Pellini Drop Weight Tester

The drop weight test as described by W. S. Pellini is used to investigate the tendency to brittle fracture of steels for comparative evaluation of crack arrest behavior to ASTM E208 and SEP 1325.

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Product information: Pellini drop weight testers 550 and 1650 J

W.S. Pellini Drop Weight Test

During the W.S. Pellini test, weights fall onto a rectangular flexure specimen supported at both ends, causing a brittle fracture on the tensile side of the specimen within a prescribed total deflection. This brittle fracture is initiated by a notched welding bead laid on this side and known as the crack starter.

It is then determined whether the brittle fracture caused by the artificial crack-starter spreads as far as one of the two side faces of the specimen or is arrested beforehand. If the fracture extends to one of the two side-faces, the specimen is regarded as broken.

Technical Overview

Pellini drop weight testers are available in 550J and 1650J versions.
The maximum fall height is 1 meter or 1.3 meters.
In accordance with standards (ASTM E208 and SEP 1325), the prescribed drop-energies are obtained by the simple use of weights. Drop energy is calculated automatically.

Advantages & features

Modular "building block" system with two sizes
Interchangeable flexure inserts and fixtures.
Electrical and mechanical test-area safeguards with safety circuit - the test does not begin until all safety switch contacts have been interrogated.
Independent pneumatically operated safety interlocking safeguards test area against accidents
Touchscreen operation with electronic display of drop height, drop energy, drop weight and impact velocity (theoretically)
The steplessly adjustable drop height is automatically achieved after input of drop weight and drop energy
No extra foundation required. Floor must be capable of carrying a specific load of 0.3 kg/cm²

Technical data

Model	P550	P1650
Item No.	022317	024571
Drop energy	340 ... 550	340 ... 1650	J
Drop height max.	1000	1300	mm
Drop weight	24.8 ... 56	24.8 ... 130	kg
Total weight	2534	2620	kg
Drop speed max.	4.4	5	m/s
Dimensions
A – height approx.	3074	3374	mm
B – width approx.	1550	1550	mm
C – depth approx.	840	840	mm
Power rating	2	2	kW
Compressed air	8	8	bar
Specimens
P1	no	yes
P2	yes	yes
P3	yes	yes
P4	yes	yes

Specimen dimensions

SEP specimen dimensions

Thickness		Width		Length
25 ± 0.3	mm	90 ± 2.0	P1	360 ± 10
19 ± 0.2	mm	50 ± 1.0	P2	130 ± 10
16 ± 0.2	mm	50 ± 1.0	P3	130 ± 10
13 ± 0.2	mm	50 ± 1.0	P4	130 ± 10

Specimen dimensions ASTM

Thickness		Width		Length
15.9	mm	51	P3	127
19	mm	51	P2	127
25.4	mm	89	P1	356

Design