Designation: E 208 – 95a (Reapproved 2000)

Standard Test Method for

Conducting Drop-Weight Test to Determine Nil-Ductility
Transition Temperature of Ferritic Steels1
This standard is issued under the fixed designation E 208; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A
superscript epsilon (e) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.

This standard has been approved for use by agencies of the Department of Defense.

INTRODUCTION

This drop-weight test was developed at the Naval Research Laboratory in 1952 and has been used
extensively to investigate the conditions required for initiation of brittle fractures in structural steels.
Drop-weight test facilities have been established at several Naval activities, research institutions, and
industrial organizations in this country and abroad. The method is used for specification purposes by
industrial organizations and is referenced in several ASTM specifications and the ASME Boiler and
Pressure Vessel Code. This procedure was prepared to ensure that tests conducted at all locations
would have a common meaning.

1. Scope 3. Summary of Test Method

1.1 This test method covers the determination of the nil- 3.1 The drop-weight test employs simple beam specimens
ductility transition (NDT) temperature of ferritic steels, 5⁄8 in. specially prepared to create a material crack in their tensile
(15.9 mm) and thicker. surfaces at an early time interval of the test. The test is
1.2 This test method may be used whenever the inquiry, conducted by subjecting each of a series (generally four to
contract, order, or specification states that the steels are subject eight) of specimens of a given material to a single impact load
to fracture toughness requirements as determined by the at a sequence of selected temperatures to determine the
drop-weight test. maximum temperature at which a specimen breaks. The impact
1.3 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded load is provided by a guided, free-falling weight with an energy
as the standard. of 250 to 1200 ft-lbf (340 to 1630 J) depending on the yield
1.4 This standard does not purport to address all of the strength of the steel to be tested. The specimens are prevented
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the by a stop from deflecting more than a few tenths of an inch.
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro- 3.2 The usual test sequence is as follows: After the prepa-
priate safety and health practices and determine the applica- ration and temperature conditioning of the specimen, the initial
bility of regulatory limitations prior to use. drop-weight test is conducted at a test temperature estimated to
be near the NDT temperature. Depending upon the results of
2. Terminology the first test, tests of the other specimens are conducted at
2.1 Definitions: suitable temperature intervals to establish the limits within
2.1.1 ferritic—the word ferritic as used hereafter refers to 10°F (5°C) for break and no-break performance. A duplicate
all a-Fe steels. This includes martensitic, pearlitic, and all test at the lowest no-break temperature of the series is
other nonaustenitic steels. conducted to confirm no-break performance at this tempera-
2.1.2 nil-ductility transition (NDT) temperature— the maxi- ture.
mum temperature where a standard drop-weight specimen 3.3 In 1984, the method of applying the crack-starter weld
breaks when tested according to the provisions of this method. bead was changed from a two-pass technique to the current
single-pass procedure, and the practice of repair-welding of the
1
crack-starter weld bead was prohibited. For steels whose
This test method is under the jurisdiction of the ASTM Committee E28 on
Mechanical Testing and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee E28.07 on
properties are influenced by tempering or are susceptible to
Impact Testing. temper embrittlement, the nil-ductility transition (NDT) tem-
Current edition approved Aug. 15, 1995. Published October 1995. Originally perature obtained using the single-pass crack-starter weld bead
published as E 208 – 63 T. Last previous edition E 208 – 95.

Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959, United States.

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 E 208 – 95a (2000)
may not agree with that obtained using the previous two-pass weight. The weight shall be provided with suitable devices
crack-starter weld bead, or when the crack-starter bead was which engage the rail, or rails, and ensure that it will drop
repaired. freely in a single, vertical plane. The weight may be raised by
any convenient means. A weight-release mechanism, function-
4. Significance and Use ing similarly to that shown in Fig. 2( b), shall be provided to
4.1 The fracture-strength transitions of ferritic steels used in release the weight quickly without affecting its free fall. The
the notched condition are markedly affected by temperature. weight shall be made in one piece, or if made of several pieces,
For a given “low” temperature, the size and acuity of the flaw its construction shall be rigid to ensure that it acts as a unit
(notch) determines the stress level required for initiation of when it strikes the specimen. The striking tup of the weight
brittle fracture. The significance of this test method is related to shall be a steel cylindrical surface with a radius of 1 in. (25.4
establishing that temperature, defined herein as the NDT mm) and a minimum hardness of HRC 50 throughout the
temperature, at which the “small flaw” initiation curve, Fig. 1,

FIG. 1 Generalized Fracture Analysis Diagram Indicating the Approximate Range of Flaw Sizes Required for Fracture Initiation at
Various Levels of Nominal Stress, as Referenced by the NDT Temperature ,

falls to nominal yield strength stress levels with decreasing section. The weight shall be between 50 and 300 lb (22.7 and
temperature, that is, the point marked NDT in Fig. 1. 136 kg). The rails and hoisting device shall permit raising the
4.2 Interpretations to other conditions required for fracture weight various fixed distances to obtain potential energies of
initiation may be made by the use of the generalized flaw-size, 250 to 1200 ft-lbf (340 to 1630 J).
stress-temperature diagram shown in Fig. 1. The diagram was 5.3 A horizontal base, located under the guide rails, shall be
derived from a wide variety of tests, both fracture-initiation provided to hold and position precisely the several styles of
and fracture-arrest tests, as correlated with the NDT tempera- anvils required for the standard specimens. The anvil guides
ture established by the drop-weight test. Validation of the NDT shall position the anvil with the center-line of the deflection
concept has been documented by correlations with numerous stops under the center-line of the striking tup of the weight. In
service failures encountered in ship, pressure vessel, machinery general, the base will also support the guide rails, but this is not
component, forged, and cast steel applications. a requirement. The base shall rest on the rigid foundation. The
base-foundation system shall be sufficiently rigid to allow the
5. Apparatus
normal drop-weight energy (Table 1) to deflect a standard
5.1 The drop-weight machine is of simple design based on specimen to the stop at temperatures above the NDT. The base
the use of readily available structural steel products.2 The shall not jump or shift during the test, and shall be secured to
principal components of a drop-weight machine are a vertically the foundation if necessary to prevent motion.
guided, free-falling weight, and a rigidly supported anvil which 5.4 A guard screen, similar to that shown in Fig. 2(c), is
provides for the loading of a rectangular plate specimen as a recommended to stop broken specimen halves of the very
simple beam under the falling weight. Fig. 2(a) illustrates a brittle steels which break into two pieces with both halves
typical drop-weight machine built of standard structural being ejected forcefully from the machine.
shapes. 5.5 The general characteristics of two of the anvils required
5.2 A rail, or rails, rigidly held in a vertical position and in are illustrated in Fig. 3. The anvils shall be made in accordance
a fixed relationship to the base shall be provided to guide the with the dimensions shown in Fig. 4. The anvil supports and
deflection stops shall be steel-hardened to a minimum hardness
2
Detail drawings for the construction of this machine are available from ASTM of HRC 50 throughout their cross section. The space between
Headquarters. Order PCN 12-502080-00. the two stops is provided as clearance for the crack-starter weld

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 E 208 – 95a (2000)

(a) Left—Complete Assembly

(b) Upper Right—Quick Release Mechanism
(c) Lower Right—Guard Screen
FIG. 2 Drop-Weight Test Apparatus

on the specimen. The deflection stops may be made in two 6.2 This test method establishes standard specimens and
separate pieces, if desired. The anvil-base system shall be conditions to determine the NDT temperature of a given steel.
sufficiently rigid to allow the normal drop-weight energy The use of standard specimens with nonstandard test condi-
(Table 1) to deflect the specimen to the stop at temperatures tions or the use of nonstandard specimens shall not be allowed
well above the NDT. for specification purposes.
5.6 A measuring system shall be provided to assure that the 6.3 This test method employs a small weld bead deposited
weight is released from the desired height for each test, within on the specimen surface, whose sole purpose is to provide a
the limits of +10, −0 %. brittle material for the initiation of a small, cleavage crack-flaw
5.7 Modifications of the equipment or assembly details of
in the specimen base material during the test. Anomalous
the drop-weight machine shown in Fig. 2 are permitted
behavior may be expected for materials where the heat-affected
provided that the modified machine is functionally equivalent.
zone created by deposition of the crack-starter weld is made
Fig. 5 illustrates a portable machine design used by an
more fracture resistant than the unaffected plate. This condition
industrial concern for drop-weight tests of materials used for
pressure vessel components at different fabrication sites. is developed for quenched and tempered steels of high hard-
ness obtained by tempering at low temperatures. The problem
6. Precautions may be avoided by placing the crack-starter weld on these
6.1 The drop-weight test was devised for measuring fracture steels before conducting the quenching and tempering heat
initiation characteristics of 5⁄8-in. (15.9-mm) and thicker struc- treatment. Except for other cases which may be readily
tural materials. This test is not recommended for steels less rationalized in metallurgical terms (for example, it is possible
than 5⁄8-in. thick. to recrystallize heavily cold-worked steels in the heat-affected

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 E 208 – 95a (2000)
TABLE 1 Standard Drop-Weight Test Conditions
Drop-Weight Energy for Given
Specimen Size, Deflection Stop, Yield Strength Level, Yield Strength LevelA
Type of Specimen Span, in. (mm)
in. (mm) in. (mm) ksi (MPa)
ft-lbf J
P-1 1 by 31⁄2 by 14 12.0 0.3 30 to 50 (210 to 340) 600 800
(25.4 by 89 by 356) (305) (7.6) 50 to 70 (340 to 480) 800 1100
70 to 90 (480 to 620) 1000 1350
90 to 110 (620 to 760) 1200 1650

P-2 3⁄4 by 2 by 5 4.0 0.06 30 to 60 (210 to 410) 250 350

(19 by 51 by 127) (102) (1.5) 60 to 90 (410 to 620) 300 400
90 to 120 (620 to 830) 350 450
120 to 150 (830 to 1030) 400 550

P-3 5⁄8 by 2 by 5 4.0 0.075 30 to 60 (210 to 410) 250 350

(15.9 by 51 by 127) (102) (1.9) 60 to 90 (410 to 620) 300 400
90 to 120 (620 to 830) 350 450
120 to 150 (830 to 1030) 400 550
A
Initial tests of a given strength level steel shall be conducted with the drop-weight energy stated in this column. In the event that insufficient deflection is developed
(no-test performance) an increased drop-weight energy shall be employed for other specimens of the given steel.

FIG. 3 General Appearance of the Anvils Required for Drop-Weight NDT Tests

zone and to develop a region of improved ductility), the system shall be used which can be employed in conjunction
heat-affected zone problem is not encountered with conven- with an itemized table to obtain all the pertinent information.
tional structural grade steels of a pearlitic microstructure or 7.2 Orientation—The drop-weight test is insensitive to
quenched and tempered steels tempered at high temperatures to specimen orientation with respect to rolling or forging direc-
develop maximum fracture toughness. tion. However, unless otherwise agreed to, all specimens
7. Test Specimens specified by the purchaser shall be of the same orientation and
it shall be noted in the test report.
7.1 Identification of Material—All sample material and
specimens removed from a given plate, shape, forging, or 7.3 Relation to Other Specimens—Unless otherwise speci-
casting product shall be marked to identify their particular fied by the purchaser, the specimens shall be removed from the
source (heat number, slab number, etc.). A simple identification material at positions adjacent to the location of other type test

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 E 208 – 95a (2000)

Specimen Type
Anvil Dimension Units Tolerance
P-1 P-2 P-3
S, Span in. 12.0 4.0 4.0 60.05
mm 305 100 100 61.5
D, Deflection stop in. 0.30 0.060 0.075 60.002
mm 7.60 1.50 1.90 60.05
A, Anvil length ←——————––not critical––——————→
B, Anvil width ←——————––not critical––——————→
C, Anvil thickness in. 1.5 min 1.5 min 1.5 min
mm 38 min 38 min 38 min
E, Support length in. 3.5 min 2.0 min 2.0 min
mm 90 min 50 min 50 min
F, Support width ←——————not less than G——————→
G, Support height in. 2.0 2.0 2.0 61
mm 50 50 50 625
R, Support radius in. 0.075 0.075 0.075 60.025
mm 1.0 1.0 1.0 60.1
H, Stop width in. 3.5 min 2.0 min 2.0 min 62
mm 90 min 50 min 50 min 650
I, Weld clearance in. 0.9 0.9 0.9 60.1
mm 22 22 22 63
J, Weld clearance depth in. 0.4 min 0.4 min 0.4 min
mm 10 min 10 min 10 min

FIG. 4 Anvil Dimensions

specimens (for example, mechanical test specimens) required

for evaluation of other material properties.
7.4 Special Conditions for Forgings and Castings—Where FIG. 5 Portable Drop-Weight Test Machine Used for Tests at
drop-weight testing of cast or forged material is specified, the Different Fabrication Sites
size and location of integrally attached pad projections or
prolongations to be used for specimen fabrication shall be separately but simultaneously with the product. Chills shall not
agreed to in advance by the purchaser. If the design of the be used. The test-material coupon shall be in proportion to the
casting or forging does not allow an attached test-material thickness, T, in the cast product, where T is diameter of the
coupon, the following requirements shall apply: largest circle that can be inscribed in any cross section of the
7.4.1 Drop-weight specimens cast or forged separately to casting, or where T is defined in advance by the purchaser as
the dimensions required for testing shall be allowed only where the nominal design thickness, as follows:
the product dimensions are equivalent and the purchaser Thickness, T, in. (mm) Separately Cast, Nonchilled, Test-Coupon Size
⁄ (12.7) and less
12 None required
agrees. 5⁄8 to 2 (15.9 to 50.8) When several small castings are poured from one
7.4.2 Specimens may be taken from a separately produced heat, one casting shall be used to provide test
specimens, if adaptable
test-material coupon if the supplier can demonstrate that it is
⁄ to 1 (15.9 to 25.4)
58 T by 2 by 5 in. (127 mm) for irregularly shaped cast-
equivalent to the product with respect to chemical composition, ings
soundness, and metallurgical conditions. The material shall be >1 to 3 (25.4 to 76.2) T by 4.5T by 4.5T
>3 to 5 (76.2 to 127) T by 3T by 3T
from the same heat and shall have been fabricated under Over 5 (127) T by 3T by 3T for castings that are representative of
identical conditions as the product. The specimens shall be cast plates
machine-cut from locations agreed to in advance by the Over 5 (127) T by T by 6 =T for castings that are representative
of cast plates
purchaser.
7.4.3 Specifically, in the case of casting requiring X-ray 7.4.4 Specimens showing casting or metallurgical faults on
quality standard, the separate test-material coupon shall be cast broken fracture surfaces shall be “No-Test.”

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 E 208 – 95a (2000)

Specimen Type
Dimension Units P-1 P-2 P-3
Dimension Tolerance Dimension Tolerance Dimension Tolerance
T, Thickness in. 1.0 60.12 0.75 60.04 0.62 60.02
mm 25 62.5 19 61.0 16 60.5
L, Length in. 14.0 60.5 5.0 60.5 5.0 60.5
mm 360 610 130 610 130 610
W, Width in. 3.5 60.1 2.0 60.04 2.0 60.04
mm 90 62.0 50 61.0 50 61.0
WL, Weld length in. 2.5 61 1.75 61.0 1.75 61.0
mm 63.5 625 44.5 625 44.5 625.0

NOTE 1—The length of the weld bead is not critical, provided that the crack-starter notch is at the center of specimen and that the weld bead does not
contact the support fixture when the specimen is fully deflected.
FIG. 6 Standard Drop-Weight Specimen Dimensions

7.5 Size of Blank—Dimensions of the blank size required (WL of Fig. 6) and 1⁄2 in. (12.7 mm) wide, shall be deposited
for standard test specimens are shown in Fig. 6. Equally on the as-fabricated tension surface of the drop-weight speci-
significant NDT temperatures, within 610°F (65°C), are men in a single pass.3 To assist the welding operator in
determined for a given steel with tests using any of the standard centering the weld deposit properly on the test piece, two
specimens. As may be convenient for the particular thickness punch marks spaced to the appropriate WL dimension of Fig.
of material, any of the standard specimens shown in Fig. 6 and 6 shall be positioned as A and D as shown in Fig. 7(a). As an
prepared as described in Section 7 may be chosen for this alternative to the punch marks, a copper template containing a
method. The results obtained with standard test conditions centrally positioned slot, 1 in by WL + 1⁄2 in. (25 mm by
shall comply with the requirements of this method for deter- WL + 13 mm) Fig. 7 (b), may be used.4 See Fig. 7 (b). The
mining the NDT temperature. weld shall start from either Point A or D and shall proceed
7.6 Specimen Cutting—The specimen sample material and without interruption as a stringer bead (no weaving) to the
the specimen ends may be flame-cut. The specimen sides shall other point. The bead appearance is determined by the amper-
be saw-cut or machined, using adequate coolant to prevent age, arc voltage, and speed of travel used. A current of 180 to
specimen overheating, and shall be a minimum of 1 in. from 200 A, a medium arc length, and a travel speed that will result
any flame-cut surface. Products thicker than the standard in a moderately high-crowned bead have been found to be
specimen thickness shall be machine-cut to standard thickness suitable conditions. An enlarged view of an as-deposited
from one side, preserving an as-fabricated surface unless crack-starter weld is shown in Fig. 7(c). Providing a heat sink
otherwise specified, or agreed to, in advance by the purchaser. under P-2 and P-3 specimens during welding is recommended
The as-fabricated surface so preserved shall be the welded but not required in order to minimize microstructural changes
(tension) surface of the specimen during testing. to these smaller specimens.
7.7 Crack-Starter Weld—The crack-starter weld, which is a
centrally located weld bead, approximately 2 in. (50 mm) long 3
The following sources have indicated that they produce appropriate electrodes:
(1) Wearshield MM Electrodes, available from Lincoln Electric Co., 22801 St. Clair
Ave., Cleveland, OH 44117-1199; (2) McKay DWT 3⁄16-in. diameter, available from
Teledyne McKay, P.O. Box 1509, York, PA 17405-1509; (3) OK Selectrode 83030
4-mm diameter, item number 8330404000, available from Esab AB, Box 8004,
S-402 77 Goteborg, Sweden; (4) Conarcrom 350 5-mm diameter, available from
Conarco, Calle 18 No 4079-(1672 V. Lynch), Buenos Aires, Argentina. Each lot of
electrodes shall be checked by the user in accordance with the requirements of 7.10
for suitability with the material the user is testing.
4
The copper template is especially recommended for the Type P-2 and P-3
specimens since it eliminates weld spatter which may interfere with proper seating
of the specimen during test.

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 E 208 – 95a (2000)

FIG. 7 Methods of Locating the Weld Deposit Properly on the Test Specimen

7.7.1 Microstructure of Base Metal—Data presented show measured, since it is the thickness of the weld remaining above
that the method of depositing the weld bead can influence the the specimen and under the bottom of the notch that has been
microstructure of the heat-affected zone under the weld notch standardized, as shown in Fig. 9. This weld thickness above the
which in turn can influence the NDT determined especially in specimen shall be maintained across as much of the weld width
heat-treated steels.5 as permitted by the bead contour. Fig. 10 illustrates an optional
7.8 Weld Notch—The final preparation of the specimen device for measuring the thickness of weld metal at the bottom
consists of notching the deposited weld at the center of the of the notch. The adjustable dial indicator with bridge-support
bead length. Care shall be taken to ensure that only the weld is set at zero while in position on the specimen with the
deposit is notched and that the cutting tools do not contact the indicator tip contacting the specimen surface immediately
specimen surface. The notch may be cut with thin abrasive adjacent to the notch. The bridge is then placed over the weld
disks, as shown in Fig. 8, or other convenient cutting tools such with the indicator tip resting on the bottom of the notch to
as mechanical saws, hack saws, etc., or electrical discharge measure the weld metal thickness directly. After the operator
machining. The weld-notch details and a representative ex- has gained experience in the preparation of a few specimens,
ample of a notched weld are given in Fig. 9.
the instrument need be used only in the final checking of the
7.9 Measuring Weld-Notch Depth—The depth of the notch
finished notch.
from the crown of the weld will vary with expected variations
in weld-crown dimensions. The depth of the notch is not 7.10 Other Crack-Starter Welds—The satisfactory comple-
tion of drop-weight tests is dependent upon the “crack-starting”
conditions developed by the notched weld. As shown sche-
5
Tsukada, H., Suzuki, I. I., and Tanaka, Y., “A Study on Drop-Weight Test Using matically in Fig. 11, the specimen deflection, DC, that cracks
A508 Class 2 Steel,” Japan Steel Works, Ltd., December 1, 1981. the weld, is significantly less than the allowable anvil stop

7
 E 208 – 95a (2000)

NOTE 1—The weld shown does not comply with the current procedure which specifies that the weld shall start from either end and shall proceed
without interruption.
FIG. 8 Notching of Crack-Starter Weld Deposit

FIG. 10 Method for Measuring Weld Metal Thickness at the

Bottom of the Notch

FIG. 9 Weld-Notch Details and Example of a Notched Weld

deflection, DA, for all standard thickness, T, specimens tested

on the proper span, S. The carefully prepared and specially
handled electrode (described in 7.73) has been proved success-
ful for crack-starting purposes for all temperatures up to
approximately 400°F (200°C). Other weld materials shall be
considered to perform satisfactorily as crack-starters if they
also develop cleavage cracks at suitably high test temperatures
at or near the instant that yielding occurs in the surface fibers
of the test specimen. Weld materials, other than those described
in 7.7, may be used for the crack-starter bead provided the
following requirements are met: FIG. 11 Drop-Weight Test Method
7.10.1 Using standard conditions as specified in Table 1,
three standard Type P-2 specimens (3⁄4 by 2 by 5 in.) (19 by 51
by 127 mm) shall be drop-weight tested at a temperature 100°F 7.10.2 If the three tests demonstrate that the weld notch is
(55°C) or more above the NDT temperatures of the plate always cracked upon deflection of the specimen tension surface
material. to the maximum amount permitted by the proper anvil stop, the

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 E 208 – 95a (2000)
other crack-starter weld shall be authorized and considered to 8.3 The number of specimens required to determine the
conform to the requirements of this method. NDT temperature is a function of the experience of the
7.10.3 Welding procedures or crack-starter weld dimensions operator with the material and of the use of an adequate
other than those described in 7.7 shall be considered to perform procedure. A skilled operator working with known material can
satisfactorily as crack-starters if they are demonstrated to determine the NDT temperature with as few as three speci-
develop cleavage cracks at suitably high test temperatures at or mens. Generally, six to eight specimens are required.
near the instant that yielding occurs in the surface fibers of the
test specimens. For example, a 3⁄4 to 1-in. long crack-starter 9. Specimen—Anvil Alignment
weld deposited in one direction only with the welding condi- 9.1 Anvil Requirements—Test each type of drop-weight
tions and the electrodes described in 7.7 has been used specimen only on the anvil designated for that type specimen
successfully as a crack-starter weld for the Type P-3 specimen. in accordance with Table 1.
The shorter weld reduces to total heat input into the specimen 9.2 Specimen-Anvil Alignment—In order to obtain a valid
and is considered less likely to cause metallurgical changes in test properly align the specimen on the anvil. Align the
the specimen base materials of the low-alloy, high-tensile specimen, anvil, and weigh so the specimen is struck under the
strength pressure vessel steels. For the Type P-1 specimen, the following conditions:
shorter weld does not provide the reproducibility or consis- 9.2.1 The specimen shall be horizontal and the ends shall
tency for crack-starting purposes obtained with the standard rest on the anvil supports.
crack-starter weld described in 7.7. Other welding procedures 9.2.2 The striking tup of the weight shall strike within6 0.1
or crack-starter weld dimensions than those described in 7.7 in. (62.5 mm) of a line on the compression side of the
may be used as the crack-starter bead for a given standard type specimen, normal to a long edge and directly opposite the
(P-1, P-2, or P-3) specimen provided that three specimens are notch in the crack-starter weld.
tested in accordance with 7.10.1 and results obtained in 9.2.3 No part of the crack-starter weld will touch the
accordance with 7.10.2. deflection stops at any time during the test.
9.2.4 The specimen sides and ends shall be free from any
8. Procedure—General interference during the test.
8.1 Some care and thought are necessary to make a success- 9.3 Alignment Tool—The optional technique shown in Fig.
ful drop-weight determination of the NDT temperature. Ad- 12 has been used successfully to achieve longitudinal and
equate auxiliary equipment and a definite procedure will aid in angular specimen alignment of the specimen. Draw a wax-
making the test. The following sections will define in detail and pencil line on the compression surface of the specimen normal
in orderly fashion the equipment and procedure requirements: to a long edge and directly opposite the notch. Place the
8.2 Conduct the test by placing a specimen in a heating or specimen on the anvil so this line coincides with the edge of a
cooling device until it is at the desired temperature. Then place removable guide bar. Place the bar against the machine rails so
it with minimum loss of time (see 12.4) on the anvil and align that its edge defines the striking line of the tup on the weight.
where it will be struck squarely by the weight. Allow the
weight to drop from a known preselected height on the 10. Selection of Test Energy
specimen. Examine the specimen after the strike to determine 10.1 Strike the specimen by a free-falling weight having
its condition as defined by the requirements of this method. adequate energy to deflect the specimen sufficiently to crack
Repeat this process until the NDT temperature has been the weld deposit and to make the tension surface contact the
determined. anvil stop. The design of the machine permits the use of

FIG. 12 Method for Alignment of Specimen

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 E 208 – 95a (2000)
various impact energies to accommodate the different strength breaks when the test is conducted by this procedure. Test at
levels of the various materials tested. The standard test least two specimens that show no-break performance at a
conditions shown in Table 1 have been developed by experi- temperature 10°F (5°C) above the temperature judged to be the
ence and shall be used for the test series of a given steel unless NDT point.
“No-Test” performance is experienced. The indicated energies 11.2 Conduct the initial test at a temperature estimated to be
can be obtained by lifting the weight the required distance from near the NDT. This temperature and all subsequent test
the compression surface of the specimen. temperatures shall be integral multiples of 10°F or 5°C.
10.2 Proper contact of the tension surface of the specimen Additional tests can be conducted at temperatures based on the
with the deflection stop shall be defined as follows: Scribe a
experience of the operator or on those suggested in Table 2.
wax-pencil line on the tension surface of a standard specimen
parallel to and in line with the mechanical notch cut in the
12. Measurement of Specimen Temperatures
crack-starter weld deposit, Fig. 13(a). Apply clean masking
tape, or a similar material, to the top surface of the anvil 12.1 The entire test specimen shall be at a known and
deflection stop blocks, Fig. 13(b). Align the test specimen on uniform temperature during the test. It shall be assumed that if
the anvil and strike once by the weight with the standard it is fully immersed in a stirred-liquid, constant temperature
conditions, Table 1, for the steel involved. Transfer of the bath of known temperature and separated from an adjacent
wax-pencil line from specimen to the tape shall indicate that specimen by a minimum of 1 in. (25.4 mm) all around for a
the specimen was bent sufficiently (Fig. 13(c)). The above period of at least 45 min prior to the test, the specimen
procedure, to ensure proper contact of the tension surface of temperature shall be the same as the bath temperature. If a gas
the specimen with the deflection stop blocks, is considered a heat-transfer medium is used, increase the required minimum
“built-in” standardization feature of the test method, and it holding time to 60 min. If it can be shown by appropriate test
shall be employed for each drop-weight test to preclude techniques, such as using a thermocouple buried in the center
“No-Test” performance as described in 13.2.3 and 13.3. of a dummy test specimen, that specimen equilibrium tempera-
10.3 If the weld crack and anvil stop contact criteria are not tures can be developed in a shorter period, the tester can reduce
met by the Table 1 energies, increase the drop-weight energy in the specimen-holding period provided that he has prior ap-
100-ft-lb increments for the Type P-1 specimens or 50-ft-lb proval of the purchaser. The constant-temperature baths or
(68-J) increments for the Type P-2 and P-3 specimens until ovens may be of any type that will beat or cool the specimens
they are met. Do not use drop-weight energies above those to a known and uniform temperature.
posted on the table unless the above procedure has been
followed to determine the excess energy requirements. 12.2 Measure the bath temperature by a device with cali-
bration known to 62°F or 61°C.
11. Selection of Test Temperatures 12.3 Any convenient means may be used to remove the
11.1 The selection of test temperatures is based on finding, specimen from the temperature bath and transfer it to the test
with as few specimens as possible, a lower temperature where machine provided it shall not affect the specimen temperature
the specimen breaks and an upper temperature where it does control. Tongs, if used, shall be kept in the temperature bath to
not break, and then testing at intervals between these tempera- maintain a temperature equivalent to the specimen tempera-
tures until the temperature limits for break and no-break ture. Rubber-gloved hands, in general, are the most convenient
performance are determined within 10°F (5°C). The NDT handling tool. The specimen shall be handled away from the
temperature is the highest temperature where a specimen fracture area.

(a) (b) (c)

(a) Wax Pencil Line Scribed on Tension Side of a Specimen
(b) Application of Masking Tape to Anvil Stop Surfaces
(c) Transfer of Wax Lines to the Tape When the Specimen Hits the Stop
FIG. 13 Method Employed to Indicate Contact of the Specimen with the Anvil Stop

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TABLE 2 Suggested Sequence of Drop-Weight Test Temperatures
Suggested Test Temperature
Specimen Condition After Test at Temperature Tn
for Succeeding Test
No crack in weld notch No-Test performance (see 13.2.3 and 13.3)
Weld crack extending less than 1⁄16 in. (1.6 mm) into specimen surface Tn − 60°F Tn − 30°C
Weld crack extending 1⁄8 to 1⁄4 in. (3.2 to 6.4 mm) into specimen surface Tn − 40°F Tn − 20°C
Weld crack extending approximately 1⁄2 the distance between specimen edge and toe of crack-starter weld bead Tn − 20°F Tn − 10°C
Weld crack extending to within 1⁄4 in. (6.4 mm) of specimen edge Tn − 10°F Tn − 5°C
Specimen “Breaks’’ (see 13.2.1) Tn + 40°F Tn + 20°C
Continue testing as described in 11.1 and 11.2

12.4 If more than 20 s elapse in the period of removing the

specimen from the bath prior to release of the weight, tem-
perature control shall presume to have been lost and the
specimen shall be returned to the bath.
12.5 Considerable experience has been accumulated with
baths of the following type, and it is described here for the
convenience and option of the tester. A deep, insulated metal
container holding from 1⁄2 to 10 gal (1.9 to 38 L) of a suitable
heat-transfer liquid, such as alcohol, will maintain a given
temperature for the required specimen-holding period with
minor manual adjustments. By immersing an open basket of
cracked dry ice or a high-wattage electrical heat in the bath, its
temperature can be adjusted slightly or can be lowered or
raised to a new constant level in a short period. For low-density
heat-transfer liquids, a walnut-sized piece of dry ice added to
the bath will sink and bubble vigorously and help stir it. If this
type of bath is used, it should be deep enough to cover the
specimens fully. It has been found by experience that standing
the specimens on one end in the bath with their upper ends
leaning on the vessel wall is most satisfactory. Specimens
placed horizontally in the bath should be laid on a screen held
at least 1⁄4 in. (6.4 mm) from the bottom. If multiple specimens
are placed in one bath, they should be spaced a minimum of 1
in. apart to ensure adequate heat-transfer liquid flow around
each. The most convenient method of bath temperature mea-
surement is to use a bare thermocouple connected to an
automatic recorder.
NOTE 1—The weld shown does not comply with the current procedure
13. Interpretation of Test Results which specifies that the weld shall start from either end and shall proceed
13.1 The success of the drop-weight test depends upon the without interruption.
FIG. 14 Typical Examples of Broken Drop-Weight Specimens.
development of a small cleavage crack in the crack-starter weld
Fracture Reaches to at Least One Edge
after a minute bending of the test specimen. The test evaluates
the ability of the steel to withstand yield point loading in the
presence of a small flaw. The steel either accepts initiation of dye the specimen and then to fracture it in two pieces by any convenient
means. The amount of fracturing that initially occurred is then readily
fracture readily under these test conditions and the test speci- apparent.
men is broken, or initiation of fracture is resisted and the NOTE 2—Should any crack, whether initiated at the crack-starter or not,
specimen bends the small, additional amount permitted by the propagate to the specimen edge on the tension face, consider the test a
anvil stop without complete fracturing. break-performance.
13.2 After completion of each drop-weight test, the speci- 13.2.2 No-Break—The specimen develops a visible crack in
men shall be examined and the result of the test shall be the crack-starter weld bead that is not propagated to either edge
recorded in accordance with the following criteria: of the tension surface. Typical examples of no-break perfor-
13.2.1 Break—A specimen is considered broken if fractured mance are illustrated in Fig. 15.
to one or both edges of the tension surface. Complete separa- 13.2.3 No-Test—The test shall be considered not valid if
tion at the compression side of the specimen is not required for either weld-deposit notch is not visibly cracked after comple-
break performance. Typical examples of break performance are tion of a test, or if the drop-weight specimen is not deflected
illustrated in Fig. 14. fully to contact the anvil stop as evidenced by transfer of the
NOTE 1—To aid in determining whether a tightly closed crack extends wax-pencil lines to the masking tape on the anvil deflection
across the tension surface to a corner it may be helpful to first heat-tint or stop.

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 E 208 – 95a (2000)
insufficient deflections with the standard test condition, Table
1, shall be conducted with higher impact energies (see 10.3).
14. Report
14.1 Report the following information:
14.1.1 Type of steel and heat treatment,
14.1.2 Identification of product tested—heat number, plate
number, etc.,
14.1.3 Identification, orientation, and location of test speci-
mens,
14.1.4 Specimen type, test conditions and test temperatures
employed,
14.1.5 Result of test (break, no-break, or no-test) for each
specimen, and
14.1.6 Deviations, if any, from this test method.
15. Use of Test for Material-Qualification Testing
15.1 Specification tests conducted at a given test tempera-
ture, on a go, no-go basis, shall require that a minimum of two
drop-weight specimens be tested. All specimens thus tested
shall exhibit no-break performance to ensure that the NDT
FIG. 15 Typical Examples of No-Break Performance in Drop- temperature of the steel under test is below the specification
Weight Specimens. Fracture Does Not Reach Edge test temperature. The breaking of one (or more) specimens at
the test temperature shall indicate the NDT temperature of the
13.3 A No-Test performance (13.2.3) may result from the material to be at or above the specification test temperature.
use of insufficient impact energy, the use of a too-ductile weld
metal for crack-starter purposes, or misalignment of the speci- 16. Precision and Bias
men so that the weld-crown obstructs full deflection to the 16.1 Precision—The precision of this test method is being
anvil stop. The No-Test sample shall be discarded and a retest, established.
using another sample, shall be required. Retests, or tests of 16.2 Bias—There is no basis for determining the bias of this
additional specimens, of a given steel found to develop test method.

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 E 208 – 95a (2000)

ADDITIONAL REFERENCES

Selected References Relating to Development of Drop-Weight (9) Lange, E. A., and Klier, E. P., “A Study of Fracture Development and
Test: Materials Properties in PVRC Vessels 1 and 2,” Welding Journal, Am.
Welding Soc., Vol 41, February, 1962, p. 53-s.
(10) Pellini, W. S., Steele, L. E., and Hawthorne, J. R.,“ Analysis of
(1) Pellini, W. S., “Notch Ductility of Weld Metal,” Welding Journal, Am.
Engineering and Basic Research Aspects of Neutron Embrittlement
Welding Soc., Vol 35, May, 1956, p. 217-s.
of Steels,” NRL Report 5780, April 17, 1962; also Welding Journal,
(2) Pellini, W. S., Brandt, F. A., and Layne, E. E.,“ Performance to Cast Am. Welding Soc., October, 1962.
and Rolled Steels in Relation to the Problem of Brittle Fracture,”
(11) Puzak, P. P., Babecki, A. J., and Pellini, W. S.,“ Correlations of Brittle
Transactions, Am. Foundryman’s Soc., Vol 61, 1953, p. 243.
Fracture Service Failures with Laboratory Notch-Ductility Tests,”
(3) Pellini, W. S., and Srawley, J. E., “I. Evaluating Fracture Toughness in Welding Journal, Am. Welding Soc., Vol 37, No. 9, September, 1958,
Pressure Vessels for Space, Aerospace, and Hydrospace—A Sympo- p. 391-s.
sium,” Journal of Metals, March, 1961, pp. 195–198.
(4) Puzak, P. P., and Babecki, A. J., “Normalization Procedures for NRL
Selected References Relating to Neutron Irradiation
Drop-Weight Test,” Welding Journal, Am. Welding Soc., Vol 38, May,
1959, p. 209-s.
Embrittlement:
(5) Puzak, P. P., and Pellini, W. S., “Evaluation of the Significance of
Charpy Tests for Quenched and Tempered Steels,” Welding Journal, (12) Hawthorne, J. R., and Steele, L. E., “Effect of Neutron Irradiation on
Am. Welding Soc., Vol 35, No. 6, 1956, p. 275-s. Charpy-V Drop Weight Test Transition Temperatures of Various
Steels and Weld Metals.” ASTM STP 286, Am. Soc. Testing Mats.,
(6) Puzak, P. P., Schuster, M. E., and Pellini, W. S.,“ Applicability of
1960, pp. 33–56.
Charpy Test Data,” Welding Journal, Am. Welding Soc., Vol 33,
September, 1954, p. 443-s. (13) Hawthorne, J. R., Steele, L. E., and Pellini, W. S.,“ Effects of
Properties of Reactor Structural Materials,” Paper No. 61-WA-332,
(7) Puzak, P. P., Schuster, M. E., and Pellini, W. S.,“ Crack Starter Tests of
Am. Soc. Mechanical Engrs., October 1961.
Ship Fracture and Project Steels,” Appendix entitled, “Procedures for
NRL Drop Weight Test,” Welding Journal, Am. Welding Soc., Vol 33, (14) Steele, L. E., and Hawthorne, J. R., “Effect of Irradiation Temperature
No. 10, October, 1954, p. 481-s. on Neutron-Induced Changes in Notch Ductility of Pressure-Vessel
Steels,” NRL Report 5629, June 28, 1961.
Selected References Relating to Correlation of NDT to
Service Failures:

(8) Babecki, A. J., Puzak, P. P., and Pellini, W. S., “Report of Anomalous
8Brittle’ Failures of Heavy Steel Forgings at Elevated Temperatures,”
Paper No. 59-MET-6, Am. Soc. Mechanical Engrs., May, 1959.

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