9+ Best Tensile Strength Test Specimen Guide


9+ Best Tensile Strength Test Specimen Guide

A ready materials pattern designed for managed stress software till failure is noticed serves to characterize a cloth’s resistance to a pulling pressure. This standardized pattern, regularly machined to particular dimensions and geometry, permits for the dedication of the utmost tensile stress that the fabric can face up to earlier than breaking. The ‘dog-bone’ or ‘dumbbell’ form is a typical instance, guaranteeing that the stress is concentrated within the gauge size part of the specimen, facilitating correct measurements.

Characterizing materials habits beneath stress is essentially vital in engineering design and high quality management. Information obtained from these checks permits engineers to foretell how a cloth will carry out beneath load in real-world purposes, enhancing structural integrity and stopping catastrophic failures. Traditionally, this testing technique has developed alongside materials science, resulting in improved designs and safer merchandise throughout numerous industries, from aerospace to civil engineering.

Understanding the preparation, execution, and evaluation associated to the pattern described above is essential for decoding check outcomes and making knowledgeable choices about materials choice. Subsequent sections will delve deeper into the precise methodologies, requirements, and elements that affect the accuracy and reliability of knowledge derived from these procedures. These insights are important for professionals concerned in supplies testing, design, and manufacturing.

1. Geometry

The geometrical configuration of a tensile testing pattern shouldn’t be arbitrary; it’s a exactly engineered function that dictates how stress is distributed throughout the materials throughout testing, considerably impacting the obtained tensile power measurements. Standardized shapes are important for comparative evaluation and dependable materials characterization.

  • Gauge Size and Cross-Sectional Space

    The gauge size, the part the place elongation is measured, and the cross-sectional space are essential geometric parameters. An extended gauge size reduces the affect of localized stress concentrations close to the grips. The cross-sectional space straight influences the stress calculation (pressure/space); inaccuracies in its measurement result in misguided tensile power values. A round or rectangular cross-section is frequent, chosen primarily based on the fabric and testing normal.

  • Shoulder Radius and Taper

    The transition between the grip part and the gauge size is commonly radiused or tapered to attenuate stress concentrations at these junctures. Abrupt modifications in geometry can provoke untimely failure on the shoulders, artificially decreasing the measured tensile power. A easy, gradual transition ensures that stress is extra uniformly distributed throughout the gauge size, selling failure inside that area.

  • Total Form and Symmetry

    The general form is usually designed to facilitate safe gripping and axial loading. Symmetry alongside the longitudinal axis is important; asymmetry can introduce bending moments throughout testing, leading to uneven stress distribution and inaccurate tensile power dedication. The “dog-bone” or “dumbbell” form is a typical design to advertise this symmetry.

  • Customary Compliance

    Particular geometries are prescribed by varied worldwide requirements (e.g., ASTM, ISO) relying on the fabric being examined (metals, polymers, composites). Adhering to those requirements ensures uniformity in specimen preparation and permits for direct comparability of tensile power values throughout totally different laboratories and supplies. Deviation from these requirements can render check outcomes invalid for sure purposes.

The interaction of those geometric parameters straight determines the validity and reliability of the tensile power check. Correct consideration to those particulars is important for correct materials characterization and knowledgeable engineering choices.

2. Materials

The inherent composition and microstructure of the substance constituting the pattern beneath tensile load are major determinants of the noticed power. Materials properties dictate its response to utilized forces, influencing the validity and interpretation of the testing course of.

  • Composition and Alloying

    The particular components current and their proportional ratios inside a cloth matrix considerably have an effect on its resistance to tensile forces. For instance, the addition of carbon to iron in metal alloys will increase tensile power, but in addition impacts ductility. Equally, the inclusion of particular alloying components in aluminum alloys, similar to magnesium or silicon, enhances strength-to-weight ratios. The composition straight influences the fabric’s inherent bonding power and resistance to deformation.

  • Microstructure and Grain Measurement

    The association and measurement of grains inside a cloth’s microstructure dictate its mechanical habits beneath tensile stress. Finer grain constructions usually exhibit increased tensile power and toughness attributable to elevated grain boundary space, hindering dislocation motion. The presence of phases, precipitates, or inclusions throughout the microstructure acts as stress concentrators, probably initiating failure at decrease stress ranges. Warmth therapies and processing methods are employed to regulate and optimize the microstructure for desired tensile properties.

  • Homogeneity and Defects

    The uniformity of the fabric’s properties all through the pattern quantity is essential for dependable testing. Inhomogeneities, similar to variations in composition or the presence of inner defects (voids, cracks, porosity), can result in localized stress concentrations and untimely failure. Manufacturing processes ought to reduce the introduction of defects and guarantee a constant materials construction to acquire consultant tensile power values. Non-destructive testing strategies are sometimes used to evaluate materials homogeneity previous to tensile testing.

  • Environmental Interactions

    The encircling surroundings throughout testing can work together with the fabric, affecting its measured tensile power. Elements similar to temperature, humidity, and the presence of corrosive substances can alter the fabric’s mechanical habits. Elevated temperatures can scale back tensile power attributable to elevated atomic mobility and diminished yield power. Corrosive environments can induce stress corrosion cracking, considerably decreasing the obvious tensile power. Managed testing environments are essential to isolate the fabric’s intrinsic properties from exterior influences.

These material-specific sides collectively dictate the pattern’s response throughout the tensile check. Correct characterization necessitates thorough data of the fabric’s composition, microstructure, potential defects, and interactions with the testing surroundings to make sure dependable interpretation of the information and correct software of the outcomes.

3. Preparation

The preparatory procedures utilized to a tensile testing pattern are essential determinants of the accuracy and reliability of the following tensile power measurements. Adherence to standardized protocols and meticulous execution of those steps are important to attenuate systematic errors and be certain that the obtained knowledge precisely displays the intrinsic materials properties.

  • Machining and Floor Ending

    The method of shaping the fabric into the required geometry for tensile testing straight influences the stress distribution throughout the experiment. Machining methods, similar to milling or turning, should be rigorously managed to keep away from introducing residual stresses or floor imperfections. The floor end, achieved by way of grinding or sharpening, minimizes the presence of stress concentrators that may provoke untimely failure. Deviation from specified tolerances or the presence of floor irregularities can considerably alter the measured tensile power.

  • Grip Part Preparation

    The sections of the specimen designed for gripping by the testing machine require particular consideration to make sure safe and uniform load switch. Floor roughening or the applying of specialised coatings can improve grip power and stop slippage throughout testing. Improper grip preparation can result in stress concentrations on the grip-specimen interface or untimely failure throughout the grip part, leading to underestimation of the fabric’s true tensile power. The geometry and floor traits of the grip part should be appropriate with the gripping mechanism of the testing machine.

  • Alignment Verification

    Exact alignment of the specimen throughout the testing machine is essential for guaranteeing uniaxial loading. Misalignment introduces bending moments, which distort the stress distribution and may result in inaccurate tensile power measurements. Alignment verification includes utilizing specialised fixtures and procedures to attenuate angular deviations and be certain that the utilized pressure is aligned with the longitudinal axis of the specimen. Common calibration and upkeep of the testing machine are important for sustaining correct alignment.

  • Environmental Conditioning

    The environmental circumstances beneath which the specimen is ready and saved can have an effect on its mechanical properties. Publicity to elevated temperatures, humidity, or corrosive environments can induce modifications within the materials’s microstructure or floor situation, altering its tensile power. Managed environmental conditioning, similar to sustaining a relentless temperature and humidity, is critical to attenuate the affect of exterior elements and be certain that the specimen is in a steady state previous to testing. Documentation of the environmental circumstances is important for decoding and evaluating tensile power knowledge.

These preparatory steps, when executed with precision and diligence, contribute considerably to the validity and reliability of tensile power testing. By minimizing systematic errors and guaranteeing that the specimen is consultant of the fabric’s intrinsic properties, correct and significant tensile power knowledge may be obtained, supporting knowledgeable engineering choices and materials choice.

4. Dimensions

The dimensional specs of a tensile power check specimen are elementary to the accuracy and reliability of the derived tensile power knowledge. Variations in dimensions straight affect the stress distribution throughout the specimen beneath load, affecting the purpose of failure and the measured pressure at fracture. For example, a specimen with a non-uniform cross-sectional space will exhibit localized stress concentrations, resulting in untimely failure on the level of minimal space, thus underestimating the fabric’s true tensile power. Requirements similar to ASTM E8 (metals) or ASTM D638 (plastics) exactly outline the permissible dimensional tolerances for specimens to attenuate these results.

The gauge size, the area over which elongation is measured, is one other essential dimension. A shorter gauge size exaggerates the results of localized deformation close to the grips, whereas an excessively lengthy gauge size may introduce instability attributable to buckling. Due to this fact, the gauge size is rigorously chosen to stability these competing elements and supply a consultant measure of the fabric’s uniform pressure. The ratio between the gauge size and the cross-sectional space can also be managed to make sure that the specimen fails throughout the gauge size and never on the grips. In follow, deviations from the prescribed dimensions require cautious consideration and infrequently necessitate correction elements within the stress calculations to account for the altered stress distribution.

In abstract, dimensional management is paramount in tensile power testing. Adherence to established dimensional requirements ensures that the stress distribution throughout the specimen is predictable and uniform, permitting for correct dedication of the fabric’s tensile power. Failure to regulate dimensions introduces systematic errors, compromising the validity of the check outcomes and hindering significant comparisons between totally different supplies or processing circumstances. Correct measurement and meticulous preparation of the specimen’s dimensions are due to this fact important for dependable materials characterization.

5. Floor end

The floor situation of a tensile power check specimen performs a big function within the accuracy and reliability of the obtained outcomes. Floor imperfections, residual stresses, or contamination layers can act as stress concentrators, influencing the initiation and propagation of cracks, and in the end affecting the measured tensile power.

  • Machining Marks and Scratches

    Floor imperfections ensuing from machining operations, similar to milling or grinding, can create localized stress concentrations. Sharp corners or deep scratches act as notch-like options, decreasing the efficient load-bearing space and selling untimely failure. For example, a specimen with deep machining grooves will seemingly exhibit a decrease tensile power than one with a refined floor. Sprucing or cautious machining methods are employed to attenuate these imperfections.

  • Residual Stresses

    Floor therapies, like grinding or shot peening, can induce residual stresses within the materials’s floor. Compressive residual stresses are usually useful, rising resistance to crack initiation and fatigue. Nonetheless, tensile residual stresses are detrimental, selling crack progress and decreasing tensile power. Correct evaluation and management of those residual stresses are essential. X-ray diffraction methods can be utilized to measure floor residual stresses.

  • Contamination and Corrosion

    Floor contaminants, similar to dust, oil, or corrosion merchandise, can alter the fabric’s floor properties and act as initiation websites for cracks. Corrosion pits, for instance, scale back the efficient cross-sectional space and create stress concentrations, decreasing the tensile power. Previous to testing, specimens needs to be totally cleaned to take away any floor contaminants. The affect of particular corrosive environments on tensile power is commonly evaluated by way of separate stress corrosion cracking checks.

  • Floor Roughness

    The general texture of the specimen’s floor, quantified by parameters like Ra (common roughness) or Rz (most top), influences the quantity and severity of potential stress concentrators. A tough floor usually will increase the chance of untimely failure. Due to this fact, standardization our bodies usually specify floor roughness limits for tensile power check specimens. Controlling floor roughness by way of managed machining processes or floor therapies like sharpening contributes to extra constant and dependable tensile power measurements.

In conclusion, the floor end of a tensile power check specimen is a essential issue influencing the measured tensile power. Controlling floor imperfections, managing residual stresses, guaranteeing floor cleanliness, and adhering to specified floor roughness limits are important for acquiring correct and dependable tensile power knowledge that actually replicate the fabric’s intrinsic properties and efficiency.

6. Grip part

The grip part of a tensile power check specimen is the portion particularly designed for safe attachment to the testing machine. Its configuration is essential for guaranteeing correct load switch and stopping untimely failure on the gripping factors, thus influencing the accuracy of the tensile power measurement.

  • Geometry and Floor Texture

    The geometry of the grip part, which may be flat, threaded, or cylindrical, is dictated by the gripping mechanism of the testing machine. The floor texture, usually roughened, will increase friction and prevents slippage throughout the tensile check. Slippage introduces error into the elongation measurement and should trigger the specimen to fail outdoors the gauge size. For instance, steel specimens might make use of knurled surfaces, whereas polymer specimens may require adhesive tabs to reinforce grip.

  • Materials Compatibility

    The fabric of the grips should be appropriate with the specimen materials to keep away from galvanic corrosion or chemical reactions that would weaken the specimen close to the grips. Hardened metal grips are generally used for testing metallic specimens, whereas softer supplies like aluminum or polymer grips could also be most well-liked for testing composites or polymers to forestall harm to the specimen floor. The selection of grip materials straight impacts the load switch effectivity and the potential for introducing stress concentrations on the grip-specimen interface.

  • Stress Focus Mitigation

    The transition zone between the grip part and the gauge size is a essential space the place stress concentrations can happen. Fillets, tapers, or different geometric options are included into the grip part design to distribute stress extra uniformly and stop untimely failure at this location. For instance, a gradual radius on the transition level reduces the sharpness of the geometric discontinuity, decreasing the height stress and selling failure throughout the gauge size.

  • Standardization and Compliance

    The design and dimensions of the grip part are sometimes dictated by related testing requirements, similar to ASTM or ISO, to make sure consistency and comparability of check outcomes. These requirements specify the required grip dimensions, floor end, and tolerances to attenuate variability within the testing course of. Adherence to those requirements is important for acquiring dependable and reproducible tensile power measurements.

Correct design and preparation of the grip part are due to this fact important for correct tensile power testing. Cautious consideration of geometry, materials compatibility, stress focus mitigation, and adherence to related requirements ensures that the utilized load is successfully transferred to the specimen, and that failure happens throughout the gauge size, offering a real illustration of the fabric’s tensile properties.

7. Gauge Size

The gauge size is a essential dimension within the preparation and execution of a tensile power check, straight influencing the accuracy and interpretation of the outcomes obtained from a check specimen. It represents the precise area of the pattern over which elongation is measured, offering a standardized body of reference for assessing the fabric’s response to tensile stress.

  • Definition and Standardization

    The gauge size is outlined because the preliminary distance between two designated factors on the check specimen’s parallel part. Testing requirements like ASTM and ISO specify exact gauge lengths primarily based on the specimen’s geometry and materials kind. Correct gauge size standardization is paramount to making sure comparable tensile power knowledge throughout totally different checks and laboratories. For instance, a metallic specimen may need a gauge size 5 occasions its diameter, whereas a polymer pattern may have a distinct prescribed ratio to optimize pressure measurement inside a constant area.

  • Affect on Elongation Measurement

    The elongation measured throughout the gauge size is used to calculate pressure, a elementary parameter in figuring out tensile properties like Younger’s modulus and p.c elongation at fracture. As a result of deformation usually concentrates close to the fracture level, a shorter gauge size might lead to a better obvious pressure. In distinction, an extended gauge size averages out the localized deformation, offering a extra consultant measure of the fabric’s total ductility. The chosen gauge size ought to thus be applicable for the fabric’s anticipated deformation habits.

  • Location and Uniformity of Stress

    Ideally, the gauge size needs to be positioned in a area of uniform stress distribution throughout the specimen. Stress concentrations close to the grips or shoulders of the specimen can affect the elongation throughout the gauge size, resulting in inaccurate pressure measurements. The design of the specimen, significantly the transition zones between the grip sections and the gauge size, should reduce stress concentrations to make sure uniform stress throughout the gauge size. For instance, a specimen with a easy radius connecting the grip and gauge sections will exhibit a extra uniform stress distribution.

  • Impact on Tensile Property Calculations

    The gauge size straight impacts calculations of tensile properties similar to yield power, tensile power, and elongation at fracture. For example, the elongation at fracture is expressed as a proportion of the unique gauge size. Discrepancies in gauge size measurement or improper placement of extensometers can introduce errors into these calculations. Excessive-precision extensometers are sometimes used to precisely measure the elongation throughout the gauge size, minimizing measurement uncertainties. Verification of the gauge size after specimen preparation is a essential high quality management step.

The gauge size is due to this fact inextricably linked to the correct dedication of tensile properties in a tensile power check. Exact definition, measurement, and management of the gauge size are important for acquiring dependable and comparable tensile power knowledge, enabling knowledgeable materials choice and engineering design choices. The choice of an applicable gauge size will depend on the fabric being examined and the precise tensile properties of curiosity.

8. Alignment

Correct alignment of a tensile power check specimen throughout the testing equipment is paramount for the correct dedication of fabric properties. Misalignment introduces extraneous bending moments and shear stresses that deviate from the supposed uniaxial tensile load, leading to a non-uniform stress distribution throughout the specimen’s cross-section. This results in untimely failure at stress focus factors, thereby underestimating the fabric’s true tensile power. For example, if a cylindrical specimen shouldn’t be completely aligned, one aspect experiences higher tensile stress than the opposite, inflicting crack initiation on the edge with increased stress focus and resulting in a decrease recorded tensile power.

The sensible significance of guaranteeing appropriate alignment is obvious in essential engineering purposes. In aerospace, the place structural elements should face up to exactly calculated hundreds, the tensile power of supplies is a key design parameter. An underestimation of tensile power attributable to misalignment in testing may result in structural failure beneath operational circumstances. Equally, in civil engineering, the tensile power of metal reinforcing bars utilized in concrete constructions is essential for the general integrity of the constructing. Misalignment throughout tensile testing of those bars may lead to inaccurate assessments of the construction’s load-bearing capability. Alignment is commonly achieved by way of using specialised fixtures, cautious positioning of the specimen throughout the grips, and common calibration of the testing machine to attenuate deviations from true axial loading.

In abstract, the accuracy of tensile power testing hinges considerably on sustaining correct alignment of the check specimen. Misalignment introduces systematic errors that may compromise the validity of the check outcomes. By implementing rigorous alignment procedures and using precision testing tools, the true tensile power of supplies may be reliably decided, enabling safer and extra environment friendly engineering designs throughout numerous industries. Challenges in reaching excellent alignment usually come up from imperfections in specimen preparation or put on within the testing equipment, necessitating diligent monitoring and upkeep protocols.

9. Take a look at pace

The speed at which a tensile load is utilized to a check specimen considerably influences the measured tensile power. Variations in check pace have an effect on the fabric’s response attributable to rate-dependent deformation mechanisms. For instance, viscoelastic supplies, similar to polymers, exhibit totally different stress-strain habits at totally different loading charges. Greater check speeds usually result in elevated tensile power and modulus as a result of materials’s restricted time for chain leisure and rearrangement. Conversely, slower check speeds permit for higher chain mobility, leading to decrease tensile power and modulus values. Metals, whereas much less rate-sensitive than polymers, may exhibit variations in tensile power with differing check speeds, significantly at elevated temperatures the place creep results change into extra pronounced. Standardized testing protocols, like these outlined by ASTM or ISO, specify exact check speeds or pressure charges to make sure reproducibility and comparability of outcomes.

The choice of an applicable check pace will depend on the fabric being examined and the supposed software. For quasi-static purposes, the place the fabric is subjected to comparatively sluggish loading charges, a sluggish check pace is acceptable. In distinction, for purposes involving influence or dynamic loading, a better check pace that simulates the operational loading circumstances is critical. For instance, within the automotive business, elements are sometimes subjected to high-speed influence occasions, necessitating tensile testing at correspondingly excessive charges to precisely assess materials efficiency. Discrepancies between the check pace and the precise loading circumstances can result in inaccurate predictions of fabric habits and probably compromise structural integrity.

In conclusion, check pace is an important parameter in tensile power testing that should be rigorously managed and reported. Its affect on the measured tensile power stems from the rate-dependent deformation mechanisms throughout the materials. Adherence to standardized check speeds and consideration of the application-specific loading circumstances are important for acquiring dependable and related tensile power knowledge. Improper management of check pace introduces systematic errors, compromising the validity of the check outcomes and hindering significant comparisons between totally different supplies or processing circumstances. Due to this fact, diligent monitoring and upkeep of testing tools to make sure correct pace management are important for correct materials characterization.

Continuously Requested Questions

The next addresses frequent inquiries concerning the preparation, execution, and interpretation of tensile power checks, specializing in the check pattern.

Query 1: Why are particular geometries mandated for tensile power samples?

Particular geometries are mandated to make sure uniform stress distribution throughout the gauge size. This standardization minimizes stress concentrations on the grips and promotes failure throughout the designated measurement space, resulting in extra correct and comparable tensile power knowledge.

Query 2: How does floor end have an effect on the measured tensile power?

Floor imperfections, similar to scratches or machining marks, act as stress concentrators. These localized stress will increase can provoke untimely failure, leading to a decrease measured tensile power than the fabric’s true capability. Due to this fact, a easy floor end is usually most well-liked.

Query 3: What constitutes correct alignment of the check pattern throughout the testing machine?

Correct alignment ensures that the utilized load is uniaxial, which means it acts solely alongside the longitudinal axis of the pattern. Misalignment introduces bending moments and shear stresses, distorting the stress distribution and resulting in inaccurate tensile power measurements.

Query 4: Why is the gauge size a essential parameter in tensile testing?

The gauge size defines the area over which elongation is measured. It serves because the standardized reference for calculating pressure and different tensile properties. Correct measurement of the gauge size is important for acquiring dependable and comparable outcomes.

Query 5: How does the fabric composition of the check pattern influence tensile power?

The fabric’s composition, together with alloying components and the presence of impurities, straight impacts its inherent bonding power and resistance to deformation. Variations in composition can considerably alter the fabric’s response to tensile forces and its final tensile power.

Query 6: What’s the significance of the grip part in a tensile power check?

The grip part is designed to securely maintain the pattern throughout the testing machine. Its design minimizes stress concentrations on the grip-specimen interface, stopping untimely failure on this area and guaranteeing that the pattern fails throughout the gauge size.

In abstract, cautious consideration to the pattern’s geometry, floor end, alignment, gauge size, materials composition, and grip part is essential for acquiring correct and significant tensile power knowledge.

The subsequent part will talk about superior testing methodologies.

Tensile Energy Take a look at Specimen

The next steering emphasizes essential points of tensile power pattern preparation and testing, guaranteeing dependable and legitimate outcomes.

Tip 1: Adhere Strictly to Standardized Geometries: Deviations from specified geometries, as outlined in ASTM or ISO requirements, compromise the uniformity of stress distribution. Use precision machining methods to realize the required dimensions and tolerances.

Tip 2: Prioritize Floor End High quality: Decrease floor imperfections, similar to scratches or machining marks, as these act as stress concentrators. Implement sharpening or grinding procedures to realize a easy, defect-free floor.

Tip 3: Affirm Correct Alignment: Make sure the pattern is completely aligned throughout the testing machine to use a purely axial load. Use alignment fixtures and usually calibrate the testing tools to forestall the introduction of bending moments.

Tip 4: Exactly Measure and Preserve Gauge Size: The gauge size is the area over which elongation is measured. Correct measurement and constant upkeep of this dimension are essential for calculating pressure and figuring out tensile properties. Confirm the gauge size after pattern preparation.

Tip 5: Management Take a look at Velocity Rigorously: The check pace or pressure fee impacts the measured tensile power, significantly for viscoelastic supplies. Adhere to the required check pace within the related testing normal and preserve fixed pace all through the check.

Tip 6: Choose Acceptable Grip Supplies: The fabric of the grips needs to be appropriate with the specimen materials to forestall galvanic corrosion or untimely failure on the grip-specimen interface. Use grips that present a safe maintain with out introducing stress concentrations.

Tip 7: Account for Environmental Elements: Conduct checks in a managed surroundings with steady temperature and humidity. Environmental circumstances can affect materials properties, so sustaining constant circumstances ensures comparability of outcomes.

The proper software of the following tips serves to attenuate systematic errors, guaranteeing that tensile power check knowledge precisely displays the fabric’s intrinsic properties. Correct knowledge facilitates knowledgeable design choices and promotes structural integrity.

The subsequent part offers a concluding abstract of the important thing ideas mentioned on this article.

Conclusion

The previous dialogue has meticulously examined the attributes essential to getting ready and executing tensile power checks. The dimensional precision of the check pattern, the integrity of its floor end, the accuracy of its alignment, and the uniformity of the utilized load should not merely procedural particulars; they’re elementary determinants of the validity of the resultant knowledge. The choice of applicable grip supplies, the management of environmental circumstances, and the upkeep of specified check speeds are likewise important issues.

A radical understanding of the interaction between these elements is indispensable for researchers, engineers, and high quality management professionals concerned in materials characterization. The tensile power check, when performed with rigor and a focus to element, offers invaluable insights into a cloth’s mechanical habits, informing essential design choices and guaranteeing the protection and reliability of engineered constructions. The onus stays on practitioners to uphold the very best requirements of experimental methodology to make sure the trustworthiness of tensile power knowledge and its subsequent software in essential engineering endeavors.