A term used to define testing that requires that the test article be loaded and/or sectioned to verify and/or establish mechanical or physical properties is:

Destructive testing refers to methods that evaluate the mechanical or physical properties of a material by subjecting it to loading or by sectioning it. This type of testing often involves analyzing how a material behaves under stress, which can include bending, breaking, or undergoing permanent deformation. The primary goal is to gather information about the material’s strength, ductility, toughness, and other characteristics that are crucial for ensuring that materials meet safety and performance standards.

In contrast, nondestructive testing is used when the intention is to assess materials without affecting their future use. Impedance and phase analysis testing are more specialized techniques that don't focus on the destructive aspect of testing or loading the material. Understanding these distinctions is essential for applying the appropriate testing method based on the objectives of the evaluation.