ASTM B557

ASTM B557 is used to determine the tensile properties of aluminum and magnesium alloys.  A standardized specimen, either a flat dog bone (or dumbbell) or a cylindrical specimen, is cut from the material to be tested.  These are put into the grips of a universal testing machine, and subjected to tension loading at a constant crosshead speed.  The machine records the force and elongation during the test and calculates key properties such as tensile and yield strength. 

ASTM B557 is often used for aerospace or automotive materials, or structural components used in construction and infrastructure such as aluminum frames, supports, or fasteners.  The data provided by ASTM B557 helps engineers select the appropriate aluminum alloy that offers the best combination of strength, flexibility and other desired properties such as corrosion resistance for a specific application.