ABSTRACT
The mechanical characterization of materials by small specimen testing has growing interest in Structural Engineering. Small Punch Test (SPT) is applied to estimate mechanical properties of samples that can be extracted from components or structures without affecting service operation. In this paper the development of the test device is reported, constructed according to the CWA 15627: 2007 recommendation. Stainless steel AISI 304L was selected to estimate tensile mechanical properties. The results obtained are compared with standard tensile tests results. We analyze the experimental parameters involved and compare the analytical expressions available in the literature with those indicated by the reference recommendation. Finally, we have implemented finite element simulation of load-displacement curves. Based on the results of this work, a method for evaluating the effect of specimen thickness on the estimation of mechanical properties is proposed.
Keywords
SPT; mechanical characterization; small specimens; finite element simulation
