Hardness Testing

Abstract

Hardness Testing: Principles and Applications is an in-depth study of one of the most fundamental properties of materials and the tools and techniques that have been developed to measure it. Hardness, as defined in the first chapter, is a type of resistance to deformation, the roots of which lie in the packing density of atoms and the bonding forces that keep them in place. As subsequent chapters explain, the hardness of metals, plastics, rubber, and ceramics can be measured as a response to an applied stress (whether static or dynamic), via noncontact sensing, or through an instrumented indenter. Most of the hardness tests used in industry, including Rockwell, Vickers, Brinell, and Knoop methods, are based on static measurements that have become standardized over the years. The practices and procedures associated with these methods are described in detail along with relevant theory and practical considerations such as calibration requirements and uncertainty concerns. Other chapters provide similar information on dynamic tests, including Shore and Leeb methods, nondestructive tests, including electromagnetic, photothermal, and ultrasonic sensing, and indentation measurement techniques. The chapters also include application examples as well as guidelines and recommendations for selecting and implementing hardness tests. For information on the print version, ISBN 978-1-61503-832-9, follow this link.