Sheridan College Institute of Technology

and Advanced Learning

Materials Engineering Laboratory Book

School Of Mechanical and

Electrical Engineering and
Technology

Copyright 2013, Sheridan College / Faculty of Applied Science and Technology / Mechanical and Electrical Engineering Department

Prepared by: Safaa Saleh, PhD

Professor & Coordinator of Mechanical and Electrical Engineering labs
Sheridan College
Faculty of Applied Science and Technology
School of Mechanical and Electrical engineering & Technology
Reviewed by: Marisela Strocchia, PhD.
Professor and Coordinator
Manufacturing Management Program
Technology Fundamentals Program
Sheridan College
Faculty of Applied Science and Technology
School of Mechanical and Electrical engineering & Technology

Supervisor:

Farzad Rayegani, PhD & P. Eng.

Professor and Associate Dean of Mechanical and Electrical Engineering
Sheridan College
Faculty of Applied Science and Technology
School of Mechanical and Electrical engineering & Technology

Updated April 2015 by Dr. Marisela Strocchia and Mr. Bruce Reesor.
2

Index

1.
2.
3.
4.

5.

Subject
Page
Introduction..4
Laboratory Rules and Ethics.... 4
Some important definitions...5
Experiments..6
4.1 Experiment 1: Metal Identification.6
4.2 Experiment 2: Investigation of Weld Samples .11
4.3 Experiment 3: Izod Impact (Toughness) Test of Metal Samples .......... 14
4.4 Experiment 4: Tensile Test of Plastic Samples 16
4.5 Experiment 5: Cold Working and Annealing... .... 18
4.6. Experiment 6: Effect of Heat Treating on 1045 Steel...20
4.7. Experiment 7: Microstructure and Hardness of Carburized Steel ..... 23
4.8 Experiment 8: Ultrasound Non-destructive Testing...25
Appendix
Introduction to WHIMS....27

Introduction to Materials Engineering lab

Materials engineering is an applied science that interfaces with all technologies using materials
(civil, mechanical, electric). Materials engineering is producing a predetermined set of properties
in materials based on its structure. Students in this course learn the basics to selecting the correct
materials for the application in which the engineered part is being used. Specifically in the lab
component of the course, students test a variety of mechanical, chemical and physical properties
and analyze the uses of different materials. (Budinski, K. and Budinski, M., 2010)

1. Laboratory Rules and Ethics

In order to use the lab in an efficient and safe manner you have to:1. Come prepared with your lab book, lab report, and any calculating and drawing aid materials, a
safety quiz will be administered in the first five minutes of the class.
2. Read all written instructions carefully, before you start an experiment.
3. Ask your teacher if not sure of any step.
4. Pay attention to your own safety and safety of others.
5. Avoid sudden or rapid motion in the laboratory especially near chemicals, laser or sharp
instruments.
6. Stand while handling equipment and materials.
6. Never eat, drink or chew gum in the laboratory.
7. Keep your work area tidy and clean. Keep aisles clear.
8. Keep your clothing and hair out of the way. Remove any loose jewelry.
9. Protect your feet from any possible harm by heavy materials by wearing closed shoes "not
sandals", in industrial environment it is mandatory to wear protective shoes.
10. Wear CSA approved safety goggles in the lab.
11. Use only the apparatus you should use for your experiment, don't try to operate any other
apparatus without prior permission from your teacher and lab technicians.
12. Know the location of material safety data sheet (MSDS) information, exits, and all safety
equipment such as the first aid kit, fire blanket, fire extinguisher and eye wash station.
Know the location of emergency stop buttons on machines / equipment
Before using machines or equipment make sure machine guards are in place as required
13. Alert the lab technicians immediately if you see a safety hazard, including unsafe acts (unsafe
behavior), unsafe conditions i.e. as broken glass, a spills, trip/ slip hazards.
14. Clean up and put away, in a tidy manner, any equipment after you are finished.
15. Wash your hands after the end of each experiment.

3.Some Important Definitions

According to Budinski, K. and Budinski, M. (2010); Callister, W. and Rethwisch, D. (2010); and
Neely, J., materials engineering is producing a predetermined set of properties in materials
based on the structure of materials and/or inventing new materials and devices.
The structure of materials relate to the arrangement of its internal components. On subatomic
level, structure involves electrons within individual atoms; on atomic level, structure
encompasses the organization of atoms or molecules relative to one another; microscopic
involves large groups of atoms agglomerated together; macroscopic may be viewed with naked
eyes.
Property is a material trait in terms of the kind and magnitude of response to specific stimulus.
For example, a body under the effect of forces will experience deformation; a polished metal
surface will reflect light.
All materials follow the laws of chemistry and physics in their formation, reactions and
combinations. Therefore, materials properties can be classified as chemical, physical, and
mechanical properties.
Material selection; when selecting materials for a specific engineered part, physical, chemical
and mechanical properties are very important factors in materials design and selection. Also,
materials should be capable of being processed and shaped and do not harm the environment;
therefore in selecting materials there is a trade-off between the use of the material and the
economics of it.
Load is the amount of force applied to the specimen.
Normal stress () is force per unit area from the initial specimen dimensions. = F/A
The change in length is called deformation
Strain () is the ratio of the deformation divided by the initial specimen length.
The elastic limit of a material is the linear relationship between stress and strain in the elastic
region (it is a measure of stiffness).
The slope of the stress strain curve is the modulus of elasticity E; E=stress/strain = /
Yield strength or yield point of a material is defined as the stress at which a material begins to
deform plastically.
Ultimate tensile strength is the maximum stress observed in a tensile test. Necking begin when
this value is reached. Tensile Strength is a measure of the ability of a material to withstand a
longitudinal stress, expressed as the greatest stress that the material can stand without breaking.
Break Point; when the specimen finally breaks and the load returns to zero. Sometimes this is
the maximum stroke or extension point.
Toughness: is the ability of a material to absorb energy and plastically deform without fracturing
It is the amount of energy per unit volume that a material can absorb before breaking

4.EXPERIMENTS
4.1 Experiment NO. 1: Metal Identification
Purpose:
STEEL 1018, STAINLESS STEEL 4130, DELRIN
ACETOL, STAINLESS STEEL 304
To identify samples of different metals using
various methods of identification.

Theory:
Different chemical, mechanical and
physical properties allow identifying
materials. Students are expected to use
the following properties to identify
different metals:
1. Hardness is a mechanical property
defined as the resistance of a material
to deformation, indentation, or
penetration by means such as abrasion,
drilling, impact, scratching, and/or
wear (Budinski, K. and Budinski, M.,
2010).
2. Density (D) is a physical property of all
three states of matter. It is defined as
the mass of a given volume of a material
or mass (m) per unit of volume (v)
D = m/V
3. Ferromagnetism is a physical property.
Most ferrous metals are attracted to a
magnet.
4. Relative hardness: To check metals for
relative hardness; scratch one sample
with another and the softer sample will
be marked
5. Appearance/Color

Materials:
9 different samples numbered: 2, 3, 4, 5, 6,
7, 24, and 28. Your sample box also includes a
magnet. The material(s) are: BRASS
UHMW (ULTRA HIGH MOLECULAR WEIGHT
PLASTIC), TITANIUM, ALUMINUM, COPPER,

Procedure:
Identify various materials by their properties
of:
a) Color,
b) Ferromagnetism,
c) Density and,
d) Hardness.
List your findings in Table 1 according to color
and ferromagnetism
.
Sample
number

Color

Ferrom

Density

agnetis

(Kg/m )

2
3
4
5
6
7
8
24
28
Table 1: Identification of materials by color
and ferromagnetism

Density test procedure:

Source: PASCO
equipment

Archimedes

principle

1. Using a balance, find the mass of each

of the samples.
2. Using the calipers, measure the
dimensions of the samples and calculate
the volume of these objects (Figure 1).

on its own and empty the beaker into

the sink and return it to its position
under the overflow can spout without
jarring the overflow can.
C. Tie a string on the irregular object.
D. Gently lower the irregular object into
the overflow can until it is completely
submerged. Allow the water to stop
overflowing and then pour the water
from the beaker into the graduated
cylinder. Measure the volume of
water that was displaced by reading
the water level in the graduated
cylinder in milliliters (1 ml = 1 cm3).
4. List the objects in order from least to
greatest volume. Is this the same order
as the mass list? Are any of the volumes
nearly the same?

Figure 1: Mass and dimension measurements

3. There is no simple formula for the volume

of the irregularly shaped objects so it is

necessary to find the volume by
measuring the volume of water they
displaces;
A. Put the beaker under the overflow
can spout as shown in Figure 2.

5. Calculate the density of each object. List

the samples in order from least to greatest
density. Is this list in the same order as
either the mass list or the volume list? Do
any of the samples have densities that are
nearly the same?
Sample
number

Mass

Volume

(Kg)

(m )

Figure 2: Overflow Can

B. Pour water into the overflow can

until it overflows into the beaker.
Allow the water to stop overflowing

Table 2: Density

Density
3

(Kg/m )

Table 2: calculation of the density of metals.

Rockwell Hardness Tester:

Operating Instructions:
1. Before beginning the test, make sure
that you are using the correct machine.
There are two Rockwell machines in
this lab, one of which is set up for
Rockwell "B" and the other for Rockwell
C. They are clearly labelled on the
front of the machine. Also read the
precautions at the end of these
instructions.
2. For hardness testing, ALWAYS use the
Rockwell C scale to start; if the
material is too soft, for example less
than RC 20, re- test for the Rockwell
B scale
3. Before starting the test, ensure that the
handle 1, located as shown for the
Rockwell C machine but near the bottom
for the Rockwell B machine, is pulled
forward (counter clockwise) as far as it
will go.
4. Ensure that the correct anvil is on the
elevating screw, i.e. the flat anvil for flat
specimens etc.
5. Raise the specimen to contact the
penetrator by turning the capstan hand
pointer is on the dot. Continue
further until the large pointer is
approximately vertical.

6. Turn the bezel of the dial gauge until the

"SET" line is directly behind the large
pointer. To do this;
a) Use the large ribbed ring just below
the capstan hand wheel; for the "B"
machine.
b) For the "C" machine, a small
downward pointing lever is attached
directly to the bezel through the
opening in the cowl below the dial
gauge.
Release
the weight (MAJOR LOAD), to
7.
do this; for the B machine, depress
the flat lever surrounding the ribbed
adjusting ring. For theC machine; trip
the crank handle 1 rearward. It is
important not to force the c r a n k
handle but to allow t h e dashpot that is
built into the m a c h i n e t o c o n t r o l
the load application.
8. When the l a r g e p o i n t e r c o m e s t o
rest, return the crank handle to the
starting position. This removes the
MAJOR LOAD. The minor load is still
applied.
9. Read the scale letter (B or C) and the
corresponding
Rockwell
hardness
number from the dial gauge.
10. Remove the MINOR LOAD by turning
the capstan hand wheel 4 counter
clockwise t o l o w e r t h e e l e v a t i n g
screw and specimen so that they
clear t h e penetrator.
11. Remove the specimen or repeat the
test.
12. Record the hardness for the 12
samples in table 3 and compare your
readings to the ASTM values.

Sample Number
2

Recorded
Hardness

3
4
5
6
7
8
24

cannot be solidly supported on any of the

standard anvils without shifting under
application of the MAJOR LOAD, then a
special anvil or method of support must
be devised.
SPECIMEN: Be very careful of the placement
of the test specimen on the anvil so it is
solidly supported. Any loose scale, coarse
tool marks, nicks or burrs which might
make contact with the anvil will cause a
false test by collapsing under the MAJOR
LOAD and t h u s a l l o w the work to move.
Loose or flaking scale where the penetrator
makes contact with the specimen may chip
away and cause a false test. This must be
filed or ground away. Decarburized surface
metal must be filed away to permit the
penetrator to start the test in the good
metal underneath.

28
Table 3: Hardness values

PRECAUTIONS FOR THE ROCKWELL TEST:

PENETRATOR: Be sure t h e m a t i n g
surfaces of the p en et r a t or a n d t h e
plunger rod are clean and free of dirt, chips
and oil; these p r e v e n t p r o p e r seating
and cause a false "ROCKWELL" hardness
test. After changing any penetrator or
putting a new ball in a ball chuck, or
changing the anvil, several tests should
be made to seat these parts before any
hardness readings are taken.
ANVILS: Be sure the mating faces of the anvil
and the end of the elevating screw are clean
and free of dirt, chips and oil. These prevent
good seating and cause a false "ROCKWELL"
hardness test. If the shape o f the part i s
so irregular that i t

Fig. 3: Rockwell Hardness tester (source; Neely &

Bertone, Practical Metallurgy and Materials of
industry - sixth edition)
1. Crank Handle
6. Small Pointer
2. Penetrator
7. Large Pointer
3. Anvil
8. Lever for setting the Bezel
4. Weights
5. Capstan Hand wheel

Discussion and Conclusion:

In the table below; identify the material samples by number. Your conclusions must
include the reason(s) for your identification, (hint; compare your findings of density and
hardness to the international ones: ASTM tables).
State sources of errors and your recommendations for improving them.
Why density and hardness are considered important tests for identifying materials.
What other tests would you suggest to use to identify materials
Sample No

2
3
4
5
6
7
8
24
28

10

Identification

Reasons for this Identification

4.2Experiment NO. 2: Investigation of Weld Samples

Purpose:
To identify the effect of welding in two
weld samples using hardness and
microstructure analysis.

zone. Consequently, when welding high

carbon steel, its required to post-heat
(annealing) or pre-heat prior to welding,
otherwise the material becomes hard and
brittle in the heat-affected zone.

Theory:
Welding is the process to join materials by
application of heat (from gas, arc, induction,
soldering). Parts are heated until they melt
and flow together. Filler metals may also be
used.
Welding also happens by pressure, the
joining is done without filler material
(welding rod) or using a laser beam.
After solidification, there is a region (Figure
1) that may have experienced microstructural
and property alteration in the heat affected
zone (HAZ).

Fig 1: Zones found in welding

Source: Budinski, K. and Budinski, M., 2010

According to Budinski, K. and Budinski, M.

(2010); Callister, W. and Rethwisch, D.
(2010); possible alterations include:
1. If the material was previously cold
worked, the HAZ may have experienced
recrystallization and grain growth, and
thus a diminishing of strength, hardness
and toughness.
2. After cooling, residual stresses may form
in the HAZ which weaken the joint.
As metals are welded the effects can be
similar to heat treatment in the heat affected
11

2: Zones and boundaries in heat affected zone

Source: Globalspec.com

Fig

The following figures show the consequence of

welding procedure.

Fig. 3: The coarsened grains in the base metal in the heataffected zone are caused by high-temperature grain
growth.

Fig. 4: Cross section through weld in carbon steel showing

variation in hardness with and without pre- heat

Materials:

Continue
the
same
procedure for all the four
grit papers.

One sample is low carbon steel welded to

low carbon steel. The second sample is high
carbon steel welded to low carbon steel.

Apparatus:
1. Sample preparation equipment.
2. Rockwell Hardness tester.
3. Microscope with video camera
attached.

Precautions:

Protect your eyes wearing lab

goggles.
Keep your clothing and hair out of
the way. Remove any loose
jewelry
When dealing with the Nital in
the etching step, protect your
hands wearing gloves and using a
tong
You have to control the time of
etching to avoid dark spots and
undesired coloration.

Procedure:
1. Grind the two samples o n
s e v e r a l grades of abrasive paper.
Turn the water flow and
start with the coarse grit
paper, move the sample
back and forth with mild
pressure
until
the
scratches go in one
direction (Figure 5).
Move the sample on the
less
coarse
paper,
provided that the new
scratches are 90 to the
previous one.
12

Fig. 5: The Handimet roll grinder (photograph

courtesy Buehler Ltd., Evanston, IL) (source; Practical
th
Metallurgy and Materials Industry, 6 . Ed. text
handbook)

2. Polish the two samples on the

rotating polishing wheel
(Figure 6).
Add few drops of
aluminum oxide on the
rotating wheel. Face the
sample down on the
wheel and slowly move
around
in
the
opposite direction to the
rotation.
When the sample is
mirror bright and shows
no scratches or lines.
Clean it with water and
wipe it with cotton
immersed
in
methyl
alcohol.
Dry the sample with the
help of hair dryer.

Fig. 6: Polishing a sample on the rotating wheel

(source; Practical Metallurgy and Materials Industry,
th
6 . Ed. text handbook)

3. Etch the sample with 2% Nital for 45

seconds in a petri dish (Figure 7).

Fig. 7: Etching a sample with Nital (source; Practical

th
Metallurgy and Materials Industry, 6 . Ed. text
handbook)

4. Stop etching by putting the sample

under a steam of water, then wipe it
with cotton immersed in methyl
alcohol and dry it with the hair dryer.

5. Take your sample to the microscope,

The PAX software will be displayed in
the computer.
6. Place your sample in the microscope.
Use the 10X objective
7. Use the coarse focus adjustment and
then the fine focus adjustment until
you see a clear image in the computer
screen. Change to the 20X objective to
observe more details in the
microstructure.
8. Observe the microstructure going
slowly from one edge of the sample to
the other.
9. Identify the various zones shown in
figure #2. Take around 5 pictures to
capture the HAZ zone and areas
before and after the HAZ:
Click capture in the
PAXcam 3 screen
Save your pictures in the
desktop folder
Save also the pictures in
your memory stick
10. Perform hardness test across both
samples. PLEASE FOLLOW THE
ROCKWELL
HARDNESS TESTER
OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS AND
PRECAUTIONS DESCRIBED IN PAGES
8 AND 9 OF THIS HANDBOOK.
Record the values identifying each
sample.

Observations:
Identify any areas which are significantly
harder than the remainder of the sample. If
possible, label the various weld area zones
and microstructure on the microscope
photographs.

Analysis:
You are looking for various zones as per
figures 2 & 3. Note the different grain sizes
13

and compare with figure 1. In the low to low

carbon steel, the hardness across the weld
should be fairly constant. The high to low
carbon steel sample will likely have a point of
high hardness (figure 4) which could have
been avoided by post-heating. Post-heating
will temper or anneal the steel and eliminate
the martensite which was caused by the
quenching action of the base metal. For a
service application, post-heating of this weld
would be critical to prevent a failure.

Discussion and Conclusion:

1. Graph your hardness readings for

both samples. Comment on the effect
of welding on hardness
2. Comment on the effect of welding on
the microstructure of steel.
3. Correlate
between
the microstructure findings and your
hardness readings.
4. Include the weld zone photos in
your report.

14

4.3

Experiment NO. 3: Izod Impact (Toughness) Test of Metal Samples

Purpose:
Determine material toughness of three different
materials and compare their behavior..

Theory:
Izod impact is defined as the kinetic energy
needed to initiate fracture and continue the
fracture until the specimen is broken. Izod
specimens are notched to prevent deformation
of the specimen upon impact. This test can be
used as a quick and easy quality control check to
determine if a material meets specific impact
properties or to compare materials for general
toughness.
In a typical Pendulum Machine, the mass of the
hammer (striking edge) mass (m) is raised to a
height (a); this is the vertical height from the
Fig 1: Schematic diagram of a pendulum
raised mass to the impact point. Before the mass
(m) is released, the potential energy will be:
a = R (1 cos )
b = R (1 - cos )
Ep = m g a
Initial energy =
After being released, the potential energy will = Ei = mga = mg R (1 - cos )
decrease and the kinetic energy will increase. At
Ei = W R (1 cos )
the time of impact, the kinetic energy of the
pendulum:
Energy after the rupture =
= Er = mgb = mgR (1 - cos )
Ek = 1/2 m v2
Er = W R (1 - cos)
All potential energy was
transformed in kinetic :
Ek = Ep
m g a = 1/2 m v2
v2 = 2 g a
v2= 2 g b

Energy absorbed by the specimen

Ei - Er = E abs = W R (1 cos)
- W R (1 - cos)
E abs =W R (cos - cos c) or
E abs = m g (a - b) = W(a b)
ISO and ASTM standards
strengths in different units.

express

impact

The impact velocity will be: v = 2 g b = (2 g b)1/2 ISO impact strength is expressed in kJ/m2 or ftlb/ft2. Impact strength is calculated by dividing

15

The energy absorbed by the specimen

Procedure:
in J by the cross sectional area at the notch.
1. The machine should be braked. Release the
ASTM impact strength is expressed in J/m or ftbrake by moving the Operating Lever to Hole
lb/ft. Impact strength is calculated by dividing
1. Hold the Latch Prevent Bar in the up
impact energy in J (or ft-lb) by the thickness of
position by pressing down on the short end
the specimen.
of the bar.
The higher the resulting number; the tougher the 2. Insert the Stop Pin into Hole 1 to prevent
material.
accidental release of the pendulum.
3. Set the pointer at the maximum dial value of
the range for the test (at 50 in the orange
Materials:
scale)
4. Pull the pendulum to the right side and
install the metal safety block against the
anvil to hold the pendulum out of the way.
Let the edge of the pendulum rest against
the block and check that both the block and
pendulum are secure (See FIGURE 4).
5. Make sure the equipment is balanced with
Fig 2: Dimensions of the tested material
no error by operating it without a specimen:
- Raise the pendulum
counter
Apparatuses:
clockwise by hand to the low latch
position and listen for a click to
indicate that the pendulum is
latched. Gently lower the pendulum
against the latch.
- Be sure all personnel and objects are
out of the pendulum swing area.
- Close the safety gate and move the
Stop Pin from Hole 1 to Hole 2 to
prevent brake application during the
test.
- Release the pendulum by quickly
moving the operating lever from the
latched position (hole 1) to the
Release position (hole 2).
- The pendulum will swing to the left
and rotate the pusher arm to
position the pointer on the dial to
indicate the energy.

Fig 3: Izod impact testing unit

16

After the pendulum has swung through two full

swings, brake the equipment by moving the
operating

2) to the b r a k e p o s i t i o n
Once the pendulum has stopped
swinging, move the operating lever
to the latched position and place
the Stop Pin back in Hole 1. Read
the pointer indication. If the
equipment is balanced (no error)
the pointer should be in the zero
value of the range for the test. If
you find an error, record it for your
calculations.
6. Open the safety gate to start the experiment
with samples. Pull the pendulum to the right
side and install the metal safety block against
the anvil to hold the pendulum out of the
way. Let the edge of the pendulum rest
against the block (See FIGURE 4), and check
that both the block and pendulum are secure
-

Figure 5: Proper installation of

the sample

8. Set the pointer at the maximum dial value

of the range for the test (at 50 in the orange
scale)
9. Raise the pendulum counter clockwise by
hand to the low latch position and listen for
a click to indicate that the pendulum is
latched. Gently lower the pendulum
against the latch.
10. Be sure all personnel and objects are out
of the pendulum swing area.
11. Close the safety gate and move the Stop Pin
from Hole 1 to Hole 2 to prevent brake
application during the test.
12. Release the pendulum by quickly moving
the operating lever from the latched
position (hole 1) to the Release position
(hole 2).
13. After the pendulum has swung through two
full swings, brake the equipment by moving
the operating lever from the Release position
Figure 4: Safe installation of the metal block
(hole 2) to the brake position
14. Once the pendulum has stopped swinging,
7. Clamp a specimen of a given material and
move the operating lever to the latched
dimension into the pendulum impact test
position and place the Stop Pin back in Hole
fixture, provided that:
1. Read and record the pointer indication for
- The notched side facing the
the amount of energy used to break the
pendulum (with the shortest side in
sample (Eabs).
the upper position) (See FIGURE 5).
15. Open the safety gate, measure and record
- With the help of a gauge; make sure
the Pendulums angle of rise.
that the centerline of the notch is in
16.
Once finished, pick up the broken
line with the top surface of the vice.
pieces, the pendulum should be at
the bottom of the swing, apply the
brake, and close the safety gate.
17

17. Repeat the experiment with the remaining

samples
18. Brake the equipment by moving the operating
lever from the Release position (hole 2) to
the b r a k e p o s i t i o n

Given:

m = 12.07 kg (0.826 slugs)

a = 573mm (1.88 ft.)
v = 3.35 m/s (11 ft/sec)
R = 800mm (31.5in.)
Angle of Fall = = 73.5o

Record:

Angle of Rise = = ?
Eabs = ?

Calculations:

1. Potential Energy.
2. Impact Velocity. Verify with given value.
3. Initial Height of Pendulum (a). Verify with given
value.
4. Pendulum arc height after impact (b).
5. Energy required breaking sample (Eabs)
6. Percentage of error for calculated values with
respect to recorded values. (Give reasons for any
error.)
7. ISO & ASTM impact strength for each sample

18

4.4

Experiment NO. 4: Tensile Test of Plastic Samples

Purpose:

The tensile testing can be summarized as in

figure 2.

To compare the tensile properties of Acrylic,

Nylon, and Polycarbonate (Lexan) samples.

Theory:
According to Budinski, K. and Budinski, M. (2010);
elasticity is the property that measures the ability
of a material deformed to return to its original
size and shape when unloaded. On the other hand,
the Property of material to be deformed
repeatedly without rupture by the action of a
force, and remain deformed after the force is
removed is called plasticity.
The elastic limit of a material (Fig. 1) is the point
beyond which a deformed object cannot return to
its original shape. The solid molecules have been
pulled far enough apart that the molecular forces
cannot return the solid to its original shape. Its
the linear relationship between stress and strain
in elastic region (A measure of stiffness)

Fig. 2: A summary of the tensile testing experiment

It is important to highlight that the UTS tester

indicates Force vs L.

Fig. 1: stress strain curve of a material

Remember to divide by the area in order to calculate

stress.

According to Hooks law the slope of the stress

strain curve is the modulus of elasticity E;
Materials:
Acrylic, Nylon, and Polycarbonate (Lexan)
samples.

19

Apparatus:
The UTS tester records real time load and
extension values on small samples using a 20
kN load cell. The results are plotted on a graph
as load vs. extension, with yield point; max
load and breaking load recorded (Figure 1).

disappear
11. Click on sample information. Indicate in
Customer name todays date. Hit tab
until the cursor moves to spec ID (nylon
or acrylic or lexan); hit tab
12. Record the Width, hit tab
13. Record the Thickness, hit tab
14. The area of the sample is displayed, hit
apply
15. Click on the operate icon in the top
toolbar
16. Click on the jog icon in the top toolbar,
ENABLED appears in the POSITION
17. In order to load Sample:
18. The jog buttons on the machine are now
ready to operate. Jog machine up and
down as needed to load the part properly.
Make sure the part is straight and centered
(see Figure 2).

Fig. 1: The UTS tester

Procedure:
1. YOU MUST WEAR SAFETY GLASSES,
ALL THE TIME.
2. Turn on the controller, the united tensile
machine (UTM), and the computer.
3. Measure Width and Thickness of each
sample and record data.
4. Run the Datum program (A picture of the
machine appears on the monitor, after the
picture disappears from the screen, a
small American flag appears in the right
side of the computer; click on it, a pull up
menu appears, click on DATUM, wait for
the four screens to disappear; the force vs.
extension graph will appear).
5. Push the start bottom on the UTS.
6. Click on the new icon in the top toolbar
7. Click on template 111, click apply
8. Click on scales, pick PC
9. Pick POSITION, then LOADCELL, finally
extensometer position XHDmm
10. Click apply and watch the lower right
side corner until the multicolor stripe
20

FIGURE 2: Part loaded

19. Zero force by clicking on
force = 0and zero extension by
clicking on Pos Hit test
20. Observe the behavior of the sample in
the machine and relate to the graph in
the computer, after the sample breaks,

remove the sample from the jaws.

Make a comment and hit enter, the
distance between the jaws decreases
KEEP YOUR HANDS CLEAR.
21. The Test Report screen displays, record
the test number, pick the test number,
and pick Graph.
22. The screen Metric tensile properties of
plastic appears, pick report, click
PDF on the top tool bar
23. Save your file in the desktop lab folder.
Hit publish
24. Close print preview on the top tool bat;
close the metric tensile screen; hit
exit
25. Go back to sample info, click add to
report
26. Identify the next sample and repeat steps
12 to 25 until you have completed all your
samples
27. Copy your data to a memory stick.
28. Exit the Datum program

Discussion and Conclusions:

For each sample;
1. Compare the various sample tensile
properties in terms of their elasticity,
youngs modulus, yield, tensile strength,
breaking load, and ductility.
2. Comment on the shape of the curves
and the different properties of each
material.
3. Calculate the percentage error for
the experimental versus accepted
values for Youngs Modulus
(Hint: search for accepted values in
peer review journals
4. Comment on how you would use
each of the materials along with its
limitations.

21

Bibliography

22

Budinski, K. and Budinski, M. (2010).

Engineering Materials: Properties and
selection, 9th ed. New Jersey: Prentice
Hall
Callister, W. and Rethwisch, D. (2010).
Materials Science and Engineering: An
introduction. 8th ed. Danvers, MA: John
Wiley and sons
Hosford, W. (2008). Materials for
Engineers. Cambridge University Press:
Cambridge: Cambridge University Press
Lab Equipment handbooks (Rockwell,
Izod, UTS)
Neely, J. (1985). Practical Metallurgy and
Materials of Industry. New Jersey:
Prentice Hall
National Science Foundation. (2015).
Engineering challenges of the 21st
century. Retrieved from internet on Jan
15, 2015, 1 pm
Paul Degarmo, E. Black, J, and Kohser, R.
(2003). Materials and Processes in
Manufacturing. Danvers, MA: John Wiley
and sons
Strocchia, M. (2013-2015). Engineering
materials class files
WHMIS Hazard Symbols retrieved from
internet on January 2014

APPENDIX
WHMIS
INTRODUCTION
The Workplace Hazardous Materials
Information System (WHMIS) is a nationwide
system
providing
informati
o n on hazardous materials used in the
workplace. WHMIS recognizes the interests
of
workers, employers, suppliers,
and regulators balancing the workers
right to know about hazards with industrys
right to protect confidential business
to hazardous
information. Exposure
materials can cause or contribute to a
variety of health effects such as irritation,
burns, sensitization, heart ailments, k i d n e
y a nd d l u ng d a m a g e,
a nd cancer.
Some materials may also be safety hazards
that
can
co n t r i b u t e
to
fires,
explosions,
and
other
accidents if improperly stored or handled.
The seriousness of these problems and the
lack of information available to employers
and employees prompted the federal,
provincial, and territorial governments to
implement WHMIS in 1988 to reduce the
incidence of illness and injury caused by
hazardous materials in the workplace.
WHMIS is a system of information delivery
with three key elements:
Labels on hazardous materials and their
containers.
Labels immediately alert
employers and workers to the dangers of
products and provide basic safety
precautions.
Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDSs).
These technical bulletins provide detailed
information on the hazards of the product
as well as precautionary measures and first
aid procedures for immediate response.

Worker
Education
and
T r a i n i n g . With these
programs,

23

hazards

workers

and

training

receive

in

safe

work

the instruction on

procedures that they need to work safely

around or near hazardous materials.
WHMIS also includes mechanisms for
ruling on claims by suppliers and
employers
to
withhold
certain
information from labels and MSDSs as
confidential business information (CBI or
trade secrets), and for appeals to these
rulings.
WHMIS Hazard Symbols
There are eight WHMIS hazard symbols.
Employers must train workers to
recognize these symbols and to know
what they mean.
CLASS A:
COMPRESSED
GAS
This class includes
compressed gases,
dissolved gases, and
gases liquefied by
compression or
refrigeration.
CLASS B:
FLAMMABLE
AND
COMBUSTIBLE
MATERIAL
This class includes
solids, liquids, and
gases capable of
catching fire in the
presence of a spark
or open flame under
normal working
conditions.

24

CLASS C:
OXIDIZING
MATERIAL
These materials
increase the risk of
fire if they come in
contact with
flammable or
combustible
materials.
CLASS D:
POISONOUS AND
INFECTIOUS
MATERIAL
Division 1:
Materials Causing
Immediate and
Serious Toxic
Effects
These materials can
cause death or
immediate injury
when a person is
exposed to small
amounts. Examples:
sodium cyanide,
hydrogen sulphide.
CLASS D:
POISONOUS AND
INFECTIOUS
MATERIAL
Division 2:
Materials Causing
Other Toxic
EFFECTS
These materials can
cause lifethreatening and
serious long-term
24

health problems as
well as less severe
but immediate
reactions in a person
who is repeatedly
exposed to small
amounts.

CLASS D:
POISONOUS AND
INFECTIOUS
MATERIAL
Division 3:
Bio hazardous
Infectious
MATERIAL
These materials
contain an organism
that has been shown
to cause disease or
to be a probable
cause of disease in
persons or animals.
CLASS E:
CORROSIVE
MATERIAL
This class includes
caustic and acid
materials that can
destroy the skin or
eat through metals.
Examples: sodium
hydroxide,
hydrochloric acid,
nitric acid

CLASS F:
DANGEROUSLY
REACTIVE
MATERIAL
These products may
self-react
dangerously, for
example, they may
explode upon
standing or when
exposed to physical
shock or to increased
pressure or
temperature, or they
emit toxic gases
when exposed to
water.

25