A standard specimen (also known as a test specimen) is an object with specific properties that is used for materials testing. The standard sample consists of the material to be tested and is intended to provide information about its properties.
The standard sample is precisely defined in terms of dimensions, shape and composition. Depending on the type of material, standards specify which geometry and dimensions the standard sample must have.
Standard samples are used for the following test methods, among others.
- Tensile test
- Pressure test
- Shear test
- Hardness test