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Video Transcript
What Is Tensile Strength & Why Is It A Factor?
![Tensile Measured](../../media/blog/tensile_measured.png)
Short version according to the Parker Hannifin O-ring Guide:
Tensile strength is simply measured as the PSI or megapascals required to rupture a specimen of a given elastomer when stressed.
Put it under stress and at what point does it burst – at what point does it break?
One thing I want to point out, as I’ve done this in other sections regarding compression set and elongation, it varies by material, but it also varies within the material. Which is why I emphasized that they’re not all created equal. A nitrile isn’t just a nitrile, isn’t just a nitrile.
Specific to tensile strength, it can range anywhere from 6.9 to 27.6 megapascals. Just within the nitrile family alone. FKM can very 3.4 to 20.7 – a pretty good size range. Even EP which tends to be a fairly simple, stable material in most applications – 2.1 to 24.1 megapascals.
What Am I Giving Up When I Improve My Modulus?
![Modulus Tensile](../../media/blog/modulus_tensile.png)
Why is that important? In the grand scheme of things, as you increase tensile strength, you improve the modulus of the material. As stated in other sessions, when you make a change to a compound or material, to get something you’ve got to give up something.
What am I giving up when I improve my modulus?
I’m sacrificing elongation. In most applications that’s a non-factor. As we’ve talked to the elongation section, elongation is predominantly about installation. How far can it stretch? If you’re not having to overstretch your o-ring, it’s less of a factor but rather gives you some important properties.
With the modulus – which is the stress at a predetermined elongation usually measured at 100% – the higher modulus is apt to recover from peak overload. That’s important. It helps support and aid to the strength and wear-ability of the o-ring and it usually increases with hardness.
Tensile strength while not talked about a lot can be an important factor and one of those key physical properties that you need to be aware of as you evaluate why and how all o-rings are not created equal.