Charpy impact strength

Charpy impact strength is a test method for materials that measures their ability to absorb impact energy without breaking. Factors such as wall thickness, shape, size, temperature and impact speed influence impact strength. It is measured with a pendulum hammer and stated as the ratio of impact work to specimen cross-section (kJ/m²).

There are three different measuring methods: Izod, Charpy and notched impact strength. Charpy is the most commonly used and indicates whether a material is resistant to fracture. Notched impact strength measures a material's notch sensitivity due to stress concentration.