A comparative research of basic mechanical properties of common workshop metals used in undergraduate laboratories

This research presents a comparative evaluation of basic mechanical properties of commonly used workshop metals employed in undergraduate engineering laboratories, with the aim of strengthening practical understanding of material behavior. Metals such as mild steel, aluminium, brass, and cast iron are routinely used in laboratory experiments involving tensile testing, hardness measurement, and impact loading, yet students often treat experimental outcomes as isolated results rather than interconnected material responses. The present investigation focuses on tensile strength, yield strength, elongation, hardness, and impact energy to provide an integrated comparison of these properties under standardized test conditions. Specimens were prepared according to relevant ASTM standards and tested using universal testing machines, Brinell hardness testers, and Charpy impact apparatus commonly available in teaching laboratories. The measured data were statistically analyzed to identify trends, variability, and correlations between mechanical parameters across different metals. Results demonstrate clear contrasts in strength-ductility balance, with mild steel exhibiting superior toughness, aluminium showing favorable strength-to-weight characteristics, brass providing moderate strength with good machinability, and cast iron displaying high hardness with limited ductility. The comparative framework adopted in this research enables students to relate microstructural characteristics to observed mechanical performance more effectively. By emphasizing consistency in testing procedures and interpretation of results, the research highlights the pedagogical value of comparative material testing in undergraduate curricula. The findings support the incorporation of structured comparison-based experiments to enhance conceptual clarity, reduce misconceptions, and improve laboratory learning outcomes in mechanical and manufacturing engineering education. Overall, the research contributes to improved laboratory pedagogy by linking fundamental mechanical properties with practical material selection considerations. The approach also encourages critical analysis, reinforces standard testing terminology, and promotes alignment between theoretical coursework and hands-on experimentation, thereby preparing students for informed engineering practice and responsible material selection in industrial and research environments within resource constrained academic laboratory settings globally.