What is the main purpose of a compression test?

The main purpose of a compression test is to assess a material's behavior under pressure until it reaches failure. This type of test involves applying force to a specimen to determine how it responds to compressive loads, which is crucial for understanding the structural integrity and performance of materials in real-world applications. It helps engineers and designers determine the material's strength, elasticity, and overall durability when subjected to compressive forces, all of which are essential factors when selecting materials for construction, manufacturing, and engineering projects.

In contrast, measuring ductility focuses on how much a material can deform before breaking, which is not the primary objective of a compression test. Determining impact resistance relates to how materials endure sudden forces or impacts, while evaluating thermal conductivity concerns how well a material can conduct heat, neither of which fall under the scope of what a compression test specifically measures.