Tear Strength

Tear strength, abbreviated as TS, also called tear resistance or tear propagation resistance, is a material property that measures a material's ability to withstand the propagation of a tear or crack when it is subjected to a force or stress.  It is an important mechanical property, especially for materials used in applications where they may be subjected to tearing forces, such as textiles, films, plastics, rubber, and paper.

One common test method for measuring tear strength is the Elmendorf tear test for paper and paperboard materials, while other methods like the Graves tear test and the trouser tear test are used for textiles and plastic films.  Higher tear strength indicates that a material is more resistant to tearing or ripping when subjected to a tearing force, making it more durable and suitable for applications where tear resistance is critical, such as in clothing, packaging materials, industrial fabrics, and various consumer products.  Manufacturers and designers often consider tear strength when selecting materials for specific applications to ensure that they meet the required performance standards and can withstand the expected stresses and forces.

 

Tear Strength formula
\( TS =  F \;/\; t \)     (Tear Strength) \( F =  TS \; t  \) \( t =  F \;/\; TS \)
Symbol	English	Metric
\( TS \) = tear strength	\(lbf\;/\;in\)	\(kg\;/\;mm\)
\( F \) = force	\(lbf\)	\(N\)
\( t \) = material thickness	\(in\)	\(mm\)