ASTM D638 Explained

Tensile Properties - ASTM D638

Tensile testing is performed by elongating a specimen and measuring the load carried by the specimen.
From a knowledge of the specimen dimensions, the load and deflection data can be translated into a
stress-strain curve. A variety of tensile properties can be extracted from the stress-strain curve.

Tensile Test
Property Definition
Tensile Elongation
Tensile elongation corresponding to the point of rupture.
at Break
Tensile Elongation Tensile elongation corresponding to the yield (an increase in strain does not result
at Yield in an increase in stress).
Tensile Strength at
Tensile stress corresponding to the point of rupture.
Break
Tensile Strength at Tensile stress corresponding to the yield point (an increase in strain does not result
Yield in an increase in stress).
Tensile Strength Tensile stress at a specified elongation.
Tensile Strength,
The highest tensile stress a material can support before failing.
Ultimate
The ratio of tensile stress to tensile strain of a material in the elastic region of a
stress-strain curve. A "Tangent" tensile modulus value is the slope of the elastic
region of the stress-strain curve and is also known as Young's Modulus, or the
Tensile Modulus
Modulus of Elasticity. A "Secant" tensile modulus value is the slope of a line
connecting the point of zero strain to a point on the stress-strain curve at a
specified strain. This is used for materials that exhibit little or no linear behavior.
 Illustration of Tangent and Secant Tensile Moduli
Test Specimen Summary
Specimen Rigidity Case Note Thickness
Type I Rigid Preferred specimen. <7 mm (0.28 in)
Use when Type I specimen does not break in the
Type II Rigid <7 mm (0.28 in)
narrow section.
>7 mm (0.28 in)
Type III Rigid/Nonrigid
<14 mm (0.55 in)
Should be used for comparison between materials in
Type IV Rigid/Nonrigid different rigidity cases. Essentially the same as Die C <4 mm (0.16 in)
specimen from ASTM D412.
Used when limited material is available or laboratory
Type V Rigid <4 mm (0.16 in)
space is a concern (for environmental testing)

Type I, II, III, and V Specimen

Type IV Specimen

Similar Standards
• ISO 527-1,-2