Tensile Testing Lab Procedure

Step 1 of 6

Programming the Machine

We have made a program file for you (a 'Method' file .xml), which tells the machine what to do. You need to find it and open it.

On the laptop next to the Shimadzu, do the following:

Open Trapezium X software if its not already loaded up Click "Open Method" Navigate to the Desktop, and then into a folder called "Tensile Testing". If this doesnt exist look for "MEC11002" or "MEC102" Within one of these folders should be a file called "Bending.xml" or similar. Open it

🎯 Visual Check Point

The Trapezium X software should now have loaded an empty graph, signifying it is ready to go.

Measuring the Samples

We need to measure them BEFORE we break them... in order to do our calculations later

Use the digital callipers to measure the dimensions of each sample and record those on the printout (Table 1). Calculate the cross sectional area in mm² - add it to the table

🎯 Visual Check Point

Check you have measurements for all samples written down.

Installing the Sample

Position the sample ready for testing...

Place the end of the specimen inside the lower grip of the Shimadzu machine and tighten the grip. Dont over tighten Make sure the wide part of the specimen is nearly contained in the grips, and that it is vertical (i.e. not skewed diagonally) Zero the force of the machine before attaching the top grip. This is done by pressing the 'zero' buttons on the Shimadzu. Using the Shimadzu machine controls, carefully lower the top grip so that the top end of the specimen can fit inside. Tighten, but be careful not to bend/twist the specimen

⚠️ Important: Once both grips have been tightened, never zero the force again. Whatever force we have within the sample now is the true force – we must not 'get rid' of it.

Running the Test

Nearly there....

Zero the stroke of the machine Start the test by pressing the green 'Start' button It asks if you are ready.... press the green button again Observe the graph being plotted on the laptop screen showing force applied and the elongation (stroke) of the machine.

⚠️ Safety Notes: The test will stop automatically once the specimen has failed. If it doesn't, grab a teacher and ask. Also...if the test has taken 5 minutes and isnt finished, something is wrong. Ask a teacher

Doing the Next Tests

We've just done 1 test, and there are more samples to do. You do not need to save the data for sample 1 - you can save all the data together at the end.

Remove the broken sample from the machine Configure the next sample in the same way you just did Once ready, you can press the green 'Start' button again - dont worry you won't lose the data from the last test, it will be stored for saving later Repeat again for the final sample

Data Processing

Save the data and analyse it to calculate material properties...

Locate your USB stick. If you can't see it then open the top draw of the Shimadzu workbench. If its not in there, as a teacher for help Press the "Save as .CSV" button. If this doesnt show, click on the top menu 'Export/Export as CSV' and save the file as a .CSV to the USB stick Use the USB stick to move the file across to the other laptop (the one not connected to the Shimadzu) Return to the labsheet for instructions on analysing the data

🎯 Visual Check Point

This is now the end the experimental tests!

🎉 Congratulations!

You have successfully completed the Tensile Testing experimental procedure

Next Steps:

✅ Process your tensile test data using the spreadsheet
✅ Calculate material properties (Young's modulus, ultimate strength, etc.)
✅ Compare your results with theoretical values

🔧 Tensile Testing

🎯 Visual Check Point

🎯 Visual Check Point

🎯 Visual Check Point

🎉 Congratulations!