marked on the graph were obtained by the
use of measuring and proportion.
Force (N)

Extension
(mm)

Stress (MPa)
(Force/Original
Area)

Strain
(Extension/Gauge
Length)

1 750
3 250

0.3281
0.7657

17.4494
32.4060

0.006562
0.015314

Youngs

module

32.406017.4494
0.0153140.006562

of

Elasticity

= 1708.94 MPa

(E)

Stress
S train

2 1
e 2e 1

BRASS STEEL
Original Gauge Length
(L0) = 50mm (out of a total 110.6mm)
Final Gauge Length
(Lu) = 126mm
Original Cross Section Diameter
(d0) = 11.38mm
Original Cross Section Area
(S0) = 101.71mm2
Final Cross Section Diameter
(du) = 9.42mm
Final Cross Section Area
(Su) = 69.69mm2
Maximum Tensile Load
MTL = 42.46 kN
Distance between two gauge at any stage point is (L1)
After Fracture, L1 = Lu
For circular section test pieces, S = (d2)/4
Strain (e) is the increase in length.
Elongation is Strain expressed in percentage and its most commonly used
after Fracture (A):
Elongation after Fracture = A =

Lu L0
L0

x 100% =

65.450
50

x 100% =

30.80%
Percentage of Reduction of area after fracture (Z) is the maximum change
in cross sectional area of the test piece, expressed as a percentage of the
original cross sectional area:
Z=

S0 Su
S0

x 100% =

101.7169.69
101.71

= 0.3148 x 100% = 31.48%

Stress is the Force per unit area. In the tensile test, the Stress is the force
divided by the original cross sectional area of the specimen, so no account
is taken of the reduction in diameter as the specimen elongates.

Stress = f = =

mm
Original Area( 2)
Force(N )

= Stress (MPa)

Ultimate Tensile Strength (UTS) or Maximum Tension Stress (MTS) is the

stress corresponding to the maximum force recorded during the test, so
Tensile Strength is the Maximum Tension Stress (MTS), derived from the
Maximum Tension Load (MTL) given by the testing machine.
Maximum Tension Stress (MTS) =
417.461 MPa

Maximum Tension Load

Original Area

42460 N
101.71 mm2

Upper Yield Stress and Lower Yield Stress can both be obtained by
analysing the results given by the universal testing machine, as its an
accurate graph which was plotted proportionally.
The Upper Yield Stress is derived from a force located between the range
of 0.00 kN and 5.00 kN, that range of 5.00 kN measuring 16mm in the
graph attached to this Report. As the Upper Yield Stress is approximately
15.5mm above the 0.00kN mark, then, proportionally, the Upper Yield
Stress is 4.84375 kN divided by the Original Cross Section Area
(101.71mm2).
Force = 15.5 x

5
16

Upper Yield Stress =

= 4.84375 kN = 4843.75 N
Specific Force
Original Area

4843.75 N
101.71 mm2

= 47.62 MPa

The Lower Yield Stress is also derived from a force located between the
range of 0.00 kN and 5.00 kN, that range of 5.00 kN measuring 16mm in
the graph attached to this Report. As the Upper Yield Stress is
approximately 9.5mm above the 0.00kN mark, then, proportionally, the
Upper Yield Stress is 2.96875 kN divided by the Original Cross Section
Area (101.71mm2).
Force = 9.5 x

5
16

= 2.96875 kN = 2968.75 N

Specific Force
Lower Yield Stress = Original Area

2968.75 N
101.71 mm2

= 29.19 MPa

Youngs module of Elasticity (E) is determined from stress over strain, and
it can be derived from the slope of the elastic part (straight line).
To determine the Youngs module of Elasticity, I used two specific points of
the straight line plotted during the elastic zone of the graph.
Note: the values that were not marked on the graph were obtained by the
use of measuring and proportion.
Force (N)

Extension
(mm)

Stress (MPa)
(Force/Original
Area)

Strain
(Extension/Gauge
Length)

1 093.75
3 437.5

0.375
1.03125

10.7536
33.797

0.0075
0.020625

Youngs

module

33.79710.7536
0.0206250.0075

of

Elasticity

= 1755.69 MPa

(E)

Stress
S train

2 1
e 2e 1

ALUMINIUM
Original Gauge Length
(L0) = 50mm (out of a total 110.48mm)
Final Gauge Length
(Lu) = 62mm (122.48mm)
Original Cross Section Diameter
(d0) = 11.22mm
Original Cross Section Area
(S0) = 98.87mm2
Final Cross Section Diameter
(du) = 4.62mm
Final Cross Section Area
(Su) = 16.76mm2
Maximum Tensile Load
MTL = 21.08 kN
Distance between two gauge at any stage point is (L1)
After Fracture, L1 = Lu
For circular section test pieces, S = (d2)/4
Strain (e) is the increase in length
Elongation is Strain expressed in percentage and its most commonly used
after Fracture (A):
Elongation after Fracture = A =

Lu L0
L0

x 100% =

6250
50

x 100% =

24.00%
Percentage of Reduction of area after fracture (Z) is the maximum change
in cross sectional area of the test piece, expressed as a percentage of the
original cross sectional area:
Z=

S0 Su
S0

x 100% =

98.8716.76
98.87

= 0.8305 x 100% = 83.05%

Stress is the Force per unit area. In the tensile test, the Stress is the force
divided by the original cross sectional area of the specimen, so no account
is taken of the reduction in diameter as the specimen elongates.

Stress = f = =

mm
Original Area( 2)
Force(N )

= Stress (MPa)

Ultimate Tensile Strength (UTS) or Maximum Tension Stress (MTS) is the

stress corresponding to the maximum force recorded during the test, so
Tensile Strength is the Maximum Tension Stress (MTS), derived from the
Maximum Tension Load (MTL) given by the testing machine.
Maximum Tension Stress (MTS) =
213.21 MPa

Maximum Tension Load

Original Area

21080 N
98.87 mm2

Upper Yield Stress and Lower Yield Stress can both be obtained by
analysing the results given by the universal testing machine, as its an
accurate graph which was plotted proportionally.
The Upper Yield Stress is derived from a force located between the range
of 5.00 kN and 7.500 kN, that range of 2.500 kN measuring 16mm in the
graph attached to this Report. As the Upper Yield Stress is approximately
5mm above the 5.00kN mark, then, proportionally, the Upper Yield Stress
is 5.78125 kN divided by the Original Cross Section Area (98.87mm2).
2.5
16

Force = 5 + 5 x

= 5.78125 kN = 5781.25 N

Upper Yield Stress =

Specific Force
Original Area

5781.25 N
98.87 mm2

= 58.473 MPa

The Lower Yield Stress is also derived from a force located between the
range of 0.00 kN and 2.500 kN, that range of 2.500 kN measuring 16mm
in the graph attached to this Report. As the Upper Yield Stress is
approximately 10mm above the 0.00kN mark, then, proportionally, the
Upper Yield Stress is 1.5625 kN divided by the Original Cross Section Area
(98.87mm2).
Force = 10 x

2.5
16

= 1.5625 kN = 1562.5 N

Specific Force
Lower Yield Stress = Original Area

1562.5 N
98.87 mm2

= 15.80 MPa

Youngs module of Elasticity (E) is determined from stress over strain, and
it can be derived from the slope of the elastic part (straight line).
To determine the Youngs module of Elasticity, I used two specific points of
the straight line plotted during the elastic zone of the graph.
Note: the values that were not marked on the graph were obtained by the
use of measuring and proportion.
Force (N)

Extension
(mm)

Stress (MPa)
(Force/Original
Area)

Strain
(Extension/Gauge
Length)

2 500
5 000

1.09375
2.26562

25.286
50.571

0.021875
0.0453124

Youngs module of Elasticity (E) =

= 1078.83 MPa

Stress
S train

2 1
e 2e 1

50.57125.286
0.020500.0099

DISCUSSIONS
The relationship between load and extension exists in two ways
on a tension test graph: in the elastic zone, where the relationship plots a
straight line and if theres a decrease in load, the material is able to retain
its initial shape or length; and in the plastic range, where the relationship
plots a curve and the material looses its elasticity and becoming
deformed.
That relationship and its two zones are very clear on the
graphs.
The way each fracture occurs can show us another material
property: brittleness. If instead of the material presenting a smaller
diameter region that shows some pattern on straining, the material
presents a crack like fracture, this material is brittle.

REFERENCES
Modulus of Elasticity or Youngs Modulus and Tensile Modulus for some
common
Materials.
Available
from:
<http://www.engineeringtoolbox.com/young-modulus-d_417.html>
[27
October 2015]
Standards Australia. Metallic materials tensile testing at ambient
temperature, AS 1391. Available from: Australian Standards [26 October
2015]
Youngs Modulus. Available from: <https://en.wikipedia.org/wik i/Young
%27s_modulus> [27 October 2015]