Types of Tests

Compressive

What is a Compression test?

Simply put, a compression test allows you to see how a material behaves when subjected to a crushing, or compressive, load. The specimen is subjected to an increasing compression load and the deformation of the specimen is recorded.  Compressive stress and strain are calculated and recorded as a stress-strain curve which is then used to determine elastic limit, proportional limit, yield point, yield strength and ultimate compressive strength.

Why Perform a Compression Test?

The ASM Handbook®, Volume 8, Mechanical Testing and Evaluation states: "Axial compression testing is a useful procedure for measuring the plastic flow behavior and ductile fracture limits of a material. Measuring the plastic flow behavior requires frictionless (homogenous compression) test conditions, while measuring ductile fracture limits takes advantage of the barrel formation and controlled stress and strain conditions at the equator of the barreled surface when compression is carried out with friction. Axial compression testing is also 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 deformation1."