Recent developments in small punch testing: Interlaboratory tests and standardization

Small specimen testing techniques are developed mainly for characterization of the structural materials with a limited volume of material. One of the most used miniature specimen testing techniques is the small punch (SP) test which is based on the testing of thin disc shaped samples. From the operational point of view SP test can be considered as a non-destructive method, because the material volume cut from industrial component is not diminishing its structural integrity. This benefit can be significant for the use in nuclear power generation sector, as many components are considered as irreplaceable and conventional testing techniques are not applicable for the determination of current mechanical properties. Although SP testing has been used for more than 40 years, there are still many research and development subjects. The article describes the SP test method as a suitable supplement to classical methods for evaluating mechanical properties that are fundamental for the nuclear power plant integrity and operational lifetime assessment processes. Main part of the article is focused on the current status of ASTM and EN standardization processes that are essential for possible usage in nuclear power plant integrity assessment and other industrial areas as well. Paper also describes results of the ongoing interlaboratory study which task is to determine repeatability and reproducibility of results obtained from material testing. © 2019 Trans Tech Publications Ltd, Switzerland.