Tensile Strength

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The maximum stress applied in tension to a material before rupture is defined as the Ultimate Tensile Strength (UTS).

Ultimate Tensile Strength (UTS) = Pmax / A

Where,
Pmax = Maximum Tensile Force
A = Original cross sectional area of specimen

Ultimate Tensile Strength is commonly reported in units of pounds per square inch (psi) or in Newtons per square mm (MPa, Mega Pascals).

ASTM E8 governs the determination of Ultimate Tensile Strength for Metals.

ASTM D638 governs the determination of Ultimate Tensile Strength for Plastics.

Graph illustrating ultimate tensile strength

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