BEND and FRACTURE TESTS

Bend test determines the ductility and resistance to fracture of metallic materials and weld joints. A test specimen is bended at its midpoint by means of a mandrel that makes the surface concave with a specified radius of curvature. After this, the convex surface of the bended sample is observed to detect any crack or defect.

Fracture test allows to get information about the presence of defects in the welding, determining their nature, and studying the dimension and concentration of porosities, cracks, shrinkages, defects due to incomplete penetration or inclusions.

Visual examination of the fractured surface is used to recognize these kinds of defects and to evaluate the welding quality and acceptability.

The fracture, that is caused in correspondence with the welding, is obtained subjecting test samples to bending or tensile strenght, according to the reference standards or specifications.