An Assessment of Toughness Tests for Hardmetals

摘要

Optimised use of hardmetals requires reliable data on fracture toughness. Hardmetals are low ductility materials and fracture can limit performance. Various test methods for obtaining toughness values are in current use and an improved understanding of the differences will underpin a sensible choice of technique. An interlaboratory exercise was conducted through VAMAS, an international activity supporting the harmonisation of test methods, to evaluate hardmetal toughness tests, through an investigation of three different test methods (chevron notched bars, single edge precracked beams and Palmqvist tests). This process is intended to generate underpinning technical information on well characterised materials that works towards good practice for toughness tests for hardmetals.