What is the name of the mechanism used in a tensile test?

In a tensile test, the mechanism used to measure how much a material stretches or deforms under tension is known as an extensometer. This device is critical for obtaining accurate measurements of strain, which is the change in length of the material divided by its original length. During a tensile test, as the material is subjected to increasing loads, the extensometer captures real-time data on the elongation, allowing for the determination of mechanical properties such as tensile strength, yield strength, and ductility.

Understanding the role of the extensometer is essential for interpreting the results of a tensile test, as accurate strain measurements are necessary for assessing a material’s performance and suitability for specific applications. The extensometer can be designed in various forms, including contact and non-contact types, and is integral to the testing setup to ensure reliable and reproducible data throughout the test process.