ASTM E8 – Tension Testing of Metallic Materials

Standard: ASTM E8 Standard Test Methods for Tension Testing of Metallic Materials

Scope: Per ASTM E8: " These test methods cover the tension testing of metallic materials in any form at room temperature, specifically, the methods of determination of yield strength, yield point elongation, tensile strength, elongation, and reduction of area."

Products: Metals

Procedure: Test specimens are prepared by "necking down" a rectangular strip of material, producing a "dogbone" shaped test specimen (see Figure 1). The specimen thickness is measured prior to removal of coatings (paint, galvanization, etc.) and again after removal in order to determine the base metal thickness of the material. The width of the narrow section of each specimen is also measured in order to calculate the cross-sectional area of the narrow section. Two gauge marks are precisely placed on the specimens to establish the gauge length. The initial length between these marks is then measured before placing the specimens into the grips of the test machine. An extensometer is then fitted over the gauge length to record the extension in the specimen during testing. The test machine pulls the specimens in tension at a specified rate of test until failure. Throughout the test, load and deflection (or stress and strain) measurements are taken in order to characterize the materials under test.

Result: Test results such as yield strength, tensile strength, modulus of elasticity, and elongation may be reported.