Tension Test On Steel Rod - Procedure and Results
Tension Test On Steel Rod - Procedure and Results
Tension Test On Steel Rod - Procedure and Results
Tension test is performed on mild steel, tor steel and high tensile steel to determine the
properties like Young’s modulus, ultimate strength, and the percentage elongation. In the
tension test, a steel rod is subjected to tension load by the means of a Universal testing
machine(UTM).
The equipment arrangement and procedure for conducting the tension test on steel rod are
explained.
Contents:
Loading unit: The loading of the specimen is conducted in the loading unit. In the figure
above, the equipment in the left is called as the loading unit. The loading unit consists of
three crossheads, they are the upper head, middle head, and lower head. These crossheads
are used depending on the type of load(tensile, compressive or shear) applied on the
specimen. When undergoing the tensile test, the upper and lower crossheads are used.
Control Panel: This unit facilitates the load application on the specimen. The load
application is performed by the action of hydraulic pressure. A pendulum dynamometer is
fitted to measure and indicate the force coming on the specimen.
A big size load indicating dial fitted with a glass cover is mounted at the side of the control
panel. The range indicating dial is to be adjusted for the particular range selected.
Theory
The specimen is subjected to constant tension load and the extension caused in the steel rod is
noted against the load within the elastic limit. The load values at yield point, breaking point,
and ultimate point are carefully noted.
With the obtained values, the stress and strain are calculated and plotted in a graph. From the
data, we get:
1. Modulus of Elasticity, E = Stress/Strain[This is calculated within the elastic limit. The slope
of the stress-strain curve provides the modulus of elasticity]
2. Yield Stress = Load at yield Point/Original C/s Area
3. Ultimate Stress = Ultimate Load/Original C/s Area
4. Nominal Breaking Stress = Breaking Load/Nominal Breaking Stress
5. Actual Breaking Stress = Breaking load/Neck Area
6. Percentage elongation = (Change in length/Original Length)/100
7. Percentage reduction in the area = (Change in length/Original Area)/100
1. Preparation of Specimen: Initially, the steel rod specimen is cleaned and gauge length is
marked on it. The gauge length is calculated by the formula . The gauge
length can be marked on the specimen by punching tool.
2. Range Calculation: A tensile stress value is assumed for which the maximum expected
load capacity of the rod is calculated. From this, the range is calculated and this range is
set in the UTM.Assuming working stress = 140N/mm²
Factor of safety = 3.i.e Ultimate stress = 140×3 = 420N/mm².
3. Placing the Specimen: The handle is operated such that the specimen firmly fits to the
top base. The left valve is kept in a fully closed position and the right valve in a normal
open position. Open the right valve and close it after the lower table is slightly lifted.
Adjust the load pointer to zero with the zero adjusting knobs. By
operating the handle, lift the lower crosshead chuck up and grip firmly the lower part of
the specimen. Once the specimen is placed, the jaws are locked.
4. Placing Extensometer: Fix the extensometer on the specimen and set the reading to zero.
5. Load Application: Turn the right control valve slowly to open position to get the desired
loading rate. When the specimen is under load, slowly unclamp the locking handle. Note
the extension at a convenient load increment. Extensometer must be removed before
reaching the yield point. The right valve is used to apply the load and the left valve is used
to release the load on the specimen.
6. Important Load Points: With the increase in load at some point, the load pointer remains
stationary. Load corresponding to this indicates the yield point. With further increase in
load, the pointer goes backward and specimen breaks. The load before this breaking is
the ultimate load. The load at the breaking of the specimen is called as the breaking load.
As shown in figure-4 below, once the load crosses the ultimate stress (ultimate load) necking
starts to form in the steel rod. Necking is a large reduction caused in the cross-sectional area
of the steel rod.
Close the right control valve and take out the broken piece. Open the left control valve to
pump the oil back. Maximum capacity of the specimen can be seen against the red pointer.
Measure the diameter of the specimen at the neck.
Stress at different values of strains is also determined as, Stress = Load /Area;
With different values of stress and corresponding strains, the stress-strain graph is plotted.
6. % Elongation = ______
3. What are the possible ranges in the UTM and what is the corresponding least count?
8. What is the name of the device used for measuring the elongation of the specimen in
tension test?
11. Before you mount a specimen on the testing machine for any test, what are the
preliminaries you must complete?
16. What is the purpose of calculating percentage elongation and percentage reduction in area
in tension test?
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