Brinell Hardness Calculator
Determine the Brinell Hardness Number (BHN) of a material from indentation testing
Calculator
Enter the applied load, ball diameter, and indentation diameter to calculate the Brinell Hardness Number (BHN).
About the Brinell Hardness Calculator
The Brinell Hardness Calculator allows you to determine the Brinell Hardness Number (BHN) of a material by entering the applied load (F), ball diameter (D), and indentation diameter (d). This test is one of the most widely used methods for measuring the indentation hardness of metals and alloys, particularly in metallurgy, material testing, and mechanical engineering applications.
What You Can Calculate
- Brinell Hardness Number (BHN): A dimensionless number that represents the material’s resistance to indentation under a specified load.
- Material Hardness: An indicator of a material’s ability to resist deformation, wear, and penetration.
Formula Used in the Calculator
The Brinell Hardness Number is calculated using the standard Brinell equation:
- BHN = 2F / (πD × (D − √(D² − d²)))
Where:
- BHN = Brinell Hardness Number (no unit)
- F = Applied Load (N or kgf)
- D = Ball Diameter (mm)
- d = Indentation Diameter (mm)
How to Use the Brinell Hardness Calculator
- Enter the applied load (F) and select the appropriate unit (N or kgf).
- Enter the ball diameter (D) and indentation diameter (d) in millimeters.
- The calculator will automatically compute the Brinell Hardness Number (BHN).
Applications of the Brinell Hardness Test
- Material Testing: Evaluate the surface hardness of metals, alloys, and castings for research or industrial purposes.
- Quality Control: Ensure material consistency and strength in manufacturing and fabrication processes.
- Metallurgy: Compare hardness levels during heat treatment, alloy development, and surface processing.
- Mechanical Design: Relate hardness values to other mechanical properties such as tensile strength and wear resistance.
- Failure Analysis: Assess the hardness of components to diagnose fatigue or wear-related issues.