A bend test is carried out specifically to identify the mechanical properties of brittle metals or alloys which are not identified accurately by a tensile test. In addition, brittle metals under tension are extremely sensitive to additional bending stress occurring in abaxial fixing of the specimen. Without the plastic deformation necessary to mitigate and balance the excessive additional stress, the specimen will break prematurely, which will ultimately render the results seriously flawed.
In a bend test, a specimen is bent at three points to a defined angle, typically 180°. After bending, the specimens are observed to determine whether any cracks or other defects are visible on the surface.
Bend tests are performed in conformity with the following standards:
PN-EN ISO 7438:2021-04 - Metallic materials — Bend test
PN-EN ISO 5173:2010 - Destructive tests on welds in metallic materials — Bend tests
