Metal strength is one of the important properties that determines the performance characteristics of products. It is measured in the production of various parts or blanks since the service life of structures, their stability, and safety depend on the indicator. In the article, you will know everything about the Strength of materials, its important parameters, and the dependence of product characteristics on this property.
What is metal strength and what does it depend on?
When listing the properties of metals, it is worth mentioning strength. It characterizes the ability of a material to resist destruction and deformation that occurs under the influence of externally applied forces.
A strong metal effectively resists magnetic, mechanical destructive or deforming, thermal (high-temperature), or other loads, and also retains its original structure and original integrity.
The Material strength concepts depend on various factors. These include the chemical composition of the material, as well as the manufacturing technology.
Impurities in the alloy can increase or decrease strength, depending on the properties of specific chemical elements added to the alloy. The final properties are also affected by certain heat treatment methods, such as tempering, hardening, and annealing.
Strength is a general concept that covers the characteristics of:
The yield strength is one of the mechanical characteristics of materials with the designation σT, describing the stress at which static deformations increase while the loads do not increase.
The elastic limit. This is the name of the maximum possible stress under a load, after the cessation of which there are no plastic (residual) deformations.
The ultimate strength is the maximum mechanical stress after which the material begins to break down. This is the threshold after which the body will lose its integrity.
The proportionality limit and Types of material strength are considered the maximum stress at which Hooke’s law is in effect: the deformation of a body is directly proportional to the force exerted on it.
The endurance (or fatigue) limit describes the ability of a material to withstand loads that cause cyclic stresses. This is the maximum stress of a cycle that does not cause fatigue failures after numerous cyclic loadings.
How to determine the strength of materials
The strength of steel or other materials is assessed using special measuring equipment, usually extensometers. During the tests, the samples are gradually stretched or compressed until they break. The dependence of the force on the growth of the length of the workpiece is recorded.
Extensometers can be laser, pneumatic, or hydraulic. As a rule, the machine has a drive for applying force, measuring and recording devices, and fixing mechanisms. Some models are additionally equipped with a thermal chamber for heating during fire resistance analysis.
Strength testing methods are also used to analyze the indicators. In them, the sample is fixed with a strong fixation of one side. On the other side, a mechanism with a hydraulic or electromechanical drive is installed, applying the load. The force during bending, twisting, or breaking increases smoothly. The electronic control system remembers the measured parameters.
Testing may only be carried out by organizations with appropriate accreditation, proper technical equipment, and highly qualified personnel.
Non-destructive studies include:
- Visual inspections, including the use of magnifying glasses.
- Magnetic particle testing.
- Assessment of the penetration of coloring compositions.
- Ultrasound.
- Radiography.
- Tightness analysis.
- Eddy current testing.
Destructive research methods are mechanical tests for fatigue, hardness, wear, impacts, bending, stretching, and hardness. Usually, such methods are carried out in parallel with non-destructive ones. One sample is divided into two parts, and tested by different methods. The results are compared and compared.
Conclusion
The strength of the raw material affects the performance characteristics of metal products, so it is important to choose the right material and the optimal manufacturing technology. HEICO is a full-cycle enterprise.
They know the features of all existing metals and their alloys and take them into account in production processes. Understanding of Importance of material strength is necessary.
Also read: Testing Methods for Material Strength
How Compressive Strength Testing Machine Can Improve Your Product Quality
