(a) On the assumptions that resistance to deformation is due to simple friction, and that the coefficient of friction is independent of the load, the ratio of the yield point in tension to the yield point in compression, for what is ordinarily known as mild steel, is calculated as 2·384 to 3·384, or as 0·705 to 1. Experimental results so far obtained do not agree well with these figures, the value for the tensile yield point being relatively high, and that for compression relatively low.

(b) On the further assumption that a cohesive force acting between the metallic particles gives rise to a frictional resistance which may be added (algebraically) to that due to the effect of the external load, the value of this cohesive force is deduced as equal to 3·384 times the stress which corresponds with the tension yield point, or to 2·384 times that corresponding with the compression yield point. Experimental results from a large number of tests agree very fairly with the calculated figures for the case of tension.