THEORY

Georges Augustin Albert CHARPY (1865-1945)

The Charpy Impact Test was invented by Georges Augustin Albert Charpy (1865-1945). The
Charpy test measures the energy absorbed by a standard notched specimen while breaking under
an impact load. The Charpy impact test continues to be used as an economical quality control
method to determine the notch sensitivity and impact toughness of engineering materials.

The Charpy Test consist of striking a suitable specimen with a hammer on a pendulum arm while
the specimen is held securely at each end. The hammer strikes opposite the notch. The energy
absorbed by the specimen is determined by precisely measuring the decrease in motion of the
pendulum arm.

Reference

http://www.wmtr.com/Content/charpy.htm
INTRODUCTION

TOUGHNESS TEST

1. Impact tests are designed to measure the resistance to failure of a material to a suddenly
applied force.

2. The most common methods of measuring impact energy are the Charpy Test and Izod
Test.

3. The Charpy test and Izod test are most commonly used to evaluate the relative toughness
or impact toughness of materials and as such is often used in quality control applications
where it is a fast and economical test.

Parameter standard (ASTM E23)

Specimen for charpy impact test (ASTM E23)

Procedures for Charpy Impact Test

1. Prepare a Charpy test specimen. Charpy test specimen is measured 60x10x6mm and
have a V-notch machined in the center of the larger faces. A V-shaped notch is 2mm
deep with 45° angle and 0.25mm radius along the base.

2. The specimen is located on two supports of impact tester.

3. The hammer or striker will fracture the specimen and the absorbed energy (in Joule) is an
indication for the resistance of the material to shock loads.

Figure above show the schematic of Charpy impact test.

 4. Record a reading of the indicator.

5. Repeat step 1 to 4 by using a different specimen.

SAFETY WARNING

1. Extreme caution should be used with the Charpy impact machine.

2. The pendulum is very heavy and will easily break bones!

3. Only one person should be around the machine at a time.

4. Use the safety catch until ready to test.

5. Make sure the doors are closed before releasing the pendulum.
RESULT

Specimen after Test

Weldmen specimen unweldmen specimen

DISCUSSION

1. The different value of toughness of weldment specimen with unweldment specimen is

because the percentage of carbon content that make the specimen brittle. The weldment
specimen have lower value of toughness due to it high carbon content.

2. The value of toughness for specimen without weldment is higher due it difference of
chemical composition between both specimen.

3. For specimen 3(unweldment) , the value of it toughness is low compared to others two
specimen and it is because there are some mechanical error due to high vibration of the
machine when operating.
IZOD IMPACT TEST

THEORY

The Izod impact test was invented in the early 1900's by a metallurgist named Izod. The Izod test
consists of a pendulum with a determined weight at the end of its arm swinging down and
striking the specimen while it is held securely in a vertical position. The impact strength is
determined by the loss of energy of the pendulum as determined by precisely measuring the loss
of height in the pendulum's swing.

INTRODUCTION

Izod Impact Test

The test specimen is machined to a square or round section, with either one , two or three
notches. The specimen is clamped vertically on the anvil with the notch facing the Hammer.

The Specimen size and shape vary with the Izod test according to what materials are being
tested. Specimens of metals are usually square, and polymers are usually rectangular being
struck perpendicular to the long axis of the rectangle.
Parameter standard (ASTM E23)

SPECIMEN FOR IZOD TEST

ACT TEST (ASTM E23)

Procedures for Izod Impact Test

1. Specimen is positioned in the jig and being clamp.

2. Set the indicator to 0.

3. Release the pendulum.

4. Record the toughness value.

5. Repeat the procedure for other specimen

RESULT

DISCUSSION

1. The difference between the value of toughness (weldment vs without weldment) is high
due to the change in material properties during welding process

2. The specimens of Izod and Charpy are held differently. The Izod specimen is held in a
cantilevered manner; the Charpy test is held such that the specimen rests against two
supports on either side of the test notch.