School of Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering

National University of Sciences Technology Islamabad

Mechanics of Material-II, 4th semester

Student Name: Zoraiz Abbas

CMS Id: 454752

Section: ME-15 (B)

Lab instructor: Lab Engr. Khayam Ahmed

Lab-03: Tensile Test using Universal Testing Machine

Date : 13 February 2025

Table of Contents
Tensile Test using Universal Testing Machine ............................................................................... 3
1. Objectives ................................................................................................................................... 3
2. Apparatus .................................................................................................................................... 3
3. Theory: ........................................................................................................................................ 4
4.Procedure: .................................................................................................................................... 6
5.Experimental Data: ...................................................................................................................... 6
6.Specimen Calculation: ................................................................................................................. 7
7. Discussion ................................................................................................................................... 8
8. Conclusion .................................................................................................................................. 9
 Tensile Test using Universal Testing Machine
1. Objectives
The objectives of this experiment are:
➢ To perform tensile testing using UTM.
➢ To obtain stress-strain curve.
➢ To obtain yield strength and UTS for the material.

2. Apparatus
1. Vernier Calliper
2. Tester (software)
3. UTM
4. Specimen (steel)

Figure 3 vernier caliper

Figure 1 specimen (steel)

Figure 2 Universal testing machine

3. Theory:
Tensile testing is a fundamental mechanical evaluation method used to determine various
material properties, such as strength, ductility, and elasticity. This test is conducted using a
Universal Testing Machine (UTM), which applies a progressively increasing tensile force to a
material sample until it fractures. During this process, the machine records both the applied force
and the corresponding elongation of the specimen, enabling the construction of a stress-strain
curve. This curve provides valuable insights into the material's mechanical behavior under tensile
loading.
➢ Understanding the Stress-Strain Curve
The stress-strain curve is a graphical representation that plots stress (force per unit area)
against strain (relative deformation). It is divided into several key regions, each indicating different
mechanical characteristics of the material:
1. Elastic Region: In this initial phase, stress and strain maintain a linear relationship,
following Hooke’s Law (stress = strain × Young’s Modulus). The slope of this linear
portion represents Young’s Modulus (E), a measure of the material's stiffness. Within
this region, the material can return to its original shape once the load is removed.
2. Plastic Region: Beyond the yield point, the material undergoes permanent deformation,
meaning it does not revert to its original shape after the force is removed. The transition
from elastic to plastic behavior is crucial in determining a material's yield strength.
3. Necking: At higher stress levels, a localized reduction in the cross-sectional area of the
material, known as necking, occurs. This non-uniform deformation signifies that the
material is nearing its failure point.
4. Fracture: Eventually, the material breaks at the fracture point, marking the conclusion
of the tensile test. The location and nature of the fracture provide additional insights into
the material's ductility and toughness.
➢ Key Mechanical Properties Determined by Tensile Testing
Several important mechanical properties can be derived from the tensile test:
1. Yield Strength: The stress level at which a material begins to exhibit permanent plastic
deformation.
2. Ultimate Tensile Strength (UTS): The maximum stress the material can endure before
failure.
3. Ductility: Measured by elongation at break and reduction in area, this parameter indicates
how much a material can deform before breaking.
4. Necking: A sign of material instability that occurs just before fracture.
➢ Components of a Universal Testing Machine (UTM)
A Universal Testing Machine (UTM) is designed to perform various mechanical tests,
including tensile, compression, and bending tests. Its main components include:
1. Load Frame: The structural framework that supports the specimen during testing. It can
be a single-column or dual-column system, depending on the force capacity required.
2. Load Cell: A highly sensitive sensor that accurately measures the applied force, ensuring
precise data collection.
3. Grips and Fixtures: These secure the specimen in place to prevent slippage. Different
types of grips (e.g., wedge grips, hydraulic grips) are used depending on the test
requirements.
4. Actuator: The mechanism responsible for generating force, which can be powered by
hydraulic, pneumatic, or electric systems.
5. Control System and Software: A user interface that allows operators to configure test
parameters, execute tests, and analyze results. Many modern UTMs come with
computerized software for advanced data visualization and analysis.
➢ Types of Tests Performed Using a UTM
A Universal Testing Machine is versatile and can conduct multiple types of mechanical
tests, including:
1. Tensile Testing: Measures a material’s resistance to tensile (pulling) forces and provides
data on tensile strength, yield strength, and elongation.
2. Compression Testing: Determines how materials behave under compressive (pushing)
loads, commonly used for testing concrete, ceramics, and metals.
3. Bend Testing: Evaluates material flexibility and fracture resistance by applying a bending
force, often used in weld testing and brittle material analysis.
4. Shear Testing: Assesses how well a material resists shear forces, which cause sliding or
cutting failure in materials like adhesives, metals, and composites.
5. Peel Testing: Measures the adhesive bond strength between layers in materials such as
laminates, tapes, and bonded composites.
6. Cyclic or Fatigue Testing: Repeatedly applies fluctuating loads to determine how a
material performs under repeated stress cycles, crucial for components used in automotive,
aerospace, and structural applications.
4.Procedure:
The steps followed to perform the experiment are:
➢ Power on the Universal Testing Machine (UTM).
➢ Connect the UTM to a computer running the tester software.
➢ Measure the dimensions of the specimen using a vernier caliper.
➢ Securely clamp the specimen in the machine.
➢ Input the test parameters and specimen dimensions into the system.
➢ Calibrate the machine to zero.
➢ Press the start button to begin the test.
➢ The UTM will continuously apply force to the specimen until it fractures.
➢ Stop the machine and record the test results.
➢ Analyze the collected data to assess the material properties.
➢ Press the emergency button to safely shut down the UTM.

5.Experimental Data:
 Figure 4 UTM Test Report

6.Specimen Calculation:
The properties of specimen are as follows:
• Material: Low Grade Steel
• Original Gauge Length (Lo): 78.75 mm
• Diameter of Specimen: 12.10 mm
• Cross-sectional Area (A): 114.99 mm²
• Maximum Force (𝑭𝒎𝒂𝒙 ): 3647.48 N
• Maximum Stress: 31.70 MPa.

Figure 5 0.2% offset method for yield point

 The yield point using the 0.2% offset method is:
• Force: 124.19 N
• Extension: 2.44 mm
• Stress: 1.08 MPa
• Strain: 0.0310

7. Discussion
1. Ultimate Strength and Fracture:
The specimen deformed progressively until reaching its Ultimate Tensile Strength (UTS)
of 31.70 MPa. Beyond this point, necking occurred, leading to eventual fracture. The
force vs. extension graph effectively illustrated these stages.
2. Material Behavior Under Tensile Load:
The tensile test provided insight into how low-grade steel responds to tensile stress.
Initially, the material exhibited a linear stress-strain relationship, following Hooke’s Law
within the elastic region. This behavior persisted until reaching the elastic limit, after
which plastic deformation began.
3. Yield Point Determination (0.2% Offset Method):
The yield point was identified using the 0.2% offset method, marking the transition from
elastic to plastic deformation:
• Force: 124.19 N
• Extension: 2.44 mm
• Stress: 1.08 MPa
• Strain: 0.0310
4. Experimental Errors and Observations:
Minor deviations in the results could be attributed to factors such as:
• Improper specimen clamping
• Misalignment during setup
• Calibration inaccuracies in the UTM
5. Significance of Findings:
This experiment highlighted key mechanical properties crucial for material selection in
engineering applications. Understanding yield strength and ductility aids in designing
structural and mechanical components, ensuring material suitability for specific
applications.
8. Conclusion
The tensile test successfully evaluated the mechanical properties of low-grade steel, including its
elastic behavior, yield strength, ultimate tensile strength, and fracture point. The material initially
followed Hooke’s Law, displaying a linear stress-strain relationship until reaching the elastic limit.
Using the 0.2% offset method, the yield point was accurately determined, marking the transition
to plastic deformation. The specimen reached its UTS of 31.70 MPa, after which necking led to
fracture.
Despite minor experimental errors such as misalignment, improper clamping, and calibration
issues, the results aligned well with expected material properties. This experiment provided
valuable insights into material behavior under tensile stress, reinforcing the importance of yield
strength and ductility in engineering applications.