SOM Experiment
SOM Experiment
Objective:
To determine the tensile properties (such as tensile strength, yield strength, elongation, and
modulus of elasticity) of a given material by performing a tensile test.
Equipment:
Theory:
The tensile test is used to determine the behavior of a material when subjected to a uniaxial
tensile force. The specimen is pulled by the testing machine, and the stress-strain curve is
plotted. The following tensile properties can be determined:
Tensile Strength: The maximum stress the material can withstand before breaking.
Yield Strength: The stress at which a material begins to deform plastically.
Young’s Modulus: The ratio of stress to strain in the elastic region of the material.
Elongation: The increase in length of the material before fracture.
Procedure:
1. Preparation of Specimen:
o Cut the specimen into the desired shape (usually dog-bone shape) with known
dimensions (gauge length, cross-sectional area).
o Measure the initial length (L₀) and cross-sectional area (A₀) using a vernier caliper
or micrometer.
2. Setting Up the Test:
o Install the specimen in the grips of the Universal Testing Machine (UTM).
o Attach the extensometer to the specimen to measure elongation.
o Set the UTM to the desired load and deformation rates.
3. Conducting the Test:
o Begin the test by applying a uniaxial tensile force to the specimen.
o Record the force and corresponding elongation continuously throughout the test.
o The UTM will plot a stress-strain curve automatically, based on the applied force
and measured elongation.
4. Data Collection:
o The force and elongation data are captured continuously. The following data
points need to be recorded:
Maximum Load (Force)
Fracture Point
Yield Point
Elongation at Break
Stress and Strain values at different points
5. Post-Test:
o After the specimen fractures, remove the specimen from the testing machine.
o Measure the final length (L₁) and cross-sectional area (A₁) at the fracture point to
calculate the elongation.
Calculations:
Results:
The stress-strain curve will show the material's behavior under tension. From the curve,
the following properties can be determined:
o Yield Strength: The stress at the yield point.
o Ultimate Tensile Strength: The highest point on the stress-strain curve.
o Young's Modulus: The slope of the stress-strain curve in the elastic region.
o Fracture Point: The point where the material breaks.
Conclusion:
The tensile test provides valuable information about the material's behavior under tension,
allowing for the determination of its tensile strength, yield strength, modulus of elasticity, and
ductility. These properties are essential for selecting materials for various structural applications
where tensile loads are expected.
Experiment 2
Objective:
To perform a tensile test on a material sample and obtain the stress-strain curve, which helps in
understanding the material's mechanical properties such as tensile strength, yield strength,
elongation, and modulus of elasticity.
Apparatus:
Material:
The material sample should be uniform and free of defects. Common materials used include:
Mild steel
Aluminum
Brass
Polymers (for plastic samples)
Procedure:
1. Preparation of Specimen:
o Measure and record the initial dimensions (length, diameter, or cross-sectional
area) of the specimen using a vernier caliper or micrometer.
o Ensure the specimen has smooth, flat, and parallel ends (if using cylindrical or flat
specimens) to avoid stress concentration.
2. Setting Up the Universal Testing Machine (UTM):
o Install the specimen securely in the grips of the UTM.
o Set the machine to apply a controlled tensile load, starting from zero and
increasing gradually.
3. Conducting the Tensile Test:
o Start the test by applying a tensile load gradually at a constant rate of elongation.
o Continuously record the load (force) and the corresponding elongation
(displacement) as the specimen stretches.
oIf available, use an extensometer to measure the elongation directly to avoid any
error due to deformation of the grips.
4. Recording Data:
o For each increment of elongation, record the applied load (force) and the
corresponding elongation or displacement.
o Continue the test until the specimen breaks, noting the maximum load before
failure (ultimate tensile strength).
5. Data Analysis:
o Calculate the engineering stress and engineering strain using the following
formulas:
Engineering Stress (σ) = Force (F) / Original Cross-sectional Area (A₀)
Engineering Strain (ε) = Elongation (ΔL) / Original Length (L₀)
o Plot the stress vs. strain graph (stress-strain curve).
Results:
Elastic Modulus (Young’s Modulus, E): The slope of the linear portion of the stress-
strain curve.
Yield Strength: The stress at which plastic deformation begins.
Ultimate Tensile Strength: The maximum stress the material can withstand.
Fracture Strain: The total elongation at fracture, indicating ductility.
Discussion:
The shape of the stress-strain curve depends on the material's properties. For ductile
materials, the curve will show an initial linear region (elastic deformation), followed by a
plastic deformation region, and then fracture. Brittle materials typically fracture after
elastic deformation without significant plastic behavior.
Understanding the tensile properties of materials is crucial in designing structures and
components that will undergo tensile forces in practical applications.
Conclusion:
The tensile test provides valuable data about the strength and deformation behavior of materials.
By obtaining the stress-strain curve, we can assess material properties like yield strength, tensile
strength, and ductility, which are essential for selecting appropriate materials for engineering
applications.
Objective:
To determine the compressive properties of a material, including compressive strength, yield
strength, modulus of elasticity, and deformation behavior under compressive loading.
Apparatus Required:
1. Universal Testing Machine (UTM): For applying compressive force and measuring
deformation.
2. Compression Test Specimens: Cylindrical or rectangular specimens as per ASTM E9 or
equivalent standard.
3. Extensometer or Strain Gauges: For measuring deformation.
4. Vernier Caliper or Micrometer: To measure the dimensions of the specimen.
5. Computer with Data Acquisition System: For recording force and deformation.
Theory:
The compressive test is performed to study the behavior of materials under compressive loads.
The key parameters obtained include:
Compressive Strength: Maximum compressive stress the material can withstand before
failure.
Yield Strength: Stress at which the material starts to deform plastically.
Modulus of Elasticity (E): Ratio of compressive stress to compressive strain in the
elastic region.
Procedure:
1. Preparation of Specimen:
o Measure the initial dimensions of the specimen (length and diameter/width) using
a Vernier caliper or micrometer.
o Ensure the specimen is free from surface defects.
2. Setup of Universal Testing Machine (UTM):
o Place the specimen centrally between the compression platens of the UTM.
o Attach the extensometer or strain gauges to measure deformation.
3. Test Execution:
o Start the UTM and apply compressive load at a constant rate as per the standard
(e.g., ASTM E9).
o Record the load and corresponding deformation until the specimen fails or
reaches a predefined limit.
4. Data Collection:
o Use the data acquisition system to record the applied load and corresponding
deformation.
o Note the maximum load the specimen can withstand.
5. Analysis:
o Calculate the compressive stress using the formula:
Compressive Stress=Load (P)Cross-sectional Area (A)\text{Compressive Stress}
= \frac{\text{Load (P)}}{\text{Cross-sectional Area (A)}}
o Determine the compressive strain:
Compressive Strain=Change in Length (ΔL)Original Length (L)\text{Compressiv
e Strain} = \frac{\text{Change in Length (ΔL)}}{\text{Original Length (L)}}
o Plot the stress-strain curve and identify key properties:
Yield strength
Compressive strength
Modulus of elasticity (slope in the elastic region)
Observations:
Calculations:
σ=PA\sigma = \frac{P}{A}
Compressive Strain:
Result:
Conclusion:
The compressive test provided essential material properties that help in determining the
material’s behavior under compressive loads. These properties are crucial for designing
components subjected to compressive forces.
Precautions:
1. Ensure the specimen is properly aligned in the UTM to avoid eccentric loading.
2. Apply load gradually to prevent sudden failure.
3. Verify calibration of the UTM and extensometer for accurate readings.
4. Use specimens conforming to standard dimensions to ensure reliable results.
Objective:
To determine the shear strength and shear modulus of a given material by conducting a shear
test.
Apparatus Required:
Theory:
Shear stress is defined as the force per unit area acting parallel to the plane of the material. The
shear test helps in determining the material's response to shear loading and its ultimate shear
strength.
τ=FA\tau = \frac{F}{A}
Where:
Procedure:
1. Preparation:
2. Setup:
Fix the specimen securely in the shear test attachment of the universal testing machine.
Ensure proper alignment to avoid eccentric loading.
3. Testing:
4. Calculation:
5. Repeat:
Repeat the experiment for multiple specimens to ensure accuracy and consistency.
Result:
The shear strength of the material is calculated as the average maximum shear stress at
failure.
The shear modulus is obtained from the slope of the stress-strain graph (if applicable).
Precautions:
1. Ensure the specimen is properly aligned and secured to avoid uneven loading.
2. Apply the load gradually to prevent dynamic effects.
3. Take accurate measurements of the specimen dimensions.
Conclusion:
The experiment helps determine the shear strength and shear modulus of the material, which are
crucial for designing components subjected to shear loads.
Objective:
Apparatus Required:
1. Universal Testing Machine (UTM) with bending test fixture (three-point or four-point
setup)
2. Test specimen (standard dimensions based on material type)
3. Vernier caliper or micrometer (for accurate measurement of specimen dimensions)
4. Computer/software for data acquisition (if applicable)
5. Safety equipment (gloves, goggles)
Theory:
Bending tests measure the behavior of materials under flexural loading. Key properties obtained
include:
Flexural Strength: The maximum stress experienced by the outermost fibers of the
specimen before failure.
Flexural Modulus: The ratio of stress to strain in the elastic deformation region.
Bending Strain: The strain experienced by the material under the bending load.
where:
where mm is the slope of the initial linear portion of the load-deflection curve.
ϵf=6DdL2\epsilon_f = \frac{6Dd}{L^2}
Procedure:
1. Preparation:
o Measure the dimensions (width bb and thickness dd) of the test specimen using a
Vernier caliper or micrometer.
o Set up the bending fixture (three-point or four-point) on the UTM.
2. Test Setup:
o Place the specimen on the bending supports.
o Ensure the load applicator (or the central loading pin for three-point bending) is
positioned correctly.
3. Loading:
o Start the test by applying load at a constant rate (as per the relevant standard, e.g.,
ASTM D790).
o Record the load and deflection data until the specimen fails or reaches the desired
deflection limit.
4. Data Recording:
o Note the maximum load at failure (FmaxF_{max}) and corresponding deflection.
o Record the load-deflection curve if using a data acquisition system.
5. Calculations:
o Calculate flexural strength, flexural modulus, and bending strain using the
formulas provided.
6. Repeat:
o Perform the test for multiple specimens to ensure consistency and accuracy.
Observations:
Precautions:
Conclusion:
Summarize the material's bending properties based on the calculated flexural strength, flexural
modulus, and bending strain. Highlight any observed trends or anomalies in the data.
Objective:
To determine the Brinell hardness number (BHN) of a given material by using the Brinell
hardness testing method.
Apparatus Required:
Theory:
The Brinell hardness test determines the hardness of a material by pressing a hard steel or
tungsten carbide ball into the surface under a specified load. The diameter of the indentation is
measured, and the hardness is calculated using the following formula:
Where:
Procedure:
1. Preparation of Specimen
o Ensure the surface of the specimen is clean, smooth, and free from scale or
coatings. Use sandpaper or a polishing cloth if necessary.
2. Setup of the Brinell Hardness Tester
o Select the appropriate load based on the material to be tested and the size of the
indenter (typically 500 to 3000 kgf).
o Place the specimen securely on the anvil of the machine.
3. Applying the Load
o Lower the indenter onto the surface of the specimen until it makes contact.
o Apply the load gradually and hold it for a specified dwell time (usually 10-15
seconds).
o Release the load gently.
4. Measuring the Indentation
o Remove the specimen from the machine.
o Use a microscope or calibrated measuring device to measure the diameter of the
indentation in at least two perpendicular directions and take the average value
(dd).
5. Calculation of Brinell Hardness Number (BHN)
o Substitute the values of PP, DD, and dd into the BHN formula to calculate the
hardness.
Observations:
Precautions:
Conclusion:
Objective
To determine the Vickers hardness number (VHN) of a given material specimen by performing
the Vickers hardness test.
Theory
The Vickers Hardness Test determines the hardness of materials by measuring the size of the
indentation produced by a diamond pyramid-shaped indenter under a specified load. The Vickers
hardness number (VHN) is calculated using the following formula:
VHN=1.854×Pd2\text{VHN} = \frac{1.854 \times P}{d^2}
Where:
Procedure
Observations
Specimen Material Load (P) Diagonal 1 (d1) Diagonal 2 (d2) Mean Diagonal (d) VHN
Precautions
Result
The Vickers hardness number of the given specimen is calculated and recorded as an average of
multiple observations.
Conclusion
The experiment demonstrates the hardness of the material, which is an essential property for
assessing its suitability for various engineering applications.
Objective
Apparatus Required
Theory
Torsion occurs when a moment or torque is applied to a material, causing it to twist. The
relationship between torque TT, shear stress τ\tau, and angle of twist θ\theta can be expressed as:
1. Shear Stress:
Where:
o TT = applied torque
orr = radius of the specimen
oJJ = polar moment of inertia (J=πd432 for solid circular shaft)(J = \frac{\pi
d^4}{32} \text{ for solid circular shaft})
2. Angle of Twist:
Where:
Procedure
Torque (T) Angle of Twist (θ\theta) Shear Stress (τ\tau) Modulus of Rigidity (GG)
Graphs
Conclusion
Summarize the torsional properties of the tested material and compare them with standard
values, if available.
Precautions
Objective:
To determine the torsional properties of a given material and plot the Torque-Twist (T-T) curve.
Apparatus:
Theory:
The torsion test measures a material's response to a twisting moment or torque. It is used to
determine properties such as modulus of rigidity (G), shear stress (τ), and shear strain (γ).
Key Formulas:
where:
where:
G=τγG = \frac{\tau}{\gamma}
Procedure:
1. Preparation:
o Measure and record the dimensions of the specimen (length LL, diameter dd).
o Mount the specimen securely in the torsion testing machine.
2. Set Zero Reference:
o Ensure the machine reads zero for both torque and angle of twist at the start.
3. Apply Torque:
o Gradually apply torque to the specimen and record the corresponding angle of
twist.
o Take readings at regular intervals until the specimen yields or fractures.
4. Data Recording:
o For each applied torque value, record the corresponding angle of twist.
5. Failure Observation:
o Continue applying torque until the specimen fails, noting the maximum torque
value.
6. Plot T-T Curve:
o Plot a graph of Torque (T) vs. Angle of Twist (θ\theta) using the recorded data.
o Identify elastic and plastic regions.
Calculations:
Results:
Plot the T-T curve and identify key points such as the yield torque and ultimate torque.
Calculate the modulus of rigidity (G) from the curve.
Compare the experimental results with the theoretical or standard values for the material.
Discussion:
Conclusion:
Summarize the torsional properties obtained from the experiment, including the modulus
of rigidity and the material's performance under torsion.
Precautions:
Objective:
To determine the impact strength of materials by performing impact tests using a pendulum-type
impact testing machine (Charpy or Izod test).
Apparatus:
Theory:
The impact test measures a material's ability to resist sudden impact. The test provides an impact
energy value, which is a measure of the toughness of the material.
Charpy Test: The specimen is supported horizontally and struck behind a notch.
Izod Test: The specimen is clamped vertically and struck at the notch.
The energy absorbed by the material to fracture under the impact is recorded as the impact
strength.
Procedure:
1. Preparation of Specimens:
o Ensure specimens are of standard dimensions.
o Create a notch on each specimen as per the testing standard.
2. Machine Setup:
o Calibrate the impact testing machine.
o Select the desired test (Charpy or Izod) and position the pendulum accordingly.
3. Test Execution:
o Place the specimen in the appropriate position:
For Charpy, lay the specimen horizontally across supports.
For Izod, fix the specimen vertically.
o Raise the pendulum to a specified height and lock it.
o Release the pendulum to strike the specimen.
4. Record Observations:
o Note the reading from the machine. It indicates the energy absorbed by the
specimen during fracture (measured in Joules).
o Repeat the test for different materials and multiple specimens for accuracy.
Results:
The impact strength of the materials can be calculated using the formula:
Conclusion:
Based on the recorded data, compare the impact strength of different materials. Discuss the
material’s toughness and its suitability for applications requiring resistance to sudden impacts.
Precautions: