The NACE TM0177 Method A Uniaxial Tensile test using a proof-ring device is extensively employed
in order to assess the Sulfide Stress Cracking (SSC) susceptibility which can occur on Oil Country
Tubular Goods (OCTG) and Line Pipes (LP). It is also well understood that different test methods may
not necessarily provide the same ranking. This is the reason why replicate testing is advisable to tighten
as much as possible the scattering of the SSC threshold. Nevertheless, SSC test results can show
statistical variability for the same material. The aim of this paper is to check whether the applied stresses
are uniformly distributed within the tensile specimen. Shared data regarding the presence of bending
phenomenon are compared when stressing test specimen instrumented with strain gages. Order of
magnitude is also quantified on different test equipment. Discussion on the influence of other parameters
such as machining, polishing, storage of the specimens and test procedure is presented as well in order to
share the experience on the NACE Method A test.
Keywords: NACE TM0177 Method A, Uniaxial Tensile test, applied stress, bending, machining,
polishing, storage, test procedure