Determining Brinell Hardness From Analysis of Indentation Load-Depth Curve Without Optical Measurement

Abstract

Hardness tests are performed to determine not only hardness but also other properties such as strength, wear resistance, and deformation resistance. They are also performed to predict residual lifetime through analysis of the hardness reduction or hardness ratio. However, hardness tests require observation of the residual indentation, and for that reason are not widely used in industrial fields. This study thus examines obtaining Brinell hardness values without optical observation, using instead quantitative formulas and analyzing the relationship between the indentation depths from the indentation load-depth curve and mechanical properties such as the work-hardening exponent, yield strength, and elastic modulus on the basis of finite-element analysis.