Charpy Testing: A Test To Measure The Strength Of An Alloy

Charpy testing is one of the steel impact testings. This test helps in confirming is a particular metal or steel product can be classified as ductile or brittle (ability to manipulate or reshape without compromising on the strength). Electrical energy is used for testing the metal in this test.

It is a known fact that a brittle metal will pick up less electrical energy than a ductile metal. This property of the metal is used for testing the ductility strength of the metal. It is also used in polymers, ceramics, and other composites. It is often used to test the strength of objects like steel for bucket cutting edge, mainly because it is very fast and economical. It can be used as a comparative test, rather than a definitive test.

This test is generally mainly available in two forms, V-notch and U-notch. These tests are used to test the structural integrity of the metal. This test involves a few simple steps. A standard notched specimen of the metal is struck with a controlled weight pendulum. An anvil is used to ensure that the pendulum strikes at the right location. The amount of energy absorbed is recorded to identify the strength of the metal. Many clients would prefer to get the test done at different temperatures so that that can get more information about ductile to brittle transition curve.

A Charpy test would not require a long time but can be useful in many ways. Few reasons why this test is suggested are:

• Determine overall strength: The strength of the metal should be understood before its application across various industries. If the alloy is brittle in nature, then another alloy should be chosen. Without knowing the exact strength, if the metal is used, it could break at one point or another. This could cause injury, damage to a location or create another problem.
• Identify the transition from ductile to brittle: If the alloy chosen is according to workability, then the user should understand how the transition to brittle would affect the working of the metal.
• Establish sensitivity: The Charpy test would allow t to identify the sensitivity of the metal. as it can be used in various environments like steam boilers, engines or something else. The party that is conducting the test should be given information on why the test is being conducted so that they can include the required parameters in the test.

It is better to get the test done from reliable places as the results would be correct and help the user to decide if the metal would be ideal for the particular application or not.