Effects of Some Variables in Specimen Selection and Procedures on the Results of Shear Tests

Studies of the effect of variations in test method and specimen orientation and location on the results of shear tests of aluminum alloys have shown that, in double-shear tests, (a) specimen size and lubrication—even that from the human skin—affect shear strength values by 3 to 4 percent, and (b) shear strength varies with location of shear plane through the thickness of aluminum alloy products. In blanking-shear tests, clearance between punch and dies up to 12 percent of the sheet thickness has no significant effect on test values.