Monsoon 2012

CL 3004 & CL 5008 - STRENGTH OF MATERIALS LAB

III Semester BE (Chemical Engineering), BE (Chemical and Polymer Engineering)
and V Semester BE (Chemical and Polymer Engineering)
Credit: 2
Faculty:

Dr. Kaushik Kumar

Mr. Pulak Datta
Mr. J. Sudeepan

Contents:

List of Experiments

General Instruction and Evaluation Scheme

Reference for each Experiment

Instruction Manual

LIST OF EXPERIMENTS

Introductory Lab
MECHANICAL ENGINEERING DEPARTMENT
1. Determination of ultimate strength, % elongation, yields stress and % of area deduction
(commercial test).
2. A) Determination of strength using Charpy Impact test
B) Determination of hardness of metals using Rockwell / Brinell Hardness Tester
3. Determination of Youngs modulus of elasticity of material by bending theory.
4. Determination of modulus of rigidity of both M.S. and aluminium specimen in torsion testing
machine.
5. Determination of Youngs modulus of the material of elasticity of a cantilever beam.
CHEMICAL & POLYMER ENGINEERING DEPARTMENT
6. Determining the Izod Impact Strength of plastics
7. a) Determination of hardness of Plastics & Rubber.
b) PVC pipe testing
8. Determination of ultimate strength, % elongation, yields stress and Modulus of Elasticity of
plastic sample using Instron Tensile Testing Machine.
9. Determination of Abrasion test using DIN abrader.
10. Determination of Impact Resistance of Plastic Film by Free-Falling Dart Method

GENERAL INSTRUCTION AND EVALUATION SCHEME

Students must adhere to written and verbal safety instructions throughout the academic term.
Since additional instructions may be given at the beginning of laboratory sessions, it is important
that all students arrive at each session on time.

Working alone and unsupervised in laboratories is forbidden if you are working with equipment.

Notify your instructor immediately after any injury, fire or explosion, or spill.

Good common sense is needed for safety in a laboratory. It is expected that each student will
work in a responsible manner and exercise good judgement and common sense. If at any time
you are not sure how to handle a particular situation, ask your Teaching Assistant or Instructor
for advice. DO NOT TOUCH ANYTHING WITH WHICH YOU ARE NOT COMPLETELY
FAMILIAR!!! It is always better to ask questions than to risk harm to yourself or damage to the
equipment.

Disposal - Students are responsible for the proper disposal of used material if any in appropriate
containers.

If you have long hair or loose clothes, make sure it is tied back or confined.

Shoes are required when working in the lab, if not you will be asked to leave the lab.

Clean up your work area before leaving.

You will be expected to submit the completed notebook according to the deadlines set up by
your instructor.
EVALUATION SCHEME
Journal

10 Marks

Attendance

05 Marks

Progressive Evaluation

15 Marks

Quiz

05 Marks (1 hour duration)

Performance

10 Marks (3 hours duration)

Viva

05 Marks

BASIS OF TEACHERS EVALUATION:

Journal :

(10 Marks)

This lab is highly oriented to theory & given during each and every class. You must understand
the theory behind each lab before starting your experiments. You must note down the process
details how you have perform the experiment, including the process conditions like temperature,
pressure, time etc. On the next lab day you will be asked to submit the lab report. The lab report
should contain the following sections as below
1. Objective
2. Theory
3. Instruments used model number to be mentioned
4. Process Details Process conditions to be given
5. Results in table format, units must be written in the table. Graphs to include where
required, clearly mentioning the axis with unit
6. Discussion justification of results with proper explanation
Attendance:

(5 Marks)

The Institute requires regular class attendance and punctuality of students, according to that you
will be evaluated for alloted marks.
Progressive Evaluation:

(15 Marks)

You have to submit lab file/notebook every class with complete report of previous experiments
for "Progressive Evaluation". You will lose the allotted 5 marks if you fail to submit lab
file/notebook every class.
Your intensive cooperation is essential. If you are not so cooperative that the class can not be
successful, you will be asked to leave the class as well as according to that you will be evaluated
for allotted 5 marks of the Progressive Evaluation.
Lab Quiz:

(5 Marks)

At the end of the semester, a lab quiz will be held. The quiz question may contain short
questions, simple problems, multiple choices, fill in the blanks etc. The duration of the test will
be 1 hour.
Performance Evaluation:

(10 Marks)

You will be given either to perform an experiment or some problems for the performance
evaluation to be held at the end of the semester. The duration of the test will be 3 hours.
Viva Voce:
Viva voce will be held on the same day during performance evaluation.

(5 Marks)

BIRLA INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY

DEPARTMENT OF CHEMICAL & POLYMER ENGIEERING
MESRA, RANCHI
STRENGTH OF MATERIALS LABORATORY
EXPERIMENT NO.- 1
TENSILE STRENGTH
OBJECTIVE: To perform a commercial tensile test of mild steel in order to determine the following
1
2
3
4
5

Yield point
Tensile Strength
Percentage Elongation
Rupture Stress
Percentage Reduction in area

THEORY : If a bar of cross-sectional area A is subjected to '" tensile force P, the stress proouced in the material
is given by f =P/A, again by Hooke's law, Stress/Strain = Youngs Modulus of Elasticity . i .e E = f/e, where
e = strain = change length / original length
PROCEDURE: The diameter of the specimen Supplied was measured at three places in the central portion of the
rod and its mean was determined to find its cross-sectional area, with the help of a micrometer. Now a suitable
gauge length symmetrical with respect to the length of the bar was selected. The ends of the gauge length were
indicated by punch marks. Punch marks were also made at an interval of 2crn within the gauge length and outside
too. The whole length of specimen was maked by punch marks at a gap of 2 cm. The specimen was placed in the
machine. Fixing its ends to the grip. Some of the extra punch marks, outside the gauge length are inside the grips,
to serve as reference points for measuring the elongation. in case the bar breaks outside the gauge length.
An extensometer was firmly attached. A load was applied at a very slow seed and the extensometer reading was
noted down for regular intervals of loading. The extensometer was removed when the yield point was reached. the
load at yield point was noted down. (It is that load, where the pointer in the load scalc stops or goes backward
slightly The load was allowed to increase further, where upon. after some time. it doe, not increase any more, and
the black pointer starts going back. The red pointer is left behind to indicate the maximum load or the ultimate
load.
In the specimen, a neck was seen to be formed gradually and finally the specimen factured, giving a bang. The
pointer was automatically released and the black pointer sprung backwards. The two broken pieces were taken out
and assembled together. And the elongation for 2 cm length mesasuring the final length between two consecutive
punch marks.
Calculate % elongation. Also measure the lowest cross sectional area to find out % reduction area. Study the
fractured area and give a sketch of the same showing the nature of fracture.
Draw the following Graphs.
(i) Stress v/s strain and calculate the value of youngs modulus of Elasticity of M.S.
(ii) % elongation v/s Gauge length.
(Note a load v/s extensometer graph will be automatically drawn of a paper warped around a drum in the machine,
study the nature of the graph and distinguish different important points on it).
1. What is Johnsons apparent elastic limit? What are its advantages and disadvantages over the
conventional elastic limit?

2. Why should a stress-strain diagram be preferable to a load elongation diagram for representing the result
of this test.
3. Are the wedge grips of the test piece used suitable for tests of brittle materials? What precautions are
necessary to obtain satisfactory tensile test of brittle materials.
4. Define the terms Elastic limit, proportional limit yield point, Ultimate Strength and Rupture Strength.

BIRLA INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY

DEPARTMENT OF CHEMICAL & POLYMER ENGIEERING
MESRA, RANCHI
STRENGTH OF MATERIALS LABORATORY
EXPERIMENT NO.-2A
IMPACT TESTING

OBJECTIVE: To find out the impact resistance of materials according to (a) Charpy Test (b) Izod
Test and (c) Tensile Impact Test.
APPARATUS:
The pendulum impact tester with charpy and izod hammers and corresponding test piece supporting
devices.
TEST PRINCIPLES:
(c) Charpy Test: - In this the test piece is broken under transverse impact. It is supported between
steel blocks as a simple beam, so that the blow is given at the centre of the specimen and on the
side opposite to the notch. The distance between the supports is 40 mm. The test piece is 10 mm x
10 mm with a notch 2 mm deep and having an included angle of 45.
(b) Izod Test: The specimen is held as a cantilever in a vice and a blow is given at a distance of 22
mm from the face of the vice on the same side on which the notch is cut. Section of specimen and size
of notch is same for charpy test.
(c) Tensile Impact Test: In this test a dynamic tensile force is applied to break the specimen and the
energy expended for the same measure.
PROCEDURE:
CHARPY TEST:
Set the specimen supports at the required distance (40 mm) from each other and place the standard
notched specimen on the supports with un-notched side facing the pendulum hammer head. Raise the
hammer to the starting position and secure it in the catch. Pull out the lock pin and release the hammer
by raising the catch. After rupture of t. specimen, brake the return swing of the hammer.
IZODTEST:
Replace the charpy hammer by Izod hammer. Pull out the supports for charpy test piece until they
allow the passage of the izod hammer. Fix the izod vice on the flat surface of the machine. Then insert
the test piece with longer portion in the vice and clamp it rigidly with the centre line of the notch in
level with top of vice.
TENSILE IMPACT TEST:
Insert the stops for impact tensile test in place of those for charpy test. Screw the test bar into the
tapped hole at the rear of the hammer. Fix the transverse beam to the free end of the test bar, the
transverse beam must be horizontal. Note the energy expanded in the test.
In each of the above tests the energy lost in friction ha to be taken into account. Tabulate your
observations as follows and calculate impact resistance of material per unit area :TEST
ENERGY EXPENDED, kg.m
Charpy
Izod
Tensile

BIRLA INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY

DEPARTMENT OF CHEMICAL & POLYMER ENGIEERING
MESRA, RANCHI
STRENGTH OF MATERIALS LABORATORY
EXPERIMENT NO.- 2B
ROCKWELL HARDNESS TEST
OBJECTIVE : To determine the Rockwell Hardness No. of the given specimen
Description: In this test a 1/16" hardened steel ball or 120 degree diamond cone with a quarter mm.
rounded nose is used. The steel ball is used for comparatively softer materials and hardness no. is given as
Rockwell no. on the "B" scale (such as B-60). The diamond cone is used for harder materials (Harder than
B-100) and the no. is called as Rockwell "C" (e.g. C-40).
Because of high contact stress and small depth measurements, the penetration is to be measured after
removing the effect of elastic deformation. Hence the following procedure is adopted.
Procedure and Observation:
1.
Use "B" Scale and 1/16" steel ball because the hardness no. of the mateials supplied is expected to
be lower than 100 B.
2.
Check that the load is off the piston. This is ensured by the loading knob being inclined towards
the observer i.e. the handle is leaning forward.
3.
Place the specimen on the loading platform and raise it manually until the specimen touches the
pointer. Tighten the hand wheel a little so that both the pointer. start moving. Go on tightening slowly until
the big pointer reached the SET position. If you overshoot this mark start a fresh, (at another place). This
will ensure that the minor load of 10 kgf has applied.
4.
Swing the handle backwards (away from you). This will cause the loading on the specimen. The
dials will start moving in the anticlock-wise direction .
5.
After the pointer has come to rest, wait for 15 seconds and then remove the load. This scale
reading on the dial will be a measurement of the penetration of the indenter plus the elastic deformation of
the specimen .Put load 90 kg for "B" Scale and 150 kg for "C" scale, keeping the minor load on. Also the
pointer returns back showing the elastic recovery. The minor load is kept on to ensure contact between the
indenter and the surface of impression).
6.
The final reading, corresponding to the penetration of the indenter by the application of the major load
gives the Rockwell Hardness No.
7.

Take 3 impressions

Results:
Give the results in tabulated form, Sketches. Give sketches illustrating the sequence of operation.
8

Comments:
Give your comments and conclusions

OBSERVATION TABLE
S. No.

Specimen

Hardness

Take three reading of each specimen.

Mean

BIRLA INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY

DEPARTMENT OF CHEMICAL & POLYMER ENGIEERING
MESRA, RANCHI
STRENGTH OF MATERIALS LABORATORY
EXPERIMENT NO.- 3
YOUNG MODULUS BY BENDING
OBJECTIVE: To determine the value of Youngs modulus of elasticity of the given material by
bending.

THEORY :
l = Distance between the supports
I = Second Moment of area of the cross-section about the neutral axis.
M = Bending moment over the span
= deflection at the mid span
R= Radius of curvature between supports
x = overhang on each side.
= l2 / 8R
E = Ml2/ 8I
APPARATUS: The apparatus consists of a beam of rectangular section of the given material
supported on knife edges and overhanging each support by an equal distance. A dial gauge indicator is
situated at the mid-span for the purpose of measuring the deflection. Weight hangers are provided at
the ends of the beam
PROCEDURE AND OBSERVATIONS: Set the dial testindicator to zero with the beam unloaded.l
Put the hanger position and place a load of 4 lb on each hanger and read the deflection from the dial
gauge-indicator. Similarly take four more readings, increasing the load by equal amount every time.
Draw the graph between load and deflection. Measure the breadth , depth and span of the beam, also
overhand, at each end. Caloculate the value of E Report the experiment by taking a different span.
PRECAUTIONS &COMMENTS :
QUESTIONS:
1. Does Shear play any part in the result?
2. Why we take the deflection in the centre only?
3. What shall be the effect on the value of E if the deflection is noted other than at the centre?

10

BIRLA INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY

DEPARTMENT OF CHEMICAL & POLYMER ENGIEERING
MESRA, RANCHI
STRENGTH OF MATERIALS LABORATORY
EXPERIMENT NO.- 4
TORSION TEST

AMSLER TORSION TESTING, MACHINE-TYPE 150T87-150Kgm.CAPCITY OBJECT OF

EXPERIMENT
OBJECTIVE: To find the angle of twist corresponding to a particular torque and then to calculate the
modulus rigidity of the material of the specimen.
THEORY; The following is the relation between stress, strain and the angle of twist.
T / Ip = G / L = fs/ r
GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF THE MACHINE:
The machine consists of two horizontal columns supporting stands. Between the supports is the
right hand gripping chuck, the weight system and recording device which as a whole can be moved to
any place to suit the different length of the rod. The left hand gripping chuck and the straining unit are
immovably attached to the supporting stand on the left. The wedges inside the automatic gripping chuck s
grip the specimen. For tests up to the breaking torque a rope brake is provided to counter act the brunt
return of the pendulum weight. The machine can be set for different load ranges (150,100,50and30Kgm).
The machine is arranged for hand and motor drive .The former is used preferably when making
elasticity tests; the letter for torsion tests to fracture. An automatic brake stops the motor at the moment
the circuit is cut- off
The diagram recorder gives automatically the torque-Vs angle of twist diagram. The; maximum
deflection of the pendulums is 200mm.Its value depends on the load range to which the pendulum weight
has been adjusted . The length of the diagram represents the angle of twists of the specimen (1mm=10).
There are two precision instruments of measuring the angle of twist upto 1/20
PROCEDURE:
First set the apparatus in testing condition. By displacing the pendulum weight adjust the load range so
that the maximum torque is obtained with the maximum deflection of the pendulum weight. Tighten the
clamping screws on the pendulum weight. Measure diameter of the test piece. Fit the test piece in the left
hand chuck and allow the jaws to hold the specimen firmly by tightening the screws as hard as possible
and applying finally a few strokes with wooden hammer to the handle. Move the carriage and the right
hand gripping chuck towards left, so that the right hand end of the specimen enters fully in the right hand
11

chuck. Adjust the torque indicating dial to zero by rotating the dial adjusting screw. A.s before. tighten the
tightening screw for proper gripping of the
right end of the specimen. If there is any deviation of the pointer of the torque indicating dials rotate the
left hand gripping head by hand crank. to bring back the dynamometer printer to zero. Move the two
torsion measuring instruments towards the ends of the specimen in such a way that the pointer screws on
the dog rings come in the left and right planes of the test-piece according to the pre-determined distance
measured on the test-piece. Bring the bottom pointed - screws in contact with the specimen. Too much
tightening will deform the dog-ring. Fix the paper on the recording drum and bring it to its proper
position and then set the direct twist angle indicating dial to show zero. Twist the specimen by rotating
the hand crank and take the necessary readings. See that the maximum torque does not go near the torque
for yielding. Should the specimen break, the pendulum weight may injure the operator and also damage
the machine. To take care of the same the rope brake should be placed in the position.
Tabulate your observations as below:
Material of the test-piece:
Length of the test-piece between dog rings =
Length of the test pieces between the grips =
Diameter of the test piece .. =
S. No. of
Torque
Reading on the twist angle measuring instrument in degrees.
observation in kg. M
Left 1
M
Right 2
M
= 12
E
E
A
A
N
N

Show one sample calculation. Draw T- graph and calculation value of G from graph.
Draw line sketches for: (1) Torque application (2) torque measurement and (3) Angle of twist
measurement.
ANSWER THE FOLLOWING QUESTION:
1. What is the practical utility of the torsion testing?
2. How can you find out the maximum shear stress corresponding to a particular torque?
3. Name the assumptions made in calculating G from the results.

12

BIRLA INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY

BIRLA INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY
DEPARTMENT OF CHEMICAL & POLYMER ENGIEERING
MESRA, RANCHI
STRENGTH OF MATERIALS LABORATORY
EXPERIMENT NO.- 5
DEFLECTION OF CANTILEVER BEAM

OBJECTIVE: To determination of Youngs modulus of the material of elasticity of a cantilever

beam.
THEORY: A cantilever beam is fixed at one end and free at the other end. The deflection at any
cross section at a distance from the fixed end is given by:

Deflection at free end,

= Wl3/ 3EI
Deflection at any other location distant a from the fixed end
= Wa2(3l - a) / 6EI
Where
I = Second moment of area of the beam cross section = bd3/12
l = Total length of the beam
b = width of the beam
d = depth or thickness of the beam
E = Modulus of Elasticity in tension or compression for the beam material
PROCEDURE:
Select a particular cross section so that formula (i) is applicable.
Take five readings and draw graph between load and deflection
Evaluate E from this graph.
Now take another cross section so that the formula (ii) is applicable. Take five readings again and
draw the graph between load and deflection Compare the deflection given by any point on the graph
with the theoretical value given by Eq (ii).
(a) Using the value of E as obtained experimentally
(b) Using the standard value for the material of the beam.
RESULT:
Draw the sketch of the apparatus and comment on the results obtained
13

BIRLA INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY

DEPARTMENT OF CHEMICAL & POLYMER ENGIEERING
MESRA, RANCHI
STRENGTH OF MATERIALS LABORATORY
EXPERIMENT NO 6
IZOD IMPACT STRENGTH (CANTILEVER BEAM METHOD)
OBJECTIVE:
To determine the Izod Impact Strength of plastics.
RELEVANT STANDARD:
ASTM D256, or ISO 180 or other equivalent standard.
TEST SPECIMEN REQUIRED:
Filled or unfilled rectangular specimens of plastic having dimension as below
Width, b = 3.0 and 12.7 mm

TEST EQUIPEMENTS & MEASURING INSTRUMENTS REQUIRED:

1. Impact Testing Machine.
2. Notch Cutter.
3. Dial Gauge
14

TERMINOLOGY:
Notched Izod Impact Strength is the impact energy absorbed in breaking a notched specimen,
referred to the original cross-sectional area of the specimen at the notch. It is expressed either in joule
per meter, J/m or kilojoule per square meter, kJ/m2. It is calculated according to the relationship given
below
Is = (E - Ec) / t
(1)
where:
Is = impact resistance of specimen, J/m
t = width of specimen or width of notch, m
E = dial reading breaking energy for a specimen, J
EC = energy correction for windage & friction of the pendulum, J
Is = (E - Ec) / t.A

(2)

where:
A= Depth under the Notch(A),m
Unnotched Izod Impact Strength is the impact energy absorbed in breaking a unnotched specimen,
referred to the original cross-sectional area of the specimen at the notch. It is expressed either in joule
per meter, J/m or kilojoule per square meter, kJ/m2.
Preparation of Test Specimens
The specimen shall be prepared by injection moulding or by machining, or die cutting from materials
sheet, plate, slab or similar form.
Number of Test Specimens
At least five specimens to be tested for isotropic materials.
Pre-Conditioning:
Condition the test specimens at 23 + 2C and 50 + 5 % relative humidity for not less than 40 h prior to
test in accordance with Procedure A of Practice ASTM D618, unless it can be documented (between
supplier and customer) that a shorter conditioning time is sufficient for a given material to reach
equilibrium of impact resistance.
PROCEDURE:
Notching Test Specimens
Notching shall be done on a milling machine, engine lathe, or other suitable machine tool. Both the
feed speed and the cutter speed shall be constant throughout the notching operation (cutter speeds from
53 to 150 m/min at a feed speed of 89 to 160 mm/min without a water coolant or the same cutter
speeds at a feed speed of from 36 to 160 mm/min with water coolant). Water or compressed gas is a
suitable coolant for many plastics a single tooth cutter shall be used for notching the specimen, unless
15

notches of an equivalent quality can be produced with a multi-tooth cutter. Single-tooth cutters are
preferred because of the ease of grinding the cutter to the specimen contour and because of the
smoother cut on the specimen. The cutting edge shall be carefully ground and honed to ensure
sharpness and freedom from nicks and burrs. Tools with no rake and a work relief angle of 15 to 20
have been found satisfactory. A carbide-tipped or industrial diamond-tipped notching cutter is
recommended.
1. At least five and preferably ten or more individual determinations of impact resistance must be
made on each sample to be tested. Each group shall consist of specimens with the same
nominal width (+0.13 mm).
2. Estimate the breaking energy for the specimen and select a pendulum of suitable energy. Use
the lightest standard pendulum that is expected to break each specimen in the group with a loss
of not more than 85 % of its energy.
a. Note - Ideally an impact test would be conducted at a constant test velocity. In a
pendulum-type test, the velocity decreases as the fracture progresses. For specimens
that have an impact energy approaching the capacity of the pendulum there is
insufficient energy to complete the break and toss. By avoiding the higher 15 % scale
energy readings, the velocity of the pendulum will not be reduced below 1.3 m/s. On
the other hand, the use of too heavy a pendulum would reduce the sensitivity of the
reading.
3. Measure the width and depth to the nearest 0.025 mm after notching of each specimen.
Measure the width in the region of the notch. A micrometer or other measuring device is
necessary for measuring the depth.
4. Position the specimen precisely so that it is rigidly, but not too tightly clamped in the vise. Pay
special attention to ensure that the "impacted end" of the specimen as shown and dimensioned
in Fig. 6 is the end projecting above the vise. Release the pendulum and record the excess
energy remaining in the pendulum after breaking the specimen, together with a description of
the appearance of the broken specimen.
5. Subtract the windage and friction correction from the indicated breaking energy of the
specimen, unless determined automatically by the indicating system (that is, digital display or
computer). If a mechanical dial and pointer is employed, use the correction factors and the
appropriate tables or the graph to determine the correction. For those digital systems that do
not automatically compensate for windage and friction, follow the manufacturer's procedure
for performing this correction:
6. Divide the net value found in by the measured width of the particular specimen to obtain the
impact resistance under the notch in J/m. If the optional units of kJ/m2 are used, divide the net
value found in 10.7 by the measured width and depth under the notch of the particular
specimen to obtain the impact strength. The term, "depth under the notch," is graphically
represented by dimension A in figure 6 of the test sample. Consequently, the cross-sectional
area (width times depth under the notch) will need to be reported.
7. Calculate the average Izod impact resistance of the group of specimens. However, only values
of specimens having the same nominal width and type of break may be averaged. Values
obtained from specimens that did not break in the manner specified in 5.8 shall not be included
in the average. Also calculate the standard deviation of the group of values.

16

Report :
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.

Material Identification:
Specimen preparation method:
Type of test specimen:
Number of specimens:
Pre-Conditioning details: Temperature:
Conditions during test: Temperature:
OBSERVATION
Sample Notch Depth
Breaking Type
of
number width under the Energy,
Failure *
(t), m Notch(A), J
(C/H/P/NB)
m
1
2
3
4
5
Average Impact Resistance
Standard Deviation
*Type of Failure
C-- Complete Break
H Hinge Break

Humidity:
Humidity:
Impact
Resistance
in J/m
[Breaking
Energy/W]

P Partial Break
NB Non Break
17

Time:

Impact
Resistance in
J/m2
[Breaking
Energy/(W.A)]

INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY
DEPARTMENT OF CHEMICAL & POLYMER ENGIEERING
MESRA, RANCHI
STRENGTH OF MATERIALS LABORATORY
EXPERIMENT NO 7A

Determination of hardness of Plastics& Rubber

Aim:
To determine the hardness of plastics & rubber by using Shore A & Shore D apparatus.
Definition:
Hardness testing, which describes the resistance to deformation, is a fast and simple method to
characterize the mechanical properties of materials. By using an indentor with a load, the size of the
indentation is proportional to the material's hardness. An indentation requires permanent deformation
from dislocation slip; therefore any obstacle to slip will serve to increase hardness.
Procedure:
1. Examine hardness testing machine (fig.1).
2. Place the specimen on platform and bring the specimen just in contact with the ball apply an load
until the small pointer contacts with the specimen.
3. Read the position of the pointer on the scale, which gives the hardness number.
5. Repeat the procedure five times on the specimen selecting different points for indentation.
Observation:
1. Take minimum of five values of indentation of each specimen. Obtain the hardness number from
the dial of a machine.
2. Compare hardness tests results obtained.
Result:
Shore A hardness of given specimen is ___________
Shore D hardness of given specimen is ___________
SHORE A - widely used to test common rubber, complex rubber, soft rubber, elastomers, leather, wax
and so on. It is available in DIN 53505, ASTM D2240, ISO/R868, JIS R7215.
SHORE D - widely used to test hard rubber, hard colophony, grass, plastic, print board, fibre and so
on. It is available in DIN 53505, ASTM D2240,ISO/R868, JIS R7215

18

INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY
DEPARTMENT OF CHEMICAL & POLYMER ENGIEERING
MESRA, RANCHI
STRENGTH OF MATERIALS LABORATORY
EXPERIMENT NO 7B
TESTS FOR PVC PIPES
1. Conduct the following tests for given PVC pipe:
a. Dimension, ovality
b. Visual appearance
c. Short term Hydraulic test
d. Reversion test
e. Impact Strength test
a) Dimensions of pipes:
Pipes are checked for outside diameter and thickness with the help of ball ended micrometer. Tolerance on
outside diameter is 0.3mm for 16-90 mm O.D. pipes, 0.4mm for 110mm pipes and 0.5mm for
140x160mm O.D. pipes. Wall thickness for a working pressure 4kg/cm2/90mm O.D. pipes is min 2.1 and max.
3.0mm. Likewise for other size and working pressure ratings, dimensions are available in Table 1 of IS 4985968.
b) Visual Appearance:
The pipes shall be reasonably round. The internal and external surface of pipes shall be smooth and clean,
reasonably free from grooving and other defects. The end shall be cleanly cut and square with the axis of the
pipe.
c) Short term Hydraulic Test:
This method was developed to determine the ability of a plastic pressure vessel to resist rupturing when it is
pressurized for a short period of time. Surging is a common phenomenon in a fluid transfer system. Surging is a
pressure rise in a pipeline caused by a sudden change in the rate of flow or stoppage of flow in the line. A
sample of pipe equal to 10 times the nominal size of pipe (not less then 35 cms or more then 75cms) shall
withstand a circumferential stress of 360 kg/cm2 for at last 1hr. at 27 10C without any sing of leakage or
weeping. Alternately, Hoop strength can be calculated for the internal pressure when the specimen fails, that is
develops a leak, crack, or ruptures

p D t
or
2t

p D t
2t

where S= Hoop stress, P= Internal pressure, D= Average outside diameter, d= Average inside diameter, t=
Minimum wall thickness.
d) Reversion Test:
A 20 cm piece of pipe on which two marks are made 100 mm apart, is immersed in ethylene glycol at 150 20C
for 15 minutes, after cooling the distance between two marks shall not go below 95mm. In other words, pipe
should not shrink by more then 5%.
Alternatively, this test could be performed in an air oven at 1500C for 1 hour.
19

e) Impact Strength at 00C:

30 cm pipe pieces are cut and conditioned at 010C for 1 hour. Specimens shall be tested on falling weigh
machine within 10 secs, of removal from the bath. Mass of striker and height of free fall shall be as under:
O.D. (mm)

Total mass (kgs)

Height (meter)

20

0.25

0.5

25-40

0.25

1.0

50.63

0.25

2.0

80-100

0.50

2.0

125

1.0

2.0

Each specimen shall be drawn with longitudinal parallel lines not less then 50mm. The weighted striker shall be
allowed to fall freely on the marked line. If the specimen doesnt fall by cracking or splitting, the specimen shall
be rotated to the next longitudinal line and so on. The process shall be repeated until all the marked lines have
been tested or until a failure is recorded. If 14 strikes are made without failure, pipes shall be deemed to have
passed the test (0/14) failures are permissible.
OBSERVATION TABLE
Table No. 1: Dimension of Pipes
Properties
OD
ID
Wall thickness
Ovality:

OD:

Visual Inspection:
Impact Strength:
Size of Pipe:
Conditioning:
Weight of dart:
Table No. 2
Mark Number

Minimum

Maximum

ID :
Colour:

Surface:

Number of mark:
Height of fall:
Observation

Remark

Results:
Hydraulic Test:
Class:
Result:
Reversion Test:
Test Method:
Initial Length of Pipe:
% Shrinkage:

Applied Pressure:

Temperature:

Duration:

Time:
Final Length of Pipe:
20

BIRLA INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY

DEPARTMENT OF CHEMICAL & POLYMER ENGIEERING
MESRA, RANCHI
STRENGTH OF MATERIALS LABORATORY
EXPERIMENT NO 8
TENSILE PROPERTIES
OBJECTIVE:
To determine the tensile strength at break, tensile modulus, % of elongation at break tensile specimen
of plastic filled or unfilled.
RELEVANT STANDARD:
ASTM D638, or ISO 527-1 and ISO 527-2 or other equivalent standards for tensile strength,
elongation at break and tensile modulus
TEST SPECIMEN REQUIRED:
Dog bone shaped Tensile specimens, Type as per ASTM D638 standard of plastic filled or unfilled.
Type of
Specimen
TYPE- I
TYPE II
TYPE III
TYPE IV
TYPE V

Application
Preferred specimen and shall be used where sufficient material having a
thickness of 7mm or less is available
Material does not break in narrow section with the preferred type I specimen.
must be used for all material with a thickness of greater than 7 mm but not more
then 14 mm
when direct comparisons are required between material in different rigidity cases
(that is, non rigid and semi rigid)
where only limited material having thickness of 4mm or less is available for
evolution, of where a large number of specimens are to be exposed in a limited
space (Thermal and environmental stability tests etc.)

TEST EQUIPEMENTS & MEASURING INSTRUMENTS REQUIRED:

1. Universal Tensile Testing Machine (UTM).
2. Appropriate Load Cell.
3. Tensile Jaws
4. Extensometer
TERMINOLOGY:
Tensile strength (nominal)the maximum tensile stress (nominal) sustained by the specimen during
a tension test. When the maximum stress occurs at the yield point, it shall be designated tensile
strength at yield. When the maximum stress occurs at break, it shall be designated tensile strength at
break.
21

The software automatically calculates the value of tensile modulus. Alternatively it can be calculated
by the formula given below.
Tensile Strength at Break, MPa, = F / A
Where = Tensile Strength at Break in Megapascal, MPa
F = Load at break in Newton
A = Initial cross sectional area of the tensile specimen in mm2
Elongationthe increase in length produced in the gage length of the test specimen by a tensile load.
It is expressed in units of length, usually millimetres [inches]. (Also known as extension.)
Percent Elongationthe elongation of a test specimen expressed as a percent of the gage
length.
Percent Elongation at Breakthe percent elongation at the moment of rupture of the test
specimen.
Percent Elongation at Yieldthe percent elongation at the moment the yield point is attained
in the test specimen.
The software automatically calculates the value of tensile modulus. Alternatively it can be calculated
by the formula given below.
% Elongation at Yield or Break, = ( L0 / L0) x 100
Where, = Elongation at yield or break in %
L0 = change in gauge length at break in mm
L0 = initial gauge length in mm (= 50 mm)
Modulus of Elasticitythe ratio of stress (nominal) to corresponding strain below the proportional
limit of a material. It is expressed in force per unit area, usually megapascals [pounds-force per square
inch]. (Also known as elastic modulus or Youngs modulus).
The software automatically calculates the value of tensile modulus. Alternatively it can be calculated
by the formula given below.
Ef = (f2 f1 )/ (f2 f1)
where Ef = Tensile modulus in MPa
f2 = Tensile stress measured at point f2 in Hookean region
f1 = Tensile stress measured at point f2 in Hookean region
f2 = Strain of specimen at point f2 in Hookean region
f1 = Strain of specimen at point f1 in Hookean region

22

Fig. No. 1: Typical Stress Strain Diagram Showing Tensile Designations

Preparation of Test Specimens
The specimen shall be prepared by machining, or die cutting from materials I sheet, plate, slab or
similar form, Materials thicker than 14 mm must be machined to 14mm for use as type III specimens.
The specimens can also be prepared by moulding the material to be tested.
Number of Test Specimens
At least five specimens to be tested for isotropic materials.
Speed of Testing:
Speed of testing shall be the relative rate of motion of the grips or test fixtures during the test. The rate
of motion of the driven grip or fixture when the testing machine is running idle may be used, if it can
be shown that the resulting speed of testing is within the limits or variation allowed.
Choose the speed of testing from Table 1(see Annexure). Determine this chosen speed of testing by
the specification for the material being tested, or by agreement between those concerned. When the
speed is not specified, use the lowest speed shown in Table 1 for the specimen geometry being used,
which gives rupture within 1/2 to 5-min testing time.
Modulus determinations may be made at the speed selected for the other tensile properties when the
recorder response and resolution are adequate.
Pre-Conditioning:
Condition the test specimens at 23 + 2C and 50 + 5 % relative humidity for not less than 40 h prior to
test in accordance with Procedure A of Practice ASTM D618, for those tests where conditioning is
required. In cases of disagreement, the tolerances shall be + 1C and + 2 % relative humidity.
23

PROCEDURE:
1. Measure the width and thickness of rigid flat specimens with a suitable micrometer to the nearest
0.025 mm. at several points along their narrow sections. Measure thickness of nonrigid
specimen with a dial micrometer.
2. Place the specimen in the grips of the testing machine, taking care to align the long axis of the
specimen and the grips with an imaginary line joining the points of attachment of the grips to the
machine. The distance between the ends of the gripping surfaces, when using flat specimens.
Shall be as indicated in the figure. Tighten the grips evenly and firmly to prevent slippage of the
specimen during the test, but not to the point where the specimen may be crushed.
3. Attach the extension indicator. When modulus is being determined, the extension indicator must
continuously record the distance the specimen is stretched (elongated) within the gage length as a
function of the load through the initial (linear) portion of the load-elongation curve.
4. Set the speed of testing at the proper rate and start the machine.
5. Record the load and extension curve of the specimen.
6. Record the load and extension at the yield point (if one exists) and the load and extension at the
moment of rupture.
REPORT:
7. Material Identification:
8. Specimen preparation method:
9. Type of test specimen:
10. Number of specimens:
11. Pre-Conditioning details: Temperature:
12. Conditions during test: Temperature:
13. Speed of testing;
14. Gauge length:
Table No. 1 : Tensile Properties Determination
Properties
1

Humidity:
Humidity:

Specimen Number
2
3
4

Width, mm
Thickness, mm
Load at yield, kg
Load at break, kg
Extension at yield, mm
Extension at break, mm
Tensile stress at yield, MPa
Tensile stress at break, MPa
Tensile strength at yield, MPa
Tensile strength at break, MPa
Percent elongation at yield, %
Percent elongation at break, %
Modulus of Elasticity, MPa
Attach tensile stress vs. strain graph.
24

Time:

Average
5

Std.
Deviation

ANNEXURE
TABLE 1 Designation for Speed of Testing
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Classification
Specimen Type
Speed of Testing, mm/min
Nominal Strain Rate at Start
(in./min)
of Test,mm/mm, min.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Rigid and Semirigid
I,II,III rods and tubes
5 (0.2) +/- 25%
0.1
50 (2) +/- 10%
1
500 (20) +/- 10%
10
IV
5(0.2) +/- 25%
0.15
50 (2) +/- 10%
1.5
500 (20) +/- 10%
15
V
1 (0.05) +/- 25%
0.1
10 (0.5) +/- 25%
1
100 (5) +/-25%
10
Nonrigid
III
50 (2) +/- 10%
1
500 (20) +/- 10%
10
IV
50 (2) +/- 10%
1.5
500 (20) +/- 10%
15
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Select the lowest speed that produces rupture in 1/2 to 5 min for the specimen geometry being used (see 9.2)
See Definition D 883 for definitions.
The initial rate of straining cannot be calculated exactly for dumbbell-shaped specimens because of extension both in reduced section
outside the gage length and in the fillets. This initial strain rate can be measured from the initial slope of the tensile strain-versus-time
diagram.
Type of Specimen

Specimen Dimensions for Thickness T, mm

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Dimensions (see drawings)
7 or under
0ver 7 to 14
4 or under
Tolerances
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Type I
Type II
Type III
Type IV
Type V
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------W -- Width of narrow section
13
6
19
6
3.18
+/-0.5
L -- Length of narrow section
57
57
57
33
9.53
+/-0.5
WO -- Width over-all, min
19
19
29
19

+ 6.4
WO -- Width over-all, min
..
..
..
..
9.53
+ 3.18
LO -- Length over-all, min
165
183
246
115
63.5
no max
G -- Gage Length
50
50
50

7.62
+/-0.25
G -- Gage Length

25

+/-0.13
D -- Distance between grips
115
135
115
64
25.4
+/-5
R -- Radius of fillet
76
76
76
14
12.7
+/-1.
RO-- Outer radius (Type IV)

25

+/- 1.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

25

BIRLA INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY

DEPARTMENT OF CHEMICAL & POLYMER ENGIEERING
MESRA, RANCHI
STRENGTH OF MATERIALS LABORATORY
EXPERIMENT NO 9
ABRASION RESISTANCE
Abrasion resistance is a performance factor of paramount importance for many rubber products, such
as tires, conveyor belts, power transmission belts, hoses, footwear, and floor covering. A test capable
of measuring resistance to abrasion of rubber, including uniformity of wear behaviour under
abrasive/frictional service conditions is therefore highly desirable.
This test method may be used to estimate the relative abrasion resistance of different rubbers. Since
conditions of abrasive wear in service are complex and vary widely, no direct correlation between this
accelerated test and actual performance can be assumed.
OBJECTIVE:
To determine the resistance of elastomers to wear by rubbing.
RELEVANT STANDARD:
ASTM D5963, or other equivalent standard.
TEST SPECIMEN REQUIRED:
Test pieces are cylindrical in shape with a diameter of 16 0.2 mm and a minimum thickness of 6
mm.
TEST EQUIPEMENTS & MEASURING INSTRUMENTS REQUIRED:
Abrasion Tester
The abrasion tester consists of a machine frame holding a laterally movable test piece holder, a rotary
cylindrical drum to which an abrasive sheet can be fastened and a drive system as shown in Fig. 1.
Dimensions are given in Fig. 2.The diameter of the cylindrical drum shall be 150.0 0.2 mm (5.906
0.008 in.) and its length approximately 500 mm (20 in.), operating at a rotational frequency of 0.11
0.003 rad/s (40 1 rpm).

26

TERMINOLOGY:
Abrasion Loss, A, (mm3),the volume loss of a defined rubber test piece determined by sliding the
test piece under specified conditions over the surface of an abrasive sheet of nominal abrasiveness,
S0, mounted to a rotating drum of specified dimensions.
Abrasion Resistance Index ARI (%),the ratio of the volume loss of a Standard Rubber to that of a
test rubber expressed in percent, with the volume loss determined by sliding a defined rubber test piece
under specified conditions over the surface of an abrasive sheet of known abrasiveness S (180 to 220
mg) mounted to a rotating drum of specified dimensions.
Preparation of Test Specimens
The specimen shall be prepared by machining, or die cutting from materials sheet, or similar form.
Number of Test Specimens
At least three specimens to be tested for isotropic materials.
Pre-Conditioning:
The test shall be carried out at at 23 5C no sooner than 16 h prior to test after vulcanization or
forming of the test compounds.
PROCEDURE:
1. Specimen was gripped in the holder in such a manner that it projected out 2 0.2 mm out of
the opening.
2. Measured the projected specimen by a gauge.
3. Holder was then placed at starting position and an automatic test procedure started.
4. After an abrasion distance of (40 0.2) m. corresponding to about 84 revolutions of the roller
of diameter (150 0.2) mm. (on which emery paper is firmly fixed) at a constant force of
application of (10 0.2) N and at a constant speed of 0.32 m/sec., specimen was automatically
lifted from emery paper.
5. Repeat the process thrice and average value is taken.

27

Calculation:
Calculate the abrasion loss, AA, the loss in mass (mean value of 3 to 10 single tests) shall be converted
into volume loss using the density (volume loss equal mass loss divided by density) of the test rubber.
The volume loss is then corrected by using the ratio S0/S, where S0 is the nominal abrasiveness of
the abrasive sheet and S that of the abrasive sheet used for the test. See Eq 1.
AA = (mt / dt). (So / S)

...................(1)

where, mt = Mass loss of the test piece in mg,

dt = Density of the test rubber in mg/m3,
S0 = Nominal abrasiveness = 200mg.
S = abrasiveness in mg
REPORT:
Determine the specific gravity of the given sample in mg/m3
1. Find out the weight of the specimen(w, mg)
2. Calculate the volume of the specimen(v, m3)
3. Determine the specific gravity(dt, mg/m3 )
Table No. 1 : Abrasion Loss
Sample
Initial Wt., Final
no.
mg
mg
1
2
3

Wt., Weight
Loss(m), mg

Average Weight Abrasion

Loss(S), mg
Loss, (AA), m3

SAFETY MEASURES:
1. It is to ensured that the sample should be secured properly.
2. When the machine is in operating condition, observe, without touching any part of the
machine.

28

BIRLA INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY

DEPARTMENT OF CHEMICAL & POLYMER ENGIEERING
MESRA, RANCHI
STRENGTH OF MATERIALS LABORATORY
EXPERIMENT NO 10
IMPACT RESISTANCE OF PLASTIC FILM BY FREE-FALLING DART METHOD
OBJECTIVE:
To determine the Impact Resistance of Plastic Film by Free-Falling Dart Method.
RELEVANT STANDARD:
ASTM D1709, or other equivalent standard.

TERMINOLOGY:
Failureany break through the film that can be observed readily by feeling or by viewing the
specimen under backlighted condition.
Impact Failure Weightthat missile weight, estimated statistically, at which 50 % of the specimens
would fail in the specified test.
Missile Weightthe weight (mass) of the dart plus the total value of incremental weights attached
plus the locking collar.
TEST SPECIMEN REQUIRED:
Test specimens shall be large enough to extend outside the specimen clamp gaskets at all points. The
specimens shall be representative of the film under study and shall be taken from the sheet or tube in a
manner representative of sound sampling practice. This is to ensure that the whole of the sheet be
represented in the test unless such sampling constitutes a variable under study.
The specimens shall be free of pinholes, wrinkles, folds, or other obvious imperfections, unless such
imperfections constitute variables under study.
Pre-Conditioning:
Condition the test specimens at 23 + 2C and 50 + 5 % relative humidity for not less than 40 h prior to
test in accordance with Procedure A of Practice ASTM D618, for those tests where conditioning is
required. In cases of disagreement, the tolerances shall be + 1C and + 2 % relative humidity.
TEST EQUIPEMENTS & MEASURING INSTRUMENTS REQUIRED:
1. Dart Impact Tester
2. Micrometer

29

PROCEDURE:
6. Measure and record average thickness in the area of impact to nearest 0.0025mm.
7. For a starting point, select a missile weight near the expected impact failure weight. Add the
necessary number of incremental weights onto the dart shaft and put the locking collar into
place so that the weights are held securely in place.
8. Select missile weight increment W such that only 3 to 6 missile weights will be employed. A
W of 5 to 15% of Impact failure weight WF is usually appropriate.
9. Place the first test specimen over the bottom part of the clamp, making sure that it is uniformly
flat, free of folds, and that it covers the gasket at all points. Clamp in place with the top part of
the annular clamp.
10. Activate the dart release mechanism and put the dart into position. Release the dart. If the dart
bounces off the specimen surface, catch the dart after it bounces to prevent both multiple
impact with the specimen surface and damage to the hemispherical contact surface of the dart
resulting from impact with metal parts of the apparatus.
11. Examine the specimen to determine whether it has or has not failed. Record the result on a
form such as that shown in Fig. 2, using a 0 to denote non-failure and an X to denote failure, or
any other similar convention to indicate non-failure or failure.
30

12. If the first specimen failed, decrease the missile weight by W, If the first specimen did not
fail, increase the weight by W. test the second specimen. Continue with successive
specimens, decreasing or increasing the missile weight by W between drops depending upon
whether the preceding specimen did or did not fail
13. After 20 specimens have been tested, count the total number N, of Failures, If N = 10 testing is
complete If not, complete testing as follows:
14. If N < 10, continue testing additional specimens until N = 10 then stop testing. If N > 10,
continue testing till the total number of non- failures reaches 10 then stop tested.
REPORT
Prepare the chart as shown in Fig. No. 2 and calculate impact failure weight as below.
CALCULATION
1) Report ni, total number of Xs at each missile weight, counting only the last 10 Xs during the
test
2) Under i, enter integers 0,1,2,3 etc, 0 for lowest missile weight at which an ni failure has been
entered a 1 for the next higher missile weight etc.
3) N = ni [ always 10]
4) A = ini
5) Enter W0, the missile weight to which an i value of zero is assigned. Enter W the uniform
missile weight increment employed.
6) Calculate Impact Failure weight. WF = W0 + [W (A/N 0.5)]
31