In contrast to NDT, destructive testing causes damage to the test specimen. The purpose of destructive testing, also known as mechanical testing, is to reveal material properties when external forces are applied dynamically or statically. Important material properties of interest include: tensile strength, elasticity, elongation, hardness, fracture toughness, fatigue, and resistance to impact. Common mechanical tests that provide information about those properties include tensile testing, compression testing, torque testing, bend testing, hardness testing, charpy impact testing, and shear testing.