Properties of Materials -

Hardness
By
Akhtar Husain
22 Aug 2017
 Properties of Materials – Hardness
Sequence
• Introduction
• Definition and Importance
• Why and How to Determine Hardness
• History of Hardness Tests
• Mhos Scale
• Brinell Hardness Test
• Rockwell Hardness Test
• Vickers Hardness Test
• Knoop Hardness Test
• Comparison of Different Hardness Scales
• Some Typical Hardness Values
• Lab Exercise-Brinell Hardness Test
Properties of Materials – Hardness
Introduction

Engineering
The application of science and mathematics by which
the properties of matter and the sources of energy in
nature are made useful to people. Merriam-Webster
Properties of Materials – Hardness
Introduction

Engineering
The application of science and mathematics by which
the properties of matter and the sources of energy in
nature are made useful to people. Merriam-Webster
 Properties of Materials – Hardness
Introduction

Acceleration,
Velocity
External
Effects
Impulse,
Forces on Momentum
Rigid Bodies
Internal
Stresses
Effects
 Properties of Materials – Hardness
Introduction

Acceleration,
Velocity
External
Effects
Impulse,
Forces on Momentum
Rigid Bodies
Internal
Stresses
Effects
 Properties of Materials – Hardness
Introduction

Temporary
Stresses Deformations
Permanent
Properties of Materials - Hardness
• Introduction Strength

Hardness

Properties Ductility

Toughness

Other
Properties of Materials - Hardness
• Introduction Strength

Hardness

Properties Ductility

Toughness

Many More
Properties of Materials - Hardness
• Definition
– Resistance to plastic deformation, usually by
indentation. However, the term may also refer to
resistance to scratching, abrasion, or cutting.
• Importance
– We need to ascertain the hardness for two main
reasons:-
• To confirm material characteristics
• To ensure part functionality
 Properties of Materials – Hardness
Why Check Hardness

• Hardness can be used to estimate tensile

strength of most steels.
• Hardness value is good indication of
effectiveness of heat treatment.
• Being a non-destructive test, it can be
accomplished on finished parts.
• It is relatively simple.
 Properties of Materials – Hardness
How to Determine Hardness
Scientist and engineers were aware of the importance
of hardness for centuries; different techniques were
employed to determine hardness. The main techniques
have been:-
• Performing scratch test
• Size of impression produced on the surface by
pressing an indenter against it by a known force
• Depth of indentation produced on the surface by
pressing an indenter against it by a known force
 Properties of Materials – Hardness
History of Hardness Tests
• 1822: Friedrich Mohs (Ger) - A ten-point scratch hardness Mohs
scale.
• 1900: J. A. Brinell (Swe) - A ball indentation / dent dia size Brinell
Hardness.
• 1920: S. R. Rockwell (US) – Minor, major load / dent depth Rockwell
Hardness.
• 1925: R. Smith and G. Sandland (Eng) – Diamond pyramid indenter /
dent diagonal size , allows microhardness tests to be carried out,
Vickers (Micro) Hardness.
• 1939: F. Knoop, C. G. Peters and W. B. E. Emerson (US) - Elongated
diamond indenter, allow hardness tests on glass and ceramics also,
Knoop Hardness.
Properties of Materials – Hardness
Mhos Scale

Principle :
By Scratching
 Properties of Materials – Hardness
Brinell Hardness Test

Where
F= Applied Force in kgf
D= Indenter Dia in mm
Di=Indentation Dia in mm
 Properties of Materials – Hardness
Rockwell Test Principle
Principle :
HR= N- t/s
N & s are scale
factors

t
Properties of Materials – Hardness
Rockwell Test Principle
 Properties of Materials – Hardness
Rockwell B Hardness Test

• Major Load 100 kg

• Minor Load 10 kg
 Properties of Materials – Hardness
Rockwell C Hardness Test

• Major Load 150 kg

• Minor Load 10 kg
Properties of Materials – Hardness
Vickers Hardness Test

HV = 1.854(F/D2)
Properties of Materials – Hardness
Knoop Hardness Test

HV = 1.854(F/l2)
Properties of Materials – Hardness
Hardness Test Machine
 Properties of Materials – Hardness
Comparison of Different Hardness Scales
 Properties of Materials – Hardness
Comparison of Different Hardness Scales
 Properties of Materials – Hardness
Comparison of Different Hardness Scales

Sut = (3.5 BHN) MPa

Properties of Materials – Hardness
Typical Hardness Values

Material Hardness
Soft wood (e.g. pine) 1.6 HBS 10/100
Hard wood 2.6 to 7.0 HBS 1.6 10/100
Aluminium 15 HB
Copper 35 HB
Mild steel 120 HB
18-8 (304) stainless steel 250 HB
Cold Drawn Steel 325 HB
Glass 550 HB
Hardened tool steel 650 - 700 HB
Properties of Materials – Hardness
Lab Exercise-Brinell Hardness Test
We will measure the hardness of an aluminum
plate. The diameter of the spherical indenter
in will be 2.5 mm, the imposed load will be 30
kgf, the time of loading will be 30 s. We will
measure the indent size with the aid of optical
microscope, its division is 1/10 mm.
 Properties of Materials – Hardness
Lab Exercise-Brinell Hardness Test
Caution : The Hardness test machines can only be operated
under the supervision of Lab Engineer
1. Select a location for the test Remove oil or dirt, but the surface does
not need to be polished
2. Make sure the part can be held securely.
3. Raise the spherical indenter according to the red mark on the scale.
4. Apply the 30 kgf load and wait 30 seconds
5. Remove the load
6. Measure the indent size with the aid of the optical microscope.
7. Calculate the Brinell hardness with the equation:-

8. Write a short report on the Brinell Hardness Test.

Thank You