In the tensile test, a test piece is extended, usually to fracture, with a gradually increasing uniaxial tensile load, to determine the resistance of the material to the force.
Typical test pieces are shown below. They are normally circular but may be lat. The standard diameter is 6/8mm and the gauge length is typically 25/50mm. There are standards that cover tensile testing: ASTM E 8 and E 8M.
