Notched impact test

What is a Charpy impact test?

The Charpy impact test is a destructive method that measures the toughness of a material, its ability to absorb energy, and its resistance to brittle fracture. This standardized test method is carried out with the aid of a pendulum or impact testing chamber. Often the Charpy test is performed at reduced temperatures, down to -196°C. Based on the Charpy test, the impact value is determined.

What is the purpose of the Charpy impact test?

The Charpy impact test is used to assess the toughness of materials under impact loading at different temperatures. The tensile test also provides an indication of formability (ductility) through elongation, but this test is performed at room temperature. In practice, metals are not exposed to loads only at room temperature. This is the case, for example, for shock absorbers and their suspensions. They must withstand sudden loads, both in summer at high temperatures and in winter at extremely cold temperatures. The ideal conditions of the tensile test do not reflect this reality. Components that perform well in the tensile test can respond differently at other temperatures. For this reason, the so-called impact test or Charpy impact test is used to assess the toughness of a material under impact loading at lower temperatures.