Compression Test
Method to determine the behaviour of materials under crushing loads.
The specimen is compressed, and deformation at various loads is recorded. Compressive stress and strain are calculated and plotted as a stress-strain diagram which is used to determine elastic limit, proportional limit, yield point, yield strength and (for some materials) compressive strength. Standard compression tests are given in ASTM C-773 (high strength ceramics), ASTM E-9 (metals), ASTM E-209 (metals at elevated temperatures) and ASTM D-695 (plastics).
Compression Set
The extent to which rubber is permanently deformed by a prolonged compressive load (ASTM D-395). It should not be confused with low temperature compression set.
compressive strength—the maximum compressive stress (nominal) carried by a test specimen during a compression test. It may or may not be the compressive stress (nominal) carried by the specimen at the moment of rupture.
compressive yield point—the first point on the stress-strain diagram at which an increase in strain occurs without an increase in stress.
compressive yield strength—normally the stress at the yield point.