This specification covers procedures and acceptance standards for the determination of reduction of area using steel plates as tension test specimen. The tension testing method shall provide a measure of the resistance of a steel plate to lamellar tearing. Alternative test specimen may be used in place of the standard test specimen. Several types of test specimen shall have specified values of plate thickness, diameter, minimum radius, and length of reduced section.

1.1 This specification2 covers the procedures and acceptance standards for the determination of reduction of area using a tension test specimen whose axis is perpendicular to the rolled surfaces of steel plates 1 in. [25 mm] and greater in thickness. The principal purpose of the testing is to provide a measure of the resistance of a steel plate to lamellar tearing. (See Appendix X1.)

1.2 The values stated in either inch-pound units or SI units are to be regarded as standard. Within the text, the SI units are shown in brackets. The values stated in each system are not exact equivalents; therefore, each system must be used independently of the other. Combining values from the two systems may result in nonconformance with the specification.

1.3 This specification is expressed in both inch-pound and SI units. However, unless the order specifies the applicable “M” specification designation (SI units), the material shall be furnished to inch-pound units.