Standardized 3 & 4 Point Bend Testing

There are two standard flexural tests that we perform. One is a three-point bend test where a beam-shaped sample is supported at both ends and pressed at its midpoint. The second method is supported on two ends and is pressed at two points between the supports. A three-point bend test is shown on the left. A four-point bend is shown on the right. The project on the left was determining the flexural modulus of a plywood sample. The project on the right was determining the modulus of rupture of a tempered glass.