ASTM E9 | Metals | Compression Testing
ASTM E9 describes the compression testing of metals such as steel or metal alloys. This test method determines important mechanical properties such as the yield strength, the yield point, Young’s Modulus, the stress-strain curve, and the compressive strength. Such information is important in the analyses of structural properties when materials are subject to compressive or bending loads and of metal working and fabrication processes that involve large compressive deformation such as forging and rolling.
An electromechanical or hydraulic universal testing machine equipped with the appropriate compression platens, a deflectometer, and software capable of strain rate control is necessary to conduct this test.
Before conducting ASTM E9, it is important to read the entire specification in the relevant ASTM publication.
ASTM E9 | Metals | Compression Testing
- Prepare the test samples as described in the standard. Measure and record the width and thickness, or the diameter of the specimen. Calculate the average cross-sectional area of the specimen gauge section.
- Place the specimen in the test fixture and center it in the middle. If required, attach the deflectometer to the gauge section of the sample.
- Prior to starting the test, set the load range of the testing machine so that the maximum expected load is at least one third of the range selected. Select the strain so that the elastic portion of the load versus strain is between 30˚ and 60˚ to the load axis.
- Apply the load at a constant speed rate of 0.005 in/in/min or at a rate equivalent to 0.005 in/in/min strain-rate in the elastic portion.
- For ductile materials, continue the test until the yield strength or yield point, and sometimes the strength at a strain greater than the yield strain, can be determined. For brittle materials, continue test until failure.
- Record the stress versus strain diagram.
- Modulus of Elasticity
- Yield Strength
- Yield Point
- Compressive Strength
ASTM E9 | Metals | Compression Testing
| ASTM E9 | Recommended Equipment |
|---|---|
| Testing System | |
| Fixturing | |
| Accessories |