Tensile tests of Wolfram Carbide hard cores

Abstract

In this report an experimental study of the tensile strength of different hard cores of Wolfram Carbide was performed. A bending test was constructed for the study. We show that the tensile strength and strain is smaller than the compressive strength and strain. By comparing the measured longitudinal and transversal strain, we show that assuming a state of simple tension at the lower surface of the hardcore during bending is a good approximation. The Young’s modulus is somewhat larger in tension than in compression. The tensile stress as a function of the strain somewhat follows the compression curves in the linear compressive stress- strain region. The lack of non-linearity compared to the compressive curve we believed to be related to the mechanical properties of Cobalt that acts as glue for the Wolfram Carbide particles that constitute the hardcore.