Brinell Hardness Test
Brinell Hardness Test
Brinell Hardness Test
I. INTRODUCTION
I.1. Theory
2F
BHN = √
πD(D − D2 − d2 )
where
BHN = Brinell Hardness Number (kgf /mm2 )
F = applied load in kilogram-force (kgf )
D = diameter of indenter (mm)
d = diameter of indentation (mm)
• Put the loads and turn on the machine, wait for IV.1. Deviation in Results
some time till the loads settle in their position.
The Deviation of practical values from the theoretical
• Place the test specimen on the anvil and load it values has several factors contributing to it.
with the help of the Hand Wheel.
• Oxidation is one of the cause for the discrepancy
• Now change the lever position from A to B so that in the hardness of the inner and outer region of the
the load applied on the pan is mechanically coupled specimens. The oxidized layer formed on surface of
with the load applied with the help of hand wheel. metal will have different hardness compared to the
• Wait for some time till the load is completely ap- pure metal.
plied i.e, till the needle on the dial gets stabilized. • The way of surface finishing of the specimen and
• After this change back the lever position and turn the indenter also effects the hardness. But this ef-
off the machine. fect is negligible as long as the indentation is large
when compared to surface roughness.
• Wait till the load is in its initial position. Then
gradually remove the loads and take out the speci- • Strain hardening effect adds extra hardness to the
men. top layers of the specimen.
1. Cast Iron Specimen • Suitable for hardness tests even under rough work-
Applied Load = 3000 kgf shop conditions.
Minor load = 250 kgf
• A wide range of test forces to suit every application.
Major Load = 2750 kgf
Indenter Diameter = 10 mm
Indentation Diameter = 5 mm
IV.2.2. Disadvantages
2. Aluminium Specimen
Applied Load = 500 kgf • For soft or very hard materials, the Brinell Hard-
Minor load = 250 kgf ness test cannot be used. This test is limited to
Major Load = 250 kgf materials with hardness up to 450 HBN with a
Indenter Diameter = 10 mm hardened steel ball and 600 HBN with a tungsten
Indentation Diameter = 2.5 mm carbide ball.
3
• Because of the relatively large indentations, the the theoretical values. The error may be also due to er-
work piece may not be usable after testing. ror in measurement of indentation diameter or improper
loading conditions.
• Testing small and thin-walled specimens is difficult.
V. CONCLUSION
[1] Material Science And Engineering An Introduction, [3] Mechanical metallurgy, Dieter George E, McGraw Hill
William D.Callister Jr, John Wiley & Sons, Inc.(United Book Company.(London)
State of America)
[2] ASTM E10 - 08 Standard Test Method for Brinell Hard-
ness of Metallic Materials.