Characterisation of Mechanical Properties of Materials Using Innovative Small Specimen Testing Methods

Abstract

Mechanical properties of materials such as tensile, impact and creep properties, are characterised using standard test methods. These methods are generally material intensive. Impression creep (IC), small punch creep (SPC) and ball indentation (BI) are three innovative small specimen testing methods which can be used to determine the mechanical properties of materials. IC test is used to determine the creep deformation behavior of materials. SPC test is used to evaluate creep deformation and fracture properties of materials. Tensile, hardness, and fracture toughness can be evaluated using BI test method. Being material non-intensive, these testing methods have applications including materials development, structural integrity assessment for life extension of components, and characterization of mechanical properties of different microstructural zones in weld joints. This paper presents the results of detailed studies carried out using IC, SPC and BI testing techniques and discusses their relative advantages and limitations.