Tensile testing — which materials are typically evaluated in standard tension tests?

Introduction / Context:
The standard uniaxial tensile test is the most common mechanical test for determining material properties like yield strength, ultimate tensile strength, elastic modulus, and ductility. It is widely used in quality control, design, and materials research.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• The question asks which class of materials is typically evaluated using a routine tensile test.
• Specimens follow standardized geometries (e.g., proportional gauge length) and are pulled until failure.

Concept / Approach:
While both ductile and brittle materials can be tested in tension, tensile testing is most associated with ductile materials because they undergo appreciable plastic deformation, enabling clear identification of yield point, uniform elongation, and reduction of area. Brittle materials often fail abruptly with minimal plastic strain, making compression or bend tests preferable for them in many practical contexts.

Step-by-Step Solution:

Verification / Alternative check:
In codes and handbooks, tensile properties are the baseline for metals selection and are reported prominently for ductile metals. Brittle materials (cast iron, ceramics) are frequently characterized in compression or flexure because tensile gripping and alignment are more challenging and failures are sudden.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:

• Brittle: can be tested, but not the typical or preferred primary method.
• Malleable and plastic: these are property descriptors, not standard testing categories; also malleability is linked to large plastic deformation under compression rather than tension.
• Elastomeric: special extensometry and low-rate tests are used, but the canonical tensile test discussion centers on ductile metals.

Common Pitfalls:
Assuming brittle materials are never tested in tension (they can be, but with caution); conflating ductility with malleability or plasticity terminology.

Final Answer:
ductile