The Charpy pendulum impact test determines the toughness of the metal and how brittle it is at a certain temperature. This test can be carried out at -40, -20, 0, or 20 degrees Celsius, to name a few examples.
How does the Charpy test work?
A notch is made on a normalized block. This block is then brought to the desired test temperature and placed in a Charpy pendulum impact test pendulum. What is known as a drop hammer is attached to a pendulum and then strikes the block on the notch. The block breaks and will absorb energy (fracture energy). This is then used to determine the Charpy pendulum impact test value in Joule.
Results
The Charpy pendulum impact test value may change after a change in temperature in the steel.
