In the July JOURNAL, page 528, Dr. H. Fessler describes a method of testing struts using links in tension to apply the load.

A much easier and cheaper method is to use sharpened rods as struts tested between hard flat plates. As the load increases the ends continually crush so that there is no restraint and the equivalent to a pin joint is obtained.

Eccentricities can easily be obtained by bending the rods and the amount can be checked by mounting between female centres and rotating. At least three specimens of each length should be tested. A strut curve consisting of failing stress plotted against length divided by radius of gyration can then easily be obtained for use with the material, without the use of theory.