Objectives:
To study and compare tensile properties of polymers, metals, and
ceramics
Introduction:
The mechanical properties of each type of materials involve its
behavior under stress. These properties tell us many of the things we need to
know when considering how a material can be used. In general, we do
mechanical testing in order to answer some questions as follows;
How strong is the material?
How much can you stretch it before it breaks?
How stiff is it? How much does it bend when you push on it?
Is it brittle? Does it break easily if you hit it hard?
Is it hard or soft?
Tensile testing
In a tensile test, a sample of known dimensions (including thickness) is
held between two clamps (Figure 1).