charpy pendulum impact test

The Charpy Impact Test was invented in 1900 by Georges Augustin Albert Charpy (1865-1945). The Charpy impact test measures the energy absorbed by a standard notched specimen while breaking under an impact load. The Charpy impact test continues to be used as an economical quality control method to determine the notch sensitivity and impact toughness of engineering materials.

The Charpy Impact Test is commonly used on metals, but is also applied to composites, ceramics and polymers. With the Charpy impact test one most commonly evaluates the relative toughness of a material, and as such, it is used as a quick and economical quality control device.