Static compression test of materials

Static Compression Test is a procedure where specimens are subjected to opposing axial forces, forcing the material to be squashed and flattened. The intention of this test method is to identify the material behaviour and properties such as stress, strain, yield strength, compressive strength, and the Young’s modulus under a fixed compressive load at 100kN. The test begins by having the specimen placed in between two fixed and flat compression plates attached to the machine. As the loading test commences, compression plates are forced towards each other, resulting in a decrease in length and an increase in the contact surface area of the specimen. This phenomenon is due to Poisson’s Ratio. The aim of this report is to have specimens undergo a compression test, with guidance that strictly adheres to the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) International Standards. The ASTM standard to comply with is the Standard Test Methods of Compression Testing of Metallic Materials at Room Temperature (E9-09). In this standard, it states methods to conform with such as the specifications of the specimen to use and their purposes, the accuracy of the machine required for testing, and the testing procedures. All these instructions are to be complied to obtain reliable results and accuracy. Six medium sized Aluminium Alloy 6061-T6511 rods, lubricated with Teflon (PTFE), will undergo a compression test with the Shimadzu AG-X plus 100KN machine. This experiment would enable mechanical properties to be evaluated at 100kN. The graph of Force-Displacement and the stress-strain curve will be plotted using the Trapezium Software that is paired with the Shimadzu AG-X plus 100KN compression testing machine. It is possible that in duration of the test, different types of deformation may occur, and they will also be closely studied in this project. After evaluation, the data obtained will be compared with the mechanical properties of the material and a conclusion can be drawn from. Future recommendations will be suggested to the next researcher to allow this test to attain greater accuracy and precision.Bachelor of Engineering (Mechanical Engineering