Republic of the Philippines

North Eastern Mindanao State University

Bislig Campus
Maharlika, Bislig City, Surigao del Sur

MATERIAL TESTING

A LABORATORY ACTIVITY REPORT

Presented to:
ENGR. ALBERTO E. LASTIMADO, JR., MSENE

Mechanical Engineering Program

College of Engineering
North Eastern Mindanao State University
Bislig Campus

In Partial Fulfillment
of the Requirement for the Subject Course
MATERIAL SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING
(BES 111/ BES 111L)

Presented by:
Oplas, Bernie A.

SEPTEMBER 21, 2024

Introduction:

As one of college students pursuing careers in engineering, architecture,

or other related fields, we are constantly faced with the challenge of
understanding and working with different materials. Whether it’s
designing a bridge that can withstand heavy loads or constructing a
building that can withstand extreme weather conditions, the success of
our projects relies heavily on the materials we choose. This is where
material testing comes into play. It’s the process of evaluating the
physical and mechanical properties of materials to ensure their quality,
performance, and safety. By subjecting materials to various tests, such as
tensile testing, hardness testing, impact testing, and fatigue testing, we
can determine how they will behave under different conditions and predict
their behavior in real-world applications.

One of the key reasons why material testing is so important is because it

helps us identify potential weaknesses or defects in materials before they
are used in our projects. This allows us to make informed decisions about
which materials to use and how to best design our structures to ensure
their durability and longevity. In addition, material testing also helps us
comply with industry standards and regulations, which are in place to
protect the safety of the public and ensure the quality of our work.

Furthermore, material testing gives us valuable insights into how

materials interact with each other and how they respond to external
factors such as temperature, humidity, and load. This knowledge allows us
to optimize our designs and make informed choices about which materials
are best suited for a particular application.
Assessment Task
I. Supply the necessary information of material testing.

Material Summary Importance Applications

Testing
Mechanical
testing
Nondestructive Tests that Ensures the Used in aerospace,
testing evaluate the integrity of automotive,
material’s materials without construction, and
properties without causing damage, manufacturing
damaging it. preventing costly industries to
Examples include failures and inspect materials
ultrasonic testing, ensuring safety. for defects without
radiographic causing damage.
testing, and
magnetic particle
inspection.
Building materials Tests performed Guarantees the Essential for
testing
on materials used quality and ensuring the
in construction, durability of structural integrity
such as concrete, structures, of buildings,
steel, and wood, preventing bridges, and other
to ensure their collapse and infrastructure.
quality and ensuring public
durability. safety.
Creep test Measures the Predicts the long- Used in industries
material’s term behavior of like aerospace,
deformation over materials under power generation,
time under stress, and petrochemical
constant load. preventing to evaluate the
 unexpected long-term
failures and performance of
ensuring materials under
structural stress.
integrity.
Cement testing Tests performed Ensures the Crucial for the
on cement to quality and construction
determine its consistency of industry to ensure
strength, setting cement, leading the quality and
time, and other to stronger and consistency of
properties. more durable concrete.
structures.
Fatigue test Evaluates the Determines the Applied in
material’s ability material’s industries like
to withstand resistance to aerospace,
repeated loading cyclic loading, automotive, and
and unloading preventing manufacturing to
cycles. failures in assess the
components durability of
subjected to components
repetitive stress. subjected to
repetitive loading.
Flexure test Measures the Evaluates the Used in industries
material’s material’s ability like construction,
resistance to to withstand automotive, and
bending. bending forces, manufacturing to
crucial for evaluate the
components like bending strength of
beams and materials.
bridges.
Hardness test Determines the Measures the Applied in
material’s material’s industries like
resistance to resistance to metalworking,
indentation or wear and manufacturing, and
penetration. abrasion, mining to assess
essential for the wear resistance
 applications and machinability
requiring of materials.
durability and
longevity.
Impact test Measures the Assesses the Used in industries
material’s ability material’s like automotive,
to absorb energy toughness and aerospace, and
from a sudden ability to absorb sports equipment
impact. energy from to evaluate the
sudden impacts, toughness and
preventing impact resistance
catastrophic of materials.
failures.
Metal testing Tests specifically Ensures the Applied in
designed for quality and industries like
metals, such as performance of aerospace,
tensile testing, metals used in automotive,
hardness testing, various manufacturing, and
and corrosion industries, construction to
testing. preventing ensure the quality
failures and and performance of
ensuring safety. metals.
Tensile test Tensile test (or This test method It is used to find out
tension test) is used to how strong a
applies force to a determine yield material is and also
material strength, how much it can be
specimen in order ultimate tensile stretched before it
to measure the strength, breaks
material’s ductility, strain
response to hardening
tensile (or pulling) characteristics,
stress. Young’s modulus
and Poisson’s
ratio.
Acoustics testing Measures the Optimizes the Used in industries
material’s sound- sound-absorbing like construction,
 absorbing and and sound- automotive, and
sound-insulating insulating consumer
properties. properties of electronics to
materials, improve noise
improving noise control and
control and acoustic comfort.
comfort.
Analytical Chemical analysis Determines the Applied in various
chemistry
of materials to chemical industries,
determine their composition of including
composition and materials, pharmaceuticals,
properties. ensuring purity, food, and
safety, and environmental
compliance with testing, to
regulations. determine the
chemical
composition of
materials.
Compression test Measures the Evaluates the Used in industries
material’s material’s like construction,
resistance to resistance to mining, and
crushing. crushing forces, manufacturing to
crucial for evaluate the
components like compressive
foundations and strength of
pillars. materials.
Cupping test Tests the Assesses the Applied in
material’s formability of industries like
formability, sheet metals, automotive and
especially for ensuring their manufacturing to
sheet metals. suitability for assess the
manufacturing formability of sheet
processes. metals.
Failure Analysis of failed Identifies the Used in various
investigation
materials to root causes of industries to
determine the failures, determine the root
 cause of failure. preventing future causes of failures
occurrences and and prevent future
improving occurrences.
product
reliability.
Mineralogical Identification and Characterizes Applied in
analysis
characterization the mineral industries like
of minerals in a composition of geology, mining,
material. materials, aiding and materials
in material science to
selection and characterize the
process mineral
optimization. composition of
materials.
Pipe testing Tests performed Ensures the Used in industries
on pipes to integrity of pipes, like oil and gas,
ensure their preventing leaks water supply, and
integrity and and ensuring chemical
suitability for safe processing to
specific transportation of ensure the integrity
applications. fluids. of pipelines.
* Polymer
Testing:
Evaluates the
properties of
polymers,
ensuring their
suitability for
various
applications and
preventing
failures.
Polymer testing Tests specifically Evaluates the Applied in
designed for properties of industries like
polymers, such as polymers, plastics, packaging,
tensile testing, ensuring their and automotive to
 impact testing, suitability for evaluate the
and thermal various properties of
analysis. applications and polymers.
preventing
failures.
Welding Visual and Guarantees the Used in industries
inspections
nondestructive quality of welds, like construction,
inspections of preventing manufacturing, and
welds to ensure failures and aerospace to
their quality. ensuring ensure the quality
structural of welds.
integrity.
Component Tests performed Ensures the Used in various
testing
on individual functionality and industries to
components or reliability of evaluate the
assemblies to individual performance and
evaluate their components, reliability of
performance. preventing individual
failures and components.
improving
product
performance.
Fire testing Tests to assess Assesses the Used in industries
the material’s fire material’s fire like construction,
resistance and resistance, building materials,
behavior under preventing the and furniture to
fire conditions. spread of fires assess the fire
and protecting resistance of
lives and materials.
property.
Metallographic Analysis of the Analyzes the Used in industries
and microscopic
material’s microstructure of like materials
examination
microstructure materials, science,
using optical or providing metallurgy, and
electron insights into their failure analysis to
microscopy. properties and study the
 behavior. microstructure of
materials.
*Add all necessary information.

III. Assessment
Give the procedure of each instruments/ method used for material testing.

Nondestructive Testing: Ultrasonic Thickness Gauge

* Calibration: Calibrate the gauge using reference blocks of known thickness.
* Couplant Application: Apply a couplant (e.g., water-based gel) between the
gauge and the material to improve sound transmission.
* Probe Placement: Place the probe on the material’s surface, ensuring good
contact.
* Signal Generation: Activate the gauge to generate ultrasonic waves.
* Signal Reception: The gauge receives the reflected waves from the material’s
internal structure.
* Thickness Calculation: The gauge converts the time taken for the waves to
travel to and from the material’s internal structure into a thickness
measurement.

Building Materials Testing: Compression Testing Machine

* Specimen Preparation: Prepare the specimen to the desired dimensions and
ensure it is free from defects.
* Machine Setup: Place the specimen between the compression platens of the
machine and ensure proper alignment.
* Load Application: Gradually increase the load on the specimen at a controlled
rate.
* Data Collection: Record the load and deformation values at regular intervals.
* Failure Analysis: Observe the specimen’s behavior and record the point of
failure.
Creep Test: Creep Testing Machine
* Specimen Preparation: Prepare the specimen to the desired dimensions and
ensure it is free from defects.
* Machine Setup: Place the specimen in the creep testing machine and apply a
constant load.
* Data Collection: Monitor the specimen’s deformation over time at a controlled
temperature.
* Failure Analysis: Observe the specimen’s behavior and record the point of
failure.
Cement Testing: Vicat Apparatus
* Specimen Preparation: Prepare a paste of cement and water according to the
specified proportions.
* Mold Filling: Fill the Vicat apparatus mold with the paste and ensure it is level.
* Needle Insertion: Insert the needle into the paste at a specified depth and rate.
* Setting Time Determination: Record the time it takes for the needle to stop
penetrating the paste.
Fatigue Test: Fatigue Testing Machine
* Specimen Preparation: Prepare the specimen to the desired dimensions and
ensure it is free from defects.
* Machine Setup: Place the specimen in the fatigue testing machine and apply a
cyclic load.
* Data Collection: Monitor the specimen’s behavior and record the number of
cycles to failure.
Flexure Test: Flexural Testing Machine
* Specimen Preparation: Prepare the specimen to the desired dimensions and
ensure it is free from defects.
* Machine Setup: Place the specimen on the supports of the flexural testing
machine and apply a load at the midpoint.
* Data Collection: Record the load and deflection values at regular intervals.
* Failure Analysis: Observe the specimen’s behavior and record the point of
failure.
Hardness Test: Brinell Hardness Tester
* Specimen Preparation: Ensure the specimen’s surface is smooth and free from
defects.
* Indenter Placement: Place the Brinell indenter on the specimen’s surface.
* Load Application: Apply a specified load to the indenter for a predetermined
time.
* Indentation Measurement: Measure the diameter of the indentation using a
microscope.
* Hardness Calculation: Calculate the Brinell hardness number based on the load
and indentation diameter.
Impact Test: Charpy Impact Tester
* Specimen Preparation: Prepare the specimen to the desired dimensions and
ensure it is free from defects.
* Machine Setup: Place the specimen in the Charpy impact tester and ensure it
is properly aligned.
* Pendulum Release: Release the pendulum from a specified height.
* Impact and Absorption: The pendulum strikes the specimen, causing it to
fracture. The absorbed energy is measured.
* Energy Calculation: Calculate the impact energy based on the pendulum’s
initial and final positions.
Tensile Testing Machine:
* Specimen Preparation: Prepare a standard test specimen from the material to
be tested.
* Machine Setup: Mount the specimen in the tensile testing machine, ensuring
proper alignment and gripping.
* Load Application: Gradually increase the load on the specimen at a controlled
rate.
* Data Collection: Record the load and corresponding deformation of the
specimen.
* Failure Analysis: Observe the specimen’s behavior until it fails.
Sound Level Meter:
* Calibration: Calibrate the sound level meter using a known sound source.
* Measurement: Place the sound level meter in the desired location and
measure the sound level.
* Data Analysis: Analyze the measured sound level data to assess noise levels
and compliance with regulations.
Spectrophotometer:
* Sample Preparation: Prepare the sample to be analyzed (e.g., solution, solid,
gas).
* Instrument Setup: Place the sample in the spectrophotometer’s sample holder.
* Wavelength Selection: Select the desired wavelength of light to be used for
analysis.
* Measurement: Measure the absorbance or transmittance of the sample at the
selected wavelength.
* Data Analysis: Analyze the measured data to determine the concentration or
properties of the sample.
Compression Testing Machine:
* Specimen Preparation: Prepare a standard test specimen from the material to
be tested.
* Machine Setup: Mount the specimen in the compression testing machine,
ensuring proper alignment and gripping.
* Load Application: Gradually increase the load on the specimen at a controlled
rate.
* Data Collection: Record the load and corresponding deformation of the
specimen.
* Failure Analysis: Observe the specimen’s behavior until it fails.
Cupping Tester:
* Specimen Preparation: Prepare a standard test specimen from the sheet metal
to be tested.
* Machine Setup: Place the specimen in the cupping tester and ensure proper
alignment.
* Punching: Punch a hole in the center of the specimen using a specified punch.
* Measurement: Measure the depth and diameter of the formed cup.
* Evaluation: Evaluate the cup’s quality based on its dimensions and
appearance.
Scanning Electron Microscope:
* Sample Preparation: Prepare the sample for imaging (e.g., coating with a
conductive material).
* Machine Setup: Place the sample in the scanning electron microscope
chamber.
* Imaging: Scan the sample with an electron beam and collect the emitted
electrons.
* Image Formation: Create an image based on the collected electron signals.
* Analysis: Analyze the image to examine the sample’s surface features,
microstructure, and composition.
X-ray Diffraction Instrument:
* Sample Preparation: Prepare the sample for analysis (e.g., powder, thin film).
* Machine Setup: Place the sample in the X-ray diffraction instrument’s sample
holder.
* X-ray Irradiation: Irradiate the sample with X-rays.
* Diffraction Measurement: Measure the intensity of the diffracted X-rays as a
function of angle.
 * Data Analysis: Analyze the diffraction pattern to determine the crystal
structure, phase composition, and lattice parameters of the sample.
Ultrasonic Thickness Gauge:
* Calibration: Calibrate the gauge using reference blocks of known thickness.
* Couplant Application: Apply a couplant (e.g., water-based gel) between the
gauge and the material to improve sound transmission.
* Probe Placement: Place the probe on the material’s surface, ensuring good
contact.
* Signal Generation: Activate the gauge to generate ultrasonic waves.
* Signal Reception: The gauge receives the reflected waves from the material’s
internal structure.
* Thickness Calculation: The gauge converts the time taken for the waves to
travel to and from the material’s internal structure into a thickness
measurement.
Differential Scanning Calorimeter:
* Sample Preparation: Prepare the sample for analysis (e.g., powder, solid).
* Machine Setup: Place the sample in the differential scanning calorimeter’s
sample pan.
* Heating: Heat the sample at a controlled rate.
* Data Collection: Measure the heat flow into or out of the sample as a function
of temperature.
* Data Analysis: Analyze the thermal events (e.g., melting, crystallization, glass
transition) observed in the data.
Ultrasonic Thickness Gauge:
* Calibration: Calibrate the gauge using reference blocks of known thickness.
* Couplant Application: Apply a couplant (e.g., water-based gel) between the
gauge and the material to improve sound transmission.
* Probe Placement: Place the probe on the material’s surface, ensuring good
contact.
* Signal Generation: Activate the gauge to generate ultrasonic waves.
* Signal Reception: The gauge receives the reflected waves from the material’s
internal structure.
* Thickness Calculation: The gauge converts the time taken for the waves to
travel to and from the material’s internal structure into a thickness
measurement.
Component Testing: The procedure for component testing depends on the
specific component and the desired test. It may involve various methods such as
functional testing, performance testing, durability testing, or environmental
testing.
Fire Testing:
* Specimen Preparation: Prepare the specimen to be tested (e.g., building
material, furniture).
* Machine Setup: Place the specimen in the fire testing chamber.
* Fire Exposure: Expose the specimen to a controlled flame or heat source.
* Data Collection: Monitor the specimen’s behavior, temperature, and heat
release rate.
* Evaluation: Evaluate the specimen’s fire resistance and performance.
Optical Microscope:
* Sample Preparation: Prepare the sample for imaging (e.g., sectioning,
polishing, staining).
* Machine Setup: Place the sample on the microscope stage and focus the
objective lens.
* Imaging: View the sample through the eyepiece or camera.
* Image Analysis: Analyze the image to examine the sample’s microstructure,
features, and defects.

Conclusion:

In the field of materials science and engineering, testing is a critical

component of the research and development process. Through testing,
engineers and scientists can evaluate the properties and performance of
materials under various conditions, leading to advancements in
technology, improved product quality, and enhanced safety standards. As
a graduate-level student studying materials science and engineering, I
have come to appreciate the importance of materials testing in ensuring
the reliability and effectiveness of materials in real-world applications.
One of the key takeaways from my studies in materials testing is the need
for a thorough understanding of the testing methods and techniques
available. Different materials require different testing approaches, and it
is essential to choose the right method to accurately assess the desired
properties of a material. Whether it be mechanical, thermal, or chemical
properties, each test provides valuable insights into the behavior of
materials under specific conditions.

Furthermore, the interpretation of test results is a crucial aspect of

materials testing. As a graduate student, I have learned how to analyze
and interpret data from various tests, drawing conclusions about the
mechanical, thermal, and chemical properties of materials. This skillset
has enabled me to make informed decisions about the suitability of
materials for specific applications, as well as to identify areas for
improvement in material design and processing.

In conclusion, materials testing plays a vital role in the field of materials

science and engineering. As a graduate-level student, I have gained a
deeper appreciation for the significance of testing in advancing our
understanding of materials and their applications. By conducting thorough
testing and interpreting results accurately, engineers and scientists can
develop materials that meet the demands of modern technology and
contribute to the advancement of society as a whole. As I continue my
studies and research in materials science and engineering, I will strive to
apply the principles and skills I have learned in materials testing to
contribute meaningfully to the field and drive innovation in materials
research and development.

References:

https://www.google.com/search?
q=importance+of+tensile+test&oq=importance+of+tensile+test&gs_lcrp
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android-transsion&sourceid=chrome-mobile&ie=UTF-8
https://www.britannica.com/technology/materials-testing