Rationale

The current wording describing default location and orientation for Charpy specimens has been found to be ambiguous and incomplete. As now stated, it is unclear which direction Charpy specimen notch should face. The current wording is not clear as to whether references made to the direction of notch or to the direction of the crack. A poll of A01.13 Subcommittee members found almost an even division on opinion as to which was meant. Additionally, no instructions are given for flat, tubular, or forged products. This revision corrects this deficiency by adding specific instructions and figures for default Charpy location and orientation. These default instructions apply only when no other instructions are stated in product specification and there is no agreement between producer and user for location orientation. It is well recognized that location and orientation can have a significant effect on test results. While some product specifications do address location and orientation, such is not true in many cases. Additionally, there is often not a separate agreement between producer and user on specimen location and orientation. Without a default requirement there is variation between manufacturers and laboratories on Charpy test results. This revision improves the existing default instructions. The orientation and location figures are taken from ASTM E1823. ASTM E1823 is the specification cited by E23 for Charpy location and orientation. It is recognized that there is debate on the preferred orientation of Charpy specimens. However, it is necessary to have a default with the understanding that other orientations can be specified by product standard or between user and producer (in fact, such is recommended). Note: The circles identifying the specific figures are part of the revision.