What is the minimum thickness required for a specimen in a Brinell hardness test?

The thickness must be at least 8 times the depth of the indentation to avoid the anvil effect.

What is the minimum allowable spacing between test indentations?

The distance between the centers of two adjacent indentations must be at least 3 times the diameter of the indentation.

How close to the edge of the specimen can an indentation be made?

The distance from the center of the indentation to any edge must be at least 2.5 times the diameter of the indentation.

How long should the test force be maintained on the specimen?

The standard duration for maintaining the test force is 10 to 15 seconds for most metallic materials.

IS 1587

: 1993

Metallic Materials - Brinell Hardness Test

CurrentFrequently UsedTesting MethodMaterials Science · Steel and Reinforcement

Archive.org BIS Portal Google

This standard specifies the method for determining the Brinell hardness of metallic materials. Engineers use this test to measure the material's resistance to permanent indentation, which correlates closely with its tensile strength, wear resistance, and ductility.

Specifies the method for conducting the Brinell hardness test on metallic materials.

Quick Reference Values

Minimum specimen thickness8 times the depth of indentation

Standard test force duration10 to 15 seconds

Minimum distance from edge2.5 times the mean diameter of indentation

Minimum distance between adjacent indentations3 times the mean diameter of indentation

Standard indenter diameters1, 2.5, 5, and 10 mm

Acceptable indentation diameter range (d)0.24D to 0.60D (where D is indenter diameter)

Key Formulas

HBW = 0.102 * 2F / (π * D * (D - √(D² - d²))) — Brinell Hardness Number

Practical Notes

Ensure the test specimen surface is smooth, clean, and free from oxide scale to allow accurate measurement of the indentation diameter.

Always select an F/D² ratio (force-diameter ratio) that yields an indentation diameter (d) between 0.24D and 0.6D for valid results.

For materials with high hardness, tungsten carbide ball indenters (HBW) must be used instead of standard steel balls to prevent indenter deformation.