DNT 251- Mechanics Of Materials Laboratory Module

EXPERIMENT 2

COMPRESSION TEST

1.0 OBJECTIVES

1.0 To understand the concept of mechanical properties of solid materials

1.1 To construct the stress-strain diagram based on Universal Testing Machine data
1.2 To understand the material behavior under compression mode
1.3 To understand how to determine:
a) Young’s Modulus
b) Ultimate stress
c) Poisson’s ratio (if equipment available)

2.0 INTRODUCTION

A compression test determines behavior of materials under crushing loads. The specimen
is compressed and deformation at various loads is recorded. Compressive stress and strain are
calculated and plotted as a stress-strain diagram which is used to determine elastic limit,
proportional limit, yield point, yield strength and, for some materials compressive strength.

The axial compression testing is useful for measurement of elastic and compressive fracture
properties of brittle materials or low ductility materials. In any case, the use of specimens having
large L/D ratios should be avoided to prevent buckling and shearing modes of deformation.

In this test, the compression test is combined with the test of Poisson’s ratio. When the material
compressed and still in elastic region, student should measure the lateral and longitudinal
elongation.

Fig. 1 Structure Diagram of Testing Machine

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DNT 251- Mechanics Of Materials Laboratory Module

Fig. 2 Compression Test

Fig 3. Stress-Strain Curve

3.0 EQUIPMENT & MATERIALS

3.1 Universal Testing Machine. Model: AG-IS MO 20Kn
3.2 Caliper
3.3 Sample (Aluminum & Mild Steel)

Fig 5. Universal Testing machine (UTM)

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DNT 251- Mechanics Of Materials Laboratory Module

4.0 EXPERIMENTAL PROCEDURE

4.1 Set-Up Procedure

2.1.1 Make sure that the primary power supply capacity is proper.
2.1.2 Make sure that the power supply cable is properly connected to the
connector.(Note that most of the accessories such as the recorder and data
processor need a single-phase power supply. Provide a power supply for such
equipment separately, in addition to the power supply for the testing machine)
2.1.3 Turn ON the power supply circuit breaker of the testing machine.
2.1.4 Turn ON the power switch.
2.1.5 If the emergency stop switch on the main frame is locked, turn this switch to
unlock it. When the emergency stop switch is locked, power cannot be supplied to
the servo amplifier.
2.1.6 Force amplifier calibration
2.1.7 Mounting the tensile test jig (universal joint, lower joint and grips) .

Note:
To stabilize the measurement system of the testing machine, take a warm-up time of appox. 15
minutes after turning ON the power.

4.2 Procedure

4.2.1 For each specimen, measure the length and the diameter using a micrometer.
4.2.2 Draw, with a pencil or marker, two lines on the straight section of the specimen so
that the lines are 50 mm apart. This will be the gage length, Lo.
4.2.3 The testing machine has already been set up and calibrated by teaching engineer.
4.2.4 Put the specimen at the center of platens.
4.2.5 The crosshead speed will be given to you by the assistant. Be sure to record it.
4.2.6 Start the test by pressing the “START” button.
4.2.7 After the specimen has broken, press the stop button. Then remove specimen.
4.2.8 Obtain the data from data acquisition software of Shimadzu machine. Make sure
you got the correct data, that are load and elongation data. Save the data in ASCII
file so that you can edit it later by using spreadsheet software.
4.2.9 Measure the final diameter of the specimen, df, using micrometer. The final
diameter is the maximum diameter which occurred at the bulge out.
4.2.10 Measure the distance between the lines that you scratched on the specimen. This
distance is the final length, Lf.
4.2.11 Make a sketch of the failed specimen. Be sure to identify the bulge out and
fracture regions. You may take the specimen with you and keep it.

4.3 Shut-Down Procedure

4.3.1 Turn OFF the power switch

4.3.2 Turn OFF the power supply circuit breaker.
4.3.3 Turn OFF the circuit breaker of the primary power supply (at the user’s site)
Remove the compression test equipment (universal joint, lower joint and grips

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DNT 251- Mechanics Of Materials Laboratory Module

5. ANALYSIS

5.1. Make a table giving the specimen, the original dimensions and the final dimensions. This
will be Table 1.
5.2. Construct a stress-strain curve from the load-elongation curve
i. First, print your load-elongation curve data and insert it on Table 2.
ii. Next, construct the load-elongation curves by utilizing spreadsheet software
and name it as Fig. 1. The load is on the y-axis and elongation is on the x-
axis. The unit of load and elongation are kN and mm,respectively.
iii. For each point, compute the strain and stress (engineering values). Use
percent (%) strain as the unit for strain and MPa as the unit for stress. It is
expected you have a proper knowledge to compute it by using spreadsheet
software. Use Eq. 3-1 (stress) and Eq. 3-2 (strain), Mechanic of Material
page 87, to compute engineering stress and strain. Insert the result on Table
3
iv. Plot the data points of stress vs. strain and draw a smooth curve through
them. The stress is on the y-axis. Make two graphs. In the first graph, Fig.
2(a), the strain should go from 0 to 2 percent. In the second graph, Fig. 2(b),
the strain should go from 0 to failure.
5.3. Using the Fig. 2(a), where the strain goes to 2 percent, make the following calculations
(and on the graphs, show how you made those calculations)
i. The elastic modulus. (The method of measuring elongation may lower your
value of the elastic modulus by as much as 10 times. This is because the
elongation measured includes the elongation of the testing machine, the
grips, and the curved parts of the specimen as well as the straight part of the
specimen.)
ii. The 0.2% offset yield strength if you have the graph that does not have a
well-defined yield point.
5.4. Using the Fig. 2(b), determine the ultimate strength. Be sure to show where this occurs
on the graph.
5.5. Make another table containing the specimen, elastic modulus, ultimate strength, and
Modulus of resilience. This will be Table 4.

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DNT 251- Mechanics Of Materials Laboratory Module

Name : ______________________________ Date : ______________

Matrix No : ______________________________

5. DATA & RESULTS:

TABLE 1
Original Original Gage Final Final Gage
Material Name
Diameter Length Diameter Length

TABLE 2
Force Elongation
No
(kN) (mm)

1
2
3
…
end

Fig. 1

Fig. 1 Force vs. Position curve

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DNT 251- Mechanics Of Materials Laboratory Module

Name : ______________________________ Date : ______________

Matrix No : ______________________________

TABLE 3
Load Elongation Stress Strain
No
( kN ) ( mm ) ( MPa ) (%)

1
2
3
…
end

Fig. 2(a)

Fig. 2(a) Stress vs. Strain up to 2 %

Fig. 2(b)

Fig. 2(a) Stress vs. Strain up to failure

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DNT 251- Mechanics Of Materials Laboratory Module

TABLE 4

Parameters Results Calculations

Elastic Modulus

Yield strength

Ultimate stress

Modulus of
Resilience

6. QUESTIONS:
6.1 Define the brittle material? Give three (3) brittle materials.

6.2 What do you understand about elastic behavior in stress-strain diagrams?

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DNT 251- Mechanics Of Materials Laboratory Module

7. DISCUSSION
(Include a discussion on the result noting trends in measured data, and comparing measurements with theoretical predictions when possible. Include
the physical interpretation of the results and graphs, the reasons on deviations of your findings from expected results, your recommendations on
further experimentation for verifying your results, and your findings.)

8.0 CONCLUSION
(Based on data and discussion, make your overall conclusion by referring to experiment objective).
The conclusion for this lab is…

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