Designation: B557 − 15

Standard Test Methods for

Tension Testing Wrought and Cast Aluminum- and
Magnesium-Alloy Products1
This standard is issued under the fixed designation B557; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A
superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
This standard has been approved for use by agencies of the U.S. Department of Defense.

1. Scope* E8 Test Methods for Tension Testing of Metallic Materials

1.1 These test methods cover the tension testing of wrought E29 Practice for Using Significant Digits in Test Data to
and cast aluminum- and magnesium-alloy products, with the Determine Conformance with Specifications
exception of aluminum foil,2 and are derived from Test E83 Practice for Verification and Classification of Exten-
Methods E8, which cover the tension testing of all metallic someter Systems
materials. E345 Test Methods of Tension Testing of Metallic Foil
E691 Practice for Conducting an Interlaboratory Study to
1.2 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded Determine the Precision of a Test Method
as standard. No other units of measurement are included in this E1012 Practice for Verification of Testing Frame and Speci-
standard. men Alignment Under Tensile and Compressive Axial
1.3 This standard does not purport to address all of the Force Application
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro- 3. Terminology
priate safety and health practices and determine the applica-
3.1 The definitions of terms relating to tension testing
bility of regulatory limitations prior to use.
appearing in Terminology E6 shall be considered as applying
NOTE 1—Foil is sheet metal less than 0.0079 in. thick. There is an to the terms used in these test methods.
overlap in the thickness range 0.006 to 0.0079 in. defined for foil and
sheet. Sheet products in this thickness range are supplied to sheet product
specifications and foil products in this thickness range are supplied to foil
4. Significance and Use
product specifications. Exceptions to the provisions of these test methods 4.1 Tension tests provide information on the strength and
may need to be made in individual specifications or test methods for a
particular material.
ductility of materials under uniaxial tensile stresses. This
NOTE 2—A complete metric companion to Test Methods B557 has been information may be useful in comparisons of materials, alloy
developed—Test Methods B557M; therefore, no metric equivalents are development, quality control, and design under certain circum-
presented in these test methods. stances.
2. Referenced Documents 4.2 The results of tension tests of specimens machined to
3 standardized dimensions from selected portions of a part or
2.1 ASTM Standards: material may not totally represent the strength and ductility
B209 Specification for Aluminum and Aluminum-Alloy properties of the entire end product or its in-service behavior in
Sheet and Plate different environments.
E4 Practices for Force Verification of Testing Machines
E6 Terminology Relating to Methods of Mechanical Testing 4.3 These test methods are considered satisfactory for ac-
ceptance testing of commercial shipments and have been used
extensively in the trade for this purpose.
1
These test methods are under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee B07 on
Light Metals and Alloys and are the direct responsibility of Subcommittee B07.05 5. Apparatus
on Testing.
Current edition approved Oct. 1, 2015. Published October 2015. Originally 5.1 Testing Machines—Machines used for tension testing
approved in 1971. Last previous edition approved in 2010 as B557 – 14. DOI: shall conform to the requirements of Practices E4. The forces
10.1520/B0557-15.
2
For test methods of tension testing of aluminum foil, see Test Methods E345. used in determining tensile strength and yield strength shall be
3
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or within the verified force application range of the testing
contact ASTM Customer Service at service@astm.org. For Annual Book of ASTM machine as defined in Practices E4.
Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
the ASTM website. 5.2 Gripping Devices:

*A Summary of Changes section appears at the end of this standard

Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States

1
 B557 − 15
5.2.1 General—Various types of gripping devices may be
used to transmit the measured load applied by the testing
machine to the test specimens. To ensure axial tensile stress
within the gage length, the axis of the test specimen must
coincide with the centerline of the heads of the testing
machine. Any departure from this requirement may introduce
bending stresses that are not included in the usual stress
computation (load divided by cross-sectional area).
NOTE 3—The effect of this eccentric loading may be illustrated by
calculating the bending moment and stress thus added. For a standard
0.500-in. diameter specimen, the stress increase is 1.5 percentage points
for each 0.001 in. of eccentricity. This error increases to 2.24 percentage
points/0.001 in. for a 0.350-in. diameter specimen and to 3.17 percentage
points/0.001 in. for a 0.250-in. diameter specimen.
NOTE 4—Alignment methods are given in Practice E1012.
5.2.2 Wedge Grips—Testing machines usually are equipped
with wedge grips. These wedge grips generally furnish a
satisfactory means of gripping long specimens of ductile metal.
If, however, for any reason, one grip of a pair advances farther
than the other as the grips tighten, an undesirable bending
stress may be introduced. When liners are used behind the
wedges, they must be of the same thickness and their faces
must be flat and parallel. For best results, the wedges should be
supported over their entire length by the heads of the testing
machine. This requires that liners of several thicknesses be
available to cover the range of specimen thickness. For proper
gripping, it is desirable that the entire length of the serrated
face of each wedge be in contact with the specimen. Proper
alignment of wedge grips and liners is illustrated in Fig. 1. For
short specimens it is generally necessary to use machined test
specimens and to use a special means of gripping to ensure that
the specimens, when under load, shall be as nearly as possible
in uniformly distributed pure axial tension (see 5.2.3 – 5.2.5). FIG. 2 Gripping Device for Threaded-End Specimens
5.2.3 Grips for Threaded and Shouldered Specimens—A
schematic diagram of a gripping device for threaded-end
specimens is shown in Fig. 2, while Fig. 3 shows a device for
5.3 Dimension-Measuring Devices—Micrometers and other
gripping specimens with shouldered ends. Both of these
devices used for measuring linear dimensions shall be accurate
gripping devices should be attached to the heads of the testing
and precise to at least one half the smallest unit to which the
machine through properly lubricated spherical-seated bearings.
individual dimension is required to be measured.
The distance between spherical bearings should be as great as
feasible. 5.4 Extensometers—Extensometers used in tensile testing
5.2.4 Grips for Sheet Materials—The self-adjusting grips shall conform to the requirements of Practice E83 for the
shown in Fig. 4 have proved satisfactory for testing sheet classifications specified by the procedure section of these test
materials that cannot be tested satisfactorily in the usual type of methods. Extensometers shall be used and verified to include
wedge grips. the strains corresponding to the yield strength and elongation at
5.2.5 Grips for Wire—Grips of either the wedge or snubbing fracture (if determined).
types as shown in Figs. 4 and 5 or flat wedge grips may be 5.4.1 Extensometers with gage lengths equal to or shorter
used. than the nominal gage length of the specimen (dimension
shown as “G-Gage Length” in the accompanying figures) may
be used to determine the yield behavior. For measuring
elongation at fracture with an appropriate extensometer, the
gage length of the extensometer shall be equal to the nominal
gage length required for the specimen being tested.

6. Test Specimen
6.1 General:
6.1.1 Test specimens shall be of the full section of the
material whenever practical. Otherwise, machined specimens
FIG. 1 Wedge Grips with Liners for Flat Specimens of rectangular or round cross section shall be used.

2
 B557 − 15

FIG. 5 Snubbing Device for Testing Wire

important, therefore, that care be exercised in the preparation

of specimens, particularly in the machining, to ensure the
desired precision and bias in test results.
6.1.3 The cross-sectional area of the specimen should be
smallest at the center of the reduced section to ensure fracture
within the gage length. For this reason, a small taper is
permitted in the reduced section of each of the specimens
FIG. 3 Gripping Device for Shouldered-End Specimens described in the following sections.
6.1.4 Rectangular specimens shall be 0.500 in. wide in
accordance with Fig. 6 or Fig. 7 (for tubular products), and
shall be of the full thickness of the material when practical.
When necessary, 0.250-in. wide subsize specimens as shown in
Fig. 6 may be used, but elongation values from such specimens
are not applicable to specification requirements.
6.1.4.1 Pin ends as shown in Fig. 8 may be used. In order to
avoid buckling in tests of thin and high-strength materials, it
may be necessary to use stiffening plates at the grip ends.
6.1.5 Round specimens shall be the standard 0.500-in.
diameter specimen in Fig. 9, except when the dimensions of the
product make this impossible. In such cases, small-size speci-
mens proportional to the standard specimen shown in Fig. 9
may be used. Unless otherwise specified in the product
specification, the selection of round tension specimens shall be
as specified in Table 1. Unless permitted by the product
specification, the dimensions of the smallest specimen used
shall not be less than the following:
Wrought Cast
Diameter of reduced section, in. 0.160 0.250
Length of reduced section, in. 3 ⁄4 1 1⁄ 4
Radius of fillet, in. 1 ⁄8 3⁄16

Diameter of end section, in. 15⁄64 3 ⁄8

Overall length, in.

With shouldered ends 11⁄2 2 3⁄ 8
With threaded ends 2 3
With plain cylindrical ends 3 4
6.1.5.1 The shape of the ends of the specimens outside of
the gage length shall be suitable to the material and of a shape
to fit the holders or grips of the testing machine so that the
loads are applied axially. Fig. 10 shows specimens with various
FIG. 4 Gripping Devices for Sheet and Wire Specimens types of ends that have given satisfactory results.
6.1.6 Special care is required in the manufacture and testing
of smaller specimens because the effects of machining (for
6.1.2 Improperly prepared test specimens often are the example, the amount of end load applied and the amount of
reason for unsatisfactory and incorrect test results. It is heat generated) and testing (for example, eccentricity and gage

3
 B557 − 15

Dimensions, in.
Standard Specimen Sheet- Subsize Specimen
Type, 1⁄2-in. Wide 1⁄4-in. Wide

G—Gage length 2.000 ± 0.005 1.000 ± 0.003

W—Width (Note 1 and Note 2) 0.500 ± 0.010 0.250 ± 0.002
T—Thickness (Note 3) thickness of material thickness of material
R—Radius of fillet, min 1⁄ 2 1⁄ 4

L—Overall length, min (Note 4) 8 4

A—Length of reduced section, min 21⁄4 1 1⁄ 4
B—Length of grip section, min (Note 5) 2 11⁄4
C—Width of grip section, approximate 3⁄ 4 3 ⁄8

(Note 2 and Note 6)

NOTE 1—The ends of the reduced section shall not differ in width by more than 0.002 in. for the 2.00-in. gage length specimen or 0.001 in. for the
1.00-in. gage length specimen. There may be a gradual taper in width from the ends of the reduced section to the center, but the width at each end shall
not be more than 1 % greater than the width at the center.
NOTE 2—For each of the specimens, narrower widths (W and C) may be used when necessary. In such cases the width of the reduced section should
be as large as the width of the material being tested permits; however, unless stated specifically, the requirements for elongation in a product specification
shall not apply when these narrower specimens are used. If the width of the material is less than W, the sides may be parallel throughout the length of
the specimen.
NOTE 3—The dimension T is the thickness of the test specimen as stated in the applicable material specifications. Maximum nominal thicknesses of
1⁄2-in. and 1⁄4-in. wide specimens shall be 1⁄2 in. and 1⁄4 in., respectively.

NOTE 4—To aid in obtaining axial loading during testing of 1⁄4-in. wide specimens, the overall length should be as large as the material will permit,
up to 8 in.
NOTE 5—It is desirable, if possible, to make the length of the grip section large enough to allow the specimen to extend into the grips a distance equal
to two thirds or more of the length of the grips. If the thickness of 1⁄2-in. wide specimens is over 3⁄8 in., longer grips and correspondingly longer grip
sections of the specimen may be necessary to prevent failure in the grip section.
NOTE 6—The grip-end centerline of the 1⁄2 –in. wide and 1⁄4 –in. wide specimens shall coincide with the centerline of the reduced section within 0.01
and 0.005 in., respectively.
FIG. 6 Rectangular Tension Test Specimens

Dimensions, in.
G—Gage length 2.000 ± 0.005
W—Width (Note 1) 0.500± 0.010
T—Measured thickness of specimen Note 2
R—Radius of fillet, min 1⁄ 2

A—Length of reduced section, min 21⁄4

B—Length of grip section, min (Note 3) 3
C—Width of grip section, approximate (Note 4) 11⁄16

NOTE 1—The ends of the reduced section shall not differ in width by more than 0.002 in. There may be a gradual taper in width from the ends of the
reduced section to the center, but the width at each end shall not be more than 1 % greater than the width at the center.
NOTE 2—The dimension T is the thickness of the tubular section as provided for in the applicable material specifications.
NOTE 3—It is desirable, if possible, to make the length of the grip section great enough to allow the specimen to extend into the grips a distance equal
to two thirds or more of the length of the grips.
NOTE 4—The grip-end centerline of the specimen shall coincide with the centerline of the reduced section within 0.05 in.
NOTE 5—For circular segment, the cross-sectional area shall be calculated using the formula shown in 7.2.3
NOTE 6—The radii of all fillets shall be equal to each other within a tolerance of 0.05 in., and the centers of curvature of the two fillets at a particular
end shall be located across from each other (on a line perpendicular to the centerline) within a tolerance of 0.10 in.
FIG. 7 Longitudinal Tension Test Specimens for Large-Diameter Tubular Products

4
 B557 − 15

Dimensions, in.
G—Gage length 2.000 ± 0.005
W—Width (Note 1) 0.500 ± 0.010
T—Thickness, max (Note 2) 5⁄ 8

R—Radius of fillet, min (Note 3) 1⁄ 2

L—Overall length, min 8

A—Length of reduced section, min 21⁄4
B— Length of grip section, min 2
C— Width of grip section, approximate 2
D— Diameter of hole for pin, min (Note 4) 1⁄ 2

E— Edge distance from pin, approximate 11⁄2

F— Distance from hole to fillet, min 1⁄ 2

NOTE 1—The ends of the reduced section shall differ in width by not more than 0.002 in. There may be a gradual taper in width from the ends of the
reduced section to the center, but the width at each end shall be not more than 1 % greater than the width at the center.
NOTE 2—The dimension T is the thickness of the test specimen as stated in the applicable product specifications.
NOTE 3—For some materials, a fillet radius R larger than 1⁄2 in. may be needed.
NOTE 4—Holes must be on centerline of reduced section, within 60.002 in.
NOTE 5—Variations of dimensions C, D, E, F, and L may be used that will permit failure within the gage length.
FIG. 8 Pin-Loaded Tension Test Specimen with 2-in. Gage Length

Dimensions, in.
Standard
Nominal Diameter Small-Size Specimens Proportional to Standard
Specimen
0.500 0.350 0.250 0.160
G—Gage length 2.000 ± 0.005 1.400 ± 0.005 1.000 ± 0.005 0.640± 0.005
D—Diameter (Note 1) 0.500 ± 0.010 0.350± 0.007 0.250 ± 0.005 0.160 ± 0.003
R—Radius of fillet, min 3 ⁄8 1 ⁄4 3⁄16 5⁄32

A—Length of reduced section, min (Note 2) 2 1⁄4 1 3⁄4 1 1 ⁄4 3 ⁄4

NOTE 1—The reduced section may have a gradual taper from the ends toward the center, with the ends not more than 1 % larger in diameter than the
center (controlling dimension).
NOTE 2—If desired, the length of the reduced section may be increased to accommodate an extensometer of any convenient gage length. Reference
marks for the measurement of elongation should, nevertheless, be spaced at the indicated gage length.
NOTE 3—The gage length and fillets shall be as shown, but the ends may be of any form to fit the holders of the testing machine in such a way that
the load shall be axial (see Fig. 10). If the ends are held in wedge grips it is desirable, if possible, to make the length of the grip section great enough
to allow the specimen to extend into the grips a distance equal to two thirds or more of the length of the grips.
NOTE 4—On the round specimens in Figs. 9 and 10, the gage lengths are equal to four times the nominal diameter. In some product specifications other
specimens may be provided for, but unless the 4-to-1 ratio is maintained within dimensional tolerances, the elongation values may not be comparable
with those obtained from the standard test specimen.
NOTE 5—The use of specimens smaller than 0.250-in. diameter shall be restricted to cases when the material to be tested is of insufficient size to obtain
larger specimens or when all parties agree to their use for acceptance testing. Smaller specimens require suitable equipment and greater skill in both
machining and testing.
NOTE 6—Four sizes of specimens often used have diameters of approximately 0.505, 0.357, 0.252, and 0.160 in., the reason being to permit easy
calculations of stress from loads, since the corresponding cross-sectional areas are equal or close to 0.200, 0.100, 0.0500, and 0.0200 in.2, respectively.
Thus, when the actual diameters agree with these values, the stresses (or strengths) may be computed using the simple multiplying factors 5, 10, 20, and
50, respectively.
FIG. 9 Standard 0.500-in. Round Tension Test Specimen with 2-in. Gage Length and Examples of Small-Size Specimens Proportional to
the Standard Specimen

5
 B557 − 15
TABLE 1 Guidelines for Selecting Round Tensile Specimens testing, when specified, is applicable to plate having a specified
Minimum Material thickness of 1.500 in. and greater.
Specified Material Section Thickness Specimen
Thickness, in Length or Diameter, in NOTE 6—ASTM Specification B209 lists thick plate products for which
Width, in short transverse tensile tests are required.
0.250 through 0.374 11⁄2 0.160 NOTE 7—In some cases, customer requirements may call for tensile
0.375 through 0.499 21⁄2 0.250 testing in the short transverse direction for plate with a specified thickness
0.500 through 0.624 31⁄4 0.350 less than 1.500 in. In these cases, the specimen geometry, preparation,
0.625 and over 43⁄4 0.500 sampling requirements, and test procedure shall be agreed upon by the
supplier and customer. The precautionary information in 6.1.6 and 6.1.7
should be considered in these cases. Because of potentially higher scatter
and specimen size effects, data from such tests should not be combined
marking) variables are greater upon them than upon larger with short transverse tensile test data from products having a specified
specimens. Therefore, the largest practical specimen shall thickness of 1.500 in. and greater which were tested using the specimen
always be used. With some types of materials, notably castings, geometry provided in Fig. 9.
the result of tests of small specimens may be more variable due 6.2.1.4 Tension test specimens for aluminum alloy sheet and
to the increasing significance of variations in metallic structure plate less than 0.500 in. thick shall be the standard rectangular
or the character of the surfaces. Low values derived from small specimen. For plate thickness 0.500 in. and greater, the
specimens should be carefully evaluated in accordance with standard 0.5 in. round specimen, or a smaller round specimen
8.1 to be certain that the results are valid. proportional to it, shall be used. Material less than 0.75 in. in
6.1.7 While tensile strengths and yield strengths can prop- width is tested in full section when the standard 0.5 in. round
erly be compared with results derived from test specimens of specimen, or smaller round specimen proportional to it, cannot
various dimensions, elongation values may vary with specimen be used.
size and type. Therefore, elongation values should be obtained 6.2.1.5 Tension test specimens for magnesium alloys shall
with specimens of the type from which the published tensile be taken parallel to the direction of rolling.
properties were established. 6.2.2 Wire, Rod, and Bar:
6.2 Type, Direction, and Location in Wrought Products— 6.2.2.1 Full-section specimens shall be used when practical.
This paragraph and subparagraphs provide the standard re- It is permissible to reduce the section slightly throughout the
quirements for the testing of wrought products for the purpose test section in order to ensure fracture within the gage length.
of quality control and lot release testing. Additions or excep- Otherwise, round specimens shall be used, except that for
tions to these requirements may need to be made in individual rectangles less than 0.500-in. thick rectangular specimens of
specifications for a particular material or product. the full thickness may be used.
6.2.2.2 Specimens shall be taken in the longitudinal direc-
NOTE 5—These requirements also do not preclude the use of these test
methods for purposes other than quality control as desired for research,
tion from the locations specified in Table 2.
material evaluation, or other purpose utilizing other test locations, test 6.2.3 Extrusion Profiles:
directions, and test specimen sizes. In these cases, the general require- 6.2.3.1 Round specimens shall be used whenever it is not
ments in 6.1 should be followed for specimen type and the requirements practical to use full-section specimens, except that rectangular
in Sections 5 and 7 shall be followed for test apparatus, testing, and
specimens may be used for extrusion profiles less than 0.500
analysis.
in. thick.
6.2.1 Sheet and Plate: 6.2.3.2 Specimens shall be taken in the longitudinal direc-
6.2.1.1 Tension test specimens for non-heat-treatable alumi- tion from the predominant section of the extrusion profile. The
num alloy sheet and plate shall be taken so that the specimen specimens shall be taken from a location that most nearly
axis is parallel to the direction of rolling (longitudinal speci- satisfies the intent of Table 2.
mens). 6.2.4 Tube and Pipe—Specimens shall be taken in the
6.2.1.2 Tension test specimens for heat-treatable aluminum longitudinal direction.
alloy sheet (specified thickness less than 0.250 in.) shall be 6.2.4.1 For all small tube (Note 8), particularly sizes 1 in.
taken so that the specimen axis is perpendicular to the direction and under in nominal outside diameter, and frequently for
of rolling (long-transverse) for product widths 9 in. and greater, larger sizes, except as limited by the testing equipment, it is
and in the longitudinal direction for widths less than 9 in. standard practice to use tension test specimens of full-size
6.2.1.3 Tension test specimens for heat-treatable aluminum tubular sections. Snug-fitting metal plugs shall be inserted far
alloy plate (specified thickness of 0.250 in. and greater) shall enough into the ends of such tubular specimens to permit the
be taken in the long-transverse direction and, when specified, testing machine jaws to grip the specimens properly. The plugs
in the longitudinal and short transverse (specimen axis perpen- shall not extend into that part of the specimen on which the
dicular to the surface of the rolled product) directions. Long elongation is measured. Fig. 11 shows a suitable form of plug,
transverse and longitudinal tensile test specimens are taken the location of the plugs in the specimen, and the location of
midway between the two plate surfaces for plate having a the specimen in the grips of the testing machine.
specified thickness of 0.500 in. through 1.500 in., and midway
between the center and surface of plate for plate having a NOTE 8—The term “tube” is used to indicate tubular products in
specified thickness over 1.500 in. Short transverse tensile general, and includes pipe, tube, and tubing.
specimens are taken so that the midpoint of the gage section 6.2.4.2 When it is not practical to test full-section
coincides with the plate mid-thickness plane. Short transverse specimens, 0.500-in. wide specimens in accordance with Fig. 7

6
 B557 − 15

Dimensions, in.
Specimen 1 Specimen 2 Specimen 3 Specimen 4 Specimen 5
G—Gage length 2.000 ± 0.005 2.000 ± 0.005 2.000 ± 0.005 2.000 ± 0.005 2.000 ± 0.005
D—Diameter (Note 1) 0.500 ± 0.010 0.500 ± 0.010 0.500 ± 0.010 0.500 ± 0.010 0.500 ± 0.010
R—Radius of fillet, min 3⁄ 8 3 ⁄8 1⁄16 3 ⁄8 3 ⁄8

A—Length of reduced section 21⁄4 , min 21⁄4 , min 4, approximately 21⁄4 , min 21⁄4 , min
L—Overall length, approximate 5 5 1⁄ 2 51⁄2 43⁄4 91⁄2
B—Length of end section (Note 2) 13⁄8 , approximately 1, approximately 3⁄4 approximately 1⁄2, approximately 3, min
C—Diameter of end section 3⁄ 4 3 ⁄4 23⁄32 7 ⁄8 3 ⁄4

E—Length of shoulder and fillet ... 5⁄ 8 ... 3⁄ 4 5 ⁄8

section, approximate
F—Diameter of shoulder ... ⁄
58 ... ⁄
58 ⁄
19 32

NOTE 1—The reduced section may have a gradual taper from the ends toward the center with the ends not more than 0.005 in. larger in diameter than
the center.
NOTE 2—On Specimen 5 it is desirable, if possible, to make the length of the grip section great enough to allow the specimen to extend into the grips
a distance equal to two thirds or more of the length of the grips.
FIG. 10 Various Types of Ends for Standard Round Tension Test Specimen

TABLE 2 Location of Axis of Specimens in Rod, Bar, and

Extrusion Profiles
Location of Axis of Specimen with
Section Diameter, Respect to Thickness (T) and
Thickness or Width, Width (W) of Bar and Shapes or
in. Diameter (D) of Rod
Thickness Width Diameter
Up through 1.500, incl T/2 W/2 D/2
Over 1.500 T/4 W/4 D/4

NOTE 1—The edges of the specimen shall be cut parallel to each other.
FIG. 12 Location from Which Longitudinal Tension Test Speci-
mens Are to Be Cut from Large-Diameter Tube

center of wall thicknesses through 1.500 in.; for thicknesses

over 1.500 in., they shall be taken midway from center of
thickness to surface. If specimens of the type shown in Fig. 7
are used and curved grip faces are not available, it is acceptable
to flatten (without heating) the grip ends of the test specimen.
The gage length area shall not be deformed.
6.2.5 Die Forgings—Round specimens shall be used for
section thicknesses 0.500 in. and greater. Either subsize round
NOTE 1—The diameter of the plug shall have a slight taper from the line or rectangular specimens may be used for section thicknesses
limiting the testing machine jaws to the curved section. from 0.312 to 0.499 in. Rectangular specimens shall be used
FIG. 11 Metal Plugs for Testing Tubular Specimens, Proper Loca- for section thicknesses less than 0.312 in. The direction of the
tion of Plugs in Specimen, and of Specimen in Heads of Testing specimens shall be in the longitudinal grain direction, unless
Machine
specimens in other directions are required. For aluminum die
forgings, the longitudinal grain direction is defined as orienta-
taken as in Fig. 12 shall be used if practical. Otherwise, round tions parallel, within 615°, to the predominate grain flow. The
specimens in accordance with 6.1.5 shall be taken from the long transverse grain direction is defined as perpendicular,

7
 B557 − 15
within 615°, to the longitudinal (predominate) grain direction 6.4 Specimen for Die Castings—For testing die castings the
and parallel, within 615°, to the parting plane. (Both condi- test specimen shown in Fig. 13 shall be used unless otherwise
tions must be met.) The short transverse grain direction is provided in the product specifications.
defined as perpendicular, within 615°, to the longitudinal 6.5 Specimens for Powdered Metals—For testing powdered
(predominate) grain direction and perpendicular, within 615°, metals the test specimens shown in Figs. 14 and 15 shall be
to the parting plane. Specimens shall be taken from the center used, unless otherwise provided in the product specifications.
of the predominant or thickest part of the forging from which
a coupon can be obtained, from a prolongation of the forging, 7. Procedure
or from separately forged coupons from the same stock and 7.1 Preparation of the Test Machine—Upon startup, or
representative of the forging. following a prolonged period of machine inactivity, exercise or
6.2.6 Hand Forgings—Round specimens shall be used. warmup the test machine to normal operating temperatures to
They shall be taken in the long-transverse direction, and when minimize errors that may result from transient conditions.
specified, in the longitudinal and short-transverse directions. A
longitudinal specimen shall be taken so that its axis coincides 7.2 Measurement of Dimensions of Test Specimens:
with the longitudinal centerline of the forging. A long- 7.2.1 To determine the cross-sectional area of a tension test
transverse or short-transverse specimen shall be taken so that specimen, measure the dimensions of the cross section at the
the midpoint of its axis lies on the longitudinal centerline of the center of the reduced section. However, for referee testing of
forging. Each specimen shall be so chosen that the distance specimens under 3⁄16 in. in their least dimension, measure the
from the midpoint of its axis to the end of the forging is at least dimensions where the least cross-sectional area is found.
half the thickness of the forging. Measure and record the cross-sectional dimensions of tension
test specimens 0.200 in. and over to the nearest 0.001 in.; the
6.3 Type of Specimen from Castings: cross-sectional dimensions less than 0.200 in. and not less than
6.3.1 Test specimens shall be separately cast or, if called for 0.100 in. to the nearest 0.0005 in.; the cross-sectional dimen-
by product specification or customer requirements, machined sions less than 0.100 in. and not less than 0.020 in., to the
from the casting itself. nearest 0.0001 in.; and when practical, the cross-sectional
6.3.2 Cast Test Specimens—Cast test specimens shall be dimensions less than 0.020 in., to at least the nearest 1 % but
prepared in accordance with the appropriate product specifica- in all cases to at least the nearest 0.0001 in.
tion.
6.3.3 Specimens Machined from Castings: NOTE 9—Measurements of dimensions presume smooth surface fin-
ishes for the specimens. Rough surfaces due to the manufacturing process
6.3.3.1 Round specimens in accordance with Fig. 9 shall be
such as hot rolling, metallic coating, and so forth, may lead to inaccuracy
used for section thicknesses 0.500 in. and greater. of the computed areas greater than the measured dimensions would
6.3.3.2 Either small-size round specimens proportional to indicate. Therefore, cross-sectional dimensions of tension test specimens
the standard specimen in Fig. 9 or rectangular specimens in with rough surfaces due to processing may be measured and recorded to
accordance with Fig. 6 may be used for section thicknesses the nearest 0.001 in.
from 0.312 to 0.499 in., except as limited by 6.1.3. 7.2.2 Determine cross-sectional areas of full-size tension
6.3.3.3 Rectangular specimens in accordance with Fig. 6 test specimens of nonsymmetrical cross sections by weighing a
shall be used for section thicknesses less than 0.312 in. length not less than 20 times the largest cross-sectional
6.3.3.4 All test specimens must have a machined finish of dimension and using the value of density of the material.
63 µin. RMS (57 µin. AA) or smoother. Determine the weight to the nearest 0.5 % or less.

Dimensions, in.
G—Gage length 2.000 ± 0.005
D—Diameter (see Note) 0.250 ± 0.005
R—Radius of filet, min 3
A—Length of reduced section, min 21⁄4
L—Overall length, min 9
B—Distance between grips, min 41⁄2
C—Diameter of end section, approximate 3 ⁄8

NOTE 1—The reduced section may have a gradual taper from the ends toward the center, with the ends not more than 0.005 in. larger in diameter than
the center.
FIG. 13 Standard Tension Test Specimen for Die Castings

8
 B557 − 15

Pressing Area = 1.00 in.2

Dimensions Specified except G, are Those of the Die.
Dimensions, in.
G—Gage length 1.000 ± 0.005
D—Width at center 0.225 ± 0.001
W—Width at end of reduced section 0.235 ± 0.001
T—Compact to this thickness 0.200 to 0.250
R—Radius of fillet 1
A—Half-length of reduced section 5⁄ 8

B—Grip length 3.187 ± 0.001

L—Overall length 3.529 ± 0.001
C—Width of grip section 0.343 ± 0.001
F—Half width of grip section 0.1715 ± 0.0010
E—End radius 0.171 ± 0.001

FIG. 14 Standard Tension Test Specimen for Powdered Metal Products—Flat Unmachined Tension Test Specimen

7.2.3 When using specimens of the type shown in Fig. 7 where:

taken from tubes, determine the cross-sectional area as follows: A = approximate cross-sectional area, in.2,
If D/W ≤ 6: W = width of the specimen in the reduced section, in., and
A 5 @ ~ W/4 ! 3 ~ D 2 2 W 2 ! 1/2 # 1 @ ~ D 2 /4 ! (1) T = measured wall thickness of the specimen, in.

3 arcsin ~ W/D ! # 2 @ ~ W/4 ! 3 ~~ D 2 2T ! 2 2 W 2 ! 1/2 #

7.3 Gage Length Marking of Test Specimens:
7.3.1 The gage length for the determination of elongation
2 @ ~~ D 2 2T ! /2 ! 2 3 arcsin~ W/ ~ D 2 2T !! # after fracture shall be in accordance with the product specifi-
where: cations for the material being tested. Gage marks shall be
stamped lightly with a punch, scribed lightly with dividers, or
A = exact cross-sectional area, in.2,
W = width of the specimen in the reduced section, in., drawn with ink as preferred. For material that is sensitive to the
D = measured outside diameter of the tube, in., and effect of slight notches and for small specimens, the use of
T = measured wall thickness of the specimen, in. arcsin layout ink will aid in locating the original gage marks after
values to be in radians. fracture.
If D/W> 6, the exact equation or the following equation may 7.3.2 In the absence of a product specification, the following
be used: gage lengths shall be used:
A 5 W 3T (2)

9
 B557 − 15
7.4 Zeroing of the Test Machine—The testing machine shall
be set up in such a manner that zero force indication signifies
a state of zero force on the specimen. Any force (or preload)
imparted by the gripping of the specimen (see Note 10) must be
indicated by the force measuring system unless the preload is
physically removed prior to testing. Artificial methods of
removing the preload on the specimen, such as taring it out by
a zero adjust pot or removing it mathematically by software,
are prohibited because these would affect the accuracy of the
Pressing Area of Unmachined Compact = 1.5 in.2 test results.
Machining Recommendations
NOTE 10—Preloads generated by gripping of specimens may be either
1. Rough machine to 5⁄16-in. diameter tensile or compressive in nature and may be the result of such things as:
2. Finish turn 0.250-in. diameter with radii and taper grip design, malfunction of gripping apparatus (sticking, binding, and so
3. Polish with 00 emery cloth forth), excessive gripping force, and sensitivity of the control loop.
4. Lap with crocus cloth
NOTE 11—It is the operator’s responsibility to verify that an observed
preload is acceptable and to ensure that grips operate in a smooth manner.
Dimensions, in. Unless otherwise specified, it is recommended that momentary (dynamic)
G—Gage length 1.000 ± 0.005 forces due to gripping not exceed 20 % of the material’s nominal yield
D—Diameter at center of reduced section 0.250± 0.001 strength and that static preloads not exceed 10 % of the material’s nominal
H— Diameter at ends of gage length D + 0.001 to 0.002 in. yield strength.
R—Radius of fillet 1⁄ 4

A—Length of reduced section 11⁄4 7.5 Speed of Testing:

L—Overall length (die cavity length) 3
B—Length of end section 1⁄ 2 7.5.1 Speed of testing may be defined in terms of (a)
C—Compact to this end thickness 0.500 ± 0.050 free-running crosshead speed (rate of movement of the cross-
W—Die cavity width 1⁄ 2
head of the testing machine when not under load), (b) rate of
E—Length of shoulder and fillet 3⁄ 8

F—Diameter of shoulder 5⁄16 separation of the two heads of the testing machine during a test,
J—End fillet radius, max 1⁄16 (c) the elapsed time for completing part or all of the test, (d)
rate of stressing the specimen, or (e) rate of straining the
NOTE 1—The gage length and fillets of the specimen shall be as shown. specimen. For some materials, the first of these, which is the
The ends as shown are designed to provide a total pressing area of 1.00
in.2 Other end designs are acceptable, and in some cases are required for least accurate, may be adequate, while for other materials, one
high-strength sintered materials. Some suggested alternative end designs of the others, listed in increasing order of precision, may be
include: necessary in order to obtain test values within acceptable
1. Longer ends, of the same general shape and configuration as the limits. Suitable limits for speed of testing should be specified
standard, provide more surface area for gripping. for materials for which the differences resulting from the use of
2. Shallow transverse grooves, or ridges, may be pressed in the ends to
be gripped by jaws machined to fit the specimen contour. different speeds are of such magnitude that the test results are
FIG. 15 Standard Tension Test Specimen for Powdered Metal unsatisfactory for determining the acceptability of the material.
Products—Round Machined Tension Test Specimen In such instances, depending upon the material and the use for
which it is intended, one or more of the methods described in
the following paragraphs is recommended for specifying speed
7.3.2.1 For 1⁄2-in. wide rectangular specimens and full- of testing.
section specimens from tube and pipe, the gage lengths shall be 7.5.2 Free-Running Crosshead Speed—The allowable limits
2 in. (Figs. 6-8, and Fig. 11). for the rate of movement of the crosshead of the testing
7.3.2.2 For round specimens taken from products 0.125 in. machine, with no force applied by the testing machine, shall be
or larger, the gage length shall be 4D, except for wire for specified in inches per inch of length of reduced section (or
electric conductors (Fig. 9). distance between grips for specimens not having reduced
7.3.2.3 For wire for electric conductors the gage length shall sections) per minute. The limits for the crosshead speed may be
be 10 in. further qualified by specifying different limits for various types
7.3.2.4 For die cast specimens, the gage length shall be 8D and sizes of specimens. The average crosshead speed can be
(Fig. 13). experimentally determined by using a suitable measuring
7.3.2.5 For powdered metal specimens, the gage length device and a timing device.
shall be 1 in. (Figs. 14 and 15). 7.5.3 Rate of Separation of Heads During Tests—The al-
7.3.2.6 Elongation measurements are not required for extru- lowable limits for rate of separation of the heads of the testing
sion profiles less than 0.062 in. in thickness and of wire, other machine during a test shall be specified in inches per inch of
than electric conductors, 0.125 in. and less in diameter. length of reduced section (or distance between grips for
7.3.3 When required by the material specification, or when specimens not having reduced sections) per minute. The limits
making retests or referee tests of products other than wire when for the rate of separation may be further qualified by specifying
the specified elongation is less than 3 % or the elongation different limits for various types and sizes of specimens. Many
measured in a usual manner is less than 4 %, mark the original testing machines are equipped with pacing or indicating
gage length of the specimen and measure to an accuracy of devices for the measurement and control of the rate of
60.002 in. separation of the heads of the machine during a test, but, in the

10
 B557 − 15
absence of such a device, the average rate of separation of the
heads can be experimentally determined by using a suitable
length-measuring device and a timing device.
7.5.4 Elapsed Time—The allowable limits for the elapsed
time from the beginning of force application (or from some
specified stress) to the instant of fracture, to the maximum
force, or to some other stated stress, shall be specified in
minutes or seconds. The elapsed time can be determined with
a timing device.
7.5.5 Rate of Stressing—The allowable limits for rate of
stressing shall be specified in pounds per square inch per
minute. Many testing machines are equipped with pacing
devices for the measurement and control of the rate of
stressing, but in the absence of such a device the average rate
of stressing can be determined with a timing device by
observing the time required to apply a known increment of
stress.
7.5.6 Rate of Straining—The allowable limits for rate of
straining shall be specified in inches per inch per minute. Some
testing machines are equipped with pacing or indicating
devices for the measurement and control of rate of straining,
but, in the absence of such a device, the average rate of
straining can be determined with a timing device by observing FIG. 16 Stress-Strain Diagram for Determination of Yield
the time required to effect a known increment of strain. Strength by the Offset Method
7.5.7 Unless otherwise specified, any convenient speed of
testing may be used up to one half the specified yield strength,
or up to one quarter the specified tensile strength, whichever is
smaller. The speed above this point shall be within the limits A Class B2 extensometer (see Practice E83) would be
specified. If different speed limitations are required for use in sufficiently sensitive for most materials when using this
determining yield strength, tensile strength, and elongation, method.
they should be stated in the product specifications. In the
absence of any more specified limitations on speed of testing NOTE 12—Automatic devices are available that determine offset yield
strength without plotting a stress-strain curve. Such devices may be used
the following general rules shall apply:
if their accuracy has been demonstrated to be satisfactory.
7.5.7.1 The speed of testing shall be such that the forces and NOTE 13—If the force drops before the specified offset is reached,
strains used in obtaining the test results are accurately indi- technically the material does not have a yield strength (for that offset), but
cated. the stress at the maximum force attained before the specified offset is
7.5.7.2 During the conduct of the test to determine yield reached may be reported instead of the yield strength.
strength, the rate of stress application shall not exceed 100 000 7.6.2 Extension-Under-Load Method—For tests to deter-
psi/min. The speed may be increased after removal of the mine the acceptance or rejection of material whose stress-strain
extensometer, but it shall not exceed 0.5 in./in. of gage length characteristics are well-known from previous tests of similar
(or distance between grips for specimens not having reduced material in which stress-strain diagrams were plotted, the total
sections) per minute. strain corresponding to the stress at which the specified offset
7.6 Yield Strength—Determine yield strength by the offset occurs will be known within satisfactory limits; therefore, in
method at an offset of 0.2 %. Acceptance or rejection of such tests a specified total strain may be used, and the stress on
material may be decided on the basis of Extension-Under-Load the specimen, when this total strain is reached, is taken to be
Method. For referee testing, the offset method shall be used. the value of the yield strength (Fig. 17). The total strain can be
obtained satisfactorily by use of a Class B2 extensometer. It is
7.6.1 Offset Method—To determine the yield strength by the
“offset method,” it is necessary to secure data (autographic or recommended that this approximate method be used only after
numerical) from which a stress-strain diagram may be drawn. agreement between the manufacturer and the purchaser, with
Then on the stress-strain diagram (Fig. 16) lay off Om equal to the understanding that check tests be made for obtaining
the specified value of the offset, draw mn parallel to OA, and stress-strain diagrams for use with the offset method to settle
thus locate r, the intersection of mn with the stress-strain any misunderstandings.
diagram (Note 12). In reporting values of yield strength NOTE 14—There are two general types of extensometers, averaging and
obtained by this method, the specified value of “offset” used non-averaging, the use of which is dependent on the product tested. For
should be stated in parentheses after the term yield strength. most machined or reduced section specimens; there are minimal differ-
Thus: ences. However, for some materials such as some forgings and tube
sections, significant differences in measured yield strength can occur. For
Yield strength ~ offset 5 0.2 % ! 5 52 000 psi (3) these cases it is recommended that the averaging type be used.

11
 B557 − 15
the nominal gage length required for the specimen being tested.
Due to the lack of precision in fitting fractured ends together,
the elongation after fracture using the manual methods of the
preceding paragraphs may differ from the elongation at fracture
determined with extensometers.
7.8.3.2 Percent elongation at fracture may be calculated
directly from elongation at fracture data and reported instead of
percent elongation after fracture as calculated in 7.8.1 and
7.8.2. However, the two parameters are not interchangeable.
Use of the elongation at fracture method generally provides
more repeatable results.
NOTE 15—When disagreements arise over the percent elongation
results, agreement must be reached on which method to use.
7.8.4 When required by the material specification, or when
making retests or for referee tests of products other than wire
and the specified elongation is less than 3 % or the elongation
measured in the usual manner is less than 4 %, determine the
FIG. 17 Stress-Strain Diagram for Determination of Yield
elongation of a specimen as follows:
Strength by the Extension-Under-Load Method 7.8.4.1 Prior to testing, the original gage length of the
specimen shall be marked and measured to an accuracy of
60.002 in. as required in 7.3.3
7.7 Tensile Strength—Calculate the tensile strength by di- 7.8.4.2 After testing, remove any partly torn fragments that
viding the maximum load carried by the specimen during a might influence the final measurement from the broken ends of
tension test by the original cross-sectional area of the speci- the specimen.
men. 7.8.4.3 Fit the fractured ends together with matched sur-
7.8 Elongation: faces and apply an end load along the axis of the specimen
7.8.1 To determine elongation after fracture, carefully fit sufficient to close the fractured ends together. If desired, this
ends of the fractured specimen together and measure the load may then be removed carefully, provided the specimen
distance between the gage marks to the nearest 0.01 in. A remains intact.
percentage scale reading to 0.5 % of the gage length may be NOTE 16—The use of an end load of approximately 2000 psi has been
used. The elongation after fracture is the increase in length of found to give satisfactory results on test specimens of aluminum alloy.
the gage length, expressed as a percentage of the original gage 7.8.4.4 Measure the final gage length to at least the nearest
length. Report the elongation after fracture using both the 0.002 in., and report the elongation to at least the nearest 0.1 %
percentage increase and the original gage length. in 2 in. or 0.2 % in shorter gage lengths.
7.8.2 If any part of the fracture takes place outside of the
7.9 Rounding—Round each value of strength to the nearest
middle half of the gage length or in a punched or scribed mark
0.1 ksi. Round each value of elongation determined in accor-
within the reduced section, the elongation value obtained may
dance with 7.8.1 to the nearest 0.5 %, unless otherwise
not be representative of the material. If the elongation so
specified. Round in accordance with Practice E29.
measured meets the minimum requirements specified, no
7.9.1 If elongation is determined in accordance with 7.8.4,
further testing is required, but the location of fracture shall be
round each value in accordance with 7.8.4.4.
noted. If the elongation is less than the minimum requirements,
7.9.2 For wire for electric conductors, measure and report
discard the test and test a replacement specimen as allowed in
the elongation to the nearest 0.1 %.
8.1.
7.8.3 Elongation at fracture is defined as the elongation 8. Replacement Tests
measured just prior to the sudden decrease in force associated
with fracture. For many ductile materials not exhibiting a 8.1 A test specimen may be discarded and a replacement
sudden decrease in force, the elongation at fracture can be specimen selected from the same lot of material when (1) the
taken as the strain measured just prior to when the force falls specimen had a poorly machined surface, was not of the proper
below 10 % of the maximum force encountered during the test. dimensions, or had its properties changed by poor machining
7.8.3.1 Elongation at fracture shall include elastic and practice; (2) the test procedure was incorrect or the test
plastic elongation and may be determined with autographic or equipment malfunctioned; or (3) the fracture was outside the
automated methods using extensometers verified over the middle half of the gage length, and the elongation was below
strain range of interest (see 5.4). Use a Class B2 or better the specified value.
extensometer for materials having less than 5 % elongation, a 8.2 In the case of specimens machined from wrought
Class C or better extensometer for materials having elongation products or castings, discontinuities such as cracks, ruptures,
greater than or equal to 5 % but less than 50 %, and a Class D flakes and porosity revealed in the fracture that are considered
or better extensometer for materials having 50 % or greater indicative of inferior or defective material are not reasons for
elongation. In all cases, the extensometer gage length shall be the selection of a replacement test specimen.

12
 B557 − 15
8.3 In the case of separately cast test specimens, flaws other 10.3.1 Specimen test section dimension(s) (see Section 6),
than gas porosity, such as cracks or inclusions, are not the 10.3.2 Equation used to calculate cross-sectional area of
cause of rejection of the castings based upon tensile properties, rectangular specimens taken from large-diameter tubular prod-
and so the presence of such flaws in the fracture is justification ucts (see 7.2.3),
for replacement testing. 10.3.3 Speed and method used to determine speed of testing
(see 7.5),
9. Retests 10.3.4 Method used for rounding of test results (see 7.9),
9.1 If one or more test specimens fail to conform to the 10.3.5 Reasons for replacement specimens (see Section 8),
requirements of the product specification, the lot represented and
by the specimen or specimens shall be subject to rejection 10.3.6 Reasons for retests (see Section 9).
except as provided as follows.
9.2 If a material lot is subject to rejection, retests of that lot 11. Precision and Bias
will be permitted by: 11.1 Precision—An interlaboratory test program4 gave the
9.2.1 Testing, for each specimen that failed, at least two following values for coefficients of variation for the most
additional specimens from an area in the original sample commonly measured tensile properties:
adjacent to the area represented by the failure or failures, or Coefficient of Variation, %
9.2.2 Testing an additional specimen from the specified Tensile Yield Strength
Elongation
Gage Length,
location in each of at least two other samples for each sample Strength Offset, 0.2 %
4 Diameter
that failed from the same lot. CV %r 0.9 1.4 2.8
9.2.3 In the case of separately cast test specimens, testing CV %R 1.3 2.3 5.4
CV %r = repeatability coefficient of variation in percent within a laboratory.
two additional cast specimens from the same lot for each CV %R = repeatability coefficient of variation in percent between laboratories.
specimen that failed.
11.1.1 The values shown are the averages from tests on six
9.3 If any retest fails, the lot shall be subject to rejection, frequently tested metals, selected to include most of the normal
except that the lot may be resubmitted for testing provided the range for each property previously listed. When these materials
producer has reworked the lot, as necessary, to correct the are compared, a large difference in coefficient of variation is
deficiencies or has removed the nonconforming material. found. Therefore, the preceding values should not be used to
judge whether the difference between duplicate tests of a
10. Report
specific material is larger than expected. The values are
10.1 Report test information on materials not covered by a provided to allow potential users of these test methods to
product specification in accordance with 10.2 or both 10.2 and assess, in general terms, their usefulness for a proposed
10.3. application.
10.2 Test information to be reported shall include the 11.2 Bias—The procedures in Test Methods B557 for mea-
following when applicable: suring tensile properties have no bias because these properties
10.2.1 Material and sample identification, can be defined only in terms of a test method.
10.2.2 Specimen type (see Section 6),
10.2.3 Yield strength and the method used to determine 12. Keywords
yield strength (see 7.6),
12.1 elongation; strain; stress; tensile strength; tensile test-
10.2.4 Tensile strength (see 7.7), and
ing; yield strength
10.2.5 Elongation, including original gage length, percent-
age increase, and method used to determine elongation (see
7.8).
4
Supporting data can be found in Appendix X1 and additional data are available
10.3 Test information to be available on request shall from ASTM Headquarters. Request RR:E28-1004 and RR:E28-1006. Contact
include: ASTM Customer Service at service@astm.org.

13
 B557 − 15
APPENDIX

(Nonmandatory Information)

X1. FACTORS AFFECTING TENSION TEST RESULTS

X1.1 The precision and bias of tension test strength and X1.4.4 Use of a taper in the gage length, up to the allowed
ductility measurements depend on strict adherence to the stated 1 % limit, can result in lower elongation values. Reductions of
test procedure and are influenced by instrumental and material as much as 15 % have been reported for a 1 % taper.
factors, specimen preparation, and measurement/testing errors. X1.4.5 Changes in the strain rate can effect the yield
strength, tensile strength, and elongation values, especially for
X1.2 The consistency of agreement for repeated tests of the
materials which are highly strain-rate sensitive. In general,
same material is dependent on the homogeneity of the material,
yield strength and tensile strength will increase with increasing
and the repeatability of specimen preparation, test conditions,
strain rate, although the effect on tensile strength is generally
and measurements of the tension test parameters.
less pronounced. Elongation values generally decrease as the
X1.3 Instrumental factors that can affect test results include: strain rate increases. Aluminum alloys at room temperature are
the stiffness, damping capacity, natural frequency, and mass of not highly strain-rate sensitive: some exhibit a slightly higher
the tensile test machine, the accuracy of force indication and yield strength with increasing strain rate while others show the
the use of forces within the verified range for the machine, rate opposite effect.
of force application, alignment of the test specimen with the X1.4.6 Brittle materials require careful specimen
applied force, parallelism of the grips, grip pressure, nature of preparation, high-quality surface finishes, large fillets at the
the force control used, appropriateness and calibration of ends of the gage length, oversize threaded grip sections, and
extensometers used, and so forth. cannot tolerate punch or scribe marks as gage length indicators.
X1.4.7 Flattening of tubular products to permit testing does
X1.4 Material factors that can affect test results include:
alter the material properties, generally nonuniformly, in the
homogeneity of the test material, sampling scheme, and
flattened region which may affect test results.
specimen preparation (surface finish, dimensional accuracy,
fillets at the ends of the gage length, taper in the gage length, X1.5 Measurement errors that can affect test results include:
bent specimens, thread quality, and so forth). verification of the test force, extensometers, micrometers,
X1.4.1 Test results for specimens with as-cast, as-rolled, dividers, and other measurement devices, alignment and zero-
as-forged, or other non-machined surface conditions can be ing of chart recording devices, and so forth.
affected by the nature of the surface (see Note 10). X1.5.1 Measurement of the dimensions of as-cast, as-rolled,
X1.4.2 Test specimens taken from appendages to the part or as-forged, and other test specimens with non-machined sur-
component, such as prolongs or risers, or from separately faces may be imprecise due to the irregularity of the surface
produced castings (for example, keel blocks) may produce test flatness.
results that are not representative of the part or component. X1.5.2 If any portion of the fracture occurs outside of the
middle of the gage length, or in a punch or scribe mark within
X1.4.3 Test specimen dimensions can influence test results.
the gage length, the elongation may not be representative of the
For cylindrical or rectangular specimens, changing the test
material. Wire specimens that break at or within the grips may
specimen size generally has negligible effect on the yield and
not produce test results representative of the material.
tensile strength but may influence elongation. Comparison of
elongation values determined using different specimens require X1.6 Because standard reference materials with certified
that the following ratio be controlled: tensile property values are not available, it is not possible to
L o / ~ A o ! 1/2 (X1.1) rigorously define the bias of tension tests. However, by the use
of carefully designed and controlled interlaboratory studies, a
where: reasonable definition of the precision of tension test results can
Lo = original gage length of specimen, and be obtained.
Ao = original cross-sectional area of specimen.
X1.6.1 An interlaboratory test program4 was conducted
X1.4.3.1 Specimens with smaller Lo/(Ao)1/2 ratios generally where six specimens each, of six different materials were
give greater elongation values. This is the case for example, prepared and tested by each of six different laboratories. Tables
when the width or thickness of a rectangular tensile test X1.1-X1.3 present the precision statistics, as defined in Prac-
specimen is increased. tice E691, for: tensile strength, 0.2 % yield strength, and %
X1.4.3.2 Holding the Lo/(Ao)1/2 ratio constant minimizes, elongation in 4D. In each table, the first column lists the six
but does not necessarily eliminate differences. Depending on materials tested, the second column lists the average of the
material and test conditions, increasing the size of the propor- average results obtained by the laboratories (X), the third and
tional specimen of Fig. 9 may be found to increase or decrease fifth columns list the repeatability standard deviation (sr) and
elongation values somewhat. reproducibility standard deviation (sR), the fourth and sixth

14
 B557 − 15
columns list the coefficients of variation for these standard rankings are in the same order for the repeatability and
deviations (sr/X and sR/X as a percent), and the seventh and reproducibility average coefficients of variation and that the
eighth columns list the 95 % repeatability limit (r) and repro- reproducibility (between-laboratory precision) is poorer than
ducibility limit (R). the repeatability (within-laboratory precision), as would be
X1.6.2 The averages (below columns four and six in each expected.
table) of the coefficients of variation permit a relative compari- X1.6.3 No comments about bias can be made for the
son of the repeatability (within-laboratory precision) and interlaboratory study due to the lack of certified test results for
reproducibility (between-laboratory precision) of the tension these specimens. However, examination of the test results
test parameters. This shows that the ductility measurement showed that one laboratory consistently exhibited higher than
exhibits less repeatability and reproducibility than the strength average strength values and lower than average ductility values
measurements. The overall ranking from the least to the most for most of the specimens. One other laboratory had consis-
repeatable and reproducible is: % elongation in 4D, 0.2 % tently lower than average tensile strength results for all
offset yield strength, and tensile strength. Note that the specimens.

TABLE X1.1 Precision Statistics—Tensile Strength, ksi

Material X sr sr/X, % sR sR/X, % r R
EC-H19 25.66 0.63 2.45 0.63 2.45 1.76 1.76
2024-T351 71.26 0.88 1.24 0.96 1.34 2.47 2.68
ASTM A105 86.57 0.60 0.69 1.27 1.47 1.68 3.55
AISI 316 100.75 0.39 0.39 1.22 1.21 1.09 3.39
Inconel 600 99.48 0.42 0.43 0.72 0.72 1.19 2.02
SAE 51410 181.73 0.46 0.25 1.14 0.63 1.29 3.20
Averages: 0.91 1.30

TABLE X1.2 Precision Statistics—0.2 % Yield Strength, ksi

Material X sr sr/X, % sR sR/X, % r R
EC-H19 22.98 0.47 2.06 0.48 2.07 1.33 1.33
2024-T351 52.64 0.74 1.41 0.79 1.49 2.08 2.20
ASTM A105 58.36 0.83 1.42 1.44 2.47 2.31 4.03
AISI 316 69.78 0.95 1.36 2.83 4.06 2.63 7.93
Inconel 600 38.91 0.36 0.93 0.85 2.17 1.01 2.37
SAE 51410 140.33 1.29 0.92 2.30 1.64 3.60 6.45
Averages: 1.35 2.32

TABLE X1.3 Precision Statistics—% Elongation in 4D

Material X sr sr/X, % sR sR/X, % r R
EC-H19 17.42 0.64 3.69 0.92 5.30 1.80 2.59
2024-T351 19.76 0.58 2.94 1.58 7.99 1.65 4.43
ASTM A105 29.10 0.76 2.62 0.98 3.38 2.13 2.76
AISI 316 40.07 1.10 2.75 2.14 5.35 3.09 6.00
Inconel 600 44.28 0.66 1.50 1.54 3.48 1.86 4.31
SAE 51410 14.48 0.48 3.29 0.99 6.83 1.34 2.77
Averages: 2.80 5.39

SUMMARY OF CHANGES

Committee B07 has identified the location of selected changes to this standard since the last issue (B557– 14)
that may impact the use of this standard. (Approved Oct. 1, 2015.)

(1) Revised Scope to include new Aluminum Association foil

thickness definition.

15
 B557 − 15
ASTM International takes no position respecting the validity of any patent rights asserted in connection with any item mentioned
in this standard. Users of this standard are expressly advised that determination of the validity of any such patent rights, and the risk
of infringement of such rights, are entirely their own responsibility.

This standard is subject to revision at any time by the responsible technical committee and must be reviewed every five years and
if not revised, either reapproved or withdrawn. Your comments are invited either for revision of this standard or for additional standards
and should be addressed to ASTM International Headquarters. Your comments will receive careful consideration at a meeting of the
responsible technical committee, which you may attend. If you feel that your comments have not received a fair hearing you should
make your views known to the ASTM Committee on Standards, at the address shown below.

This standard is copyrighted by ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959,
United States. Individual reprints (single or multiple copies) of this standard may be obtained by contacting ASTM at the above
address or at 610-832-9585 (phone), 610-832-9555 (fax), or service@astm.org (e-mail); or through the ASTM website
(www.astm.org). Permission rights to photocopy the standard may also be secured from the Copyright Clearance Center, 222
Rosewood Drive, Danvers, MA 01923, Tel: (978) 646-2600; http://www.copyright.com/

16