Tensile strength of the fabric used in textile products is tested in different ways. For example, these tests can be carried out using dynamometers that measure constant strength moving fabric strength. Or it can be done using the Elmendorf device.

Elmendorf device, also known as falling pendulum, is designed to determine the tear resistance of cardboard and corrugated board. The working system is based on the energy conservation law. The center of gravity of the fabric cross-section is increased to a certain height, and then the cross-section is released to cause the fabric to tear. The force that tears the fabric is read from the display of the device.

When determining the tear strength of the fabrics by means of Elmendorf method, a sudden force is applied to the fabric and the tear force required for the progression from a tear to a single tear of a certain length is measured.

During the tear strength test, warp yarns break in the fabric sample cut in the weft direction. Therefore, the tear strength value in the weft direction is considered as the strength value in the warp. Therefore, the tear strength values ​​of many fabrics in the weft direction are higher.

Fabric, the main material of textile products, is always faced with tearing due to various effects during use of the product. The value of a naturally torn fabric decreases. The torn fabric is either discarded or patched, but in this case it can only be used for second class jobs. The tear strength is ultimately related to the structure of the fabric.

In laboratories, these tests are applied to the standards published by domestic and foreign organizations. Tear strength, pendulum principle (Elmendorf) tests are based on the following standards:

• TS EN ISO 13937-1 / AC Textile - Tear properties of fabrics - Part 1: Determination of tear strength by ballistic pendulum method
• ASTM D1424 Method for determination of tear resistance of fabrics by falling pendulum type (Elmendorf) device