Tensile Testing
The CMS facility has four (4) test machines that are dedicated to testing tensile specimens. Of these four test machines, two have a 60,000 lbf maximum load capacity, which are implemented in both tension and compression loading of specimens. These two test machines are the workhorses of the CMS mechanical testing department, as the ultimate tensile strength of most standard tensile specimens lies within the maximum load capacity of these machines. The largest tensile machine at the CMS facility has a 160,000 lbf maximum load capacity and is implemented in both tension and compression loading of specimens; this machine can perform tensile testing of specimens with an ultimate tensile strength that requires loading above 60,000 lbf, as well as full-size bolt testing.
Tensile testing procedures at the CMS facility are preformed in accordance with ASTM standard specifciations, such as:
- ASTM E-8 (Standard Test Methods for Tension Testing of Metallic Materials)
- ASTM A-370 (Standard Test Methods and Definitions for Mechanical Testing of Steel Products)
- ASTM B-557 (Standard Test Methods for Tension Testing Wrought and Cast Aluminum- and Magnesium-Alloy Products)
- ASTM F-606 (Standard Test Methods for Determining the Mechanical Properties of Externally and Internally Threaded Fasteners, Washers, Direct Tension Indicators, and Rivets)
