Materials Stress-Strain Experiment - EX-5515

The objective of this lab is to find the relationship between tensile stress and strain for various materials. The Stress-Strain Apparatus stretches (and in some cases breaks) a test coupon while it measures the amount of stretch and force experienced by the test coupon. Software is used to generate a plot of stress versus strain, which allows Young’s Modulus, the elastic region, the plastic region, the yield point, and the break point to be ascertained.

Since the Stress-Strain Apparatus shows the entire stress versus strain curve, it is possible to measure a wide range of material properties including:

• Young’s Modulus
• Yield strength
• Tensile strength
• Ductility 
• Toughness

Students can also compare the different curve shapes produced by various materials. 

PASCO Capstone software allows students to determine Young’s Modulus by measuring the slope of the initial straight line (the elastic region) and to determine the toughness by integrating under the curve.