| Abstract Scope |
The scope is the measurement of the highest working temperatures, Tc, for a given alloy. Tc will be determined in terms of the temperature dependence of the indentation hardness performed at a constant heating rate. Indentation is realized with a cylinder or cone-shaped measuring head loaded with a constant force and pressed into the sample placed in a tubular furnace. We measure the degree of indentation as a function of temperature.
The main instrument parameters are the following: applied force: 0,1-5 kgf (10-50 N), maximum temperature: 1200 °C, displacement measurement sensitivity 0,1 micron, sample size: 2-10 mm thick plane-parallel cylinder or bar and 10 mm maximum diameter. The measurements are performed under an argon-protective atmosphere or in the air to check the oxidation resistance.
At this stage, the instrument can determine the softening temperature, coefficient of thermal expansion of metal alloys, and the permanent flow (creep) parameters. |