The main purpose of this report is to study the mechanical properties and failure mode of mild steel. Three types of standard tests i.e. tensile test, impact test, and hardness test were conducted on the standard specimens of mild steel. From the tests, results were obtained; Tensile strength, Impact strength, and hardness were calculated. It was observed that Tensile Strength, Impact Strength and Hardness of MS specimen were 1450.833 N/mm², 29.5 J & 59.25 HRB.

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Report on
Tensile, Impact and Hardness Testing of
Mild Steel
Submitted to
Dr. Athar Ibrahim
Submitted by
Arif Ali MME-12-01
Sarmad Saeed MME-12-02
Muhammad Faisal Maqsood MME-12-20
Sania MME-12-26
Muhammad Zubair MME-12-29
Gulfam Hussain MME-12-30
Institute of Advanced Materials, BZU Multan

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Abstract
The main purpose of this report is to study the mechanical properties and
failure mode of mild steel. Three types of standard tests i.e. tensile test, impact
test, and hardness test were conducted on the standard specimens of mild steel.
From the tests, results were obtained; Tensile strength, Impact strength, and
hardness were calculated. It was observed that Tensile Strength, Impact Strength
and Hardness of MS specimen were 1450.833 N/mm², 29.5 J & 59.25 HRB.

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EXPERIMENT NO. 01
1.1. Objective
To conduct a tensile test on a Mild Steel specimen
1.2. APPARATUS
I. Universal Testing Machine (UTM)
II. Mild Steel specimens
III. Scale
IV. Vernier Caliper
1.3. DIAGRAM
Figure 1.1. Tensile Testing Machine

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Figure 1.2. Tensile Specimen Dimensions
Figure 1.3. Tensile Testing specimen before testing
Figure 1.4. Tensile Testing specimen after testing
1.4. THEORY
Tensile testing is one of the most basic tests for engineering which provides valuable
information about a material and its associated mechanical properties. These properties can be
used for design and analysis of engineering structures, and for developing new materials that
better suit a specified use.
In this test ends of test piece are fixed into grips connected to a straining device and to
a load measuring device. If the applied load is small enough, the deformation in the solid body
is entirely elastic. This elastically deformed body will return to its original shape when the load
is removed. The initial portion of the S-S curve will show the elastic behavior. The stress below
which the deformation entirely elastic is known as the yield strength of material. As the body
is loaded beyond this limit i.e. yield stress, the body will deform permanently showing that the
body is plastically deformed. In some material the onset of plastic deformation is denoted by a

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sudden drop in load indicating both an upper and a lower yield point. However, some materials
do not exhibit a sharp yield point.
During plastic deformation, at larger extensions strain hardening cannot compensate
for the decrease in section and thus the load passes through a maximum and then begins to
decrease. This stage the “ultimate strength”’ which is defined as the ratio of the load on the
specimen to original cross-sectional area, reaches a maximum value. Further loading will
eventually cause ‘neck’ formation and rupture.
Figure 1.5. Tensile Testing Machine (20 KN)
1.5. PROCEDURE
 Measure the original length and diameter of the specimen. The length marked was the
total length of the specimen.
 Insert the specimen into grips of the test machine and attach Strain-measuring device
to it.
 Begin the load application and record load versus elongation data.
 Take readings more frequently as yield point is approached.
 Measure elongation values with the help of dividers and a ruler.
 Continue the test till Fracture occurs
 By joining the two broken halves of the specimen together, measure the final length.

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1.6. OBESERVATIONS
Material: Mild Steel
A) Original Dimensions
Gauge Length = 20 mm
Width = 3 mm
Thickness = 0.5 mm
B) Final Dimensions:
Gauge Length = 22 mm
Width = 2.8 mm
Thickness = 0.5 mm
Percentage Elongation: 10%
1.7. RESULTS
The curve given below shows that the specimen fails ultimately after reaching the maximum load
without showing any strain hardening & a little plastic deformation.
Figure 1.6. Stress Strain Curve

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Figure 1.7. Data Sheet

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EXPERIMENT NO. 02
2.1. OBJECTIVE
To determine the impact strength of mild steel by Charpy impact test.
2.2. APPARATUS
 Impact testing machine.
 A Mild Steel specimen 55 mm X 10mm X 10mm.
2.3. DIAGRAM
Figure 2.1. Impact Testing Specimen
Figure 2.2. Impact Testing Machine

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Figure 2.3. Impact Specimen before testing
Figure 2.4. Impact Specimen after testing
Figure 2.5. Impact Testing Machine (JB-300B)

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2.4. THEORY
An impact test signifies toughness of material that is ability of material to absorb energy
during plastic deformation. Static tension tests of specimens do not always reveal the
susceptibility of a metal to brittle fracture. This important factor is determined by impact test.
Toughness takes into account both the strength and ductility of the material. Several
engineering materials have to withstand impact or suddenly applied loads while in service.
Impact strengths are generally lower as compared to strengths achieved under slowly applied
loads. Of all types of impact tests, the notch bar tests are most extensively used. Therefore, the
impact test measures the energy necessary to fracture a standard notch bar by applying an
sudden load. The test measures the notch toughness of material under shock loading. Values
obtained from these tests are not of much utility to design problems directly and are highly
arbitrary. Still it is important to note that it provides a good way of comparing toughness of
various materials or toughness of the same material under different conditions. This test can
also be used to assess the ductile brittle transition temperature of the material occurring due to
lowering of temperature.
2.5. PROCEDURE
 With the striking hammer (pendulum) in safe test position, firmly hold the steel
specimen in impact testing machines vice in such a way that the notch faces the hammer
and is half inside and half above the top surface of the vice.
 Bring the striking hammer to its top most striking position unless it is already there,
and lock it at that position.
 Bring indicator of the machine to zero, or follow the instructions of the operating
manual supplied with the machine.
 The specimen is placed on supports or anvil so that the blow of hammer
is opposite to the notch.
 Release the hammer. It will fall due to gravity and break the specimen through its
momentum, the total energy is not absorbed by the specimen. Then it continues to
swing.
 At its top most height after breaking the specimen, the indicator stops moving, while
the pendulum falls back. Note the indicator at that top most final position.
2.6. RESULTS
Sample Energy
1 34 J
2 26 J
3 27 J
4 31 J

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Average impact value is 29.5 J.
EXPERIMENT NO. 03
3.1. OBJECTIVE
To determine the hardness of mild steel specimen.
3.2. APPARATUS
 Mild steel specimen
 Rockwell Hardness Tester
3.3. DIAGRAM
Figure 3.1. Rockwell Testing Machine in the laboratory

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3.4. PROCEDURE
 Place the specimen on platform of a machine.
 Using the elevating screw raise the platform and bring the specimen just in contact
with the ball.
 Apply an initial load until the small pointer shows red mark.
 Release the operating valve to apply additional load. Immediately after the additional
load applied.
 Repeat this procedure four times & record the values shown on the display each time.
3.5. RESULTS
Sample Hardness(HRB)
1 56.7
2 64.1
3 63.4
4 52.8
Average value of hardness of the MS sample in HRB scale is 59.25.