Diametral Tensile Strength
Pronunciation: dy-AM-eh-trul TEN-sile strength
Also written as: DTS — Diametral Tensile Strength
A standardised indirect test method for measuring the tensile strength of brittle dental materials by compressing a disc-shaped specimen across its diameter until fracture.
Full Definition
Diametral tensile strength (DTS) is widely used in dental materials research to evaluate the tensile behaviour of brittle materials such as cements, ceramics, and gypsum products, which are difficult to test in direct tension. A disc specimen is loaded diametrically in compression, generating tensile stresses perpendicular to the loading axis. Editors should note the term is always written as 'diametral' (not 'diametric' or 'diametrical') in the dental materials literature. DTS is frequently confused with flexural strength; both assess fracture resistance but via different geometries and stress distributions.
Usage
Usage note: Use 'diametral' not 'diametric' or 'diametrical'. Ensure DTS is defined on first use and not conflated with flexural strength, which uses a beam specimen rather than a disc.
In Context
- "Diametral tensile strength was measured in accordance with ISO 9917 using disc-shaped specimens stored at 37°C for 24 hours prior to testing." — Materials and methods section
- "The editors flagged 'diametrical tensile strength' throughout the manuscript, correcting the spelling to 'diametral'." — Copyediting note