This document provides an overview of tensile testing. It discusses tensile specimens, testing machines, stress-strain curves, and key mechanical properties measured by tensile tests such as strength, ductility, and elastic modulus. Tensile tests are used to select materials, ensure quality, compare new materials/processes, and predict behavior under other loads. Stress-strain curves are generated by applying tension to a specimen and recording the resulting force and elongation. Important aspects of the curves, like yield strength and plastic deformation, are defined.