Pendulum Impact

This Impact Testing Apparatus provides a hands-on method for studying material toughness and fracture resistance at undergraduate, higher and further education levels. It features a heavy-duty hammer that swings along a predefined radius, set by an adjustable arm. Users can vary the initial impact energy by selecting different starting weights or adjusting the hammer’s release height across three preset positions, enabling controlled and repeatable experiments.

During operation, the hammer strikes a notched specimen, and the post-impact swing is measured on a built-in degree scale. An integral braking system stops the hammer after impact, ensuring precise capture of test data. A mechanical pointer moves with the hammer and locks in place after fracture, clearly showing the  maximum angle achieved, critical for calculating the energy absorbed by the   specimen.

Designed with safety and ease of use in mind, the apparatus features a two-handed release mechanism via a plunger and push block, keeping the operator safely away from the swing path.

Supplied with a set of notched test specimens manufactured in compliance with BS EN 10045-1 (1990), the system allows students to investigate the effects of  material type and notch geometry under dynamic loading. Specimens in aluminum and brass are included, with additional packs available separately.

This robust and educationally focused apparatus is ideal for demonstrating fundamental concepts in materials science, mechanical engineering, and structural analysis.

Learning Objectives:

• To determine notched impact energy absorption​
• Notched bar impact strength, Charpy test​
• Observe and evaluate fracture surface characteristics from broken samples​
• Understand the influence of notched shape and cross-sectional area on the notched bar impact​
• Understand the influence of materials and their properties on notched impact