What type of tests can determine bolt strength?

To determine bolt strength, it is essential to understand the mechanical properties of materials under various stress conditions. Tensile strength tests are crucial because they measure how much stress a material can withstand while being stretched or pulled before failing. This is particularly relevant for bolts, as their primary role is to withstand tension loads when tightened.

Yield strength tests complement this by determining the point at which a material starts to deform plastically. Knowing the yield strength is vital for ensuring that the bolt will not permanently deform under normal operating loads. Thus, both tests provide critical information about a bolt's ability to perform reliably under tension and ensure structural integrity.

The other options, while relevant to assessing material properties, do not focus directly on the factors critical to understanding bolt strength specifically in tension scenarios. Factors like compressive strength or fatigue might not directly pertain to the strength of bolts in practical applications or may relate more to different forms of stress. Ultimately, tensile and yield strength are the most relevant for accurately gauging bolt strength.