This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization establis hed in the Decision on Principles for the
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
Committee.  

Designation: B557 − 15
15  

Standard Test Methods f or  

Standard
Te
Tension
nsion Te
Testing
sting Wrought and Cast Alumin um- and
gnesium-Alloy Products 1 
Magnesium-Alloy
Ma
This standard is issued under the fixed designation B557; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of original
adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of l ast reapproval. A superscript
epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval. 
reapproval. 

Defense.  
This standard has been approved for use by agencies of the U.S. Department of Defense. 

1.   Scope*  
Scope* E8 Test Methods for Tension Testing of Metallic Materials
1.1   These test methods cover the tension testing of wrought E29 Practice for Using Significant Digits in Test Data to 
to  
and cast aluminum- and magnesium-alloy products, with the Specifications 
Determine Conformance with Specifications 
exception of aluminum foil,2 and are derived from Test Methods E83 Practice for Verification and Classification of Exten-
E8,, which cover the tension testing of all metallic materials.  
E8 someter Systems 
Systems 
E345 Test Methods of Tension Testing of Metallic Foil
1.2   The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded E691 Practice for Conducting an Interlaboratory Study to 
to  
as standard. No other units of measurement are included in this Determine the Precision of a Test Method  
standard.  
standard. E1012 Practice for Verification of Testing Frame and Speci-
1.3   This standard does not purport to address all of the men Alignment Under Tensile and Compressive Axial
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the Force Application 
Application 
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
 priate safety and health
heal th practices and determine the applica- 3.   Terminology  
Terminology
bility of regulatory limitations prior to use. 
use.  
3.1   The definitions of terms relating to tension testing
 NOTE  1 — Foil
Foil is sheet metal less than 0.0079 in. thick. There is an appearing in Terminology 
Terminology  E6 shall be considered as applying
overlap in the thickness range 0.006 to 0.0079 in. defined for foil and sheet. to the terms used in these test methods. 
methods.  
Sheet products in this thickness range are supplied to sheet product
specifications and foil products in this thickness range are supplied to foil
 product specifications. Exceptions
Exceptions to the provisions of these test methods 4.   Significance and Use 
Use 
may need to be made in individual specifications or test methods for a
4.1   Tension tests provide information on the strength and
 particular material.
material.  
 NOTE 2 — A complete metric
metric companion to Test Methods B557 has been ductility of materials under uniaxial tensile stresses. This
developed  — Test
Test Methods B557M; therefore, no metric equivalents are information may be useful in comparisons of materials, alloy
 presented in these
these test methods. 
methods.  development, quality control, and design under certain circum-
stances.  
stances.
2.   Referenced
Referenced Documents
Documents  
4.2   The results of tension tests of specimens machined to
2.1   ASTM Standards:3 
B209 Specification for Aluminum and Aluminum-Alloy standardized
material may dimensions
not totally from selected
represent portions and
the strength of aductility
part or
Sheet and Plate 
Plate 
 properties of the entire end product or its in-service behavior in
E4 Practices for Force Verification of Testing Machines 
Machines  
different environments. 
environments. 
E6 Terminology Relating to Methods of Mechanical Testing 
Testing  
4.3   These test methods are considered satisfactory for ac-
ceptance testing of commercial shipments and have been used
1
These test methods are under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee 
Committee B07 on Light extensively in the trade for this purpose. 
purpose. 
Metals and Alloys and are the direct responsibility of Subcommittee   B07.05 on
Testing.  
Testing.
Current edition approved Oct. 1, 2015. Published October 2015. Originally 5.   Apparatus  
Apparatus
approved in 1971. Last previous edition approved in 2010 as B557  –   14. DOI:
5.1   Testing Machines — Machines
Machines used for tension testing
10.1520/B0557-15.  
10.1520/B0557-15.
2
For test methods of tension testing of aluminum foil, see Test Methods  E345.. 3
Methods  E345 shall conform to the requirements of Practices 
Practices   E4
E4.. The forces
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website,
website, www.astm.org, or   used in determining tensile strength and yield strength shall be
contact ASTM Customer Service at service@astm.org.
at service@astm.org. For
For Annual Book of ASTM 
ASTM   within the verified force application range of the testing
Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on 
the ASTM website. machine as defined in Practices 
Practices   E4
E4.. 

5.2   Gripping Devices: 

Devices: 

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B557 − 15 

5.2.1  General — 
 — Various
Various types of gripping devices may be
used to transmit the measured load applied by the testing
machine to the test specimens. To ensure axial tensile stress
within the gage length, the axis of the test specimen must
coincide with the centerline of the heads of
o f the testing machine.
Any departure from this requirement may introduce bending
stresses that are not included in the usual stress computation
(load divided by cross-sectional area). 
area). 
 NOTE  3 — The
The effect of this eccentric loading may be illustrated by
calculating the bending moment and stress thus added. For a standard
0.500-in. diameter specimen, the stress increase is 1.5 percentage points
for each 0.001 in. of eccentricity. This error increases to 2.24 percentage
 points/0.001 in. for a 0.350-in. diameter specimen and to 3.17 percentage
 points/0.001 in. for a 0.250-in. diameter
diameter specimen. 
specimen. 
 NOTE 4 — Alignment
Alignment methods are given in Practice 
Practice E1012
E1012.. 
5.2.2  Wedge Grips — Testing
Testing machines usually are equipped
with wedge grips. These wedge grips generally furnish a
satisfactory means of gripping long specimens of ductile metal.
If, however, for any reason, one grip of a pair advances farther
than the other as the grips tighten, an undesirable bending stress
may be introduced. When liners are used behind the wedges,
they must be of the same thickness and their faces must be flat
and parallel. For best results, the wedges should be supported
over their entire length by the heads of the testing machine. This
requires that liners of several thicknesses be available to cover
the range of specimen thickness. For proper gripping, it is
desirable that the entire length of the serrated face of each
wedge be in contact with the specimen. Proper alignment of
wedge grips and liners is illustrated in Fig. 1. 1.  For short
specimens it is generally necessary to use machined test
specimens and to use a special means of gripping to ensure that
the specimens, when under load, shall be as nearly as possible FIG. 2 Gripping Device for Threaded-End Specimens  
in uniformly distributed pure axial tension (see (see   5.2.3  –  5.2.5)
  5.2.5). 
5.2.3  Grips for Threaded and Shouldered Specimens — A
schematic diagram of a gripping device for threaded-end
5.3   Dimension-Measuring Devices — Micrometers
Micrometers and other
specimens is shown in 
in  Fig. 2,
2, while
 while   Fig. 3 shows a device for
devices used for measuring linear dimensions shall be accurate
gripping specimens with shouldered ends. Both of these
and precise to at least one half the smallest unit to which the
gripping devices should be attached to the heads of the testing
individual dimension is required to be measured. 
measured. 
machine through properly lubricated spherical-seated
spherical -seated bearings.
The distance between spherical bearings should be as great as 5.4   Extensometers — Extensometers
Extensometers used
used in tensile testing
feasible. 
feasible.  shall conform to the requirements of Practice E83 for the
5.2.4  Grips for Sheet Materials — The The self-adjusting grips classifications specified by the procedure section of these test
shown in Fig. 4 have proved satisfactory for testing sheet methods. Extensometers shall be used and verified to include
materials that cannot be tested satisfactorily
satis factorily in the usual type of the strains corresponding to the yield strength and elongation at
wedge grips. 
grips.  fracture (if determined). 
determined). 
5.2.5  Grips for Wire — Grips
Grips of either the wedge or snubbing 5.4.1  Extensometers with gage lengths equal to or shorter
types as shown in 
in Figs. 4 and 5 or flat wedge grips may be used. than the nominal gage length of the specimen (dimension
shown as “G-Gage Length” in the accompanying figures) may
 be used to determine the yield behavior. For measuring
elongation at fracture with an appropriate extensometer, the
gage length of the extensometer shall be equal to the nominal
gage length required for the specimen being tested. 
tested. 

6.   Test Specimen 
Specimen 
6.1   General:
General:  
6.1.1  Test specimens shall be of the full section of the
FIG. 1 Wedge Grips with Liners for Flat Specimens  material whenever practical. Otherwise, machined specimens
of rectangular or round cross section shall be used. 
used. 

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B557 − 15 

FIG. 5 Snubbing Device for Te

FIG. Testing
sting Wire
Wire  

important, therefore, that care be exercised in the preparation of

specimens, particularly in the machining, to ensure the desired
 precision and bias in test results. 
results.  
6.1.3  The cross-sectional area of the specimen should be
smallest at the center of the reduced section to ensure fracture
within the gage length. For this reason, a small taper is
 permitted in the reduced section of each of the specimens
described in the following sections. 
sections.  
FIG.. 3 Gripping Device for Shouldered-End Specimens
FIG Specimens   6.1.4  Rectangular specimens shall be 0.500 in. wide in
accordance with 
with Fig. 6 or  Fig. 7 (for tubular products), and shall
 be of the full thickness of the material when practical. When
necessary, 0.250-in. wide subsize specimens as shown in in Fig. 6
may be used, but elongation values from such specimens are not
applicable to specification requirements. 
requirements. 
6.1.4.1  Pin ends as shown in  in Fig. 8 may be used. In order to
avoid buckling in tests of thin and high-strength materials, it
may be necessary to use stiffening plates at the grip ends.  
6.1.5  Round specimens shall be the standard 0.500-in.
diameter specimen in in Fig. 9,
9, except when the dimensions of the
 product make this impossible.
i mpossible. In such cases, small-size speci-
mens proportional to the standard specimen shown in  in   Fig. 9 
9 
may be used. Unless otherwise specified in the product
specification, the selection of round tension specimens shall be
as specified in Table 1. 1.  Unless permitted by the product
specification, the dimensions of the smallest specimen used
shall not be less than the following: 
following:  
Wrought  
Wrought Cast 
Diameter of reduced section, in.  in.   0.160  0.250 
Length of reduced section, in. in.     ⁄  4 
3
11  ⁄  4 
Radius of fillet, in.
in.     ⁄  8 
1
  ⁄  16
3
16  

Diameter of end section, in.  in.  15

  ⁄  64    ⁄  8 
3

in. 
Overall length, in. 
With shouldered ends  ends  11  ⁄  2  23  ⁄  8 
With threaded ends ends   2  3 
With plain cylindrical ends 
ends  3  4 

6.1.5.1  The shape of the ends of the specimens outside of the

gage length shall be suitable to the material and
a nd of a shape to fit
the holders or grips of the testing machine so that the loads are
applied axially. 
axially. Fig. 10 shows specimens with various types of
ends that have given satisfactory results. 
results.  
FIG
FIG.. 4 Gripping Devices for Sheet and Wire Specimens 
Specimens 
6.1.6  Special care is required in the manufacture and testing
of smaller specimens because the effects of machining (for
6.1.2  Improperly prepared test specimens often are the example, the amount of end load applied and the amount of heat
reason for unsatisfactory and incorrect test results. It is 
is  generated) and testing (for example, eccentricity and gage 
gage  

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B557 − 15 

in.  
Dimensions, in.
Standard Specimen Sheet- Sheet-  Subsize Specimen
Specimen  
Type, 1  ⁄  2-in. Wide 
Wide    ⁄  4-in. Wide 
1

—
G —Gage
W Widthlength 
length
(Note  1 and  Note 2)
2)  2.000
0.500 ±
± 0.005 
0.005
0.010  
0.010  1.000
0.250 ±
± 0.003 
0.003
0.002   
0.002 
T—Thickness (Note 3) 3)  thickness of material
material   thickness of material
material  
R—Radius of fillet, min 
min  1
  ⁄  2    ⁄  4 
1

L—Overall length, min (Note 4)4)  8  4 

 A—Length of reduced section, min min  21  ⁄  4  11  ⁄  4 
B—Length of grip section, min (Note 5)5)  2  11  ⁄  4 
C—Width of grip section, approximate 
approximate   3
  ⁄  4    ⁄  8 
3

(Note 2 and  Note 6)
6) 

 NOTE 1 — The
The ends of the reduced section shall not differ in width by more than 0.002 in. for the 2.00-in. gage length specimen
specimen or 0.001 in. for the 1.00-
in. gage length specimen. There may be a gradual taper in width from the ends of the reduced section to the center, but the width at each end shall not be
more than 1 % greater than the width at the center. 
center. 
 NOTE 2 — For
For each of the specimens, narrower widths ( W and C ) may be used when necessary. In such cases the width of the reduced section should be
as large as the width of the material being tested permits; however, unless stated specifically, the requirements for elongation in a product specification
shall not apply when these narrower specimens are used. If the width of the material is less than W , the sides may be parallel throughout the length of the
specimen.  
specimen.
 NOTE 3 — The
The dimension T is the thickness of the test specimen as stated in t he applicable material specifications. Maximum
Maximum nominal thicknesses of  
1 1 1 1
 ⁄ 2-in. and  ⁄ 4-in. wide specimens shall be  ⁄ 2 in. and  ⁄ 4 in., respective
respectively. ly. 
 
 NOTE 4 — To To aid in obtaining axial loading during testing of 1 ⁄ 4-in. wide specimens, the overall
overall length should be as large as the material will permit, up
to 8 in. 
in. 
 NOTE 5 — It It is desirable, if possible, to make the length of the grip section large enough to allow the t he specimen to extend into the grips a distance equal
to two thirds or more of the length of the grips. If the thickness of 1 ⁄ 2-in. wide specimens is over 3 ⁄ 8 in., longer grips and correspondingly longer grip sections
of the specimen may be necessary to prevent failure in the grip section.  section.  
1 1
 NOTE 6 — TheThe grip-end centerline of the  ⁄ 2 – in.
in. wide and  ⁄ 4 – in.
in. wide specimens shall coincide with the centerline of the reduced section within 0.01 and
0.005 in., respectively. 
respectively. 
FIG. 6 Rect angul ar Tensio n Test Specimens  

Dimensions, in.
in.  
G—Gage length 2.000 ± 0.005
0.005  
W—Width (Note 1) 1)  0.500± 0.010 
0.010 
T—Measured thickness of specimen Note 2 
2 
R—Radius of fillet, min   ⁄  2 
1

 A—Length of reduced section, min 21  ⁄  4 

B—Length of grip section, min (Note 3)
3)  3 
C—Width of grip section, approximate (Note 4)
4)  11
  ⁄  16
16  

 NOTE 1 — The
The ends of the reduced section shall not differ in width by more than 0.002 in. There may be a gradual taper in width from the ends of the
reduced section to the center, but the width at each end shall not be more than 1 % greater than the width at the center. center. 
 NOTE 2 — The
The dimension T is the thickness of the tubular section as provided for in i n the applicable material specifications. 
specifications. 
 NOTE 3 — It
It is desirable, if possible, to make the length of the grip section great enough to allow the specimen to extend into the t he grips a distance equal
to two thirds or more of the length
l ength of the grips. 
grips. 
 NOTE 4 — The
The grip-end centerline of the specimen shall coincide with the centerline of the reduced section within 0.05 in.
 NOTE 5 — For
For circular segment, the cross-sectional area shall be calculated using the formula shown in  in  7.2.3
7.2.3  
 NOTE 6 — The
The radii of all fillets shall be equal to each other within a tolerance
t olerance of 0.05 in., and the centers of curvature
curvature of the two fillets at a particular

end shall be located across fromFIG.

each
FIG. 7 other (ondinal
Longitu a lineTension
perpendicular to the centerline)
Test Specimens within a tolerance
f or Large-Diameter
Large-Diame of 0.10 in. 
ter Tubular in.  
Produc ts  
ts

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B557 − 15 

in.  
Dimensions, in.

G—Gage length 2.000 ± 0.005

0.005  
W—Width (Note 1) 1)  0.500 ± 0.010 
0.010 
T—Thickness, max (Note 2) 2)    ⁄  8 
5

R—Radius of fillet, min (Note 3)

3)    ⁄  2 
1

L—Overall length, min 

min   8 
 A—Length of reduced section, min 
min  21  ⁄  4 

B— Length of grip section, min 2 

C— Width of grip section, approximate 2 
D— Diameter of hole for pin, min (Note 4)
4)    ⁄  2 
1

E— Edge distance from pin, approximate 11  ⁄  2 

F— Distance from hole
hole to fillet, min   ⁄  2 
1

 NOTE 1 — The
The ends of the reduced section shall differ in width by not more than 0.002 in. There may be a gradual taper in width from the ends of the
reduced section to the center, but the width at each end shall be not more than 1 % greater than the width at the center. 
center.  
 NOTE 2 — The
The dimension T is the thickness of the test specimen as stated in the applicable product specifications.
For some materials, a fillet radius  R larger than 1 ⁄ 2 in. may be needed. 
 NOTE 3 — For needed.  
 NOTE 4 — Holes
Holes must be on centerline of reduced section, within ±0.002 in.  in. 
 NOTE 5 — Variations
Variations of dimensions C, D, E, F , and L may be used that will permit failure within the gage length. 
length.  
FIG. 8 Pin-Loaded Tension Test Specimen with 2-in. Gage Length  

Dimensions, in. 
in. 
Standard
Nominal Diameter   Small-Size Specimens Proportional to Standard
Standard  
Specimen 

0.500  
0.500 0.350 
0.350  0.250
0.250   0.160 
0.160 
G—Gage length 
length  2.000 ± 0.005 
0.005   1.400 ± 0.005 
0.005   1.000 ± 0.005
0.005   0.640± 0.005
0.005  
D—Diameter (Note 1)
1)  0.500 ± 0.010 
0.010   0.350± 0.007 
0.007  0.250 ± 0.005
0.005   0.160 ± 0.003
0.003  
3 1 3 5
R—Radius of fillet, min 
min    ⁄  8    ⁄  4    ⁄  16
16  
  ⁄  32
32  
 A—Length of reduced section, min (Note 2)
2)  21  ⁄  4  13  ⁄  4  11  ⁄  4    ⁄  4  
3

 NOTE 1 — The
The reduced section
section may have a gradual taper from the ends toward the center, with the ends not more than 1 % larger l arger in diameter than the
center (controlling dimension). 
dimension).  
 NOTE 2 — If
If desired, the length of the reduced section may be increased to accommodate an extensometer of any convenient gage length. Reference
marks for the measurement of elongation should, nevertheless, be spaced at the indicated gage length. length.  
 NOTE 3 — The
The gage length and fillets shall be as shown, but the ends may be of any form to fit the holders of the testing machine in such a way that the
load shall be axial (see 
(see  Fig. 10)
10). If the ends are held in wedge grips it is desirable,
desirable, if
if possible, to make the length of the grip
grip section great
great enough to
allow the specimen to extend into the grips a distance equal to two thirds or more of the length of the grips.  
 NOTE 4 — On
On the round specimens in  in Figs. 9 and 10,
10, the gage lengths are equal to four times the nominal diameter. In some product specifications other
specimens may be provided for, but unless the 4-to-1 ratio is maintained within dimensional tolerances, the elongation
elongation values may not be comparable with
those obtained from the standard test specimen. 
specimen. 
 NOTE 5 — The
The use of specimens smaller than 0.250-in. diameter shall be restricted to cases when the material to be tested is i s of insufficient size to obtain
larger specimens or when all parties agree to their use for acceptance testing. Smaller specimens require suitable equipment and greater skill in both
machining and testing. 
testing. 
 NOTE  6 — Four
Four sizes of specimens often used have diameters of approximately 0.505, 0.357, 0.252, and 0.160 in., the reason being to permit easy
calculations of stress from loads, since the corresponding cross-sectional areas are equal or close to 0.200, 0.100, 0.0500, and 0.0200 in. 2, respectively.
Thus, when the actual diameters agree with these values, the stresses (or strengths) may be computed using the simple
si mple multiplying factors 5, 10, 20, and
50, respectively
respectively.. 
FIG
FIG.. 9 Standard 0.500-in.
0.500-in. Round Tension Te
Test
st Specimen with 2-in. Gage Gage Length and Examples of Small-S
Small-Size
ize Specimens Proportion al to
the Standard Specimen 
Specimen  

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B557 − 15 
testing, when specified, is applicable to plate having a specified
TABLE 1 Guidelines for Selecting Round Tensile Specimens 
Specimens 
thickness of 1.500 in. and greater. 
greater. 
Minimum Material 
Material  

Specified Material Section Thickness Specimen

Thickness, in 
in  Length or Diameter, in 
in   NOTE 6 — ASTM
ASTM Specification 
Specification B209 lists thick plate products for which short transverse
Width, in 
in  tensile tests are required. 
required.  

0.250 through 0.374 11  ⁄  2 0.160 

0.160   NOTE 7 — In
In some cases, customer requirements may call for tensile testing
0.375 through 0.499 21  ⁄  2 0.250  
0.250 in the short transverse direction for plate with a specified thickness less than
0.500 through 0.624 31  ⁄  4 0.350  
0.350 1.500 in. In these cases, the specimen geometry, preparation, sampling
0.625 and over 43  ⁄  4 0.500  
0.500 requirements, and test procedure shall be agreed upon by the supplier and
customer. The precautionary information in 6.1.6 and 6.1.7 should be
considered in these cases. Because of potentially higher scatter and specimen
u pon larger specimens.
marking) variables are greater upon them than upon size effects, data from such tests should not be combined with short transverse
Therefore, the largest practical specimen shall always be used. With tensile test data from products having a specified thickness of 1.500 in. and
greater which were tested using the specimen geometry provided in  9. 
in  Fig. 9.
some types of materials, notably castings, the result of tests of small
specimens may be more variable due to the increasing significance of 6.2.1.4  Tension test specimens for aluminum alloy sheet and plate
variations in metallic structure or the character of the surfaces. Low less than 0.500 in. thick shall be the standard rectangular specimen.
values derived from small specimens should be carefully evaluated For plate thickness 0.500 in. and greater, the standard 0.5 in. round
in accordance with 
with  specimen, or a smaller round specimen proportional to it, shall be used.
8.1 to be certain that the results are valid. 
valid.   Material less than 0.75 in. in width is tested in full section when the
6.1.7 While tensile strengths and yield strengths can prop- erly be standard 0.5 in. round specimen, or smaller round specimen
compared with results derived from test specimens of various  proportional to it, cannot be used.
used.  
dimensions, elongation values may vary with specimen size and type. 6.2.1.5  Tension test specimens for magnesium alloys shall
Therefore, elongation values should be obtained with specimens of the t he  be taken parallel to the direction of rolling.
rolling.  
type from which the published tensile properties were established. 
established.  6.2.2  Wire, Rod, and Bar:
Bar:  
6.2   Type, Direction, and Location in Wrought Products —   6.2.2.1  Full-section specimens shall be used when practical.

This paragraph
quirements and
for the subparagraphs
testing of wroughtprovide
productsthe
forstandard re-
the purpose It
testis section
permissible to reduce
in order the fracture
to ensure section within
slightlythe
throughout the
gage length.
of quality control and lot release testing. Additions or excep- Otherwise, round specimens shall be used, except that for
tions to these requirements may need to be made in individual rectangles less than 0.500-in. thick rectangular specimens of the
specifications for a particular material or product. 
product.   full thickness may be used. 
used. 
6.2.2.2  Specimens shall be taken in the longitudinal direc-
 NOTE 5 — These
These requirements also do not preclude the use of these test
methods for purposes other than quality control as desired for research, tion from the locations specified in in   Table 2.
2. 
material evaluation, or other purpose utilizing other test locations, test 6.2.3  Extrusion Profiles:
Profiles:  
directions, and test specimen sizes. In these cases, the general require- 6.2.3.1  Round specimens shall be used whenever it is not
ments in 
in 6.1 should be followed for specimen type and the requirements in  practical to use full-section specimens, except that rectangular
Sections  5 and 7 shall be followed for test apparatus, testing, and analysis. 
Sections analysis. 
specimens may be used for extrusion profiles less than 0.500 in.
6.2.1  Sheet and Plate: 
Plate:  thick.  
thick.
6.2.1.1  Tension test specimens
speci mens for non-heat-treatable alumi- 6.2.3.2  Specimens shall be taken in the longitudinal direc-
num alloy sheet and plate shall be taken so that the specimen tion from the predominant section of the extrusion profile. The
axis is parallel to the direction of rolling (longitudinal speci- specimens shall be taken from a location that most nearly
mens).  
mens).
6.2.1.2  Tension test specimens for heat-treatable aluminum satisfies the intent of  Table 2.
2. 
6.2.4  Tube and Pipe — Specimens
Specimens shall be taken in the
alloy sheet (specified thickness less than 0.250 in.) shall be longitudinal direction. 
direction. 
taken so that the specimen axis is perpendicular to the direction 6.2.4.1  For all small tube ( Note 8), particularly sizes 1 in.
of rolling (long-transverse) for product widths 9 in. and greater, and under in nominal outside diameter, and frequently for larger
and in the longitudinal direction for widths less than 9 in. 
in.   sizes, except as limited by the testing equipment, it is standard
6.2.1.3  Tension test specimens for heat-treatable aluminum  practice to use tension test specimens of full-size tubular
alloy plate (specified thickness of 0.250 in. and greater) shall sections. Snug-fitting metal plugs shall be inserted far enough
 be taken in the long-transverse direction and, when specified,
speci fied, into the ends of such tubular specimens to permit the testing
in the longitudinal and short transverse (specimen axis perpen- machine jaws to grip the specimens properly. The plugs shall
dicular to the surface of the rolled product) directions. Long not extend into that part of the specimen on which the
transverse and longitudinal tensile test specimens are taken elongation is measured. 
measured.  Fig. 11 shows a suitable form of plug,
midway between the two plate surfaces for for plate having a the location of the plugs in the specimen, and the location
locati on of the
specified thickness of 0.500 in. through 1.500 in., and midway specimen in the grips of the testing machine. 
machine.  
 between the center and surface of plate for plate having a
 NOTE 8 — The
The term “tube” is used to indicate tubular products in general, and includes
specified thickness over 1.500 in. Short transverse tensile
specimens are taken so that the midpoint of the gage section  pipe, tube, and tubing. 
tubing. 
6.2.4.2  When it is not practical to test full-section
coincides with the plate mid-thickness plane. Short transverse 
transverse 
specimens, 0.500-in. wide specimens in accordance with 
with  Fig. 7 
7 

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B557 − 15 

Dimensions, in.
in.  
1  
Specimen 1 Specimen 2
2   Specimen 3 
3  Specimen 4 
4  Specimen 5
5  
G—Gage length 
length  2.000 ± 0.005 
0.005  2.000 ± 0.005 
0.005  2.000 ± 0.005
0.005   2.000 ± 0.005 
0.005   2.000 ± 0.005 
0.005  
D—Diameter (Note 1) 1)  0.500 ± 0.010 
0.010  0.500 ± 0.010 
0.010  0.500 ± 0.010
0.010   0.500 ± 0.010 
0.010   0.500 ± 0.010 
0.010  
R—Radius of fillet, min 
min  3
  ⁄  8    ⁄  8 
3
  ⁄  16
1
16     ⁄  8  
3
  ⁄  8  
3

 A—Length of reduced section 

section   2  ⁄  4 , min 
1
min  2  ⁄  4 , min 
1
min  4, approximately
approximately   2  ⁄  4 , min 
1
min  21  ⁄  4 , min 
min 
L—Overall length, approximate 
approximate   5  51  ⁄  2  51  ⁄  2  43  ⁄  4  91  ⁄  2 
B—Length of end section (Note 2) 2)  13  ⁄  8 , approximately 
approximately  1, approximately 
approximately    ⁄  4 approximately 
3
  ⁄  2, approximately 
1
3, min min  
C—Diameter of end section 
section   3
  ⁄  4    ⁄  4 
3 23
  ⁄  32    ⁄  8  
7
  ⁄  4  
3

E—Length of shoulder and fillet 

fillet   ... 
...    ⁄  8 
5
...  
...   ⁄  4  
3
  ⁄  8  
5

section, approximate 
approximate 
F—Diameter of shoulder   ... 
...    ⁄  8 
5
...
...     ⁄  8  
5 19
  ⁄  32 

 NOTE 1 — The
The reduced section may have a gradual taper from the ends toward the center with the ends not more than 0.005 in. larger in diameter than
the center. 
center. 
 NOTE 2 — On
On Specimen 5 it is desirable, if possible, to make the length of the grip section great enough to allow the specimen to extend into the
t he grips
a distance equal to two thirds or more of the length of the grips. 
grips.  
FIG.. 10 Various
FIG Various Types o f Ends for Standard Round Tension Test Specimen 
Specimen  

TABLE 2 Location of Axis of Specimens in Rod, Bar, and

Extrusion Profiles 
Profiles  
with 
Location of Axis of Specimen with 
Section Diameter, Respect to Thickness (T( T) and
Thickness or Width,  Width (W
(W) of Bar and Shapes or  
in.  
in. Diameter (D
(D) of Rod
Thickness Width Diameter  
Up through 1.500, incl T/2 W/2 D/2
Over 1.500 
1.500  T/4
/4   W/4
/4   D/4
/4  

 NOTE 1 — The
The edges of the specimen shall be cut parallel
p arallel to each other. 
other.  

FIG.. 12 Location
FIG mens Arefrom Whic
to Be Cut hfrom
Longi tudinal
L arge- Tension
arge-Diamete
Diameter Test
Test  Speci-
r Tube 
Tube

thicknesses
center of wall thic knesses through 1.500 in.; for thicknesses over
1.500 in., they shall be taken midway from center of thickness to
surface. If specimens of the type shown in  in Fig. 7 are used and
curved grip faces are not available, it is acceptable to flatten
flatt en
(without heating) the grip ends of the test specimen. The gage
length area shall not be deformed. 
deformed.  
6.2.5  Die Forgings — Round
Round specimens shall be used for
section thicknesses 0.500 in. and greater. Either subsize round
 NOTE 1 — The
The diameter
diameter of the plug shall have a slight taper from the line or rectangular specimens may be used for section thicknesses
limiting the testing machine jaws to the curved section.   from 0.312 to 0.499 in. Rectangular specimens shall
s hall be used for
FIG.
FIG. 11 Metal
Metal Plugs for Testing Tubular Specimens, Proper Loca- section thicknesses less than 0.312 in. The direction of the
tion o f Plugs in Specimen, and of Specimen in Heads Heads of Testing
Machine  
Machine specimens shall be in the longitudinal grain direction, unless
specimens in other directions are required. For aluminum die
taken as in
in  Fig. 12 shall be used if practical. Otherwise, round forgings, the longitudinal grain direction is defined as orienta-
specimens in accordance with 
with 6.1.5 shall be taken from the 
the   tions parallel, within ±15°, to the predominate grain flow. The
long transverse grain
grain direction is defined as perpendicular,
perpendicular,  
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B557 − 15 
6.4   Specimen for Die Castings — For
For testing die castings the
within ±15°, to the longitudinal (predominate) grain direction test specimen shown in in  Fig. 13 shall be used unless otherwise
and parallel, within ±15°, to the parting plane. (Both condi-  provided in the product specifications. 
specifications.  
tions must be met.) The short transverse grain direction is
defined as perpendicular, within ±15°, to the longitudinal 6.5   Specimens for Powdered Metals — For
For testing powdered
(predominate) grain direction and perpendicular, within ±15°, metals the test specimens shown in Figs. 14 and 15 shall be
to the parting plane. Specimens shall be taken from the center used, unless otherwise provided in the product specifications. 
specifications.  
of the predominant or thickest part of the forging from which a 7.   Procedure  
Procedure
coupon can be obtained, from a prolongation of the forging, or
from separately forged coupons from the same stock and 7.1   Preparation of the Test Machine — Upon
Upon startup, or
following a prolonged period of machine inactivity,
i nactivity, exercise or
representative
6.2.6  Hand of thengs
Forgi forging. 
forging.
Forgings   specimens shall be used. They
 — Round
Round warmup the test machine to normal operating temperatures to
shall be taken in the long-transverse direction, and when minimize errors that may result from transient conditions. 
conditions.  
specified, in the longitudinal and short-transverse directions. A 7.2   Measurement of Dimensions of Test Specimens:
Specimens:  
longitudinal specimen shall be taken so that its axis coincides 7.2.1  To determine the cross-sectional area of a tension test
with the longitudinal centerline of the forging. A long- specimen, measure the dimensions of the cross section at the
transverse or short-transverse specimen shall be taken so that center of the reduced section. However, for referee testing of
the midpoint of its axis lies on the longitudinal centerline of the specimens under 3 ⁄ 16
16  in. in their least dimension, measure the
forging. Each specimen shall be so chosen that the distance dimensions where the least cross-sectional area is found.
from the midpoint of its axis to the end of the forging is at least
le ast Measure and record the cross-sectional dimensions of tension
half the thickness of the forging.
forging.   test specimens 0.200 in. and over to the nearest 0.001 in.; the
6.3  Typ
Typee of Specimen from Castings: cross-sectional dimensions less than 0.200 in. and not less than 
than 
6.3.1  Test specimens shall be separately cast or, if called for 0.100 in. to the nearest 0.0005 in.; the cross-sectional dimen-
 by product specification or customer requirements, machined sions less than 0.100 in. and not less than 0.020 in., to the
from the casting itself.
itself.   nearest 0.0001 in.; and when practical, the cross-sectional

6.3.2  Cast Test Specimens — Cast test specimens shall be dimensions

all cases to less thanthe
at least 0.020 in., to0.0001
nearest at leastin. 
in.the
  nearest 1 % but in
 prepared in accordance with the appropriate product specifica-
tion.  
tion.  NOTE  9 — Measurements
Measurements of dimensions presume smooth surface fin-
6.3.3  Specimens Machined from Castings:
Castings:   ishes for the specimen
specimens.
s. Rough surfaces due to the manufacturing process
6.3.3.1  Round specimens in accordance with 
with  Fig. 9 shall be such as hot rolling, metallic coating, and so forth, may lead to inaccuracy
of the computed areas greater than the measured dimensions would
used for section thicknesses 0.500 in. and greater. 
greater. 
indicate. Therefore, cross-sectional dimensions of tension test specimens
6.3.3.2  Either small-size round specimens proportional to with rough surfaces due to processing may be measured and recorded to
the standard specimen in  in  Fig. 9 or rectangular specimens in the nearest 0.001 in. 
in. 
accordance with Fig. 6 may be used for section thicknesses 7.2.2  Determine cross-sectional areas of full-size tension test
from 0.312 to 0.499 in., except as limited by by  6.1.3
6.1.3..  specimens of nonsymmetrical cross sections by weighing a
6.3.3.3  Rectangular specimens in accordance with Fig. 6  6  length not less than 20 times the largest cross-sectional
shall be used for section thicknesses less than 0.312 in.  in.   dimension and using the value of density of the material.
6.3.3.4  All test specimens must have a machined finish of 63 Determine the weight to the nearest 0.5 % or less. 
less. 
µin. RMS (57 µin. AA) or smoother. 
smoother.  

Dimensions, in. 
in. 
G—Gage length 2.000 ± 0.005 
0.005 
D—Diameter (see Note) 0.250 ± 0.005
0.005  
R—Radius of filet, min 3 
 A—Length of reduced section, min 21  ⁄  4 
L—Overall length, min 9 
B—Distance between grips, min 41  ⁄  2 
C—Diameter of end section, approximate   ⁄  8 
3

 NOTE 1 — The
The reduced section may have a gradual taper from the ends toward the center, with the ends not more than 0.005 in. larger in
i n diameter than
the center. 
center. 
FIG. 13 Standard Tension Test Specimen for Die Castings 
Castings  

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B557 − 15 

Pressing Area = 1.00 in. 2 

Dimensions Specified except G, are Those of the Die. 
Die.  
Dimensions, in.
in.  
G—Gage length 1.000 ± 0.005
0.005  
D—Width at center 0.225 ± 0.001
0.001  
W—Width at end of reduced section 0.235 ± 0.001
0.001  
T—Compact to this thickness 
thickness   0.200 to 0.250
R—Radius of fillet 
fillet  1 
 A—Half-length of reduced section 
section    ⁄  8 
5

B—Grip length 3.187 ± 0.001

0.001  
L—Overall length 3.529 ± 0.001
0.001  
C—Width of grip section 0.343 ± 0.001
0.001  
F—Half width of grip section 0.1715 ± 0.0010
0.0010  
E—End radius 0.171 ± 0.001
0.001  

FIG. 14 Standard
FIG. Standard Tension Te
Test Metal Product s —Flat Unmachined Tension Te
st Specimen for Powdered Metal Test
st Specimen
Specimen  

7.2.3  When using specimens of the type shown in Fig. 7 

7  where:
where:  
taken from tubes, determine the cross-sectional area as follows: 
follows:   A = approximate cross-sectional area, in. 2, 
If D/W ≤ 6:  W = width of the specimen in the reduced section, in., and  
 A =[(W/4) X (D2  –  W 2)1/2 ] + [(D2 / 4)
 –  W  (1 )   T = measured wall thickness of the specimen, in. 
in.  

 –  W 2) 1/ 2 ]  
  [ ( W / 4 ) x ( ( D -  2T )  2  – 
 X arcsin  ( W / D ]  –  [
7.3   Gage Length Marking of Test
Test Specimens:
Specimens:  
7.3.1  The gage length for the determination of elongation
-[(( D-  2 T) / 2 ) 2 X
 
arcsin(W/(D- 2 T) ) ]  
after fracture shall be in accordance with the product specifi-
where: 
where:  cations for the material being tested. Gage marks
marks shall be
 A = exact cross-sectional area, in.2,  stamped lightly with a punch, scribed lightly with dividers, or
W = width of the specimen in the reduced section, in., 
in.,   drawn with ink as preferred. For material that is sensitive to the
 D = measured outside diameter of the tube, in., and   effect of slight notches and for small specimens, the use of
T = measured wall thickness of the specimen, in. arcsin layout ink will aid in locating the original gage marks after
values to be in radians. 
radians.   fracture.  
fracture.
If D/W > 6, the exact equation or the following equation may 7.3.2  In the absence of a product specification, the
t he following
 be used: 
used:  gage lengths shall be used: 
used:  
 A = WXT ( 2)  

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B557 − 15 
shall be set up in such a manner that zero force indication
signifies a state of zero force on the specimen. Any force (or
 preload) imparted by the gripping of the specimen (see 
(see Note
 Note 10)
10) 
must be indicated by the force measuring system unless the
 preload is physically removed prior to testing. Artificial
methods of removing the preload on the specimen, such as
taring it out by a zero adjust pot or removing it mathematically
 by software, are prohibited because these would affect the
Pressing Area of Unmachined Compact = 1.5 in.2
accuracy of the test results. 
results. 
Machining Recommendations 
Recommendations  
5  NOTE 10 — Preloads
Preloads generated by gripping of specimens may be either
1. Rough machine to   ⁄  16-in. diameter   tensile or compressive in nature and may be the result of such things as:
2. Finish turn 0.250-in. diameter with radii and taper  
3. Polish with 00 emery cloth
cloth   grip design, malfunction of gripping apparatus (sticking, binding, and so
4. Lap with crocus cloth 
cloth   forth), excessive gripping force, and sensitivity of the control loop.
loop.  
 NOTE 11 —It is the operator’s responsibility to verify that an observed 
7.4   Zeroing of the Tes
Testt Machine — The
The testing machine
acceptable and to ensure
 preload is acceptable ensure that grips operate
operate in a smooth
smooth manner. 
manner. 
in.  
Dimensions, in. Unless otherwise specified, it is recommended that momentary (dynamic)
G—Gage length 
length  1.000 ± 0.005
0.005   forces due to gripping not exceed 20 % of the material’s nominal yield
D—Diameter at center of reduced section 
section   0.250± 0.001 strength and that static preloads not exceed 10 % of the
t he material’s nominal
 nominal  
H— Diameter at ends of gage length D + 0.001 to 0.002 in. 
in.   yield strength. 
strength. 
R—Radius of fillet   ⁄  4 
1

 A—Length of reduced section 11  ⁄  4  7.5   Speed of Testing:

Testing: 
L—Overall length (die cavity length) 3 7.5.1 Speed of testing may be defined in terms of ( a)
B—Length of end section 
section    ⁄  2 
1

C—Compact to this end thickness 

thickness   0.500 ± 0.050
free-running crosshead speed (rate of movement of the
cross-  
cross-
W—Die cavity width   ⁄  2 
1
head of the testing machine when not under load), ( b) rate of separation
E—Length of shoulder and fillet   ⁄  8 
3

5
of the two heads of the testing machine during
durin g a test, 
test, 
F—Diameter of shoulder   ⁄  16
16  
( ) the elapsed time for completing part or all of the test, ( d ) rate of
c
J—End fillet radius, max   ⁄  16
1
16  
stressing the specimen, or (e) rate of straining the specimen. For some
 NOTE 1 — The
The gage length and fillets of the specimen shall be as shown. materials, the first of these, which is the least accurate, may be
The ends as shown are designed to provide a total pressing area of 1.00 in. 2  adequate, while for other materials, one of the others, listed in
Other end designs are acceptable, and in some cases are required for high- increasing order of precision, may be necessary in order to obtain test
strength sintered materials. Some suggested alternative end designs values within acceptable limits. Suitable limits for speed of testing
include:  
include: should be specified for materials for which the differences resulting
1.  Longer ends, of the same general shape and configuration as the from the use of different speeds are of such magnitude that the test
standard, provide more surface area for gripping. 
gripping.  results are unsatisfactory for determining the acceptability of the
2.  Shallow transverse grooves, or ridges, may be pressed in the ends to
to
material. In such instances, depending upon the material and the use
 be gripped by jaws machined to fit the specimen contour. 
contour. 
for which it is intended, one or more of the methods described in the
FIG. 15 Standard Tension Test Specimen for Powdered Metal
Products—Round Machined Tension Te Test
st Specimen
Specimen  
following paragraphs is recommended for specifying speed of testing. 
testing.  
7.5.2  Free-Running Crosshead Speed  — The
The allowable limits
7.3.2.1  For  ⁄ 2-in. wide
1 wid e rectangular
recta ngular specimens
spe cimens and full
full-- secti
section
on for the rate of movement of the crosshead of the testing
specimens from tube and pipe, the gage lengths shall be 2 in. machine, with no force applied by the testing machine, shall be
(Figs. 6-8,
6-8,  and   Fig. 11)
11).  specified in inches per inch of length of reduced section (or
7.3.2.2  For round specimens taken from products 0.125 in. distance between grips for specimens not having reduced
or larger, the gage length shall be 4D, except for wire for sections) per minute. The limits for the crosshead speed may be
electric conductors (Fig. 9) 9).  further qualified by specifying different limits for various types
7.3.2.3  For wire for electric conductors the gage length shall and sizes of specimens. The average crosshead speed can be
 be 10 in.
in.   experimentally determined by using a suitable measuring
7.3.2.4  For die cast specimens, the gage length shall be 8 D device and a timing device. 
device.  
(Fig. 13)
13).  7.5.3  Rate of Separation of Heads During Tests — The The al-
7.3.2.5  For powdered metal specimens, the gage length shall lowable limits for rate of separation of the heads of the testing
 be 1 in. (Figs. 14 and 15) 15).  machine during a test shall be specified in inches per inch of
7.3.2.6  Elongation measurements are not required for extru- length of reduced section (or distance between grips for
sion profiles less than 0.062 in. in thickness and of wire, other specimens not having reduced sections) per minute. The limits
than electric conductors, 0.125 in. and less in diameter. 
diameter.   for the rate of separation may be further qualified by specifying
7.3.3 When required by the material specification, or when different limits for various types and sizes of specimens. Many
making retests or referee tests of products other than wire when testing machines are equipped with pacing or indicating devices
the specified elongation is less than 3 % or the elongation for the measurement and control of the rate of separation of the
measured in a usual manner is less than 4 %, mark the original heads of the machine during a test, but, in the 
the  
gage length of the specimen and measure to an accuracy of  
±0.002 in. 

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B557 − 15 

absence of such a device, the average rate of separation of the

heads can be experimentally determined by using a suitable
length-measuring device and a timing device. 
device.  
7.5.4  Elapsed Time — The
The allowable limits for the elapsed
time from the beginning of force application (or from some
specified stress) to the instant of fracture, to the maximum
force, or to some other stated stress, shall be specified in
minutes or seconds. The elapsed time can be determined with a
timing device. 
device. 
7.5.5  Rate of Stressing — The allowable limits for rate of
stressing shall be specified in pounds per square inch per
minute. Many testing machines are equipped with pacing
devices for the measurement and control of the rate of stressing,
 but in the absence of such a device the average rate of stressing
can be determined with a timing device by observing the time
required to apply a known increment of stress.  
7.5.6  Rate of Straining — The
The allowable limits for rate of
straining shall be specified in inches per inch per minute. Some
testing machines are equipped with pacing or indicating devices
for the measurement and control of rate of straining, but, in the
absence of such a device, the average rate of straining can be
determined with a timing device by observing the time required
to effect a known increment of strain. 
strain.  FIG.. 16 Stress-Strain
FIG Stress-Strain Diagram f or Determination of Yie
Yield
ld
7.5.7  Unless otherwise specified, any convenient speed of Strength by the Offset Method 
Method  
testing may be used up to one half the specified yield strength,
or up to one quarter the specified tensile strength, whichever is
smaller. The speed above this point shall be within the limits A Class B2 extensometer (see Practice E83E83))  would be
specified. If different speed limitations are required for use in sufficiently sensitive for most materials when using this
determining yield strength, tensile strength, and elongation, method.  
method.
they should be stated in the product specifications. In the
absence of any more specified limitations on speed of testing  NOTE 12 — Automatic
Automatic devices are available that determine offset yield
the following general rules shall apply: 
apply:   strength without plotting a stress-strain curve. Such devices may be used
if their accuracy has been demonstrated to be satisfactory. 
satisfactory. 
7.5.7.1  The speed of testing shall be such that the forces and
 NOTE  13 — If
If the force drops before the specified offset is reached,
strains used in obtaining the test results are accurately indi- technically the material does not have a yield strength (for that offset), but
cated.  
cated. the stress at the maximum force attained before the specified offset is
7.5.7.2  During the conduct of the test to determine yield strength, reached may be reported instead of the yield strength. 
strength.  
the rate of stress application shall not exceed 100 000 psi/min. The 7.6.2  Extension-Under-Load Method  — ForFor tests to deter-
speed may be increased after removal of the extensometer, but it shall
mine the acceptance or rejection of material whose stress-strain
not exceed 0.5 in./in. of gage length (or distance between grips for
specimens not having reduced sections) per minute. 
minute.  characteristics are stress-strain
material in which well-knowndiagrams
from previous tests ofthe
were plotted, similar
total
7.6   Yield Strength — Determine
Determine yield strength by the offset strain corresponding to the stress at which the specified offset
method at an offset of 0.2 %. Acceptance or rejection of occurs will be known within satisfactory limits; therefore, in
material may be decided on the basis of Extension-Under-Load such tests a specified
speci fied total strain may
ma y be used, and the stress on
Method. For referee testing, the offset method shall be used. 
used.   the specimen, when this total strain is reached, is taken to be the
7.6.1  Offset Method  — To
To determine the yield strength by the value of the yield strength (Fig. 17) 17). The total strain can be
“offset method,” it is necessary to secure data (autographic or obtained satisfactorily by use of a Class B2 extensometer. It is
numerical) from which a stress-strain diagram may be drawn. recommended that this approximate method be used only after
Then on the stress-strain diagram (Fig. 16)
16) lay off Om equal to agreement between the manufacturer and the purchaser, with
the specified value of the offset, draw mn  parallel to OA, and the understanding that check tests be made for obtaining stress-
thus locate r , the intersection of mn with the stress-strain strain diagrams for use with the offset method to settle any
diagram ( Note 12 12)). In reporting values of yield strength misunderstandings.  
misunderstandings.
obtained by this method, the specif ied
ied value of “offset” used
should be stated in parentheses after the term yield strength.  NOTE 14 — There
There are two general types of extensometers, averaging and
non-averaging, the use of which is dependent on the product tested. For
Thus:  
Thus:
most machined or reduced section specimens; there are minimal differ-
Yield  strength   offset  5 0.2 % ! 5 52  000  psi
~ psi  (3 )  ences. However, for some materials such as some forgings and tube
sections, significant differences in measured yield strength can occur. For
these cases it is recommended that the averaging type be used. 
used.  

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B557 − 15 
the nominal gage length required for the specimen being tested.
Due to the lack of precision in fitting fractured ends together,
the elongation after fracture using the manual methods of the
 preceding paragraphs may
may differ
differ from the elongation at fracture
determined with extensometers. 
extensometers. 
7.8.3.2  Percent elongation at fracture may be calculated
directly from elongation at fracture data and reported instead
i nstead of
 percent elongation after fracture as calculated in 
in  7.8.1 and  
7.8.2.  However, the two parameters are not interchangeable.
7.8.2.
Use of the elongation at fracture method generally provides
more repeatable results. 
results.  
 NOTE 15 — When
When disagreements
disagreements arise over
o ver the percent elongation results,
agreement must be reached on which method to use. 
agreement use.  
7.8.4  When required by the material specification, or when making
retests or for referee tests of products other than wire and the specified
elongation is less than 3 % or the elongation measured in the usual
manner is less than 4 %, determine the elongation of a specimen as
follows:  
follows:
7.8.4.1  Prior to testing, the original gage length of the
FIG.. 17 Stress-Strain
FIG Stress-Strain Diagram f or Determination of Yield
Strength by t he Extension-Under-Load Method
Method   specimen shall be marked and measured to an accuracy of  
±0.002 in. as required in in  7.3.3
7.3.3  
7.7   Tensile Strength — Calculate
Calculate the tensile strength by di- 7.8.4.2  After testing, remove any partly torn fragments that
viding the maximum load carried by the specimen during a might influence the final measurement from the broken ends of
tension test by the original cross-sectional area of the speci- the specimen. 
specimen. 
men.  
men. 7.8.4.3  Fit the fractured ends together with matched sur- faces and
7.8   Elongation:
 Elongation:   apply an end load along the axis of the specimen sufficient
sufficient to close the
fractured ends together. If desired, this load may then be removed
7.8.1  To determine elongation after fracture, carefully fit carefully, provided the specimen remains intact. 
intact.  
ends of the fractured specimen together and measure the
distance between the gage marks to the nearest 0.01 in. A  NOTE 16 — The
The use of an end load of approximately 2000 psi has been
found to give satisfactory results on test specimens of aluminum alloy. 
alloy. 
 percentage scale reading to 0.5 % of the gage length may be
used. The elongation after fracture is the increase in length of 7.8.4.4  Measure the final gage length to at least the nearest 
nearest  
the gage length, expressed as a percentage of the original gage 0.002 in., and report the elongation to at least the nearest 0.1 %
length. Report the elongation after fracture using both the in 2 in. or 0.2 % in shorter gage lengths. 
lengths.  
 percentage increase and the original gage length.
l ength.   7.9 Rounding — Round
Round each value of strength to the nearest  
7.8.2  If any part of the fracture takes place outside of the 0.1 ksi. Round each value of elongation determined in accor-
middle half of the gage length or in a punched or scribed mark dance with 7.8.1 to the nearest 0.5 %, unless otherwise
within the reduced section, the elongation value obtained may specified. Round in accordance with Practice 
Practice  E29
E29.. 
not be representative of the material. If the elongation so 7.9.1  If elongation is determined in accordance with with  7.8.4
7.8.4,, 
measured meets the minimum requirements specified, no round each value in accordance with 
with  7.8.4.4
7.8.4.4.. 
further testing is required, but the location of fracture shall be 7.9.2  For wire for electric conductors, measure and report
noted. If the elongation
el ongation is less than the minimum requirements, the elongation to the nearest 0.1 %.
%.  
discard the test and test a replacement specimen as allowed in  in  
8.1.. 
8.1 8.   Replacement Tests 
Tests 
7.8.3  Elongation at fracture is defined as the elongation 8.1   A test specimen may be discarded and a replacement
measured just prior to the sudden decrease in force associated specimen selected from the same lot of material when ( 1) the
with fracture. For many ductile materials not exhibiting a specimen had a poorly machined surface, was not of the proper
sudden decrease in force, the elongation at fracture canca n be taken dimensions, or had its properties changed by poor machining
as the strain measured just prior to when the force falls below  practice; (2) the test procedure was incorrect or the test
10 % of the maximum force encountered during the test. te st.   equipment malfunctioned; or (3) the fracture was outside the
7.8.3.1  Elongation at fracture shall include elastic and middle half of the gage length, and the elongation was below
 plastic elongation
e longation and may be determined with autographic or the specified value. 
value. 
automated methods using extensometers verified over the strain
8.2   In the case of specimens machined from wrought
range of interest (see 5.4 5.4)). Use a Class B2 or better
 products or castings, discontinuities such as cracks, ruptures,
extensometer for materials having less than 5 % elongation, a
flakes and porosity revealed in the fracture that are considered
Class C or better extensometer for materials having elongation
greater than or equal to 5 % but less than 50 %, and a Class D indicative of inferior or defective material are not reasons for
the selection of a replacement test specimen. 
specimen. 
or better extensometer for materials having 50 % or greater
elongation. In all cases, the extensometer gage length shall be  be  
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B557 − 15 
10.3.1  Specimen test section dimension(s) (see Section 
Section   6), 
8.3   In the case of separately cast test specimens, flaws other 10.3.2  Equation used to calculate cross-sectional area of
than gas porosity, such as cracks or inclusions,
i nclusions, are not the cause rectangular specimens taken from large-diameter tubular prod-
of rejection of the castings based upon tensile properties, and so ucts (see 
(see 7.2.3
7.2.3)), 
the presence of such flaws in the fracture is justification for 10.3.3  Speed and method used to determine speed of testing
replacement testing. 
testing.  (see   7.5
(see 7.5)), 
9.   Retests  
Retests 10.3.4  Method used for rounding of test results (see 
(see   7.9
7.9)), 
10.3.5  Reasons for replacement specimens (see Section 
Section   8),
9.1   If one or more test specimens fail to conform to the and  
requirements of the product specification, the lot represented by 10.3.6  Reasons for retests (see Section 
Section   9). 
the specimenasorfollows. 
as provided specimens
follows.   shall be subject to rejection except
Bias 
11. Precision and Bias 
9.2   If a material lot is subject to rejection, retests of that lot An interlaboratory test program4  gave the
11.1 Precision — An
will be permitted by:
by:   following values for coefficients of variation for the most
9.2.1  Testing, for each specimen that failed, at least two commonly measured tensile properties: 
properties:  
additional specimens from an area in the original sample
Coefficient of Variation, % 
% 
adjacent to the area represented by the failure or failures, or  

9.2.2  Testing an additional specimen from the specified Tensile Yield Strength
Elongation
Gage Length,
location in each of at least two other samples for each sample 
sample   Strength  
Strength Offset, 0.2 % 
% 
4 Diameter  

lot.  
that failed from the same lot.  CV %r   0.9 1.4 2.8  
2.8
9.2.3  In the case of separately cast test specimens, testing CV %R  1.3 2.3 5.4  
5.4
CV %r  =
 = repeatability coefficient of variation in percent within a laboratory. CV
two additional cast specimens from the same lot for each %R = repeatability coefficient of variation in percent between laboratories. 
laboratories.  
specimen that failed. 
failed. 
11.1.1 The values shown are the averages from tests on six
9.3 If any retest fails, the lot shall be subject to rejection, frequently tested metals, selected to include
incl ude most of the normal
except that the lot may be resubmitted for testing provided the range for each property previously listed. When these materials
 producer has reworked the lot, as necessary, to correct the are compared, a large difference in coefficient of variation is
deficiencies or has removed the nonconforming material. 
material.  found. Therefore, the preceding values should not be used to
 judge whether the difference between duplicate tests of a
10.   Report  
Report
specific material is larger than expected. The values are
10.1  Report test information on materials not covered by a  provided to allow potential users of these test methods
methods to assess,
 product specification in accordance with
with   10.2 or both 
both 10.2 and in general terms, their usefulness for a proposed application. 
application.  
10.3.. 
10.3
11.2  Bias — The
The procedures in Test Methods B557 for mea-
10.2  Test information to be reported shall include the suring tensile properties have no bias because these properties
following when applicable: 
applicable:  can be defined only in terms of a test method. 
method.  
10.2.1  Material and
and sample identification,
identification,  
10.2.2  Specimen type (see Section 
Section   6),  Keywords 
12. Keywords 
10.2.3  Yield strength
strength and the method used to determine yield
12.1 elongation; strain; stress; tensile strength; tensile test-
strength (see 7.6
7.6)), 
10.2.4  Tensile strength (see 
(see 7.7
7.7)), and   ing; yield strength 
strength 
10.2.5  Elongation, including original gage length, percent-
age increase, and method used to determine elongation (see  (see  
4
7.8)). 
7.8 Supporting data can be found in 
in  Appendix X1 and additional data are available
from ASTM Headquarters. Request RR:E28-1004 and RR:E28-1006. Contact
10.3 Test information to be available on request shall include:
include:   ASTM Customer Service at at service@astm.org. 
service@astm.org. 

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B557 − 15 

APPENDIX
APPENDIX  

(Nonmandatory Information) 
Information) 

RESULTS  
X1. FACTORS AFFECTING TENSION TEST RESULTS 

X1.1 The precision and bias of tension test strength and X1.4.4 Use of a taper in the gage length, up to the allowed 1
ductility measurements depend on strict adherence to the stated % limit, can result in lower elongation values. Reductions of as
test procedure and are influenced by instrumental and material much as 15 % have been reported for a 1 % taper.  

factors, specimen preparation, and measurement/testing errors. 

errors.  X1.4.5 Changes in the strain rate can effe
effect
ct the yield strength, tensile
strength, and elongation values, especially for materials which are
X1.2 The consistency of agreement for repeated tests of the highly strain-rate sensitive. In general, yield strength and tensile
same material is dependent on the homogeneity of the material,
materi al, strength will increase with increasing strain rate, although the effe
effect
ct on
and the repeatability of specimen preparation, test conditions, tensile strength is generally less pronounced. Elongation values
and measurements of the tension test parameters. 
parameters.   generally decrease as the strain rate increases. Aluminum alloys at
room temperature are not highly strain-rate sensitive: some exhibit a
X1.3 Instrumental factors that can affect test results include: the slightly higher yield strength with increasing strain rate while others
stiffness, damping capacity, natural frequency, and mass of the tensile show the opposite effect. 
effect.  
test machine, the accuracy of force indication and the use of forces X1.4.6 Brittle materials require careful specimen
within the verified range for the machine, rate of force application,
 preparation, high-quality surface finishes, large fillets at the
alignment of the test specimen with the applied force, parallelism of
the grips, grip pressure, nature of the force control used, ends of the gage length, oversize threaded grip sections, and
appropriateness and calibration of extensometers used, and so forth.
forth.   cannot tolerate punch or scribe marks as gage length indicators.
indicato rs.  
X1.4.7 Flattening of tubular products to permit testing does
X1.4 Material factors that can affect test results include: alter the material properties, generally nonuniformly, in the
homogeneity of the test material, sampling scheme, and
specimen preparation (surface finish, dimensional accuracy, flattened region which may affect test results. 
results.  
fillets at the ends of the gage length, taper in the gage length, X1.5 Measurement errors that can affect test results include:
 bent specimens, thread quality, and so forth). 
forth).  verification of the test force, extensometers, micrometers,
dividers, and other measurement devices, alignment and zero-
X1.4.1 Test results for specimens with as-cast, as-rolled, as-
ing of chart recording devices, and so forth.
forth.  
forged, or other non-machined surface conditions can be
affected by the nature of the surface (see 
(see  Note
Note 10)
10).  X1.5.1 Measurement of the dimensions of as-cast, as-rolled,
as-forged, and other test specimens with non-machined sur-
X1.4.2 Test specimens taken from appendages to the part or
faces may be imprecise due to the irregularity of the surface
component, such as prolongs or risers, or from separately
flatness.  
flatness.
 produced castings (for example, keel blocks) may produce test
results that are not representative of the part or component. 
component.   outsi de of the middle of
X1.5.2 If any portion of the fracture occurs outside
the gage length, or in a punch or scribe mark within the gage length,
X1.4.3 Test specimen dimensions can influence test results. the elongation may not be representative of the material. Wire
For cylindrical or rectangular specimens, changing the test specimens that break at or within the grips may not produce test results
specimen size generally has negligible effect on the yield and representative of the material. 
material. 

tensile strength but may influence elongation. Comparison of X1.6 Because standard reference materials with certified
elongation values determined using different specimens require
tensile property values are not available, it is not possible to
that the following ratio be controlled: 
controlled:  
rigorously define the bias of tension tests. However, by the use
 Lo /(Ao)1/2  (X1.1)   of carefully designed and controlled interlaboratory studies, a
where: 
where:  reasonable definition of the precision of tension test results can
 be obtained.
obtained.  
 Lo = original gage length of specimen, and  
 Ao = original cross-sectional area of specimen. 
specimen.   X1.6.1 An interlaboratory test program 4  was conducted
where six specimens each, of six different materials were
X1.4.3.1 Specimens with smaller  Lo /(Ao)1/2  ratios generally
 prepared and tested by each of of six different laboratories. 
laboratories. Tables
give greater elongation values. This is the case for example, X1.1-X1.3  p present
resent the precision statistics, as defined in Prac-
when the width or thickness of a rectangular tensile test
tice E691
E691,,  for: tensile strength, 0.2 % yield strength, and %
specimen is increased. 
increased.  
elongation in 4D. In each table, the first column lists the six
X1.4.3.2 Holding the Lo /(Ao)1/2 ratio constant minimizes, but materials tested, the second column lists the average of the
does not necessarily eliminate differences. Depending on average results obtained by the laboratories ( X ), ), the third and
material and test conditions, increasing the size of the propor-
tional specimen of  Fig. 9 may be found to increase or decrease fifth columns list the repeatability standard deviation (s r ) and
reproducibility standard deviation (s R ), the fourth and sixth 
sixth  
elongation values somewhat. 
somewhat. 

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B557 − 15 
rankings are in the same order for the repeatability and
columns list the coefficients of variation for these standard reproducibility average coefficients of variation and that the
deviations (sr / X
 X and sR / X
 X as a percent), and the seventh and
reproducibility (between-laboratory precision) is poorer than
eighth columns list the 95 % repeatability limit (r) and repro- the repeatability (within-laboratory precision), as would be
ducibility limit (R). 
(R). 
expected.  
expected.
X1.6.2 The averages (below columns four and six in each
X1.6.3 No comments about bias can be made for the
table) of the coeff
coefficients
icients of variation permit a relative compari-
compari -
interlaboratory study due to the lack of certified test results for
son of the repeatability (within-laboratory precision) and
these specimens. However, examination of the test results
reproducibility (between-laboratory precision) of the tension
showed that one laboratory consistently exhibited higher than
test parameters. This shows that the ductility measurement
average strength values and lower than average ductility values
exhibits less repeatability and reproducibility than the strength for most of the specimens. One other laboratory had consis-
measurements. The overall ranking from the least to the most
tently lower than average tensile strength results for all
repeatable and reproducible is: % elongation ini n 4D, 0.2 % offset
specimens.  
specimens.
yield strength, and tensile strength. Note that the 
the  

X1.1
TABLE X1 Precisio n Statistic s —Te
.1 Precisio Tensil
nsil e Strength, ksi 
ksi  
Material
Material   X  sr   sr /X,
/X, % 
%  sR  sR/X, % 
%  r   R 
EC-H19  
EC-H19 25.66  0.63
0.63   2.45 
2.45  0.63
0.63   2.45
2.45   1.76 
1.76  1.76
1.76  
2024-T351
2024-T351   71.26  0.88
0.88   1.24 
1.24  0.96
0.96   1.34
1.34   2.47 
2.47  2.68 
2.68 
 ASTM A105
A105   86.57  0.60
0.60   0.69 
0.69  1.27
1.27   1.47
1.47   1.68 
1.68  3.55
3.55  
316  
 AISI 316 100.75   0.39
0.39   0.39 
0.39  1.22
1.22   1.21
1.21   1.09 
1.09  3.39
3.39  
600  
Inconel 600 99.48  0.42
0.42   0.43 
0.43  0.72
0.72   0.72
0.72   1.19 
1.19  2.02 
2.02 
SAE 51410
51410   181.73   0.46
0.46   0.25 
0.25  1.14
1.14   0.63
0.63   1.29 
1.29  3.20 
3.20 
 Averages: 
 Averages:  0.91 
0.91  1.30
1.30  

X1.2 Precisio
TABLE X1.2 Precisio n Statistic s —0.2 % Yield Strength, ksi 
ksi  
Material  
Material X  sr   sr /X,
/X, % 
%  sR  sR/X, % 
%  r   R 
EC-H19
EC-H19   22.98  0.47
0.47   2.06 
2.06  0.48
0.48   2.07
2.07   1.33 
1.33  1.33
1.33  
2024-T351  
2024-T351 52.64  0.74
0.74   1.41 
1.41  0.79
0.79   1.49
1.49   2.08 
2.08  2.20 
2.20 
 ASTM A105
A105   58.36  0.83
0.83   1.42 
1.42  1.44
1.44   2.47
2.47   2.31 
2.31  4.03
4.03  
 AISI 316
316   69.78  0.95
0.95   1.36 
1.36  2.83
2.83   4.06
4.06   2.63 
2.63  7.93
7.93  
600  
Inconel 600 38.91  0.36
0.36   0.93 
0.93  0.85
0.85   2.17
2.17   1.01 
1.01  2.37 
2.37 
SAE 51410
51410   140.33   1.29
1.29   0.92 
0.92  2.30
2.30   1.64
1.64   3.60 
3.60  6.45 
6.45 
 Averages: 
 Averages:  1.35 
1.35  2.32
2.32  

TABLE X1.3 Precision Statistics —% Elongation in 4D 

X1.3 Precision 4D 
Material  
Material X  sr   sr /X,
/X, % 
%  sR  sR/X, % 
%  r   R 
EC-H19
EC-H19   17.42
17.42   0.64
0.64   3.69 
3.69  0.92
0.92   5.30
5.30   1.80 
1.80  2.59
2.59  
2024-T351  
2024-T351 19.76
19.76   0.58
0.58   2.94 
2.94  1.58
1.58   7.99
7.99   1.65 
1.65  4.43
4.43  
 ASTM A105
A105   29.10
29.10   0.76
0.76   2.62 
2.62  0.98
0.98   3.38
3.38   2.13 
2.13  2.76
2.76  
 AISI 316
316   40.07
40.07   1.10
1.10   2.75 
2.75  2.14
2.14   5.35
5.35   3.09 
3.09  6.00
6.00  
600  
Inconel 600 44.28
44.28   0.66
0.66   1.50 
1.50  1.54
1.54   3.48
3.48   1.86 
1.86  4.31
4.31  
SAE 51410
51410   14.48
14.48   0.48
0.48   3.29 
3.29  0.99
0.99   6.83
6.83   1.34 
1.34  2.77
2.77  
 Averages: 
 Averages:  2.80 
2.80  5.39  
5.39

SUMMARY OF CHANGES 
CHANGES 

Committee
Committee  B07 has identified the location of selected changes to this standard since the last issue (B557 –  14)
 14)
that may impact the use of this standard. (Approved Oct. 1, 2015.) 
2015.)  
(1) Revised Scope to include new Aluminum Association foil
thickness definition. 
definition. 

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B557 − 15 

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