This accessory for WP 310 makes it possible to carry out pressure experiments. The compressive strength is determined as an important characteristic of a material. Furthermore, the compression yield point can be determined as the onset of plastic deformation of a material, at which no compressive strength can be determined.
The accessory contains two pressure plates between which a specimen is positioned. The assembled compression mechanism is installed in the pressure section of the WP 310 experimental unit. Circle lines are provided to help in positioning the specimens at the centre.
In experiments, a uniaxial state of stress is produced in a geometrically defined specimen. This state of stress is produced by an external load on the specimen in the longitudinal direction via a compressive force. Then a uniform normal stress distribution prevails in the test cross-section of the specimen.
In order to determine the strength of the material, the load on the specimen is slowly and steadily increased, until the specimen ruptures.
Specimens of wood or plastic are studied, which are available as accessory WP 310.15.