Ansh Mittal

2022A4PS00617P
ME F216-P4
Experiment 3

Hardness Measurement

3.1 Brinell Hardness

3.1.1 Introduction

Brinell Hardness is a mechanical property measuring method used to assess a material's

resistance to indentation and deformation. Brinell Hardness is an important component of
material science and engineering. This approach, which bears the name of its creator, Johan
August Brinell, is particularly useful for evaluating the hardness of materials with
heterogeneous structures or those that are too coarse for other hardness tests.
In order to determine a material's Brinell hardness, a known force must be applied to an
indenter, usually a ball of hardened steel or carbide. The force exerted and the diameter of
the resulting indentation are measured. The hardness of a material can be evaluated directly
from the connection between the applied force and the indentation's diameter.
By dividing the applied force by the curved surface area of the resulting indentation, the
Brinell Hardness number (BHN) is calculated. This figure represents the material's
resistance to plastic deformation and indentation. Greater hardness and a greater ability to
resist external forces are indicated by higher BHN values.
Brinell Hardness testing is used in many different industries. It assists in metallurgy in
establishing the efficacy of heat treatments, evaluating the quality of alloys, and directing the
choice of materials for particular applications. It helps manufacturers make decisions on how
to process materials and guarantees the longevity of finished goods. Additionally, it is
essential for quality control since it makes it easier to spot changes in material
characteristics that could have an impact on how well a product performs.
In conclusion, Brinell Hardness is a reliable method for determining a material's mechanical
strength, durability, and resistance to deformation. Its importance is found in both its
technical rigor and its practical applications, which direct engineers and industries towards
making wise decisions on the use of materials and product design.

3.1.2 Objectives

To measure the hardness of the given samples and to correlate them with the Ultimate
Tensile Strength (UTS) of the materials using Brinell Hardness Testing Machine.

3.1.3 Methodology

The steel bar is first placed on the plane surface with its smooth face facing the steel ball
indenter (10 mm away), after that the plane surface elevates with the aid of a steering lever
until it just touches the steel ball indenter, after which the orientation of the steering lever is
altered, and the indentation caused by the 3000 kg load can be seen on the machine's
reading scale. After waiting a moment, turning off the switch, and releasing the lever, we'll
take the workpiece and set it down on the table, measure its diameter with a Brinell
microscope, and record the results. This process will be repeated six times, after which the
mean readings of all the values will be determined

3.1.4 Results

Materials given: Steel

Diameter of indenter: 10mm
Type of indenter: Steel ball
Load applied: 3000Kgf
 Diameter of Indentation
2.9mm
2.8mm
2.9mm
2.8mm
2.7mm

Average diameter of indentation(d) = 2.82mm

BHN=Brinell Hardness Number(kgf/mm2)

P=Applied Load in Kilogram Force(kgf)
D=diameter of indenter(mm)
d=average diameter of indentation(mm)

2×3000
=
3.1415×10(10−√(102−2.82)2)
=
190.77
10−√100−7.95

= 441.18 kg/mm2

Brinell Hardness No = 441 kg/mm2

Ultimate Tensile Strength of the specimen = 2,10,000 psi
Ultimate Tensile strength of specimen in S.I units = 1.44 GN/m^2
`

3.1.5 Precautions

• Handle the workpiece carefully as it is heavy and can cause injury

• Gently pull the lever so that it doesn’t break.
 • Time should be carefully calculated otherwise there can be error in calculation.

3.1.5 Summary

So, by following the entire process, we were able to determine the Brinell hardness number
and other parameters related to it. To make an indentation on the metal surface under
regulated conditions, we used a non-destructive test technique which entails providing a
steady load via a rounded indenter. The material's hardness is then gauged based on this
measurement.
This method is particularly useful for testing the hardness of materials with heterogeneous or
coarse structures, such as metals and alloys, where other hardness tests could be
insufficient because of the complexity of the microstructure. Brinell Hardness creates larger
indentations that cover a variety of phases or grain structures, providing a more
representative evaluation.
Brinell Hardness is very important to industry. It influences decisions about heat treatments
and production procedures, aids in quality control, and directs the choice of materials. Higher
hardness is indicated by a higher Brinell Hardness value, which also reflects a material's
improved strength and endurance. Brinell Hardness, in essence, connects theoretical
understandings to real-world applications, guiding engineering decisions and guaranteeing
that materials satisfy the requirements of many industries.
3.2 Rockwell Hardness

3.2.1 Introduction

Rockwell Hardness is a popular method for determining a material's hardness, particularly

for metals and alloys. It measures how resistant a material is to being permanently indented
or penetrated by a harder item. The usefulness of a material for numerous industrial
purposes, such as manufacturing, engineering, and quality control, depends heavily on this
attribute.
Under a specified load, a diamond or hardened steel ball is pressed into the surface of the
material to ascertain its Rockwell hardness. The amount of indentation or penetration is
measured in order to determine the Rockwell hardness rating. The Rockwell Hardness test
has a variety of scales, including A, B, C, and others, each of which is appropriate for
particular materials and testing circumstances.
To guarantee adequate contact between the indenter and the material, the operation starts
with the application of a light starting load. The indenter then penetrates the material's
surface while the primary load is applied. The depth of penetration is then measured, either
automatically or manually, after the load has been withdrawn. To calculate the Rockwell
hardness value, a precise formula is combined with this indentation depth. Greater
resistance to indentation and, thus, greater hardness are both indicated by higher hardness
values.
Rockwell Hardness does have some restrictions, though. Extremely thin materials or those
with surface coatings might not be acceptable. Furthermore, different scales can produce
different findings, thus it's critical to identify the precise scale that was employed. The
material's structure must be taken into account since differences in the grain size and
microstructure can have an impact on test findings.
In conclusion, Rockwell Hardness is a widely used way to determine a material's hardness,
providing information on their longevity, resistance to wear, and general mechanical
qualities. Its place in sectors where material hardness assessment is crucial has been
secured by its simplicity, speed, and adaptability. To get accurate results, it's crucial to be
aware of its limitations and choose the right scale and parameters.

3.2.2 Objectives
The objective of the Rockwell Hardness test is to measure the resistance of a material to
indentation or penetration by a harder object, providing insight into its hardness, durability,
and suitability for specific industrial applications.

3.2.3 Methodology

The steel bar is first placed on the plane surface with its smooth face facing the diamond
cone indenter. Next, the plane surface is raised with the aid of a steering lever until it barely
touches the diamond cone indenter. After this, the internal l=needle is adjusted to be at 0
degrees, the orientation of the lever is changed, and the indentation is then caused by a 150
kg load. After waiting for 15 seconds, switching off, and loosening the lever, we will extract
the workpiece. We will then repeat this operation six more times before taking the mean
readings of all the numbers.

3.2.4 Results

Materials given: High Carbon Steel

Type of indenter: Diamond Core
Load applied: 150Kgf

Sr. No Dial Reading Rockwell Hardness

1. 59 59

2. 59 59

3. 57 57

4. 58 58

5. 58 58

Average Rockwell Hardness = 58.2

Ultimate Tensile Strength of the specimen = 280,000 psi
Ultimate Tensile strength of specimen in S.I units = 1.931 GN/m^2
`

3.2.5 Precautions

• Handle the workpiece carefully as it is heavy and can cause injury

• Gently pull the lever so that it doesn’t break.
• Time should be carefully calculated otherwise there can be error in calculation.

3.2.6 Summary

A popular method for determining the hardness of materials, particularly metals, is the
Rockwell Hardness scale. It entails pressing an indenter (typically a diamond or steel ball)
into the material's surface by first delivering a small initial load and then a larger main load.
Rockwell hardness is determined by measuring the depth of penetration that remains after
the load has been removed. This number represents the material's ability to resist being
indented and, as a result, its hardness.
Rockwell Hardness is quick, non-destructive (apart from a slight indentation), and adaptable
to a variety of materials. However, it might not be appropriate for materials with coatings or
that are extremely thin. The Rockwell test uses a variety of scales that can affect the
outcomes, and material changes can affect accuracy.
Rockwell Hardness, which impacts durability and wear resistance, is used to assess a
material's appropriateness for specific usage in sectors like manufacturing and engineering.
Although straightforward and adaptable, it's crucial to select the right scale and take into
account material properties for an accurate hardness test.