Charpy impact test

A modern impact test machine.
Mechanical failure modes

In materials science, the Charpy impact test, also known as the Charpy V-notch test, is a standardized high strain rate test which determines the amount of energy absorbed by a material during fracture. Absorbed energy is a measure of the material's notch toughness. It is widely used in industry, since it is easy to prepare and conduct and results can be obtained quickly and cheaply. A disadvantage is that some results are only comparative.[1] The test was pivotal in understanding the fracture problems of ships during World War II.[2][3]

The test was developed around 1900 by S. B. Russell (1898, American) and Georges Charpy (1901, French).[4] The test became known as the Charpy test in the early 1900s due to the technical contributions and standardization efforts by Charpy.

  1. ^ Meyers Marc A; Chawla Krishan Kumar (1998). Mechanical Behaviors of Materials. Prentice Hall. ISBN 978-0-13-262817-4.
  2. ^ "The Design and Methods of Construction Of Welded Steel Merchant Vessels: Final Report of a (U.S. Navy) Board of Investigation". Welding Journal. 26 (7): 569. July 1947.
  3. ^ Williams, M. L. & Ellinger, G. A (1948). Investigation of Fractured Steel Plates Removed from Welded Ships. National Bureau of Standards Rep.
  4. ^ Siewert