This test method covers drop-weight tear tests (DWTT) on ferritic steels with thicknesses between 3.18 and 19.1 mm (0.125 and 0.750 in.). The values stated in SI (metric) units are to be regarded as the standard.

The testing machine shall be either a pendulum type or a vertical-dropped-weight (Note 1) type. The machine shall provide sufficient energy to completely fracture a specimen in one impact.

As a guide in the design of the equipment it has been found that up to 2712 J (2000 ft·lbf) of energy may be required to completely fracture specimens of steel up to 12.7 mm (1⁄2in.) in thickness with tensile strengths to 690 MPa (100 000psi).

The specimen shall be supported in a suitable manner to prevent sidewise rotation of the specimen.

The velocity of the hammer (in either type of testing machine) shall be not less than 4.88 m/s (16 ft/s).

The test specimen shall be a 76.2 by 305-mm (3 by 12-in.) by full-plate-thickness edge-notch bend specimen employing a pressed notch. Fig. 1 presents the dimensions and tolerances of the specimens. The specimens shall be removed from the material under test by sawing, shearing, or flame cutting, with or without machining.

The notch shall be pressed to the depth with a sharp tool-steel chisel with an included angle of 45 62°. Machined notches are prohibited.