Flexural Properties Testing

Flexural properties testing is carried out on various materials to determine the ability of those materials to flex or bend while subjected to loads. Materials typically tested using flexural testing include plastics and polymers, composites, metals, wood and ceramics. The purpose of materials properties testing in general is to establish whether a chosen material is suitable for its intended application. In the case of flexural strength testing, materials are analysed to select ones that will bear loads without flexing. The standard test involves measuring the force required to bend and/ or break a beam suspended over two points of contact and a force applied on top of the material until it fails. This calculates the maximum stress and strain of an incremental load. Because many materials are affected by factors such as ambient temperature, it is important that conditions in the testing area are simulated as far as possible to resemble the environment where the product will eventually be used. Flexural properties testing is essential when using brittle materials such as concrete, plastics, composites and ceramics. Such testing is used by the construction and aerospace industries, for instance.