Impact Test (Charpy/Izod) Calculator

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Calculate the energy absorbed by a specimen during a pendulum impact test.

Test Parameters

Pendulum Mass (kg)

Pendulum Length (m)

Initial Angle (α°)

Final Angle (β°)

Calculation Results

Enter parameters to calculate (Ensure alpha > beta)

About this calculator

Quick Reference

mPendulum mass

LPendulum length (to center of mass)

alphaStarting angle

betaEnding angle

Overview

In materials science, the Charpy and Izod impact tests measure the toughness of a material. A pendulum is released from a known height to strike a specimen. The energy absorbed by the material is determined by comparing the pendulum's height before and after the impact.

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Pro Tips

The absorbed energy is a measure of the material's 'impact toughness'.
Brittle materials absorb little energy, while ductile materials absorb more.
Ensure angles are measured from the vertical downward position (0° is the bottom). Actually, standard tests often measure from vertical up or a specific release point. We'll use angle from vertical down.

Fun Facts

"The Charpy test was developed by Georges Charpy in 1905."
"Impact toughness can change drastically with temperature; some steels become brittle in the cold."
"The Titanic's hull plates were later found to have low impact toughness at freezing temperatures."

Formula: E = m * g * L * (cos beta - cos alpha)