This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles

for the
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.

Designation: E23 − 23a An American National Standard

Standard Test Methods for

Notched Bar Impact Testing of Metallic Materials1
This standard is issued under the fixed designation E23; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of original
adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A superscript
epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
This standard has been approved for use by agencies of the U.S. Department of Defense.

1. Scope* 2. Referenced Documents

1.1 These test methods describe notched-bar impact testing 2.1 ASTM Standards:2
of metallic materials by the Charpy (simple-beam) test and the B925 Practices for Production and Preparation of Powder
Izod (cantilever-beam) test. They give the requirements for: Metallurgy (PM) Test Specimens
test specimens, test procedures, test reports, test machines (see E177 Practice for Use of the Terms Precision and Bias in
Annex A1) verifying Charpy impact machines (see Annex A2), ASTM Test Methods
optional test specimen configurations (see Annex A3), desig- E691 Practice for Conducting an Interlaboratory Study to
nation of test specimen orientation (see Terminology E1823), Determine the Precision of a Test Method
and determining the shear fracture appearance (see Annex A4). E1823 Terminology Relating to Fatigue and Fracture Testing
In addition, information is provided on the significance of E2298 Test Method for Instrumented Impact Testing of
notched-bar impact testing (see Appendix X1), and methods of Metallic Materials

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measuring the center of strike (see Appendix X2).
1.2 These test methods do not address the problems associ-
3. Terminology
3.1 Definitions of Terms Common to Mechanical Testing:
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ated with impact testing at temperatures below –196 °C (77 K).
1.3 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as
3.1.1 drop height, h, [L], n—the center of strike vertical
distance between the free-hanging position and the latched

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standard. No other units of measurement are included in this
standard. Preview
position.
3.2 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
1.3.1 Exception—Section 9 and Annex A4 provide inch- 3.2.1 absorbed energy, [FL], n—work spent to fracture a
pound units for information only. specimen in a single pendulum swing, as measured by a
ASTM E23-23a
1.4 This standard does not purport to address all of the compensated indicating device.
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safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the 3.2.2 direct verification, n—process that ensures all parts
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro- that may affect measured absorbed energy are within specified
priate safety, health, and environmental practices and deter- dimensional tolerances.
mine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use. 3.2.3 free-hanging position, n—position of the pendulum
Specific precautionary statements are given in Section 6. after oscillation stops such that the potential and kinetic energy
1.5 This international standard was developed in accor- is zero.
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard- 3.2.4 free swing, n—uninterrupted (without a test specimen)
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the pendulum swing from the latched position as recorded by the
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom- indicating device (see A2.3.8.1).
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee. 3.2.5 indirect verification, n—process that ensures the aver-
age absorbed energy from testing a set of verification speci-
mens corresponds to the certified absorbed energy within a
specified tolerance (see A2.4.1).
1
These test methods are under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee E28 on
Mechanical Testing and are the direct responsibility of Subcommittee E28.07 on
2
Impact Testing. For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
Current edition approved March 1, 2023. Published April 2023. Originally contact ASTM Customer Service at [email protected]. For Annual Book of ASTM
approved in 1933. Last previous edition approved 2023 as E23 – 23. DOI: Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
10.1520/E0023-23A. the ASTM website.

*A Summary of Changes section appears at the end of this standard

Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States

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 E23 − 23a
3.2.6 latched position, n—position of the pendulum on the 8.1.1 Specimens shall be taken from the material as speci-
release mechanism prior to being released to perform a test. fied by the applicable specification.
3.2.7 lateral expansion [L], n—the maximum increase in the 8.1.2 The specimens shown in Fig. 1 and Fig. 2 are those
thickness of the specimen as a result of the impact test, most widely used and most generally satisfactory. They are
expressed in mm. particularly suitable for ferrous metals, excepting cast iron.3
3.2.7.1 Discussion—Lateral expansion is used as a measure The Charpy specimen designations are V-notch and U-notch.
of ductility. NOTE 1—Keyhole notch specimen is similar to U-notch, except the
3.2.8 range capacity, n—maximum available energy for a notch width is 1.6 mm or less.
specific pendulum setting. 8.1.3 The specimens commonly found suitable for powder
3.2.8.1 Discussion—On single range machines this corre- metallurgy materials is shown in Fig. 3. Powder metallurgy
sponds to the machine capacity. impact test specimens shall be produced following the proce-
3.2.9 shear fracture appearance, SFA, n—the amount of dure in Practices B925. The impact test results of these
fracture surface in the specimen that failed in a shear (stable) materials are affected by specimen orientation. Therefore,
mode, expressed in percent. unless otherwise specified, the position of the specimen in the
machine shall be such that the pendulum will strike a surface
4. Summary of Test Method that is parallel to the compacting direction. For powder
4.1 The essential features of an impact test are: a suitable metallurgy materials the impact test results are reported as
specimen (specimens of several different types are recognized), unnotched absorbed energy.
a set of anvils, and specimen supports on which the test 8.1.4 Sub-size and supplementary specimen recommenda-
specimen is placed to receive the blow of the moving mass, a tions are given in Annex A3.
moving mass that has sufficient energy to break the specimen 8.2 Specimen Machining:
placed in its path, and an indicating device for measuring the 8.2.1 When heat-treated materials are being evaluated, the
absorbed energy of the broken specimen. specimen shall be finish machined, including notching, after
the final heat treatment, unless it can be demonstrated that the
5. Significance and Use
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5.1 These test methods of impact testing relate specifically
impact properties of specimens machined before heat treatment
are identical to those machined after heat treatment.

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to the behavior of metal when subjected to a single application 8.2.2 Notches shall be smoothly machined, but polishing
of a force resulting in multi-axial stresses associated with a has proven generally unnecessary.
notch, coupled with high rates of loading and in some cases
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NOTE 2—Variations in notch dimensions will affect the results of the
with high or low temperatures. For some materials and tests. Appendix X1.2 illustrates the effects from varying notch dimensions
temperatures the results of impact tests on notched specimens, on V-notch specimens.
when correlated with service experience, have been found to NOTE 3—In keyhole notch specimens, carefully drill the round hole
with a slow feed rate. Exercise care in cutting the slot to ensure that the
ASTM
predict the likelihood of brittle fracture accurately. E23-23a
Further surface of the drilled hole opposite the slot is not damaged.
information on significance appears in Appendix X1.
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8.2.3 Identification marks shall only be placed in the fol-
6. Precautions in Operation of Machine lowing locations on specimens: either of the 10 mm square
ends; the side of the specimen that faces up when the specimen
6.1 Safety precautions should be taken to protect personnel
is positioned in the anvils (see Note 4); or the side of the
from the swinging pendulum, flying broken specimens, and
specimen opposite the notch. No markings, on any side of the
hazards associated with specimen warming and cooling media.
specimen, shall be within 10 mm of the center line of the notch.
7. Apparatus Permanent markers, laser engraving, scribes, electrostatic
pencils, and other reasonable marking methods may be used
7.1 General Requirements: for identification purposes. However, some marking methods
7.1.1 The testing machine shall be a pendulum type of rigid can result in damage to the specimens if not used correctly. For
construction. example, excessive heat from electrostatic pencils or deforma-
7.1.2 The testing machine shall be designed and built to tion to the specimen from stamping can change the mechanical
conform with the requirements given in Annex A1. properties of the specimen. Therefore, care shall always be
7.2 Inspection and Verification: taken to avoid damage to the specimen. Stamping and other
7.2.1 Procedures for direct verification of impact machines marking processes that result in deformation of the specimen
are provided in A2.2 and A2.3. The items listed in A2.2 require should only be used on the ends of the specimens, prior to
direct verification annually. notching.
7.2.2 Procedures for indirect verification of Charpy
NOTE 4—Careful consideration should be given before placing identi-
machines, using verification specimens, are given in A2.4. fication marks on the side of the specimen to be placed up when positioned
Charpy impact machines require direct and indirect verification in the anvils. If the test operator is not careful, the specimen can be placed
annually. in the machine with the identification marking resting on the specimen

8. Test Specimens 3
Report of Subcommittee XV on Impact Testing of Committee A03 on Cast Iron,
8.1 Configuration and Orientation: Proceedings, ASTM, Vol 33 Part 1, 1933.

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 E23 − 23a

ID Number Description Dimension Tolerance

1 Length of specimen 55 mm +0/-2.5 mm
2 Centering of notch ±1 mm
3 Notch length to edge 90° ±2°
4 Adjacent sides angle 90° ±0.17°

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5 Width 10 mm ±0.075 mm
6 Thickness 10 mm ±0.075 mm
7V Ligament length, Type V 8 mm ±0.025 mm
7U Ligament length, Type U 5 mm ±0.075 mm
8V
8U
9
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Radius of notch, Type V
Radius of notch, Type U
Angle of notch
0.25 mm
1 mm
45°
±0.025 mm
±0.025 mm
±1°
A
B Document Preview
Surface finish requirements
Surface finish requirements
2 µm (Ra)
4 µm (Ra)
#
#

FIG. 1 Charpy (Simple-Beam) Impact Test Specimens, V-Notch and U-Notch

ASTM E23-23a
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ID Number Description Dimension Tolerance

1 Length of specimen 75 mm +0/-2.5 mm
2 Notch to top 28 mm
3 Notch length to edge 90° ±2°
4 Adjacent sides angle 90° ±0.17°
5 Width 10 mm ±0.025 mm
6 Thickness 10 mm ±0.025 mm
7 Ligament length 8 mm ±0.025 mm
8 Radius of notch 0.25 mm ±0.025 mm
9 Angle of notch 45° ±1°
A Surface finish requirement 2 µm (Ra) #
B Surface finish requirement 4 µm (Ra) #

FIG. 2 Izod (Cantilever-Beam) Impact Test Specimen

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 E23 − 23a

COMPACTING DIRECTION ↓
STRIKING DIRECTION →
ID Number Description Dimension Tolerance
1 Length of Charpy specimen 55 mm ±1.0 mm
1 Length of Izod specimen 75 mm ±1.5 mm
2 Width 10.00 mm ±0.13 mm
3 Thickness 10.00 mm ±0.13 mm
4 Adjacent sides angle 90° ±0.17°

FIG. 3 Powder Metallurgy (PM) Unnotched Charpy and Izod Impact Test Specimens

supports (that is, facing down). Under these circumstances, the absorbed change by more than 10 % of the percent friction and windage
energy value obtained may be unreliable. loss measurements previously recorded on the machine. If the
8.2.4 Unless otherwise specified by product or customer percent friction and windage loss does exceed 0.4 % or is

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specifications, standard test specimens shall conform to the
dimensions and tolerances shown in Fig. 1 or any other
applicable figure in this test method.
significantly different from previous measurements, check the
indicating device, the release mechanism, and the bearings for
wear and damage. However, if the machine has not been used
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NOTE 5—The type of specimen chosen depends largely upon the
characteristics of the material to be tested. Often a given specimen is not
recently, let the pendulum swing for 50 to 100 cycles, and
repeat the percent friction and windage loss test before
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equally satisfactory for soft nonferrous metals and hardened steels;
therefore, many types of specimens are recognized. In general, sharper
and deeper notches are required to distinguish differences in very ductile
undertaking repairs to the machine. To ensure that percent
friction and windage loss is within allowable tolerance, use one
materials or when using low testing velocities. Side-grooved specimens of the following evaluation procedures:
(1) For a machine equipped with an analog scale:
ASTM E23-23a
have been used to minimize absorbed energy variability for high-strength
and ductile materials. Raise the pendulum to the latched position;
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Move the analog scale pointer to the range capacity being used;
9. Procedure Release the pendulum (without a specimen in the machine);
Allow the pendulum to cycle five times (a forward and a backward
9.1 Preparation of the Apparatus: swing together count as one cycle);
9.1.1 Perform a routine procedure for checking impact Prior to the sixth forward swing set the analog scale pointer to
between 5 % and 10 % of the range capacity being used;
machines at the beginning of each day, each shift, or just prior After the sixth forward swing record the value indicated by the
to testing on a machine used intermittently. The results of these analog scale pointer (convert to absorbed energy if necessary);
routine checks should be kept in a log book for the machine. Divide the energy reading by 10;
Divide by the range capacity being used, and
After the testing machine has been ascertained to comply with Multiply by 100 to get the percent friction and windage loss.
Annex A1 and Annex A2, carry out the routine check as
follows: (2) A machine equipped with a digital display:
9.1.1.1 Visually examine the striker and anvils for obvious Determine the percent friction and windage loss per manufac-
damage and wear. turer’s procedure.
9.1.1.2 Check the machine with a free swing. The indicating (3) For machine equipped with both an analog scale and
device shall indicate zero on machines reading directly in digital display:
absorbed energy. On machines reading in degrees, the reading Determine the percent friction and windage loss using the same
shall correspond to zero absorbed energy on the conversion indicating device used to report absorbed energy (11.1.6 and
formula or table furnished by the machine manufacturer. On A2.4).
machines that do not compensate for total frictional losses, the NOTE 6—Prior to the 2012 version, the percent friction and windage
analog scale will not indicate zero. In this case, the indicated loss was based on 11 (half) swings and the analog scale pointer was not
values, when converted to absorbed energy, shall be corrected engaged on the first swing. Now the pointer is engaged on the first swing.
The difference is that the friction, windage, and analog scale pointer
for total frictional losses that are assumed to be proportional to
mechanism losses associated with the first swing are no longer assumed to
the arc of the swing. be zero. On the first swing the pointer should go to 0.00, so any friction
9.1.1.3 The percent friction and windage loss shall not and windage losses that will be recorded will only show up on the
exceed 0.4 % of the range capacity being tested and should not following 10 (half) swings.

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 E23 − 23a
9.2 Test Temperature Considerations: the bath in the center of a group of the specimens. Agitate the
9.2.1 The temperature of testing affects the impact proper- bath and hold at the desired temperature within 61 °C (62 °F).
ties of most materials. For materials with a body centered cubic Thermally condition the specimens for at least 5 min before
structure, a transition in fracture mode occurs over a tempera- testing, unless a shorter thermal conditioning time can be
ture range that depends on the chemical composition and shown to be valid by measurements with thermocouples. Leave
microstructure of the material. Test temperatures may be the device (tongs, for example) used to handle the specimens in
chosen to characterize material behavior at fixed values, or the bath for at least 5 min before testing, and return the device
over a range of temperatures to characterize the transition to the bath between tests.
region, lower shelf, or upper shelf behavior, or all of these. The 9.2.4.2 When using a gas medium, position the specimens
choice of test temperature is the responsibility of the user of so that the gas circulates around them and hold the gas at the
this test method and will depend on the specific application. desired temperature within 61 °C (62 °F) for at least 30 min.
For tests performed at room temperature, the temperature Leave the device used to remove the specimen from the
should be 20 °C 6 5 °C. medium in the medium except when handling the specimens.
9.2.2 The temperature of a specimen can change signifi- NOTE 7—Temperatures up to +260 °C may be obtained with certain
cantly during the interval it is removed from the temperature oils, but “flash-point” temperatures should be carefully observed.
conditioning environment, transferred to the impact machine, NOTE 8—For testing at temperatures down to –196 °C (77 °K), standard
testing procedures have been found to be adequate for most metals.
and the fracture event is completed (see Note 9). When using NOTE 9—A study has shown that a specimen heated to 100 °C in water
a heating or cooling medium near its boiling point, use data can cool 10 °C in the 5 s allowed for transfer to the specimen supports.4
from the references in Note 9 or calibration data with thermo- Other studies, using cooling media that are above their boiling points at
couples to confirm that the specimen is within the stated room temperature have also shown large changes in specimen temperature
temperature tolerances when the striker contacts the specimen. during the transfer of specimens to the machine anvils. In addition, some
materials change temperature dramatically during impact testing at
If excessive adiabatic heating is expected, monitor the speci- cryogenic temperatures due to adiabatic heating.5
men temperature near the notch during fracture.
9.3 Charpy Test Procedure:
9.2.3 Verify temperature-measuring equipment at least ev-
9.3.1 The Charpy test procedure may be summarized as
iTeh Standards
ery six months. If liquid-in-glass thermometers are used, an
follows: the test specimen is thermally conditioned and posi-
initial verification shall be sufficient, however, the device shall
tioned on the specimen supports against the anvils; the pendu-
be inspected for problems, such as the separation of liquid, at
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lum is released without vibration, and the specimen is impacted
least every six months.
by the striker. Information is obtained from the machine and
9.2.4 Hold the specimen at the desired temperature within from the broken specimen.
Document Preview
61 °C (62 °F) in the temperature conditioning environment.
Any method of heating or cooling or transferring the specimen
9.3.1.1 The 8 mm striker shall be used, unless the 2 mm
striker is specified.
to the anvils may be used provided the temperature of the
specimen immediately prior to fracture is essentially the same NOTE 10—For some materials, the striker radius can significantly affect
as the holding temperature (see Note 9). The maximum ASTM
changeE23-23a
the results.
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the temperature of the specimen allowed for the interval 9.3.2 To position a test specimen in the machine, self-
between the temperature conditioning treatment and impact is centering tongs similar to those shown in Fig. 4 should be used
not specified here, because it is dependent on the material (see A1.10.1). The tongs illustrated in Fig. 4 are for centering
being tested and the application. The user of nontraditional or V-notch specimens. If non V-notch specimens are used, modi-
lesser used temperature conditioning and transfer methods (or fication of the tong design may be necessary. If an end-
specimen sizes) shall show that the temperature change for the centering device is used, caution shall be taken to ensure that
specimen prior to impact is comparable to or less than the low-energy high-strength specimens will not rebound off this
temperature change for a standard size specimen of the same device into the pendulum and cause erroneously high recorded
material that has been thermally conditioned in a commonly absorbed energy values. Many such devices are permanent
used medium (oil, air, nitrogen, acetone, methanol), and fixtures of machines, and if the clearance between the end of a
transferred for impact within 5 s (see Note 9). Three tempera- specimen in the test position and the centering device is not
ture conditioning and transfer methods used in the past are: approximately 13 mm, the broken specimens may rebound into
liquid bath thermal conditioning and transfer to the specimen the pendulum.
supports with centering tongs; furnace thermal conditioning 9.3.3 To conduct the test, prepare the machine by raising the
and robotic transfer to the specimen supports; placement of the pendulum to the latched position, prepare the indicating device
specimen on the supports followed by in situ heating and (set the analog scale pointer at the range capacity, or initialize
cooling. the digital display, or both), position the specimen on the
9.2.4.1 For liquid bath cooling or heating use a suitable specimen supports against the anvils, and release the pendu-
container, which has a grid or another type of specimen lum. If a liquid bath or gas medium is being used for thermal
positioning fixture. Cover the specimens, when immersed, with
4
at least 25 mm (1 in.) of the liquid, and position so that the Nanstad, R. K., Swain, R. L. and Berggren, R. G., “Influence of Thermal
Conditioning Media on Charpy Specimen Test Temperature,”Charpy Impact Test:
notch area is not closer than 25 mm to the sides or bottom of
Factors and Variables, ASTM STP 1072, ASTM, 1990, pp. 195-210.
the container, and no part of the specimen is in contact with the 5
Tobler R. L. Et al.,“ Charpy Impact Tests Near Absolute Zero,” Journal of
container. Place the device used to measure the temperature of Testing and Evaluation, Vol 19, 1 1992.

5
 E23 − 23a

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ASTM E23-23a
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ID Number Designation Dimension, mm ID Number Designation Dimension, mm
1 Support (notch side) length 39.93 + 0 –0.051 8B 10 mm specimen width 1.52 to 1.65
5 mm specimen width 0.69 to 0.81
3 mm specimen width 0.36 to 0.48
2 Support (notch side) height 7.94 ± 1 9 Solder pad length 17.46 ± 1
3 Insert angle 44.5 ± 0.5° 10 Solder pad extension 4.76 ± 1
4 Radius on support 2±1 11 Solder pad height 9.5 ± 1
5 Support width 9.5 ± 1 12 rod 7.94 ± 1
6 Notch center 19.96 13 1.588 ± 1
7 Notch center 19.96 14 Solder pad width 9.5 ± 1
8A 10 mm specimen width 1.60 to 1.70
5 mm specimen width 0.74 to 0.80
3 mm specimen width 0.45 to 0.51

FIG. 4 Centering Tongs for V-Notch Charpy Specimens

conditioning, perform the following sequence in less than 5 s questionable that the test can be conducted within the 5 s time
(for 10 mm × 10 mm × 55 mm specimens, see 9.2.4). Remove frame, return the specimen to the bath for the time required in
the test specimen from its cooling (or heating) medium with 9.2 before testing.
centering tongs that have been temperature conditioned with 9.3.3.1 If a fractured impact specimen does not separate into
the test specimen, place the specimen in the test position, and two pieces, report it as unbroken (see 10.2.2 for separation
release the pendulum smoothly. If a test specimen has been instructions). Unbroken specimens with absorbed energies of
removed from the temperature conditioning bath and it is less than 80 % of the range capacity may be averaged with

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 E23 − 23a
values from broken specimens. If the absorbed energy exceeds 9.4.3 Clamp the specimen firmly in the support vise so that
80 % of the range capacity and the specimen passes completely the centerline of the notch is in the plane of the top of the vise
between the anvils, report the value as approximate (see Note within 0.125 mm. Prepare the indicating device (set the analog
11) and do not average it with other values. If an unbroken scale pointer at the range capacity or initialize the digital
specimen does not pass between the machine anvils, (for display, or both) and release the pendulum smoothly. Sections
example, it stops the pendulum), the result shall be reported as 9.3.3.1 – 9.3.3.3, also apply when testing Izod specimens.
exceeding the range capacity. A specimen shall never be struck
more than once. 10. Information Obtainable from Impact Tests
NOTE 11—Absorbed energy values above 80 % of the range capacity 10.1 The absorbed energy shall be taken as the difference
are inaccurate. Ideally an impact test would be conducted at a constant
impact velocity. In a pendulum-type test, the velocity decreases as the between the energy in the striking member at the instant of
fracture progresses. For specimens that have absorbed energies approach- impact with the specimen and the energy remaining after
ing 80 % of the range capacity, the velocity of the pendulum decreases (to breaking the specimen. This absorbed energy value is deter-
about 45 % of the initial velocity) during fracture to the point that accurate mined by the indicating device which has been corrected for
absorbed energies are no longer obtained.
total frictional losses.
9.3.3.2 If a specimen jams in the machine, disregard the
results and check the machine thoroughly for damage or 10.2 Lateral expansion measurement methods shall take
misalignment, which would affect its direct verification, indi- into account the fact that the fracture path seldom bisects the
rect verification, or both. point of maximum expansion on both sides of a specimen. One
9.3.3.3 To prevent recording an erroneous indicated value, half of a broken specimen may include the maximum expan-
caused by jarring the analog scale pointer when locking the sion for both sides, one side only, or neither. Therefore, the
pendulum in its latched position, read the value for each test expansion on each side of each specimen half shall be
from the analog scale prior to locking the pendulum for the measured relative to the plane defined by the undeformed
next test. portion on the side of the specimen, as shown in Fig. 5. For
9.4 Izod Test Procedure: example, if A1 is greater than A2, and A3 is less than A4, then the

iTeh Standards
9.4.1 The Izod test procedure may be summarized as
follows: the test specimen is positioned in the specimen-
lateral expansion is the sum of A1 + A4.
10.2.1 Before making any lateral expansion measurements,

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holding fixture and the pendulum is released without vibration. it is essential that the two specimen halves are visually
Information is obtained from the machine and from the broken examined for burrs that may have formed during impact
specimen. The details are described as follows: testing; if the burrs will influence the lateral expansion
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9.4.2 Testing at temperatures other than room temperature is
difficult because the specimen-holding fixture for Izod speci-
measurements, they shall be removed (by rubbing on emery
cloth or any other suitable method), making sure that the
mens is often part of the base of the machine and cannot be protrusions to be measured are not rubbed during the removal
readily cooled (or heated). Consequently, Izod testing should
ASTM E23-23aof the burr. Then, examine each fracture surface to ascertain
be performed at room temperature. that the protrusions have not been damaged by contacting an
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FIG. 5 Halves of Broken Charpy V-Notch Impact Specimen Illustrating the Measurement of Lateral Expansion, Dimensions A1, A2, A3,
A4 and Original Thickness, Dimension B

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anvil, a machine mounting surface, etc. Lateral expansion shall Region, Shear Lips, Unstable Fracture Region, and Final
not be measured on a specimen with this type of damage. Fracture Region) and the area of unstable fracture region,
10.2.2 Lateral expansion measurements shall be reported as divided by the total fractured area, times 100. The measure-
follows. An unbroken specimen can be reported as broken if ment methods described in Annex A4 provide estimates for the
the specimen can be separated by pushing the hinged halves area of the unstable fracture region (directly or indirectly), but
together once and then pulling them apart without further do not consider details of the fracture mode for the unstable
fatiguing the specimen, and the lateral expansion measured for region. The unstable fracture region could be 100 % cleavage,
the unbroken specimen (prior to bending) is equal to or greater a mixture of cleavage and ductile-dimple fracture
than that measured for the separated halves. In the case where morphologies, a mixture of intergranular and ductile-dimple
a specimen cannot be separated into two halves, the lateral fracture morphologies, or a mixture of other fracture mor-
expansion can be measured as long as the shear lips can be phologies.
accessed without interference from the hinged ligament that
NOTE 12—Carbon steels often exhibit a classic cleavage region that
has been deformed during testing. The specimen shall be identifies the unstable fracture region with a well-defined area of shiny
reported as unbroken. fracture that is easy to recognize and measure. Other steels, such as
10.2.3 Lateral expansion may be measured easily by using a quenched and tempered SAE 4340, alloys have a region of unstable
gauge like the one shown in Fig. 6 (assembly and details shown fracture that consists of an intimate mixture of cleavage facets and ductile
dimples (only apparent at high magnifications). Some embrittled steels
in Fig. 7). Using this type of gauge the measurement is made can exhibit partially intergranular fracture, as well. In these cases the area
with the following procedure: orient the specimen halves so of unstable fracture may not be as easy to identify.
that the compression sides are facing each other, take one half
of the fractured specimen and press it against the anvil and 11. Test Report and Test Records
indicator plunger and record the reading, make a similar 11.1 The test report shall include the following information
measurement on the other half (same side) of the fractured (for each specimen tested):
specimen and disregard the lower of the two values, do the 11.1.1 Conformance to Test Method E23-YR (where YR is
same for the other side of the fractured specimen, report the edition year),
sum of the maximum expansions for the 2 sides as the lateral 11.1.2 Specimen type, per Fig. 1 or any other applicable
expansion for the specimen.
iTeh Standards
10.3 The shear fracture appearance may be determined
figure in this test method. Any deviations shall be reported.
11.1.3 Specimen size (if sub-size specimen),
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using a variety of methods. The approach and the acceptable
methods are defined in Annex A4. For each method, the user
11.1.4 Test temperature (if room temperature, report actual
temperature),

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shall distinguish between regions formed by stable crack 11.1.5 For Charpy testing specify the striker radius as 8 mm
growth mechanisms, and regions formed by unstable crack or 2 mm,
growth mechanisms. For purposes of this Test Method, the 11.1.6 Absorbed energy,
“shear area” consists of those portions of the fracture surface 11.1.7 Unbroken specimens and whether or not they were
that form by stable crack growth (Fracture InitiationASTM
Region, E23-23a
used in the average
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Shear Lips, and Final Fracture Region), as shown in Fig. 8. 11.1.8 Any specimens for which the absorbed energy ex-
The shear fracture appearance is typically calculated as the ceeds 80% of the range capacity, report the value as approxi-
difference between the total fractured area (Fracture Initiation mate or exceeding the range capacity (see 9.3.3.1), and

FIG. 6 Lateral Expansion Gauge for Charpy Impact Specimens

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iTeh Standards
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ID Number
1
2
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Dimension, mm
12.7
6.4
ID Number
15
16
Dimension, mm
1.6
6.4
3 88.9 17 17.5
4 171.5 18 15.9
5 47.6 ASTM E23-23a 19 1.7
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6
7
50.8
101.6
20
21
8.3
6.1
8 88.9 22 19.1
9 12.7 23 66.7
10 44.5 24 19.1
11 12.7 25 60.3
12 43.2
13 88.9
14 158.8

FIG. 7 Assembly and Details for Lateral Expansion Gauge

11.1.9 Any other contractual requirements. variation in the CVN absorbed energy. Data from 29 labora-
11.2 The test records should include the following informa- tories were included with each laboratory testing one set of five
tion in addition to the information in 11.1: verification specimens of each energy level. Except being
11.2.1 Impact machine manufacturer, serial number, most limited to only two energy levels (by availability of verification
recent successful direct and indirect verification dates, and specimens), Practice E691 was followed for the design and
verified range for Charpy testing or direct verification date and analysis of the data; the details are given in ASTM Research
range capacity for Izod testing. Report No. RR:E28-1014.6
11.2.2 Lateral expansion,
12.2 Precision—The Precision information given below is
11.2.3 Shear fracture appearance (See Note A4.1),
11.2.4 Specimen orientation, and for the average CVN absorbed energy of five test determina-
11.2.5 Specimen location. tions at each laboratory for each material.

12. Precision and Bias

12.1 An Interlaboratory study used CVN verification speci- 6
Supporting data have been filed at ASTM International Headquarters and may
mens of low-energy and of high-energy to find sources of be obtained by requesting Research Report RR: RR:E28-1014.

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 E23 − 23a

Material Low-Energy High-Energy

J J
Absorbed Energy 15.9 96.2
95 % Repeatability Limits 2.4 8.3
95 % Reproducibility Limits 2.7 9.2

The terms repeatability and reproducibility limits are used as

defined in Practice E177. The respective standard deviations
among test results may be obtained by dividing the above
limits by 2.8.
12.3 Bias—Bias cannot be defined for CVN absorbed en-
ergy. The physical simplicity of the pendulum design is
complicated by complex energy loss mechanisms within the
machine and the specimen. Therefore, there is no absolute
standard to which the absorbed energy can be compared.

13. Keywords
13.1 Charpy test; shear fracture appearance; impact test;
Izod test; notched specimens; pendulum machine
NOTE 1—Measure average dimensions A and B to the nearest 0.5 mm.
Determine the shear fracture appearance using Table A4.1 or Table A4.2.
FIG. 8 Schematic of the Fracture Surface of a Charpy V-Notch
Impact Test Specimen Showing the Various Region of Fracture

iTeh Standards
ANNEXES

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A1. GENERAL REQUIREMENTS FOR IMPACT MACHINES

A1.1 The machine frame shall be equipped with a bubble range capacity, and pendulum energy loss from friction in the
level or a machined surface suitable for establishingASTM E23-23a
levelness analog scale pointer mechanism shall not exceed 0.25 % of
of the axis of pendulum bearings or, alternatively, the levelness range capacity. See A2.3.8 for total frictional losses calcula-
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of the axis of rotation of the pendulum may be measured tions.
directly. The machine shall be level to within 3:1000 and
securely bolted to a concrete floor not less than 150 mm thick A1.4 At the free-hanging position, the striker shall be within
or, when this is not practical, the machine shall be bolted to a 2.5 mm from the test specimen. The indicating device shall
foundation having a mass not less than 40 times that of the read within 0.2 % of the range capacity when the striker of the
pendulum. The bolts shall be tightened as specified by the pendulum is held against the test specimen. The plane of swing
machine manufacturer. of the pendulum shall be perpendicular to the transverse axis of
the Charpy anvils or Izod vise within 3:1000.
A1.2 An analog scale and digital display, graduated in
degrees or absorbed energy, on which readings can be esti- A1.5 Transverse play of the pendulum at the striker shall not
mated in increments of 0.25 % of the range capacity or less exceed 0.75 mm under a transverse force of 4 % of the
shall be furnished for the machine. effective weight of the pendulum applied at the center of strike.
A1.2.1 The analog scales and digital displays may be Radial play of the pendulum bearings shall not exceed
compensated for total frictional losses. The error in the 0.075 mm.
indicating device at any point shall not exceed 0.2 % of the
range capacity or 0.4 % of the reading, whichever is larger. A1.6 The impact velocity (tangential velocity) of the pen-
(See A2.3.8.) dulum at the center of strike shall not be less than 3 nor more
than 6 m/s.
A1.3 The total frictional losses of the machine during the
swing in the striking direction shall not exceed 0.75 % of the

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 E23 − 23a
A1.7 The height of the center of strike in the latched against the pendulum (see Fig. A1.1). In most U-type pendu-
position, above its free-hanging position, shall be within 0.4 % lum machines, steel shrouds should be designed and installed
of the range capacity divided by the supporting force, mea- to the following requirements: (a) thickness of approximately
sured as described in A2.3.5.1. If total frictional losses are 1.5 mm, (b) minimum hardness of 45 HRC, (c) radius of less
compensated for by increasing the drop height, the drop height than 1.5 mm at the underside corners, and (d) positioned so that
may be increased by not more than 1 %. the clearance between them and the pendulum overhang (both
top and sides) does not exceed 1.5 mm. In machines where the
A1.8 The mechanism for releasing the pendulum from its opening within the pendulum permits clearance between the
latched position shall operate freely and permit release of the ends of a specimen (resting on the specimen supports) and the
pendulum without initial impulse, retardation, or side vibra- shrouds, and this clearance is at least 13 mm, the requirements
tion. If the same lever used to release the pendulum is also used (a) and (d) need not apply.
to engage the brake, means shall be provided for preventing the
brake from being accidentally engaged. A1.10 Charpy Apparatus:
A1.9 Specimen clearance is needed to ensure satisfactory A1.10.1 Means shall be provided (see Fig. A1.2) to locate
results when testing materials of different strengths and com- and support the test specimen against two anvils in such a
positions. The test specimen shall exit the machine with a position that the center of the notch is located within 0.25 mm
minimum of interference. Pendulums used on Charpy ma- of the midpoint between the anvils (see 9.3.2).
chines are of three basic designs, as shown in Fig. A1.1. A1.10.2 The Charpy anvils and specimen supports shall
A1.9.1 When using a C-type pendulum or a compound conform to the dimensions and tolerances shown in Fig. A1.2.
pendulum, the broken specimen will not rebound into the Other dimensions of the anvils and specimen supports should
pendulum and slow it down if the clearance at the end of the be such as to minimize interference between the pendulum and
specimen is at least 13 mm or if the specimen is deflected out broken specimens.
of the machine by some arrangement such as that shown in Fig. A1.10.3 The center line of the striker shall advance in the
A1.1. plane that is within 0.40 mm of the midpoint between the
iTeh Standards
A1.9.2 When using a U-type pendulum, means shall be
provided to prevent the broken specimen from rebounding
supporting edges of the anvils shown in Fig. A1.2 Top View.
The striker shall be perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the

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ASTM E23-23a
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FIG. A1.1 Typical Pendulums and Anvils for Charpy Machines, Shown with Modifications to Minimize Jamming

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