Maximum Strain For Samples of Different Cross-Sectional Areas

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the observed differences in maximum strain for brass samples with different cross-sectional areas under stress testing. Participants explore the relationship between sample dimensions, material properties, and failure characteristics, focusing on the implications of plastic deformation and potential effects of sample preparation methods.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant notes that samples made of the same material should fail at the same stress and strain, yet data shows that the sample with a greater cross-sectional area fails at a greater strain, suggesting a proportional relationship.
  • Another participant inquires about the dimensions of the samples, seeking clarification on their physical characteristics.
  • Details provided indicate that the samples have rectangular cross-sections with specific widths and thicknesses, along with initial lengths.
  • A participant asks how the stress-strain curves compare, indicating interest in the mechanical behavior of the samples under stress.
  • It is reported that the stress-strain curves are similar, with comparable values of Young's modulus and tensile strength, but a notable difference in the plastic deformation region for the thicker sample.
  • One participant suggests that the observed differences may not be due to aspect ratio effects but could be related to clamping effects, questioning whether the thinner sample slips in the clamp during testing.
  • A participant mentions that while the testing procedure was not observed, data indicates that the thicker sample consistently shows greater maximum strain, implying that random error may not be the cause.
  • Another participant proposes that if the samples were cold rolled, the thinner sample might have experienced more total cold work, potentially leading to higher stress and lower strain at failure.
  • This hypothesis is reiterated, with acknowledgment that the thinner sample did fail at a higher stress, although the change in stress was less significant.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the reasons behind the observed differences in strain, with multiple hypotheses presented regarding the effects of sample dimensions, clamping, and cold work. No consensus is reached on the primary cause of the phenomenon.

Contextual Notes

Limitations include uncertainty regarding the exact testing procedure and the production history of the samples, which may influence the observed mechanical properties.

person123
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TL;DR
Is the maximum strain of a sample undergoing a tensile test proportional to its cross-sectional area? I think the answer is no, but my data say the answer is yes.
I would assume that because the samples are made of the same material they would fail at the same stress and so the same strain. However, the data shows that the sample with a greater cross-sectional area fails at a greater strain, and the two are roughly proportional. Does anyone know what might be going on there? (For more context, it's two brass samples and they underwent significant plastic deformation).
 
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What are the dimensions of the samples?
 
The samples have rectangular cross-sections. The widths are .15 in. The thicknesses are .003 and .005 in.

The initial lengths are 4 in.
 
How do the stress-strain curves compare?
 
The stress-strain curves appear similar and have similar values of E and tensile strength. The only significant difference is that the flatter region of plastic deformation is about 5/3 as long for the sample with 5/3 the thickness.
 
Hmmm. For the dimensions you reported, it doesn't seem like an aspect ratio effect. Maybe it's a clamping effect? Does the 3 mil sample slip a little in the clamp?
 
Because this is from an online lab, I did not get to see the actual testing procedure. The samples do apparently occasionally slip slightly. However, looking at other group data, the maximum strain seems to consistently be greater for the thicker sample, suggesting that it's likely not due to random error.
 
If the brass samples are the result of cold rolling, and the thinner sample was cold rolled from the thicker material without any annealing, then the thinner sample would have more total cold work. If so, the thinner sample would fail at higher stress and lower strain.
 
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jrmichler said:
If the brass samples are the result of cold rolling, and the thinner sample was cold rolled from the thicker material without any annealing, then the thinner sample would have more total cold work. If so, the thinner sample would fail at higher stress and lower strain.
Thank you! I can't be sure how the samples were produced, but this definitely could be a possible explanation. (It did fail at a higher stress as well, although that change was far less significant).
 

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