This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established 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.

Designation: E9 − 09 (Reapproved 2018)

Standard Test Methods of

Compression Testing of Metallic Materials at Room
Temperature1
This standard is issued under the fixed designation E9; 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 last reapproval. A superscript
epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
This standard has been approved for use by agencies of the U.S. Department of Defense.

1. Scope E83 Practice for Verification and Classification of Exten-

1.1 These test methods cover the apparatus, specimens, and someter Systems
procedure for axial-load compression testing of metallic mate- E111 Test Method for Young’s Modulus, Tangent Modulus,
rials at room temperature (Note 1). For additional requirements and Chord Modulus
pertaining to cemented carbides, see Annex A1. E171/E171M Practice for Conditioning and Testing Flexible
Barrier Packaging
NOTE 1—For compression tests at elevated temperatures, see Practice E177 Practice for Use of the Terms Precision and Bias in
E209.
ASTM Test Methods
1.2 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded E209 Practice for Compression Tests of Metallic Materials at
as standard. The values given in parentheses are mathematical Elevated Temperatures with Conventional or Rapid Heat-
conversions to SI units that are provided for information only ing Rates and Strain Rates
and are not considered standard. E251 Test Methods for Performance Characteristics of Me-
1.3 This standard does not purport to address all of the tallic Bonded Resistance Strain Gages
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the E691 Practice for Conducting an Interlaboratory Study to
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro- Determine the Precision of a Test Method
priate safety, health, and environmental health practices and
determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to 3. Terminology
use. 3.1 Definitions: The definitions of terms relating to com-
1.4 This international standard was developed in accor- pression testing and room temperature in Terminology E6 and
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard- Practice E171/E171M, respectively, shall apply to these test
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the methods.
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
3.2 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
3.2.1 buckling—In addition to compressive failure by crush-
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
ing of the material, compressive failure may occur by (1)
2. Referenced Documents elastic instability over the length of a column specimen due to
nonaxiality of loading, (2) inelastic instability over the length
2.1 ASTM Standards:2 of a column specimen, (3) a local instability, either elastic or
B557 Test Methods for Tension Testing Wrought and Cast inelastic, over a small portion of the gage length, or (4) a
Aluminum- and Magnesium-Alloy Products twisting or torsional failure in which cross sections rotate over
E4 Practices for Force Verification of Testing Machines each other about the longitudinal specimen axis. These types of
E6 Terminology Relating to Methods of Mechanical Testing failures are all termed buckling.
3.2.2 column—a compression member that is axially loaded
1
and that may fail by buckling.
These test methods are under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee E28 on
Mechanical Testing and are the direct responsibility of Subcommittee E28.04 on 3.2.3 radius of gyration—the square root of the ratio of the
Uniaxial Testing. moment of inertia of the cross section about the centroidal axis
Current edition approved Jan. 1, 2018. Published January 2018. Originally to the cross-sectional area:
published in 1924. Last previous edition approved in 2009 as E9-09. DOI:
1/2
10.1520/E0009-09R18. ρ 5 ~ I/A ! (1)
2
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
contact ASTM Customer Service at [email protected]. For Annual Book of ASTM where:
Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
ρ = radius of gyration,
the ASTM website.

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I = moment of inertia of the cross section about centroidal deformation as shown schematically and in the photograph in
axis (for specimens without lateral support, the smaller Fig. 2. Additional theoretical and experimental information on
value of I is the critical value), and barreling as illustrated in Fig. 2 is given in Ref (2).
A = cross-sectional area.
3.2.4 critical stress—the axial uniform stress that causes a 4. Summary of Test Methods
column to be on the verge of buckling. The critical load is 4.1 The specimen is subjected to an increasing axial com-
calculated by multiplying the critical stress by the cross-section pressive load; both load and strain may be monitored either
area. continuously or in finite increments, and the mechanical
3.2.5 buckling equations—If the buckling stress is less than properties in compression determined.
or equal to the proportional limit of the material its value may
be calculated using the Euler equation: 5. Significance and Use
S cr 5 Cπ 2 E/ ~ L/ρ ! 2
(2) 5.1 Significance—The data obtained from a compression
test may include the yield strength, the yield point, Young’s
If the buckling stress is greater than the proportional limit modulus, the stress-strain curve, and the compressive strength
of the material its value may be calculated from the modi- (see Terminology E6). In the case of a material that does not
fied Euler equation: fail in compression by a shattering fracture, compressive
S cr 5 Cπ 2 E t / ~ L/ρ ! 2
(3) strength is a value that is dependent on total strain and
specimen geometry.
where:
5.2 Use—Compressive properties are of interest in the
Scr = critical buckling stress,
E = Young’s modulus, analyses of structures subject to compressive or bending loads
Et = tangent modulus at the buckling stress, or both and in the analyses of metal working and fabrication
L = column length, and processes that involve large compressive deformation such as
C = end-fixity coefficient. forging and rolling. For brittle or nonductile metals that
fracture in tension at stresses below the yield strength, com-
Methods of calculating the critical stress using Eq 3 are
pression tests offer the possibility of extending the strain range
given in Ref (1).3
of the stress-strain data. While the compression test is not
3.2.6 end-fixity coeffıcient—There are certain ideal speci- complicated by necking as is the tension test for certain
men end-fixity conditions for which theory will define the metallic materials, buckling and barreling (see Section 3) can
value of the constant C (see Fig. 1). These values are: complicate results and should be minimized.

6. Apparatus
6.1 Testing Machines—Machines used for compression test-
ing shall conform to the requirements of Practices E4. For
universal machines with a common test space, calibration shall
be performed in compression.
6.1.1 The bearing surfaces of the heads of the testing
machine shall be parallel at all times with 0.0002 in./in. (m/m)
unless an alignment device of the type described in 6.3 is used.
6.2 Bearing Blocks:
6.2.1 Both ends of the compression specimen shall bear on
blocks with surfaces flat and parallel within 0.0002 in./in.
(m/m). Lack of initial parallelism can be overcome by the use
of adjustable bearing blocks (Note 3). The blocks shall be made
FIG. 1 Diagrams Showing Fixity Conditions and Resulting Buck- of, or faced with, hard material. Current laboratory practice
ling of Deformation suggests the use of tungsten carbide when testing steel and
hardened steel blocks (55 HRC or greater) and when testing
Freely rotating ends (pinned or hinged) C = 1 (a) nonferrous materials such as aluminum, copper, etc. The
One end fixed, the other free to rotate C = 2 (b) specimen must be carefully centered with respect to the testing
Both ends fixed C = 4 (c) machine heads or the subpress if used (see 6.3, Alignment
NOTE 2—For flat-end specimens tested between flat rigid anvils, it was Device/Subpress).
shown in Ref (1) that a value of C = 3.75 is appropriate.
NOTE 3—The purpose of an adjustable bearing block is to give the
3.2.7 barreling—restricted deformation of the end regions specimen as even a distribution of initial load as possible. An adjustable
of a test specimen under compressive load due to friction at the bearing block cannot be relied on to compensate for any tilting of the
specimen end sections and the resulting nonuniform transverse heads that may occur during the test.
6.2.2 The bearing faces of adjustable bearing blocks that
3
The boldface numbers in parentheses refer to the list of references at the end of contact the specimen shall be made parallel before the load is
this standard. applied to the specimen. One type of adjustable bearing block

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NOTE 1—A cylindrical specimen of AISI 4340 steel (HRC = 40) was compressed 57 % (see upper diagram). The photo macrograph was made of a
polished and etched cross section of the tested specimen. The highly distorted flow lines are the result of friction between the specimen ends and the
loading fixture. Note the triangular regions of restricted deformation at the ends and the cross-shaped zone of severe shear.
FIG. 2 Illustration of Barreling

that has proven satisfactory is illustrated in Fig. 3. Another block that has been found satisfactory for testing material other
arrangement involving the use of a spherical-seated bearing than in sheet form is shown in Fig. 4. It is desirable that the
spherical-seated bearing block be at the upper end of the test
specimen (for specimens tested with the load axis vertical). The
spherical surface of the block shall be defined by a radius
having its point of origin in the flat surface that bears on the
specimen.

FIG. 3 Adjustable Bearing Block for Compression Testing FIG. 4 Spherical-Seated Bearing Block

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6.3 Alignment Device/Subpress: of these variables should be established during the qualification
6.3.1 It is usually necessary to use an alignment device, of the equipment (see 6.6).
unless the testing machine has been designed specifically for 6.4.1 It is not the intent of these methods to designate
axial alignment. The design of the device or subpress depends specific jigs for testing sheet materials, but merely to provide a
on the size and strength of the specimen. It must be designed few illustrations and references to jigs that have been used
so that the ram (or other moving parts) does not jam or tilt the successfully, some of which are cited in Table 1. Other jigs are
device or the frame of the machine as a result of loading. The acceptable provided they prevent buckling and pass the quali-
bearing blocks of the device shall have the same requirements fication test set forth in 6.6. Compression jigs generally require
for parallelism and flatness as given in 6.2.1. that the specimen be lubricated on the supported sides to
6.3.2 The primary requirements of all alignment devices are prevent extraneous friction forces from occurring at the support
that the load is applied axially, uniformly, and with negligible points.
“slip-stick” friction. An alignment device that has been found 6.5 Strain Measurements:
suitable is shown in Fig. 5 and described in Ref. (3). Other 6.5.1 Mechanical or electromechanical devices used for
devices of the subpress type have also been used successfully. measuring strain shall comply with the requirements for the
6.4 Compression Testing Jigs—In testing thin specimens, applicable class described in Practice E83. The device shall be
such as sheet material, some means should be adopted to verified in compression.
prevent the specimen from buckling during loading. This may 6.5.2 Electrical-resistance strain gages (or other single-use
be accomplished by using a jig containing side-support plates devices) may be used provided the measuring system has been
that bear against the wide sides of the specimen. The jig must verified and found to be accurate to the degree specified in
afford a suitable combination of lateral-support pressure and Practice E83. The characteristics of electrical resistance strain
spring constant to prevent buckling, but without interfering gages have been determined from Test Methods E251.
with axial deformation of the specimen. Although suitable 6.6 Qualification of Test Apparatus—The complete
combinations vary somewhat with variations in specimen compression-test apparatus, which consists of the testing ma-
material and thickness, testing temperatures, and accuracy of chine and when applicable, one or more of the following; the
alignment, acceptable results can be obtained with rather wide alignment device, the jig and the strain-measurement system,
ranges of lateral-support pressure and spring constant. shall be qualified as follows:
Generally, the higher the spring constant of the jig, the lower 6.6.1 Conduct tests to establish the elastic modulus of five
the lateral-support pressure that is required. Proper adjustments replicate specimens of 2024-T3 aluminum alloy sheet or
2024-T4 aluminum alloy bar in accordance with Test Method
E111. These qualification specimens shall be machined from
sheet or bar in the location specified in Test Methods B557.
The thickness of the sheet or diameter of the bar may be
machined to the desired thickness or diameter. It is essential
that the extensometer be properly seated on the specimens
when this test is performed. When the qualification specimens
each provide a modulus value of 10.7 × 106 psi (73.8 GPa)
65 %, the apparatus qualifies.
6.6.2 The qualification procedure shall be performed using
the thinnest rectangular specimen or smallest diameter round
specimen to be tested in the apparatus.

7. Test Specimens
7.1 Specimens in Solid Cylindrical Form—It is recom-
mended that, where feasible, compression test specimens be in
the form of solid circular cylinders. Three forms of solid
cylindrical test specimens for metallic materials are
recognized, and designated as short, medium-length, and long
(Note 4). Suggested dimensions for solid compression test
specimens for general use are given in Table 2.
NOTE 4—Short specimens typically are used for compression tests of
such materials as bearing metals, which in service are used in the form of
thin plates to carry load perpendicular to the surface. Medium-length
specimens typically are used for determining the general compressive
strength properties of metallic materials. Long specimens are best adapted
for determining the modulus of elasticity in compression of metallic
materials. The specimen dimensions given in Table 2 have been used
successfully. Specimens with a L/D (length/diameter ratio) of 1.5 or 2.0
are best adapted for determining the compressive strength of high-strength
FIG. 5 Example of Compression Testing Apparatus materials.

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TABLE 1 Representative Compression Jigs and Specimen Dimensions for Testing of Thin SheetA
Thickness Width Length Gage Length
Type of Jig Ref
in. mm in. mm in. mm in. mm
Montgomery-Templin: (4 and 5)
General use 0.016 and over 0.40 and over 0.625 16.0 2.64 67.0 1 25
Magnesium alloys 0.016 and over 0.40 and over 0.750B 20.0 2.64 67.0 1 25
NACA (Kotanchik et al) (6) 0.020 and over 0.50 and over 0.53 13.6 2.53 64.5 1 25
Moore-McDonald (7) 0.032 and over 0.80 and over 0.75C 20.0 2.64 67.0 1 25
LaTour-Wolford (8) 0.010 to 0.020 0.25 to 0.50 0.50 12.5 1.95 49.5 1 25
0.020 and over 0.50 and over 0.50 12.5 2.00 51.0 1 25
Miller (9-11) 0.006 to 0.010 0.15 to 0.25 0.48 12.2 2.22 56.5 1 25
0.010 to 0.020 0.25 to 0.50 0.50 12.5 2.23 56.5 1 25
0.020 and over 0.50 and over 0.50 12.5 2.25 57.0 1 25
Sandorff-Dillon: (12)
General use 0.010 and over 0.25 and over 0.50 12.5 4.12 104.5 2 50
High-strength steel 0.010 and over 0.25 and over 0.50 12.5 3.10 78.5 2 50
A
See Ref. (13) for additional jigs and specimen dimensions.
B
Reduced to 0.625 in. (16.0 mm) for 1.25 in. (30 mm) at the mid-length.
C
Reduced to 0.650 in. (16.5 mm) for 1.25 in. (30 mm) at the mid-length.

TABLE 2 Suggested Solid Cylindrical SpecimensA perpendicular to the lateral surfaces to within 3' of arc. In most
NOTE 1—Metric units represent converted specimen dimensions close cases this requirement necessitates the machining or grinding
to, but not the exact conversion from inch-pound units. of the ends of the specimen.
Diameter Length Approx 7.3.3 Edges of Rectangular Specimens—A width of material
Speci- L/ equal to at least the thickness of the specimen shall be
mens D Ra-
in. mm in. mm tio machined from all sheared or stamped edges in order to remove
Short 1.12 ± 0.01 30.0 ± 0.2 1.00 ± 0.05 25 ± 1 0.8 material whose properties may have been altered. If a reduced
0.50 ± 0.01 13.0 ± 0.2 1.00 ± 0.05 25 ± 1 2.0 section is used, this requirement applies only to the edges of
the reduced section. Specimens shall be finished so that the
Medium 0.50 ± 0.01 13.0 ± 0.2 1.50 ± 0.05 38 ± 1 3.0
0.80 ± 0.01 20.0 ± 0.2 2.38 ± 0.12 60 ± 3 3.0 surfaces are free of nicks, grooves, and burrs.
1.00 ± 0.01 25.0 ± 0.2 3.00 ± 0.12 75 ± 3 3.0
1.12 ± 0.01 30.0 ± 0.2 3.38 ± 0.12 85 ± 3 3.0
7.4 Gage Length Location—The ends of the gage length
shall not be closer to the ends of the specimen or ends of the
Long 0.80 ± 0.01 20.0 ± 0.2 6.38 ± 0.12 160 ± 3 8.0 reduced section than one half of the width or diameter of the
1.25 ± 0.01 32.0 ± 0.2 12.50 min 320 min 10.0
specimen.
A
Other length-to-diameter ratios may be used when the test is for compressive
yield strength.
8. Procedure
8.1 Specimen Measurement—Measure the width and
thickness, or the diameter of the specimen with a micrometer
7.2 Rectangular or Sheet-Type Specimens—Test specimens along the gage section. Specimen dimensions greater than 0.10
shall be flat and preferably of the full thickness of the material. in. (2.5 mm) should be measured to the nearest 0.001 in. (0.02
Where lateral support is necessary, the width and length are mm), and those less than 0.10 in. (2.5 mm) should be
dependent upon the dimensions of the jig used to support the determined to the nearest 1 % of the dimension being mea-
specimen. The length shall be sufficient to allow the specimen sured. Calculate the average cross-sectional area of the speci-
to shorten the amount required to define the yield strength, or men gage section.
yield point, but not long enough to permit buckling in the
unsupported portion. Specimen dimensions and the various 8.2 Cleaning—Clean the ends of the specimen and fixture
types of jigs are given in Table 1. bearing blocks with acetone or another suitable solvent to
remove all traces of grease and oil.
7.3 Preparation of Specimens—Lateral surfaces in the gage
length shall not vary in diameter, width, or thickness by more 8.3 Lubrication—Bearing surface friction can affect test
than 1 % or 0.002 in. (0.05 mm), whichever is less. (If a results (see section 5.2 and Fig. 2). Friction has been success-
reduced section is used, this requirement applies only to the fully reduced by lubricating the bearing surfaces with TFE-
surface of the reduced section.) Also, the centerline of all fluorocarbon sheet, molybdenum disulfide, and other materials
lateral surfaces of the specimens shall be coaxial within 0.01 summarized in Ref. (3).
in. (0.25 mm). 8.4 Specimen Installation—Place the specimen in the test
7.3.1 Surface Finish—Machined surfaces of specimens fixture and carefully align the specimen to the fixture to ensure
shall have a surface finish of 63 µin. (1.6 µm) or better. concentric loading. Also, check that the specimen loading/
Machined lateral surfaces to which lateral support is to be reaction surfaces mate with the respective surfaces of the
applied shall be finished to at least 40 microinches (1.0 µm) fixture. If the fixture has side supports, the specimen sides
arithmetic average. should contact the support mechanism with the clamping
7.3.2 Flatness and Parallelism—The ends of a specimen pressure recommended by the fixture manufacturer, or as
shall be flat and parallel within 0.0005 in./in. (mm/mm) and determined during the fixture verification tests. If screws are

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used to adjust side support pressure, it is recommended that a compressive strength or both is the same. Materials without
torque wrench be utilized to ensure consistent pressure. sharp-kneed stress-strain diagrams will require that the strain
8.4.1 Transducer Attachment—If required, attach the exten- or deflection at yield be initially estimated, and the specimen
someter or other transducers, or both, to the specimen gage tested sufficiently beyond the initial estimation to be sure the
section. The gage length must be at least one half or preferably yield stress can be determined after the test (see 9.3). For
one diameter away from the ends of the specimen (see 7.4). materials that exhibit a sharp-kneed stress-strain curve or a
8.5 Load-Strain Range Selection—Set the load range of the distinctive yield point, the test can be terminated either after a
testing machine so the maximum expected load is at least one sharp knee or after the drop in load is observed.
third of the range selected. Select the strain or deflection scale 8.8.2 Brittle Materials—Brittle materials that fail by crush-
so that the elastic portion of the load-versus-strain or load- ing or shattering may be tested to failure.
versus-deflection plot on the autographic record, is between 8.9 Number of Specimens—Specimen blanks shall be taken
30° and 60° to the load axis. from bulk materials according to applicable specifications. The
8.6 Strain Measurements—Devices used for measuring number of specimens to be tested should be sufficient to meet
strain shall comply with the requirements for the applicable the requirements as determined by the test purpose, or as
class of extensometer described in Practice E83. Electrical agreed upon between the parties involved. The larger the
strain gages, if used, shall have performance characteristics sample, the greater the confidence that the sample represents
established by the manufacturer in accordance with Test the total population. In most cases, between five and ten
Methods E251. specimens should be sufficient to determine the compressive
8.7 Testing Speed—For testing machines equipped with properties of a sample with reasonable confidence.
strain-rate pacers, set the machine to strain the specimen at a 8.10 Precautions:
rate of 0.005 in./in.·min (m/m·min). For machine with load 8.10.1 Buckling—In compression tests of relatively long,
control or with crosshead speed control, set the rate so the slender specimens that are not laterally supported, the speci-
specimen is tested at a rate equivalent to 0.005 in./in.·min mens may buckle elastically and fly from the test setup. A
(m/m·min) strain-rate in the elastic portion. A rate of 0.003 protective device should be in place to prevent injury.
in./in.·min (m/m·min) can be used if the material is strain-rate
8.10.2 Shattering Fracture—Some materials may fail in a
sensitive.
shattering manner which will cause pieces to be expelled as
8.7.1 For machines without strain-pacing equipment or shrapnel. A protective device should be in place to prevent
automatic feedback control systems, maintain a constant cross- injury.
head speed to obtain the desired average strain-rate from the
start of loading to the end point of the test. The average
9. Calculations
strain-rate can be determined from a time-interval-marked
load-strain record, a time-strain graph, or from the time of the 9.1 Determine the properties of the material from the
start of loading to the end point of test as determined from a dimensions of the specimen and the stress-strain diagram as
time-measuring device (for example, stopwatch). It should be described in the following paragraphs. For testing machines
recognized that the use of machines with constant rate of that record load units instead of stress, convert the load-versus-
crosshead movement does not ensure constant strain rate strain diagram to units of stress by dividing the load by the
throughout a test. original cross-sectional area of the specimen gage section.
8.7.2 It should also be noted that the free-running crosshead
9.2 Modulus of Elasticity—Calculate the modulus of elas-
speed may differ from the speed under load for the same
ticity as specified in Test Method E111. If the elastic modulus
machine setting, and that specimens of different stiffnesses
is the prime quantity to be determined, the procedure given in
may also result in different rates, depending upon the test
Test Method E111 must be followed. Again, the calculation of
machine and fixturing. Whatever the method, the specimen
the modulus shall be according to Section 7 of Test Method
should be tested at a uniform rate without reversals or sudden
E111.
changes. The test rate must also be such that the rate of load
change on the specimen being tested will be within the 9.3 Yield Strength—To determine the yield strength by the
dynamic response of the measuring systems. This requirement offset method it is necessary to secure data (autographic or
is of particular importance when testing short specimens of numerical) from which a stress-strain diagram may be drawn.
high-modulus materials. Then on the stress-strain diagram (Fig. 6) lay off Om equal to
the specified value of offset (conventional offset is 0.002 in./in.
8.8 Test Conduct—After the specimen has been installed
(m/m)), draw mn parallel to OA, and thus locate r, the
and aligned, and the strain- or deflection-measuring transducer
intersection of mn with the stress-strain diagram. The stress
installed, activate the recording device(s) and initiate the test at
corresponding to the point r is the yield strength for the
the prescribed rate. Continue the test at a uniform rate until the
specified offset.
test has been completed as stated below.
8.8.1 Ductile Materials—For ductile materials, the yield 9.3.1 In reporting values of yield strength obtained by these
strength or yield point, and sometimes the strength at a strain methods, the specified value of offset used should be stated in
greater than the yield strain, can be determined. The conduct of parentheses after the term yield strength. Thus:
the test to determine either the onset of yielding or the Yield strength ~ offset 5 0.2 % ! 5 52.0 ksi ~ 359 MPa ! (4)

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10.1.3 Specimen Dimensions—State the actual measured
dimensions for each specimen.
10.1.4 Test Fixture and Lubricant—Describe the test fixture
or refer to fixture drawings. Specifying lubricant used, if any.
10.1.5 Testing Machine—Include the make, model, and load
range of testing machine.
10.1.6 Speed of Testing—Record the test rate and mode of
control.
10.1.7 Stress-Strain Diagram—Include, if possible, the
stress-strain diagram with scales, specimen number, test data,
rate, and other pertinent information.
10.1.8 Modulus of Elasticity—Report the modulus of elas-
ticity when required, as determined according to 9.2.
10.1.9 Yield Strength—Report the yield stress or yield point
when required and the method of determination, as calculated
in 9.3 and 9.4.
10.1.10 Compressive Strength—Report the compressive
strength for material exhibiting brittle failure. A compressive
strength at a specified total strain may be reported for ductile
materials. If so, report the strain at which the compressive
stress was determined.
FIG. 6 Stress-Strain Diagram for Determination of Yield Strength 10.1.11 Type of Failure—When applicable, describe the
by the Offset Method type of specimen failure.
10.1.12 Precision and Bias—State the precision and accu-
racy of the data reported as applicable in a manner consistent
9.3.2 In using these methods, a Class B-2 extensometer, as with Practice E177.
described in Practice E83, is sufficiently sensitive for most 10.1.13 Anomalies—State any anomalies that occurred dur-
materials. ing the test that may have had an effect on the test results.
NOTE 5—Automatic devices are available that determine offset yield 10.2 For commercial acceptance testing the following sec-
strength without plotting a stress-strain curve. Such devices may be used tions of 10.1 are considered sufficient: 10.1.1 and 10.1.2, and
if their accuracy has been demonstrated to be satisfactory.
10.1.9 and 10.1.11.
NOTE 6—If the load drops before the specified offset is reached,
technically the material does not have a yield strength (for that offset). In
this case, the stress at the maximum load before the specified offset is 11. Precision and Bias
reached may be reported instead of the yield strength and shall be 11.1 Interlaboratory Test Program—Ten laboratories par-
designated as the yield point.
ticipated in an interlaboratory study (ILS) in 2009. Each
9.4 Yield Point—Materials that exhibit a sharp-kneed stress- laboratory conducted compression strength tests using
strain diagram may exhibit a distinct drop in stress with AA2024–T351 cylindrical specimens with nominal diameter
increasing strain. The yield point is the maximum stress d = 12.6mm and nominal length l = 47.6 mm. This specimen is
attained just prior to the sudden drop in stress. For testing similar to, but longer than the suggested medium cylindrical
machines without strain- or deflection-recording capabilities, specimen in Table 2. Each laboratory used an extensometer to
the yield point can be determined by noting the load at which measure the specimen strain. The nominal strain rate was ε̇
the load dial indicator needle suddenly drops with the testing 50.005 min21 . The design and analysis of the ILS followed
machine running at a steady rate. Practice E691 and are documented in ASTM Research Report
9.5 Compressive Strength—For a material that fails in com- No. E28-1042.4
pression by crushing or fracturing, the compressive strength is 11.2 Test Result—Each laboratory reported the 0.2% offset
the maximum stress at or before fracture, as determined by yield strength, YS(0.2% offset) determined for the stress-strain
dividing the maximum load by the cross-sectional area. For curve for n=7 tests. The precision information in 11.3 is based
ductile materials, compressive strength may be determined on those results.
from the stress-strain diagram at a specified total strain. The
strain at which this stress was determined must be specified. 11.3 Precision—Table 3 summarizes the precision of the test
method based on the ILS. Results are given for the 95 %
10. Report repeatability limit (within a laboratory), r, and the 95 %
reproducibility limit (between laboratories), R. in addition the
10.1 Include the following information in the test report:
values of r and R are expressed as their respective coefficients
10.1.1 Specimen Material—Describe the specimen material,
alloy, heat treatment, mill batch number, grain direction, etc.,
as applicable. 4
Supporting data have been filed at ASTM International Headquarters and may
10.1.2 Specimen Configuration—Include a sketch of the be obtained by requesting Research Report: RR:E28-1042. Contact ASTM Cus-
specimen configuration or reference to the specimen drawing. tomer Service at [email protected].

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TABLE 3 Precision
Material 95 % 95 %
Reproducibility standard Repeatability Reproducibility
YS(0.02% offset) Repeatability standard deviation
deviation limit (within a limit (between
laboratory) laboratories)
x̄ sr sR r R
MPa MPa MPa MPa MPa
AA2024–T351 346.2 3.8 6.8 10.7 19.1

Repeatability coefficient Reproducibility coefficient r R

of variation of variation
% %
sr sR
CVr 5 CVR 5
x̄ x̄

AA2024–T351 1.1 % 2.0 % 3.1 % 5.5 %

The table was calculated using the relationship limit = 2.8 × standard deviation. The quantity 1.96=2 rounds to 2.77 or 2.8.

of variation. These terms (95 % repeatability limit, r, and 95 % 12. Keywords

reproducibility limit, R) are used in as specified in Practice 12.1 axial compression; barreling; bearing blocks; buckling;
E177. Their respective standard deviations, sr and sR, which are compressometer; sheet compression jig; stress-strain diagram;
also shown in Table 3 can be obtained by dividing by 2.8.
sub-press; testing machine
11.4 Bias—Since there is no accepted reference material,
method, or laboratory suitable for determining the bias for the
procedure in this test method for measuring compressive
strength of metallic materials at room temperature, no state-
ment of bias is being made.

ANNEX

(Mandatory Information)

A1. SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS IN THE DETERMINATION OF THE COMPRESSIVE STRENGTH OF

CEMENTED CARBIDES

A1.1 Characteristics of Cemented Carbides A1.2.3 The total accumulated lack of parallelism in the test
assembly shall not exceed 0.0005 in./in. (m/m).
A1.1.1 Cemented carbides are manufactured in a range of
compositions having hardness from 81.0 to 93.0 HRA and A1.2.4 In order to minimize detrimental end effects, a shim
compressive strengths 300 ksi to over 800 ksi (2100 to 5500 of 0.001 in. (0.025 mm) in thickness, of standard cold-rolled
MPa). They fail by shattering fracture (see 8.7.2 and section steel shim stock, shall be interposed between each specimen
8.10.2). end and the bearing block. Each shim shall be used only once
(see Ref 14).
A1.2 Apparatus and Fixtures
A1.3 Test Specimens
A1.2.1 Bearing Blocks—Cemented carbide bearing blocks
A1.3.1 Size and Shape—The specimens shall be in the form
shall be used. They shall be of a hardness such that the block of circular cylinders 0.375 6 0.01 in. (10.0 6 0.2 mm) in
faces will not suffer significant permanent deformation during diameter and 1.00 6 0.05 in. (25.0 6 1.0 mm) long.
test (suggested hardness of 92 HRA).
A1.3.2 Preparation of Specimens—The ends of a specimen
A1.2.2 Bearing Block Preparation—The block diameter shall be plane and normal to its longitudinal axis. They shall be
shall be at least three times the diameter of the specimen. Its parallel within a maximum of 60.0005 in./in. (m/m), flat
thickness shall be at least two thirds the block diameter. Faces within 60.0002 in./in. (m/m), and have a surface finish of 8
of the bearing blocks shall be flat within 60.0002 in./in. (m/m), µin. (0.2 µm) aa.
parallel within 0.0005 in./in. (m/m), and have a surface finish
of A1.4 Speed of Testing
8 µin. (0.2 µm) arithmetic average (aa). The blocks shall be A1.4.1 Speed of testing shall be specified in terms of rate of
used in conjunction with devices such as those shown in Figs. stressing the specimen, and shall not exceed 50.0 ksi/min
3-5. (345 MPa)/min.

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REFERENCES

(1) Papirno, R., “Inelastic Buckling of ASTM Standard E9 Compression Magnesium Alloy Sheet,” Proceedings, ASTM, Vol 45, 1945 , pp.
Specimens,” Journal of Testing and Evaluation, JTEVA, Vol 15, No. 671–704.
3, May 1987, pp. 133–135. (8) LaTour, H., and Wolford, D. S., “Single-Strip Compression Test for
(2) Mescall, J., Papirno, R., and McLaughlin, J., “Stress and Deformation Sheet Materials,” Proceedings, ASTM, Vol 45, 1945, pp. 671–88.
States Associated with Upset Tests in Metals,” Compression Testing of (9) Miller, J. A., “A Fixture for Compressive Tests of Thin Sheet Steel
Homogeneous Materials and Composites, ASTM STP 808, Richard Between Lubricated Steel Guides,” National Advisory Committee for
Chait and Ralph Papirno, Eds., ASTM, 1983, pp. 7–23. Aeronautics, Washington, DC, Technical Note No. NACA-TN-1022,
(3) Chait, R., and Curll, C. H., “Evaluating Engineering Alloys in April 1946.
Compression,” Recent Developments in Mechanical Testing. (10) Ramberg, W., and Miller, J. A., “Determination and Presentation of
ASTMSTP 608, ASTM International, 1976, pp. 3–19; see also Hsü, T.
Compressive Stress-Strain Data for Thin Sheet Metal,” Journal of
C., A Study of the Compression Test for Ductile Materials, Materials
the Aeronautical Sciences, Vol 13, No. 11, 1946, pp. 569–80.
Research and Standards, Vol 9, No. 12, December 1969, p. 20.
(11) Miller, J. A., “Discussion on Micro-Deformation under Tension and
(4) Paul, D. A., Howell, F. M., and Grieshaber, H. E.,“ Comparison of
Stress-Strain Curves Obtained by Single-Thickness and Pack Compression Loads of Thin Aluminum Alloy Sheets for Aircraft
Methods,” National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics, Construction,” Proceedings, ASTM, Vol 44, 1944, pp. 683–85 (See
Washington, DC, Technical Note No. NACA-TN-819, August 1941. Ref. 7 for fuller description of the fixture.)
(5) Templin, R. L., “Discussion on Single-Strip Compression Test for (12) Sandorff, P. E., and Dillon, R. K., “Compressive Stress-Strain
Sheet Materials,” Proceedings, ASTM, Vol 45, 1945, pp. 690–93. Properties of Some Aircraft Materials,” Proceedings, ASTM, Vol 46,
(6) Kotanchik, J., Woods, W., and Weinberger, R., “Investigation of 1946, pp. 1039–52.
Methods of Supporting Single-Thickness Specimens in a Fixture for (13) Symposium on Elevated Temperatures Compression Testing of Sheet
Determination of Compressive Stress-Strain Curves,” National Advi- Materials, ASTM STP 303, ASTM International, 1962.
sory Committee for Aeronautics, Washington, DC, Wartime Report (14) Lueth, R. C., and Hale, T. E., “Compressive Strength of Cemented
No. WR L-189, May 1945. Carbides—Failure Mechanics and Testing Methods,” Materials
(7) Moore, A. A., and McDonald, J. C., “Compression Testing of Research and Standards, Vol 10, No. 2, 1970, pp. 23–28.

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