No abstract

Hardness measurements can simple, but very useful provide materials mechanical properties. This is atest that is extremely localized in volume and does not affect significantly the structural properties. Theaim of this article is to highlight on influence of the applied load forces to the hardness measurementresults. In engineering practice it is generally the most widely used method of measuring the Vickershardness. This method has a variability of the loading forces in a wide range from nano/micro up tohigh loads in hundreds N. There is a well-known plastic material response, therefore, were taken intoaccount several steels commonly used in technical practice S355 NL+N, 316LVM, 34CrMo-4. Wheninterpreting the results should always point out to the value of the load. In common engineering practiceleads to confusion, or to comparing the hardness of the material obtained at different loads. Thisproblem is quite often occurs at nowadays and needs to be solved. Focus should be not only in termsof results depending on the load, but also from a statistical perspective of scattering measurements atvarious loads. Generally, in the technical practice is discussed independence measurement results ofVickers hardness on applied load, due geometric similarity of indents. When is used different forcesthere is a changed of the hardness results. This phenomenon is known as a size effect. This effect isgenerally related to each mechanical testing of materials. However, engineering practice getting intoconflict with this effect.

The aim of the article is piston damage evaluation of a highly exposed combustion engine. The analysed piston was made of an AlSi-based alloy. Atypical damage, which occurred relatively early in the lifetime of the component, was evaluated by metallographic and fractographic analyses. The analysis took into account influences of mechanical and thermal fatigue processes in relation to the microstructure of the material. The metallographic observations of the microstructure revealed the occurrence of cracks extending over the secondary phases and precipitates. Cracks were initiated on the coarser Si phase particles. The crack initiation site is located at the root of the bridge between the sealing piston rings. The damage of the piston was metallographically documented in wide range.