Tear Test

Tear testing is used to determine the ability of materials to resist the growth of the initial tear. Tear resistance is a particularly important characteristic of flexible materials that may suffer a partial rupture intentionally or otherwise.

Test Capabilities

Tear testing is conducted by placing the test sample into a tensile testing or universal test machine so that the section on one side of the fracture is pulled up and the section on the other side is pulled down. Then apply a steady load until the tear has propagated through the entirety of the sample and the two sections have been completely separated from one another.

According to the preparation of the test sample, the grip placement and the rate of testing, the tear testing is divided into the following types:

• Trouser shape tear testing: A rectangular sample has a cut down the middle of one half of the sample to form two legs which are respectively placed into two test grips and then pulled apart so that the tear continues down the middle of the sample.
• Tongue tear testing: The sample has a tab cut in the middle. This tab is cut so that it is separated the rest of the sample on the bottom and sides but not the top. The tab is then placed in the top grip while the rest of the sample is placed in the bottom grip. As the top grip is moved upward the tab is pulled so that the cuts on both sides are extended upward to the top of the sample and the tab is eventually pulled free leaving a rectangular piece in the top grip and a 'U' shaped piece in the bottom.
• Trapezoid tear testing: A test sample is cut into the form of an isosceles trapezoid with a small cut made in one side. The sample is then loaded into the test fixture so that the tear made by the cut will propagate as the grips move apart. Generally the sample is orientated so the tear extends horizontally.
• Wing tear testing: A crescent-shaped sample with a razor-nick at the center
• Baumann tear testing: A rectangular sample has a wide slot with tapered ends in the center of the sample. Grips are inserted into the slot, which is then pulled open using the Texture Analyzer, causing the material to tear from the tapered ends of the slot. The test is stopped when the tear has propagated to the edges of the test specimen.
• Delft tear testing: Slit cut laterally in the center of the sample

Test Material Types

• Textiles
• Fabrics
• Elastomers
• Rubbers
• Leather
• Polymers
• Paper
• Packaging products

STEMart's expert team can advise on which test is best for your specific requirements depending on the project goal. For more information about our tear testing services, please contact us.