Surface Mechanical Properties: Modulus of Rupture

Modulus of Rupture is an indirect measurement of the maximum load carrying capacity of a member in bending. This is mostly used for characterising brittle materials, since it is difficult to test a brittle material under tension. It is defined as the maximum surface stress developed in a material before failure. The figure below shows clearly how modulus of rupture is measured using four-point bending. The dimensions shown are as per ASME standard.