1.1 These test methods cover the tension testing of metallic materials in any form at room temperature, specifically, the methods of determination of yield strength, yield point elongation, tensile strength, elongation, and reduction of area.

1.2 The gauge lengths for most round specimens are required to be 4D for E8 and 5D for E8M. The gauge length is the most significant difference between E8 and E8M test specimens. Test specimens made from powder metallurgy (P/M) materials are exempt from this requirement by industry-wide agreement to keep the pressing of the material to a specific projected area and density.

1.3 Exceptions to the provisions of these test methods may need to be made in individual specifications or test methods for a particular material. For examples, see Test Methods and Definitions A370 and Test Methods B557, and B557M.

1.4 Room temperature shall be considered to be 10 to 38°C [50 to 100°F] unless otherwise specified.

1.5 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as separate from inch/pound units. The values stated in each system are not exact equivalents; therefore each system must be used independently of the other. Combining values from the two systems may result in non-conformance with the standard.

1.6 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.

ASTM Standards

A356/A356M Specification for Steel Castings, Carbon, Low Alloy, and Stainless Steel, Heavy-Walled for Steam Turbines
A370 Test Methods and Definitions for Mechanical Testing of Steel Products
B557 Test Methods for Tension Testing Wrought and Cast Aluminum- and Magnesium-Alloy Products
B557M Test Methods for Tension Testing Wrought and Cast Aluminum- and Magnesium-Alloy Products (Metric)
D1566 Terminology Relating to Rubber
E4 Practices for Force Verification of Testing Machines
E6 Terminology Relating to Methods of Mechanical Testing
E29 Practice for Using Significant Digits in Test Data to Determine Conformance with Specifications
E83 Practice for Verification and Classification of Extensometer Systems
E345 Test Methods of Tension Testing of Metallic Foil
E691 Practice for Conducting an Interlaboratory Study to Determine the Precision of a Test Method
E1012 Practice for Verification of Testing Frame and Specimen Alignment Under Tensile and Compressive Axial Force Application
E1856 Guide for Evaluating Computerized Data Acquisition Systems Used to Acquire Data from Universal Testing Machines
E2658 Practices for Verification of Speed for Material Testing Machines