Tensile test

The tensile test is a reference method in mechanics of materials , used to determine the mechanical strength, deformation and breaking behavior of a sample subjected to a tensile force.
This test makes it possible to characterize essential parameters such as:

• The breaking stress ,
• Elongation at break ,
• The Young's modulus of elasticity ,
• The elastic limit ,
• And the ductility of the material.

The test involves subjecting a standardized sample to an increasing tensile force until it breaks, while recording the changes in stress and strain. The results are plotted on a stress-strain curve that describes the mechanical behavior of the material (elastic, plastic, brittle, or ductile).

Methods and protocols

The tensile test is carried out in accordance with international standards such as:

• ISO 527 for plastics,
• ISO 37 / ASTM D412 for elastomers,
• ISO 6892 / ASTM E8 for metals,
• ISO 13934-1 for textiles.

Tests are carried out using instrumented tensile testing machines , equipped with force sensors and extensometers, allowing precise measurement of strength and deformation.
Test conditions (tensile speed, temperature, humidity) can be adjusted to simulate real-life conditions of use or aging.

Materials and sectors concerned

Tensile testing applies to a wide variety of technical and industrial materials , including:

• Polymers and engineering plastics,
• Composites and laminates,
• Metals and alloys,
• Rubbers and elastomers,
• Fabrics, fibers and films,
• Bio-sourced materials.

packaging and polymers sector , this test is essential to validate the resistance of films, caps, bottles, seals and molded parts , in conjunction with other tests such as permeability validation (water vapor, O₂, CO₂, N₂) .

Industrial applications

The tensile test is essential for:

• Quality control of raw materials and finished products,
• The development of new materials (formulations, reinforcements, additives),
• Assessment of conformity to technical specifications ,
• Simulation of mechanical behavior in real use ,
• Failure analysis ( fractography, embrittlement, aging).

It is often combined with other mechanical tests such as:

• The bending test to measure the resistance to bending,
• The Shore or Vickers hardness test,
• analysis (dynamic mechanical analysis) to characterize viscoelastic transitions.

Related analyses

For a complete understanding of material behavior, YesWeLab recommends combining:

• Study of chemical corrosion to assess the chemical resistance of metals,
• Morphological characterization (SEM) to observe fracture structures,
• Accelerated stability test to assess polymer aging,
• Validation of packaging permeability to link mechanical and barrier properties.

YesWeLab expertise

Thanks to its network of ISO 17025 and COFRAC accredited partner laboratories , YesWeLab supports manufacturers in the complete characterization of materials and packaging , from quality control to R&D.

The YesWeLab platform allows you to:

• Order your mechanical tests online ,
• samples and results in real time ,
• Centralize your analytical reports for your audits and certifications.