Experiment #3 MATERIAL SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING
Hardness Test
443106225/
Ghaith Kaf Al-
Ghazal/29853
King Saud university
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Table of
content: -
Abstract………………………………………3
Objectives……………………………………4
Introduction……………………………….4-6
Materials……………………………….…….5
Experimental procedure……………5-7
Results and Discussion…………………7
Conclusions……………………………….7-8
Assignment Question………………….9
OBJECTIVES
1. To learn about principles and different methods of hardness measurement.
2. To learn about the correlations among different types of hardness measurement and correlations of
hardness with tensile strength.
3. To acquire experience of using various types of hardness testers
ABSTRACT
A hardness test is a method of measuring the resistance of a material to permanent deformation by penetration
of another harder material. There are different types of hardness tests, such as Rockwell, Brinell, Vickers, and
Knoop, each with their own advantages and limitations. A hardness test can be used for various purposes, such
as quality control, material selection, material characterization, failure analysis, and research and development.
INTRODUCTION
The purpose of hardness testing is to measure the resistance of a material to permanent deformation by
penetration of another harder material1. Hardness testing is important for various reasons; such as helping to
ensure the quality and durability of the material and the product. Also helps to select the suitable material for a
specific application or environment. In addition helps to characterize the material and its properties.
Furthermore, helps to analyze and improve the material and its performance. Moreover, helps to comply with
the relevant standards and specifications.
Hardness testing has significance in many industries, such as manufacturing, engineering, metallurgy, research,
and development. Hardness testing can help to optimize the material’s functionality, reliability, safety, and
efficiency.
Background information
Brinell Hardness Testing
Brinell test is performed by pressing a hardened steel ball, 10 mm in diameter, into the flat surface of a sample under a c
Sectioning is cutting a small sample from the original material without changing its microstructure. Heat and
cold work can alter the microstructure, so sawing and shearing are not good methods. Cutting with a cool
abrasive wheel is the best way to avoid heat and deformation.
Rockwell Hardness Testing
Rockwell hardness test differs from Brinell hardness test in that the hardness is determined from the depth of
indentation made by the indenter under a constant load. Various types of indenters may be used in Rockwell
hardness tests: diamond indenters and steel-ball indenters of diameter 1/16, 1/8, 1/4, or 1/2 in. In the test the
indenter is pressed into the specimen surface under an initial minor (light) load followed by a major (heavy)
load. The additional depth of indentation made by the indenter under the major load beyond that by the minor
MATERIALS
A small indenter and applying a constant load of no more than 1000 g.
Aluminum, Brass, and unknown material.
A hardness tester
PROCEDURES
Vickers Microhardness Testing procedure
Turn on the tester.
Place the weights selected on the loading pan.
Focus on the specimen surface with the focusing control until surface features can be seen.
Gently turn the loading handle clockwise to raise the weights and the indenter and turn the indenter into
place. Slowly release the loading handle counterclockwise to apply the load. Leave the indenter on the
specimen for 10 to 15 s.
Raise the indenter by turning the loading handle clockwise gently and turn the objective lens back into
place.
Focus on the specimen surface to view the indentation. Measure length of the long diagonal (Knoop) or
both diagonals (Vickers) of the indentation with the scale in the microscope.
Calculate microhardness numbers using the appropriate formula.
RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
Aluminum Brass Sample 3
92.8 110.3 658.6
98.1 114.9 742.8
97.4 108.9 665.7
We have observed the microstructure of the specimen of the alloy clearly; we could see the crystals structure of
the metal using optical microscopy. Within the structure there is a white area and dark areas which indicate the
following: firstly, there are pure substances of the metal and there exist a inclusions prats of the alloy.
CONCLUSIONS
When we look at the small parts of the optical image, we can see that a specimen, which is a sample of the
material we are studying, has some parts that are not the same as the rest of the alloy, which is a mixture of two
or more metals. This means that the specimen is not pure and has some other substances mixed with it.
Therefore, we can say that between the crystals, which are the solid shapes formed by the atoms of the metals,
there are some other things that do not belong there and make the substance impure.
