AWS Welding Inspection and Testing Certification Practice Test

Which one of the following tests is a destructive test?

1. Magnetic particle

2. Tensile strength

3. Liquid penetrant

4. Ultrasonic

The correct answer is: Tensile strength

Tensile strength testing is classified as a destructive test because it involves applying a load to a material until it fails, resulting in the material being permanently deformed or fractured. The primary purpose of this test is to determine the material's strength properties, such as yield strength and ultimate tensile strength. After conducting a tensile test, the specimen cannot be used again, and its structural integrity is compromised, which is the hallmark of destructive testing. The results provide essential insights into the material's capabilities, ensuring that it meets specified design requirements and standards in applications where reliability is crucial. In contrast, the other methods listed, such as magnetic particle testing, liquid penetrant testing, and ultrasonic testing, are non-destructive methods that allow for the evaluation of material properties or detection of flaws without causing damage to the specimen. These methods can be reused after testing, making them valuable in quality control and inspections where maintaining the integrity of the material is important.