Experiment # 3

Objectives:
To perform Compression test on UTM and to Determine Mechanical/Material Properties of the
Sample in Compression.

Apparatus (Equipment):
 Universal Testing Machine
 Extensometer (with dial indicator)
 Scale

Fig 3.1 (UTM)

Theory:
Universal Testing Machine (UTM):
A Universal Testing Machine (UTM) is used to test both the tensile and compressive strength of
materials. Universal Testing Machines are named as such because they can perform many different
varieties of tests on an equally diverse range of materials, components, and structures. Most UTM
models are modular, and can be adapted to fit the customer’s needs.
Universal Testing Machines can accommodate many kinds of materials, ranging from hard
samples, such as metals and concrete, to flexible samples, such as rubber and textiles. This
diversity makes the Universal Testing Machine equally applicable to virtually any manufacturing
industry.
The UTM is a versatile and valuable piece of testing equipment that can evaluate materials
properties such as tensile strength, elasticity, compression, yield strength, elastic and plastic
deformation, bend compression, and strain hardening. Different models of Universal Testing
Machines have different load capacities, some as low as 5kN and others as high as 2,000kN.
Tests can also be performed in controlled environmental conditions. This is achieved by placing
the Universal Testing Machine into an environmental room or chamber. For example, metals
testing can be conducted at extreme temperatures: from -196°C (-321°F) to over 1000°C (1800°F).

Strain Rate:
Strain rate is the change in strain (deformation) of a material with respect to time. The strain rate at
some point within the material measures the rate at which the distances of adjacent parcels of the
material change with time in the neighborhood of that point.

Preload:
A test segment where the crosshead moves to load the specimen to a specified value before a test
starts. Data is not captured during the preload segment.

Procedure:
 Dimension of test piece is measured at three different places along its height/length to
determine the average cross-section area.
 Ends of the specimen should be plane. For that the ends are tested on a bearing plate.
 The specimen is placed centrally between the two compressions plates, such that the
center of moving head is vertically above the center of specimen.
 Load is applied on the specimen by moving the movable head.
 The load and corresponding contraction are measured at different intervals. The load
interval may be as 500 kg.
 Load is applied until the specimen fails.
Calculation:

Sr# Force Area Stress

(N) (m2) (N/m2)

Graph:

Fig 3.2 (Time-Defore Curve)

Fig 3.3(Load-Defore Curve)

Fig 3.4(Load-Time Curve)

Precautions:
 The specimen must be kept at the Centre of cross-head so that a uniform compressive
loading can be assured on the specimen.
 The loading is to be increased gradually.
 The size of the specimen is to be measured accurately.

Comments:
 In this experiment we can perform Compression test on UTM.
 In This experiment we can Decrease length of the material. After decrease length material
is break.