Tension Testing of Metallic Materials (ASTM E8)

ASTM E 8 describes tension testing methods to determine yield strength, yield point elongation, tensile strength, elongation and reduction of area of metal products. It applies to metallic materials in any form, including: sheet, plate, wire, rod, bar, pipe and tube. For each of these specimen types, the standard defines suitable geometries and dimensions, requiring specific gripping solutions that are critical to performing a successful test. The most common types of specimens are rectangular and round. Rectangular plate specimens have a reduced area section with a 1.5-inch width and a nominal thickness of 3/16 inch or more. Sheet rectangular specimens have a reduced area section of 1/2 inch and their thickness should not exceed 3/4 inch. Subsize specimens with a 1/4-inch width can be used for material thicknesses up to 1/4 inch. When the material has a thickness of a 1/2 inch or more, round specimens can also be used. The most common specimens have a 1/2-inch diameter and are typically used for cast and wrought metallic materials.