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The tensile stress and compressive strength of materials are tested using a universal tensile tester. Its name refers to the fact that it can carry out a variety of common tests, such as yield strength, elasticity, and compressive stress for various materials.
This article will look at different types of tensile testers, the tensile testing process, the characteristics of a good tester, their impact on the aerospace industry, and how we offer our services.
Material testing process and its connection
The material testing process involves the application of tension to a specimen until it fractures. How do you go about it?
Prepare a sample for testing
Different methods are used to prepare tensile test specimens depending on the test requirements. Typically, tensile test specimens are long dumbbell-shaped pieces of metal or plastic composed of aluminum, carbon, or other forms of alloy.
The appearance consists of a small cross-section, or gauge length, with two big ends known as shoulders. The test will focus on gauge length as the tester machine firmly grips the shoulders. As you do so, ensure you have automated software to note accurate results.
Consider the shape, size, and proportions, as well as the grips at the ends, when selecting a specimen. They significantly affect the results you will get.
Positioning
- Before beginning the tensile strength test, shape the sample material using a Tensile Preparation ASTM E8. The tester evaluates the specimen’s suitability for the grips and faces used. The standard and selection of test materials must match the test’s objectives, requirements, and methodology.
- The upper and lower clamps are set appropriately to fit the test sample’s length. In between the tensile clamps, place the material next. The correct alignment ensures material on the test doesn’t slide out. This is the most critical part of the process.
- Extreme caution and care must be applied when performing tensile tests on specimens made of brittle or delicate materials. When specimens are mishandled or carried out with the wrong tools, the procedure, and the results can be compromised.
- The next step is attaching the extensometer to the sample’s length after fixing it. This equipment tracks and measures any alterations to the substance while it is being tested. Check the other equipment to ensure they are in the right positions once the extensometer installation.
- Start separating the tensile clamps gradually while maintaining a consistent pace to begin the stress testing. The specimen will slowly lengthen at the prescribed speed throughout the test. The data collection software will show the material’s test settings and any modifications to the gauge length.
The software will display the stress-strain curve and track the force applied to the specimen. The curve explains the behavior of the sample throughout the procedure. - Two types of strain obtained from the material testing process are engineering strain and true strain. The specimen will eventually start to distort in the middle of its length. During this stage, the stress-strain curve will start to change. The tensile testing is complete when the specimen breaks.
Impact of tensile testing in aerospace industry
By the nature of their services, the tensile testing process in aerospace is crucial. It helps in the following areas,
- Gauging Material Strength. Since the machines used in many aerospace applications are designed to be composed of materials that can withstand significant stress from the inside and the outside, strain testing is necessary.
- Failure tests. The use of composite materials has increased in the aerospace sector. This has increased the changing focus of mechanical testing from only functioning and applicability to strength. The aircraft is most vulnerable in the air and must continue operating, even under duress. Also, it needs to stay long enough to return to the ground. Before leaving the ground, its sustainability has to be evaluated.
- Safety-Focused Aircraft Design. The designer of an airplane must be aware of how materials respond to fatigue in particular circumstances. Some tests are the constant load amplitude tension test, Axial force, torsion testing, and temperature testing.
- Comfort designing. The comfort of passengers and the pilot matters. Tensile testing in aerospace will ensure that the materials used are comfortable.
Types of tensile testers
The testing software operates the tensile tester and includes a load cell, crosshead, extensometer, specimen grips, electronics, and a driving system. Below are examples of the testers.
- Electronic tensile machine. For tensile parameters testing, an electronic material testing machine is frequently used on various metal, non-metal, and composite materials, including wood, plastic profiles, wires and cables, paper, film, etc.
- Users interested in pertinent information, such as force value, tensile strength, and compressive strength, should utilize the digital electronic material testing equipment. The electronic tensile device is cleaner and easier to operate and maintain since it doesn’t use oil. Its test speed range can be modified.
- Hydraulic tensile machine. The flow rate of the oil source limits the hydraulic testing machine, and the test speed is low. The performance gate-type digital display machine is superior in control precision. Still, the manual hydraulic machine is simple to use and reasonably priced.
- When performing large-tonnage material mechanics tests, the microcomputer-controlled electro-hydraulic material testing equipment with a load cell is more dependable, stable, and economical.
- The hydraulic testing machine’s primary power source is high-pressure hydraulic pressure, and its control mechanisms include manual valves, servo valves, and proportional valves.
Characteristics of a suitable strain tester
There are several things to consider when choosing a tensile test machine.
- Speed. The technology used to make the tester determines its speed. A suitable tensile tester gives accurate results during the material testing process quickly.
- Load. The tester should be able to withstand different types of materials. The maximum loading determines power options like hydraulic or electromechanical.
- Test calculations. The calculation software should be reliable to give the correct readings. The readings are indicated on a curve. It should be easy to understand the results.
- Grip and fixtures. The gripping parts of the tester should be stable enough to ensure every material is held in place during the testing procedure. Sliding the sample will give wrong results.
About TensileMill CNC
Our company, TensileMill CNC, has teamed with respectable, well-respected North American and European producers of tensile testing apparatus. When you contact us, we will ask you to fill out a form requesting your tensile testing machine needs, and you will be put in touch with the best production facility to handle your technical requirements.
Conclusion
Finding the materials that work well for certain purposes has long been the aim of tensile testing. The strain testing procedures have assisted various industries in determining which products are best used in particular situations and how to maintain the same to maximize their usefulness properly. Ensure that the company you are requesting for such a test is recognized and reliable, and that would be TensileMill CNC. Our contact details are available on our website contact any day.
