Destructive testing is a type of testing that is performed in order to determine the strength or durability of a material, component, or system. Destructive testing typically involves the application of force to a specimen in order to determine its breaking point or failure point. Common examples of destructive testing include tension testing, compression testing, and fracture testing.
Destructive testing is often used to supplement non-destructive testing methods, such as visual inspection or X-ray inspection. While destructive testing can provide valuable information about the strength or durability of a material, it is important to note that the specimen being tested is destroyed in the process. As such, destructive testing is typically reserved for materials or components that can be easily replaced or are not critical to the overall function of a system.