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ASTM B557 Aluminum and Magnesium Alloy Tension Testing

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ASTM B557: Standard Test Methods for Tension Testing of Wrought and Cast Aluminum- and Magnesium-Alloy Products


ASTM B557 is specifically tailored for tensile testing of wrought and cast aluminum- and magnesium-alloy products, excluding aluminum foilASTM International. It is derived from the general metallic materials tensile test standard ASTM E8/E8M, with modifications to address the unique characteristics of aluminum and magnesium alloysASTM International.

ASTM B557 Aluminum and Magnesium Alloy Tension Testing


Test Principle of ASTM B557 Aluminum and Magnesium Alloy Tension Testing: 

A standardized test specimen is gripped in a tensile testing machine and subjected to a controlled, increasing axial tensile force until failure. The force applied and the elongation of the specimen are measured simultaneously. This test generates a stress-strain curve that reveals critical mechanical properties including:


  • Yield strength (using 0.2% offset method for alloys without a distinct yield point): The stress at which the material begins to deform plastically. Calculated by drawing a line parallel to the elastic portion of the stress-strain curve, offset by 0.2% strain. 

  • Ultimate tensile strength (maximum stress before necking)

  • Elongation (percent increase in gauge length at fracture): The permanent increase in gauge length after fracture, expressed as a percentage of the original gauge length.

  • Reduction of area (percent decrease in cross-sectional area at fracture) 


ASTM B557 Test Specimen Information:


Rectangular/flat specimens

For sheet, plate, and thin-walled products;

Machined to specific widths with a reduced section in the middle.

Constant strain rate loading, 

full stress-strain curve measurement

ASTM B557 Aluminum and Magnesium Alloy Tension Testing
Round specimen

For castings, thick sections, and general applications;

Cylindrical, with a machined reduced section 

(commonly with a 0.500-inch or 12.5-mm diameter).

Constant strain rate loading, 

full stress-strain curve measurement

ASTM B557 Aluminum and Magnesium Alloy Tension Testing
Pin-loaded specimensFor extrusions and complex shapes, where gripping is difficult. 

In order to avoid buckling in tests of thin and high-strength materials, 

it may be necessary to use stiffening plates at the grip ends.

Uses pins through specimen holes, 

apply load uniformly

ASTM B557 Aluminum and Magnesium Alloy Tension Testing
Tubular specimensFor hollow products.

Modified flat or round specimens,

preserving wall thickness

ASTM B557 Aluminum and Magnesium Alloy Tension Testing

Threaded-End Specimens;

Shouldered-End Specimens

For specimen with high tensile strength, 

or difficult to grip in the tensile jaws. 

According sample shape, 

size choose suitable fixtures.

ASTM B557 Aluminum and Magnesium Alloy Tension Testing

Sample Preparation Requirements: 


Ends must be parallel and perpendicular to the specimen axis to ensure uniform stress distribution.

Gauge length must be precisely marked (scribe lines or punch marks) without inducing surface damage.

For castings: Specimens should be machined from sound areas, avoiding porosity or inclusions.

For wrought products: Specimens must be oriented according to product rolling/extrusion direction.


Test Equipment and Test Device Requirements: 

EquipmentSpecifications
Universal Testing Machine

Recommend UnitedTest WDW series UTM.

Meet ASTM E4 accuracy requirements (±1% of indicated load within verified range), with sufficient capacity for expected breaking load

Gripping Devices

Wedge grips (for flat/round specimens), split barrel grips, or pin-loading fixtures;

Must ensure axial alignment with specimen centerline.

ASTM B557 Aluminum and Magnesium Alloy Tension Testing

ExtensometerClip-on or non-contacting type with minimum accuracy of ±0.5% for strain measurement over gauge length. 
Measurement ToolsMicrometers/calipers for specimen dimensions (accuracy: ±0.001 in or ±0.02 mm)


Detailed Test Procedures of ASTM B557 (Step by step): 


1. Pre-Test Preparation:

Specimen selection: Choose appropriate specimen type based on product form and thickness

Dimension measurement: Record cross-sectional dimensions at 3 locations within gauge length; use average for calculations

Gauge length marking: Scribe or punch marks at exact standard length (2, 8, or 1.5 in)


2. Testing Execution

Mount specimen: Insert into testing machine grips, ensuring axial alignment with load application axis

Extensometer installation: Attach to specimen over gauge length for strain measurement

Load application:

For yield strength determination: Use constant crosshead speed (0.05-0.5 in/min) or constant strain rate (0.005-0.05 in/in/min)

After yield: Increase speed to 0.5-2 in/min until fracture

Data recording: Continuously record load vs. elongation throughout the test

Extensometer removal: Remove before necking to prevent damage. 

Fracture observation: Note fracture location and appearance (brittle/ductile)


3. Post-Test Analysis

Measure final dimensions: Record fractured specimen's final gauge length and minimum cross-sectional area

Calculate properties:

Yield strength: Stress at 0.2% permanent strain (offset method)

Ultimate tensile strength: Maximum load divided by original cross-sectional area

Elongation: [(Final length - Original length) / Original length] × 100%

Reduction of area: [(Original area - Final area) / Original area] × 100%.


ASTM B557 Test Applications:

ASTM B557 Aluminum and Magnesium Alloy Tension Testing

Aerospace (aircraft structures, engine components).

Automotive (lightweight body panels, engine parts).

Marine (hull components, fasteners).

Construction (architectural extrusions, window frames).


Related Standards: 
ASTM B557 is closely associated with several standards below:
StandardRelationshipKey Connection
ASTM E8/E8MParent standardGeneral tensile testing of metallic materials; B557 is adapted from E8/E8M for light alloys
ASTM E4Mandatory referenceTesting machine verification and accuracy requirements
ASTM E6Terminology referenceDefinitions of tension testing terms
ASTM B557MMetric equivalentIdentical test methods using SI units
ISO 6892-1International counterpartSimilar to ASTM E8/E8M, used globally for metallic materials tensile testing
ASTM B265Product specificationTitanium and Titanium Alloy Strip, Sheet, and Plate specifications that reference B557 for testing
ASTM B91Product specificationMagnesium alloy ingot and casting specifications referencing B557


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