Tensile and breaking strength are two important parameters. Manufacturers consider these two parameters when choosing any material. Unfortunately, a majority of laypeople consider these parameters the same. Remember, there are multiple differences between them. Those decisions ignite debate on tensile strength vs breaking strength.
Both of these parameters are handy when assessing the capacity of any material. You might see the tensile or break strength of any object written on any material. It means you should never put stress or load above that limit. In this article, I’ll discuss tensile and break strength in detail. So, let’s get started!
What is Tensile Strength?
This article is not about comparing these two parameters head-to-head. Instead, it is about understanding their differences. So, let’s first get into the nitty gritty of tensile strength.
It is the maximum amount of pulling that a material can sustain. Beyond that specific limit, the material will deform permanently. So it won’t return to its previous shape or position. Remember, the material doesn’t break at this stage. Scientifically, it is force (stress) applied to a unit area.
The tensile strength of some popular materials is as follows:
- Rubber: 10-20 MPa
- Steel: 400-1,500 MPa
- Aluminum: 90-570 MPa
Let’s discuss the tensile strength in the simplest of words. Suppose you have a rubber strip. Now, you pull it and keep pulling with some force. But when you stop pulling, the rubber will return to its position. However, if you keep pulling, you’ll reach a point where the rubber strip will start to deform.
Upon leaving, it won’t return to its initial position. However, the rubber strip will be in an acceptable position and not cracked or broken. This force at that stage will be the tensile strength of that rubber strip. With tensile strength, the material does not break but just deform. It loses its capacity or ability to return to its position.
Here is the formula to find tensile strength:
The formula to calculate tensile strength is:
Tensile Strength = Maximum Force (F) / Cross-Sectional Area (A)
The unit of tensile strength of Pascal. It has two types: ultimate tensile strength and yield strength. At UTS, the material shows significant deformation. On the other hand, yield strength is when the material starts to show small deformation. Yield strength is always less than the ultimate tensile strength.
What is Breaking Strength?
Have you understood the meaning of tensile stress? Let’s have a look at the breaking strength:
It is the maximum force or stress that material can endure. After this force, it will break or fail. Generally, people miscomprehend breaking with deformation. After break strength, any applied force will fail the material. After this force, the material won’t be in usable condition.
The breaking strength of some materials is as follows:
- Glass: 35–70 MPa
- Nylon: 90–150 MPa
- Aluminum: 90–310 MPa
Let’s discuss the breaking strength in easy-to-understand words with the previous rubber strip. When you apply force to a rubber strip, it starts to deform. That stage where it starts to deform permanently is called tensile strength. But when you keep pushing, you proceed towards the breaking point.
A point will come where rubber strips won’t bear more force or strength. This is the maximum force that a rubber strip can endure or bear. It is called breaking strength. Any slight increase in force will result in the breaking or failing of that material. Simply put, this is the maximum force limit a material can face.
What is the Difference Between Tensile & Breaking Strength?
In the section above, I separately explained both tensile and breaking strength. I hope that you now have a better idea of these parameters. It is time to spot the differences between these tensile and braking strengths.
1- Material Behavior
Both of these parameters help us understand the material’s behavior and capacity. For example, at tensile strength, the material will be permanently deformed. It won’t return to its original shape. So, don’t exceed tensile strength to keep the material elastic.
On the other hand, the breaking strength indicates the full stress-enduring capacity of the material. Suppose a material has a breaking strength of 20 MPa. This means that if such material faces a stress of 21 MPa, it won’t break or fail. In this way, these parameters give us different information about the material.
2- Stage of Failure
The tensile strength does not indicate the stage of failure. For example, the material will deform if you reach the tensile strength limit. But you’ll still be able to use it in different ways. Remember, tensile strength indicates stress at which material starts to deform. You can keep the material if it deforms slightly.
The material will have some elasticity before you reach the ultimate tensile strength. On the other hand, breaking strength indicates complete failure of the material. Suppose you have material and you apply stress on it above its break strength. It will result in cracking, and the material will fail or break. You won’t be able to use it again.
3- Flexibility & Range
As I said earlier, tensile strength has two types. Those include yield strength and ultimate tensile strength. Yield strength indicates the stress where the material starts to deform. However, it can still be used and contain some elasticity.
After yield strength, if you keep applying force, you reach the ITS phase. This is the point where the material is near to failure. Material can be used in between these two phrases. However, the brake strength doesn’t have such a range or types. If you cross-break strength, the material will fail.
4- Applications
Both tensile and breaking strength are significant for manufacturers. They help them know the actual ability and value of the object. It allows them to select material for their project carefully. For example, manufacturers decide on materials based on tensile strength while making beams or columns.
Manufacturers ensure they put loads that the material is capable of bearing. Similarly, the breaking strength helps manufacturers know the last limit of stress material can endure. Have you ever read labels about failure alerts on different products? Manufacturers add those alerts or limits by checking material break strength.
Have you ever noticed the weight limit on the elevator cab? This limit is based on the material’s breaking strength in making that lift. If more weight is placed on the elevator, it would result in limit failure. Remember, these strengths are calculated and tested in laborites using tensile testing machines.
Is Fracture Strength the Same as Tensile Strength?
The answer is NO! Both of these are different parameters or terms.
Fracture strength is another name for break strength. It indicates the stress point where material breaks or fails. On the other hand, tensile strength is the maximum force a material can endure before it deforms permanently.
After tensile strength, the material won’t return to its original position. It means it loses its elasticity. However, it can still be used with very little elasticity. However, the breaking or fracture strength is different. At this stress point, material raptures and fails. It means you won’t be able to use it at all.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is tensile strength the same as break strength?
No, tensile strength indicates the stress level where material deforms permanently. However, break strength indicates the last limit of stress. After this, the material fails and cannot endure more force or stress.
What is meant by breaking strength, and how does it differ from fracture strength?
It is the stress point after which material breaks or fails. In simple words, it is the last limit of stress. Fracture strength is another name used for break strength.
What is the difference between tension and tensile strength?
Tension and tensile strength are entirely different terms. Tension indicates any force or compression applied on any object. However, tensile strength means the force or stress material can bear before it deforms permanently.
Does material lose all its elasticity when stretched to its tensile strength?
The material loses most of its elasticity and permanently deforms. However, you can still pull or stretch it to its ultimate tensile strength. After UTS, the material will break and fail.
Conclusion
As said above, tensile strength and breaking strength are two different parameters. However, many people confuse them and consider them the same. However, that is untrue. In this article, I have discussed their differences and established that both are different. For example, tensile strength is the force applied per unit area.
Each material has a specific tensile strength value. Above that value, it will deform permanently. Conversely, breaking strength is the maximum stress a material can withstand. Like tensile strength, each material has a different breaking strength value. Above that value, it will not only deform but will not be able to be used again. In simple words, it will deteriorate and fail to work. Lastly, both parameters have different applications in different fields.