ASTM E290-97a

1.1 These test methods cover bend testing for ductility of materials. Included in the procedures are four conditions of constraint on the bent portion of the specimen; a guided-bend test using a mandrel or plunger of defined dimensions to force the mid-length of the specimen between two supports separated by a defined space; a semi-guided-bend test in which the specimen is bent, while in contact with a mandrel, through a specified angle or to a specified inside radius (r) of curvature, measured while under the bending force; a free-bend test in which the ends of the specimen are brought toward each other, but in which no transverse force is applied to the bend itself and there is no contact of the concave inside surface of the bend with other material; a bend and flatten test, in which a transverse force is applied to the bend such that the legs make contact with each other over the length of the specimen.

1.2 After bending, the convex surface of the bend is examined for evidence of a crack or surface irregularity. If the specimen fractures, the material has failed the test. When complete fracture does not occur, the criterion for failure is the number and size of cracks or other surface irregularity visible to the unaided eye occurring on the convex surface of the specimen after bending, as specified by the product standard. Any cracks within one thickness of the edge of the specimen are not considered a bend test failure. Cracks occurring in the corners of the bent portion shall not be considered significant unless they exceed the size specified for corner cracks in the product standard.

1.3 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. Inch-pound values given in parentheses were used in establishing test parameters and are for information only.

1.4 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-priate safety and health practices and determine the applica-bility of regulatory limitations prior to use.