What is Brinell Hardness?
The Brinell hardness test is used to determine the hardness of materials in relationship to other materials along a consistent scale, so that scientists can both replicate results and have a frame of reference for the given hardness of a material. During the test, a small steel or carbide ball is forced into the material of unknown hardness with a set amount of pressure. The area of the resulting indentation is measured, and a mathematical formula is applied to yield a Brinell hardness number. Brinell hardness is commonly used in reference to metals and alloys, although it can refer to other materials as well. The test is named for Johan August Brinell, a Swedish engineer who lived from 1849-1925. His work with metals led to several discoveries including the Brinell hardness test. His name is also attached to brinelling, an engineering term which refers to the point at which a metal will fail as a result of load and impact. He developed Brinell hardness in 1900, and the discovery revol
