ASTM E208-06
Standard Test Method for Conducting Drop-Weight Test to Determine Nil-Ductility Transition Temperature of Ferritic Steels

Standard No.

ASTM E208-06

Release Date

2006

Published By

American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM)

Status

Be replaced

Replace By

ASTM E208-06(2012)

Latest

ASTM E208-20e1

Scope

The fracture-strength transitions of ferritic steels used in the notched condition are markedly affected by temperature. For a given “low” temperature, the size and acuity of the flaw (notch) determines the stress level required for initiation of brittle fracture. The significance of this test method is related to establishing that temperature, defined herein as the NDT temperature, at which the “small flaw” initiation curve, Fig. 1, falls to nominal yield strength stress levels with decreasing temperature, that is, the point marked NDT in Fig. 1.

Interpretations to other conditions required for fracture initiation may be made by the use of the generalized flaw-size, stress-temperature diagram shown in Fig. 1. The diagram was derived from a wide variety of tests, both fracture-initiation and fracture-arrest tests, as correlated with the NDT temperature established by the drop-weight test. Validation of the NDT concept has been documented by correlations with numerous service failures encountered in ship, pressure vessel, machinery component, forged, and cast steel applications.

FIG. 1 Generalized Fracture Analysis Diagram Indicating the Approximate Range of Flaw Sizes Required for Fracture Initiation at Various Levels of Nominal Stress, as Referenced by the NDT Temperature^{4 , 5}

1.1 This test method covers the determination of the nil-ductility transition (NDT) temperature of ferritic steels, 5/8 in. (15.9 mm) and thicker.

1.2 This test method may be used whenever the inquiry, contract, order, or specification states that the steels are subject to fracture toughness requirements as determined by the drop-weight test.

1.3 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded as the standard.

1.4 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.

ASTM E208-06 history

• 2020 ASTM E208-20e1 Standard Test Method for Conducting Drop-Weight Test to Determine Nil-Ductility Transition Temperature of Ferritic Steels
• 2020 ASTM E208-20 Standard Test Method for Conducting Drop-Weight Test to Determine Nil-Ductility Transition Temperature of Ferritic Steels
• 2019 ASTM E208-19 Standard Test Method for Conducting Drop-Weight Test to Determine Nil-Ductility Transition Temperature of Ferritic Steels
• 2017 ASTM E208-17e1 Standard Test Method for Conducting Drop-Weight Test to Determine Nil-Ductility Transition Temperature of Ferritic Steels
• 2017 ASTM E208-17 Standard Test Method for Conducting Drop-Weight Test to Determine Nil-Ductility Transition Temperature of Ferritic Steels
• 0000 ASTM E208-08
• 2006 ASTM E208-06(2012) Standard Test Method for Conducting Drop-Weight Test to Determine Nil-Ductility Transition Temperature of Ferritic Steels
• 2006 ASTM E208-06 Standard Test Method for Conducting Drop-Weight Test to Determine Nil-Ductility Transition Temperature of Ferritic Steels
• 1995 ASTM E208-95a(2000)e1 Standard Test Method for Conducting Drop-Weight Test to Determine Nil-Ductility Transition Temperature of Ferritic Steels
• 1995 ASTM E208-95a(2000) Standard Test Method for Conducting Drop-Weight Test to Determine Nil-Ductility Transition Temperature of Ferritic Steels
• 2000 ASTM E208-95a Standard Test Method for Conducting Drop-Weight Test to Determine Nil-Ductility Transition Temperature of Ferritic Steels