ASTM E8 - Standard Test Method for Tension Testing of Metallic Materials

  • Metals are used across industries due to their strength, durability, and versatility and are an essential material in the construction, aerospace, and automotive industries. The mechanical properties of metals can vary widely depending on the composition (alloy) and manufacturing process used (forging, rolling, extrusion, heat treatment, etc.).

    ASTM E8 (Standard Test Method for Tension Testing of Metallic Materials) specifies methods for testing the tensile properties of metals at ambient temperature. Several mechanical properties can be measured including yield strength, yield point elongation, tensile strength, and reduction of area.
     

  • Shimadzu Solutions for ASTM E8 Testing

High Sampling Rate and Force Accuracy for ASTM E8

All of Shimadzu’s test frames and load cells meet the test force accuracy and control requirements of ASTM E8. The Shimadzu AGX-V2 is designed with the most demanding test requirements in mind. It has a high-speed sampling rate resulting in ultra-high response control, high frame rigidity, and an intelligent crosshead. Test frame capacities are available from 10 kN to 600 kN.

Mechanical Test Grips for ASTM E8 Testing

The standard accommodates several different types of specimen geometries due to the variety of fabrication techniques used with metals. Samples can be prepared as flat plates, tubes, sheets with flat or pin ends, and round specimens with cylindrical, threaded, or button ends. The most common specimen type is a flat plate with a 2 inch (50 mm ) gauge length and 0.5 inch (12.5 mm) width. Non-shift wedge grips with flat grip faces are typically used; however, a wide variety of gripping options are available to optimize gripping for your specimen geometry.

ASTM E8 Strain Measurement

A class B2 extensometer (as defined in ASTM E83) is required for measuring strain of 5% elongation or less. Shimadzu offers a range of extensometer options including strain gauge extensometers and the TRViewX non-contact digital video extensometer. Fixed gauge length clip-on extensometers are an affordable robust option, while non-contact extensometers allow freely setting the gauge length and without potentially damaging the sample surface. Alternatively, some uses apply gauge marks to the sample surface and measure the distance between the marks at the end of the test. Similarly, for reduction of area measurements, the standard describes a procedure for measuring the reduced diameter of a fractured specimen with the ends fit together after the test. Shimadzu’s TrapeziumX-V software includes data processing features specifically designed to comply with ASTM E8.