Compression is the application of pushing or crushing forces acting upon an object or a material that allows it to become squeezed or squashed. It is the opposite of tension, or the application of pulling forces that allow a material to stretch or elongate.
Compression tests are instrumental in determining how a material or product reacts when subjected to a crushing load. As the sample is compressed, the load and displacement are recorded. Further calculations can be made including compressive stress and strain, which can be plotted as a stress-strain diagram to determine elastic limit, proportional limit, yield point, and yield strength.