Tensile strength tests measure the maximum amount of tensile (pulling) stress a material can withstand before breaking. This test involves stretching a sample until it fractures, allowing engineers to determine its strength and ductility. Common materials tested include metals, plastics, and composites. The results of tensile strength tests are crucial for material selection in various applications, such as construction and manufacturing. Engineers use this data to ensure that materials meet safety and performance standards, helping to prevent structural failures in products like bridges, buildings, and automobiles.