This International Standard specifies the conditions for carrying out axial, constant-amplitude, force-controlled fatigue tests at ambient temperature on metallic specimens, without deliberately introduced stress concentrations. The object of testing is to provide fatigue information, such as the relation between applied stress and number of cycles to failure for given materials at various stress ratios. While the form, preparation and testing of specimens of circular and rectangular cross-section are described, component testing and other specialized forms of testing are not included in this International Standard. NOTE Fatigue tests on notched specimens are not covered by this International Standard since the shape and size of notched test pieces have not been standardized. However, fatigue-test procedures described in this standard may be applied to fatigue tests on notched specimens.