Mechanics of the small punch test: a review and qualification of additive manufacturing materials

Abstract The small punch test (SPT) was developed for situations where source material is scarce, costly or otherwise difficult to acquire, and has been used assessing components with variable, location-dependent properties. Although lacking standardization, the SPT employed assess properties verified using traditional testing. Several methods exist equating results stress–strain data. There are, however, areas of weakness, such as fracture fatigue approaches. This document outlines history methodologies SPT, reviewing body contemporary literature presenting relevant findings formulations correlating conventional tests. Analysis extended evaluating suitability use additively manufactured (AM) materials. this approach shown through a parametric study an approximation via FEA, varying would be seen AM process parameters. Equations describing relationship between testing data are presented. Correlation constants dictating these relationships determined accumulation from reviewed here, along novel experimental includes materials fit provide context wider view methodology its interest science additive manufacturing. A case made continued development test, identifying strengths knowledge gaps, showing need standardization simple yet highly versatile method expediting studies optimization.